How to make that DIY paint job look more professional

Experts share advice on choosing colours, prepping, dealing with edges and more

As restless renters and homeowners search for ways to spruce up their living spaces during the pandemic, they often find themselves in the paint-swatch aisle. It’s easy to see why. Painting is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

Boil water and vinegar to clean your microwave

Question: I use my microwave about three or four times per day, it is three years old and smells like food. What is the best way to freshen it, so that it doesn’t look and smell disgusting? Samson Answer: Pour 1/4-cup of . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

Taking care of our builders guests

WELCOME TO THE 2021 SPRING PARADE OF HOMES. The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association is proud to present our annual exhibition of new homes. With 99 new homes on display this spring, the MHBA showcase remains the largest and best Parade of . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

In Memoriam Derek Thorsteinson

The MHBA was saddened to learn of the passing of Derek Thorsteinson on December 31, 2020

For over 30 years, Derek was a leader in Manitoba’s residential construction industry. A proud and respected member of the MHBA, Derek served as Chair of the Board of Directors twice, in 1992/1993 and 2002/2003. In addition to being Manitoba’s . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

Minor evidence of moisture in crawl space likely not an issue

Question: I think about you every time I open the hatch to enter the crawl space below our basement floor. We had the home custom built in 2007 and I presume met all bylaw requirements of the day. The dirt . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

Clean slate for this ceiling

Access traded for esthetics in this basement rec room

Although the rule of thumb with basement ceilings is to introduce a suspended ceiling (also known as a drop ceiling) to allow access to services and utility lines, some homeowners do opt to install drywall. When existing ventilation ducts hang . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

The bee's knees

Exceptional new Petunias sure to bring joy

Petunias are durable and resilient. Would you leave a begonia to shiver outside in its container in May’s often chilly, single-digit temperatures? The tender begonia might go into a state of shock and never be the same. Petunias, though, tolerate . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

Lounging around on the front porch

Mustard dreams big for his latest home renovation project

There comes a time in the life of every house when maintenance and upgrades are something you can no longer put off until next summer. Take the front porch or verandah of my humble abode for example, which is presently screaming . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

Spring Parade of Homes is rolling

The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s 2021 Spring Parade of Homes has arrived! The Spring Parade officially opens at noon today and runs through until Sunday, March 21, showcasing 99 new show homes built by Manitoba’s best home builders. Once again, the . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

New kid on the old block

River Heights infill home blends in perfectly with style and grace

About two years ago Paradigm Custom Homes approached realtor Chris Pennycook with a proposal. The builder — along with a group of investors — was looking for a lot in a mature neighbourhood to build a new home on and wanted . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27