Taking the lead

Self-employed couple handles majority of home renovation themselves

Martin and Melissa Botincan decided they would rather pay themselves than depend on others for a weekly wage or become involved in an unmanageable mortgage.Their philosophy extends to the reno of a late 1940s home in Tyndall they purchased several . . .

Posted: 2014-10-25

MIKE HOLMES: You don't have to pour money down the drain

Wasting water -- everything from leaky faucets, running toilets or non-essential exterior use -- is one of the least green things you can do. It's easy to save water and save money by being aware of what you are using. . . .

Posted: 2009-04-26

'Classic, character home'

Like-new condition in a fantastic location

It isn't every day that a custom homebuilder's house comes up for sale.   Not surprisingly, such a house is a remarkable home, said David De Leeuw of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate. "When this home was built in 1988, extreme care . . .

Posted: 2012-06-09

He's baaack

It's time to show Ol' Man Winter you mean business

Face it, winter is upon us. Oh, sure, it's technically still early fall and we might get a few more mild days. But get ready for a sucker punch from winter -- the cranky season that bullies fall and spring . . .

Posted: 2009-11-07

CONNIE OLIVER: The simple life

Smarten up your space: declutter

In writing these articles each week I try my best to cover a variety of decorating scenarios so that I reach as many people as possible. This week I want to focus on those who want to simplify their lives; . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

Side-yard garden an excellent green idea

QUESTION: On one side of our property, the neighbour's house is nine feet from ours, directly south. The space in between our houses is effectively useless. The area is quite warm, as the sun does shine here very strong throughout . . .

Posted: 2012-07-28

CONNIE OLIVER: Easy techniques for creating a focal point

Got ilk? If you're renting, this column might be of particular interest because these ideas are not permanent and can be easily incorporated into a rental unit. The majority of rental apartments are lacking in architectural detail, so creating focus is even . . .

Posted: 2012-06-23

Beyond green

�ñº Environmentally friendly -- right down to the paint

The elements that make Mike Brigham's home special aren't just the luxury items -- the gorgeous granite countertops and state-of-the-art home-theatre systems -- they're the things visitors can't see at all. Brigham's home was built to R-2000 standards, designed to maximize . . .

Posted: 2009-04-12

The fifth wall

Ceiling often overlooked when decorating

After all is said and done and your place is looking sharp, consider adding a decorative element to the fifth wall.Ceilings are often overlooked, but when decorated can add tons of character to your home. I’m just as guilty as . . .

Posted: 2016-06-04

There are alternative options to a concrete sidewalk

Question: What are your thoughts on rubber paving blocks or rubber stone, as an alternative to total replacement, for an older concrete sidewalk? William K. Answer: Replacement of an older settled or damaged concrete sidewalk with alternative materials is . . .

Posted: 2023-05-06