Going fake? Don't be ashamed

There are many reasons to abandon the classic, natural Christmas tree -- it might just save your marriage

Our family’s move over to the faux side this holiday didn’t play well on Instagram.Last week, I posted a photo of our recent stop at Home Depot to shop for fake trees. The comments ranged from "What?!?!?!" "No" and "I . . .

Posted: 2016-12-17

River Heights bungalow's charm stands out

Updated home features great livability

With its tree-lined streets and a wonderful cross-section of home designs, it’s no accident River Heights is one of the city’s most sought after neighbourhoods. Few neighbourhoods match its walkability, mature beauty and central location. That said, there’s a potential downside associated . . .

Posted: 2018-06-30

MIKE HOLMES: Haiti needs rebuilding, but the right way

How long ago was the Haiti earthquake? Less than two months -- that's how long the story lasted. After the earthquake, it was all over the news. Rescue efforts and tragic stories, night after night; now, it's all gone. Turn on . . .

Posted: 2010-03-13

Winner on Waverley

River Heights gem offers all a family could want

Say you have a family of five and are looking to move up to a larger, more family-friendly home in a more central location. Naturally, the first consideration might be a new home with a contemporary, open-concept floor plan in a . . .

Posted: 2013-01-05

Tidy outside, treats inside

Excellent value in this functional, updated abode

Sometimes you walk down a street and, for some reason, one home stands out above the rest.That’s the case with 148 Syndicate St. With its tidy exterior — tan, low maintenance vinyl siding plus fresh-looking white front door, white-trimmed windows . . .

Posted: 2016-11-05

Getting a handle on a long-awaited project

All fellow homeowners will agree that a house is an ongoing commitment. And despite any desire to make esthetic changes, maintenance often trumps renovation or redecoration. After all, there is only so much money to go around, and even the . . .

Posted: 2024-12-21

Ask auditor how your house works

Home-energy evaluation, audit, rating -- they all mean the same thing when you're qualifying for any federal or provincial government upgrade grants.The whole idea is to identify where your home rates on a scale from 0 to 100. The audit . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

Getting to the root of ice damming

Question:We bought a house in May and were informed there had been an ice dam last winter, which caused some leaking inside the house. This corner now has peeling paint, and when we repaint, it soon peels again. What can . . .

Posted: 2015-01-03

1920s home blends old, new

Remodelled space has a few surprises

Buying a home in a mature neighbourhood such as River Heights, Crescentwood, Riverview -- or, in this case, Deer Lodge -- has both its positives and negatives. On the one hand, you're getting a home laden with character and warmth. Conversely, . . .

Posted: 2011-04-23

Wonky staircase a condo conundrum

Repairs would typically be a collective issue, but check documents to be sure

Question — I live in a five-year-old townhouse condo, which has wooden stairs and a deck entering my front door. The first year I moved into my condo, my stairs were not level. Over the course of five years, . . .

Posted: 2022-08-13