Compare and contrast

‘Before’ and ‘after’ images highlight true transformation

On occasion, while rifling through my photo catalogue on my iPhone, I stumble across a forgotten “before” image taken at a job site. And when that photo underscores how spectacularly a transformative reno project has improved the homeowners’ abode, . . .

Posted: 2026-03-28

‘A step above’

Infill home’s exceptional livability comes down to deft design details

There are two types of infill home builds. The first is one done quickly to maximize profit. That being the case, its build quality, floor plan and finishing standards often leave much to desire. Then there’s the second type: a . . .

Posted: 2026-03-28

Solid place to start

Well cared-for, updated Crestview two-storey great fit for young family

These days, a starter home can range in price from $300, 000 to $400, 000, depending on its condition and location. And as many a young family has discovered, starter dwellings run the gamut from those needing a ton of . . .

Posted: 2026-03-28

Elegant efficiency

Family-friendly two-storey has small footprint, loads of functionality

Over the past few years, builders have been constructing two-storey homes on smaller lots to make dwellings more affordable for prospective buyers. It goes without saying that building a residence on a narrower lot is a challenging task. That’s because the . . .

Posted: 2026-03-21

Be smart with basement ceilings

Of all the lower-level and basement full-gut and remodels achieved throughout the years, only a handful have been finished with drywalled ceilings — and there’s a good reason for that. In most homes, services mapped throughout the structure originate from . . .

Posted: 2026-03-21

Sculptural shrubs

Woody plants make bold, distinctive statements

We’re on the cusp of a new season in the garden. As the snow begins to retreat over the coming weeks, gradually revealing your garden, it’s an opportunity to study the woody framework. Will your garden be a blank slate . . .

Posted: 2026-03-21

Affordable and adaptable

Character-filled starter home checks all the boxes for young families

When it comes to ranking oxymorons, the term, “move-in-ready starter home” has to be close to the top of the list, or at least in the top five. That’s because it’s very rare to find a starter abode that’s truly . . .

Posted: 2026-03-21

Demolition discoveries

Home renos can turn up fascinating artifacts

The first few weeks of any major lower-level renovation and remodel will likely entail a whole lot of demolition, due to the reorganization room configurations as well as removal of old esthetic sheathing on walls and ceilings. As such, . . .

Posted: 2026-03-14

Efficiency and elegance

Clever use of space elevates Prairie Pointe two-storey

While a home’s square footage matters, what matters most is the efficiency of its layout. When a home’s layout has been engineered to maximize its efficiency and utility, chances are it will feel that much more livable. At the same . . .

Posted: 2026-03-14

A young-family find

Transcona bi-level offers up potential and value

It would be an understatement to say these are very challenging times for homebuyers, especially young families. Just a few short years ago, a solid, relatively contemporary starter home could be purchased for somewhere around $300, 000. That is . . .

Posted: 2026-03-14