Sourcing the perfect summer picnic spot

After a long week in the office, there's nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine is the perfect recipe for relaxation. Look beyond your favourite restaurant's patio and the long wait for a table. . . .

Posted: 2019-07-16

Cleaning lint tray doesn't have to take all day

Question: I have always cleaned my dryer screen after each load in order to promote efficiency of the drying process, long-life of the heating element, and safety. But I find there is some embedded lint that does not seem to budge, . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Purging unwanted items can be lucrative

If you're never going to use an item, turn it into cash

I’ve got the urge to purge, and man, does it feel great! A couple of weeks ago, I took a good look at all the things I’ve collected over the years, and made an executive decision. I decided to go through absolutely . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Hiring crew to remove junk takes a load off of large projects

Old deck disposal just got a whole lot easier

My first-ever paid deck build was a single-tier, low-profile brown pressure-treated deck with built-in benches along either side of its perimeter. The build itself was fun and exhilarating. It did, however, entail the removal of an old, dilapidated deck as an . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Heat-recovery ventilator should handle steam-shower moisture

QUESTION: I just purchased a 10-year-old house that has a Lennox HRV unit. I want to convert a bathroom tub and add a steam shower. Is the HRV sufficient for the steam or do I require an exhaust fan? If . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Rose mallow's time to shine

Gardeners successful in overwintering this hardy hibiscus

After putting all her energy towards growing into a tall, sturdy and leafy shrub-like clump, July is the month when rose mallow hibiscus hybrid reveals herself in all her glory. You wouldn’t want to be a wallflower vying for attention . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Tips for how to stage the perfect 'shelfie'

I have been seeing the #shelfie hashtag popping up all over social media lately. A "shelfie" is a play on the ever-popular "selfie" but focuses on a beautifully decorated shelf. Not only do we love an impeccable vignette, we also adore . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Mid-level townhome with a high-end feel

New player Danzante's commitment to quality is clear

When some builders construct a home set at a mid-level price point, the overall quality of the home usually matches its selling price. That’s not the case with Danzante Luxury Homes, says their sales manager, Phil Mosher of Keller Williams Real . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Familiarize yourself with the process

A lot goes into building a new home -- make sure you know what to expect and when

A very common and important question most new homebuyers ask when looking at building a new home is "How long it will take for our new home to be built?" Just how long does the whole construction process usually take and . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Remodelled residence is a rare find

Two-storey house feels fresh in a mature neighbourhood

Until about roughly a year ago, 1139 Lorette Ave. was part of a quaint collection of bungalows on one of Crescentwood’s majestically mature streets. Today, the home — which had existed in that state for 63 years — is now a . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13