Breaking down the phases of new home construction

A common and important question that most new home buyers ask when looking at building a new home is how long will it take for my new home to be built? Just how long does the whole construction process . . .

Posted: 2024-07-27

Doors of perception

If you've been reading my column regularly you'll know that my husband and I recently downsized to a condo. It needed a fair amount of updates which we've been working on for the past few months.The condo was kind of . . .

Posted: 2014-10-25

Humanizing the kitchen

It's not a sterile operating room and shouldn't look like one

Kitchens have become so serious. All that granite, dark wood and stainless steel. The heart of the home these days is more like a sleek, severe shrine to haute cuisine. But kitchens don't have to be as stressful as an episode of . . .

Posted: 2012-04-21

Getting to the bottom of the clutter problem

In principle, basements are wonderful -- an area where sports gear, housing supplies, games, toys and unused furniture can be stored far from the more carefully appointed living areas of your house.But if you're like most people, your basement doesn't . . .

Posted: 2010-10-23

SOLUTIONS: Garage-floor residue likely efflorescence

QUESTION: My concrete garage floor has a white, powder-like residue all over it. It is especially worse in winter months. I have tried a concrete sealer in the past, but it has not worked. Any suggestions? Lorna, Winnipeg ANSWER: You may . . .

Posted: 2013-02-09

Some like it warm

Warding off the cold always a challenge in Manitoba

For a three month period starting in late August 2018 my daily routine consisted of driving to-and-from the Grand Marais area in an effort to complete a 300 square-foot addition to a four-season cottage before winter set in. It only took . . .

Posted: 2020-12-05

Quartz provides a drastic transformation

At a recent kitchen expansion remodel, the existing kitchen area has expanded into the neighbouring dining room, after the removal of a dividing wall. The window wall introduces a symmetrical array of cupboards on either side of a centred . . .

Posted: 2024-07-20

MIKE HOLMES: Demand upgrades that increase value of home

WHEN you buy a new house, before it's built, you get to choose from the variety of styles and floor plans the builder offers, as well as options and upgrades on details and finishes. Depending on the builder, sometimes the options . . .

Posted: 2011-09-10

MIKE HOLMES: DIY nightmare

Decks the most easily messed-up outdoor project

Building your own deck? To prevent disaster, make sure you're doing it right Summer is coming and it's the season of outdoor projects. In my world, that usually means screwed-up outdoor projects -- typically, decks. If you watch any television, you're seeing . . .

Posted: 2011-05-28

CONNIE OLIVER: Preparation key to achieving focal wall

Creating a dramatic space doesn't require a lot of money or time. By using paint and a little imagination, you can transform a blah space into something spectacular over a weekend. Now that the weather is warm, you can paint inside . . .

Posted: 2013-05-18