A backyard shed that blends utility and beauty

A need for storage is met with a structure whose design ties it to the recently built deck, sunroom and pergolas

When a homeowner is hell-bent on a yard shed that will meet the exact specifications required for the desired placement, as well as match the existing elements of the backyard oasis, it quickly becomes a custom build on site. As . . .

Posted: 2022-08-06

Efficiency, details, style take turns in Bonavista highlight

Over the past two-plus years, the cost of building a new home has increased exponentially. Bearing that in mind, homebuilders responded by utilizing smaller lots to bring down land cost. While that was all well and good, building on a smaller . . .

Posted: 2022-08-06

OK, construction has begun, when can we move in?

An important question that most new homebuyers 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 usually take and what . . .

Posted: 2022-08-06

Character to spare

Functional, private-feeling three-bedroom, two-level Wolseley townhome-style condo that began life in 1910 combines stately elegance with modern features

As attractive as apartment-style condominiums are to first-time buyers with modest budgets, they come with their share of deficiencies. First, because many apartment-style condominium complexes were once apartments, they were — in many instances — built in less-than ideal locations . . .

Posted: 2022-08-06

Warm lemons are easier to squeeze

Question: How can I get more juice out of a lemon? David Answer: A warm lemon will extract more juice than a cold lemon. Heat the lemon in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Next roll the lemon on the . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Lightning rods spark interest

Mustard meets a fellow current collector

There was lightning, thunder and what felt like a tsunami this past Monday at Mustard Manor — it was as memorable as they come. It was almost as if the “powers that be, ” whatever they are, sent me a . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Cool basement can easily be made more comfortable

Question: Our house is a bungalow, with an open staircase going into the basement, and every time I go into our basement the thermometer indicates it is approximately three to four degrees Celsius cooler than the main floor. This . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

You aren’t stuck with stucco

Rocky railing removal ends with satisfying results

As part of a design feature implemented at the time the house was built, the continuous stucco railings presented a few non-desired results over time. Not only were these unsightly railings obtrusive and awkward, but they also prevented the . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Gardening with nature

Make a meadow garden with native Manitoba wildflowers and grasses

The demand for native plants has steadily increased in the past few years across North America. Planting a few native plants to benefit pollinators has grown into wanting to incorporate a meadow garden to reduce the amount of lawn . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Smart and stylish in Taylor Farm

Energy-efficient Headingley home large and loaded

Most builders will tell you it’s easy to build a king-sized home. The hard part is making a large home feel like it isn’t just a random collection of disjointed spaces. A smart floor plan is the key to the sense . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30