Cutting corners on renovations a risky move

Protect yourself and avoid all under-the-table deals

As the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season — Black Friday — has come and gone, Manitobans are now fully engaged in preparing for the holidays. All Manitobans love great deals. We do our homework and find the best . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Don't rely on financing when building new

Most homeowners think building their own house is exciting -- and it is. But building new also has its surprises. What's the big one? How much it ends up costing.There's a difference between hard costs and soft costs when it . . .

Posted: 2013-07-27

MIKE HOLMES: Keep your cool with good R-value

I've been getting a few emails lately from homeowners asking about R-value. What is it? What does it mean? How much do I need? How much is too much? How much is too little? I'm going to try to clear . . .

Posted: 2012-04-14

PRAIRIE GARDENER: C-C-C-Cold-comfort

A few tips for battling the elements

The 2009 gardening season has gotten off to a rocky start. Early in May I couldn’t resist the temptation to buy a couple dozen plants in anticipation of potting them up at the end of that month. A few weeks ago . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

Try glass partition for adjoining bed and bath

Dear Debbie: We are renovating our master bath and want it designed to be partially open to the bedroom. Do the bed and bath colours and decorating have to match? Thanks, I love getting a sneak peek into the hotels . . .

Posted: 2013-10-19

Textured look adds warmth, panache

Textured wall surfaces are a current trend. Walls adorned with brick, barn board or other textural products bring warmth to any room. As you can see by the focal wall in this bedroom, the worn wooden wall treatment behind the bed . . .

Posted: 2015-01-24

Worrying about radon justifiable

SOMETHING I haven’t spoken about in a while is now suddenly a hot topic again. What’s everyone asking about? Radon. Go figure. Most people are scared of radon. The truth is not a lot of people know what it is. They . . .

Posted: 2012-06-02

Tips to help that summer reno go smoothly

While we are hoping to see frequent Winnipeg Jets Whiteouts for the next two months, the last of the winter weather is now behind us and Manitobans are turning their attention to preparing for spring yardwork, gardening, and planning . . .

Posted: 2024-04-27

Revive limp asparagus with ice water

Question: I regularly purchase asparagus, however, I often leave it too long before cooking. Do you have any advice for reviving limp asparagus so I don’t end up wasting any more money? DebartAnswer: Reviving asparagus is exactly the same as . . .

Posted: 2016-07-30

Chic and cheap

Flower arrangements don't have to be complicated or expensive

Carlos Mota's trademark bouquet is tight, with little space between the blooms, and low with the stems cut short.In his new book, Flowers Chic & Cheap, he uses peonies to illustrate his technique of assembling the bouquet, but it works . . .

Posted: 2011-01-15