Building a stairway to heaven... sort of

Sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands

Yes, I once built a stairway to heaven! We’re talking many years ago, and heaven, in this case, was the Mustard family cabin in Killarney. The cabin is perched on a hill overlooking beautiful Killarney Lake and is accessible from the street . . .

Posted: 2018-10-13

Design delivers ample space for families

Custom home offers abundance of natural light and plenty of options

Often all it takes is a few small details to make a big difference in a home’s livability. When it comes to a home’s great room — the space where families spend the bulk of their time — it’s imperative it . . .

Posted: 2018-10-13

Wolseley condominium a rare find

Classic two-storey home offers quality living in great location

Looking for a condominium can be frustrating. Affordable condos are often found in so-so locations, while condos in great locations are often just too expensive. While it is rare, affordable, well-located condos do come along every so often, according to Eric . . .

Posted: 2018-10-13

Saving a baby's life before she was even born

Baby delivered safely after discovering a dangerous condition

"Dear Stephanie, if not for your diligence we likely would not be holding our newborn daughter, Myah, today, " reads the opening of a heartfelt handwritten letter from Arryn and Seema Seburn. With it came a small . . .

Posted: 2018-10-09

Interior humidity could be cause of window-caulk mildew

Question: Year after year, mildew develops along the caulking/sealant around my windows. In past years, my husband has regularly used bleach and much elbow grease to clean it. We don’t mind the normal amount of work a house takes, but . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06

Let the light in

Bright spaces can make a house feel bigger

The first year that Bob Webb Homes used transom windows in the showcase house the company built for a home tour, visitors described the house as bright, warm and inviting. While few mentioned the windows, company representatives said tour participants were . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06

Remember Rich

Brother's leftover patio blocks provided support in more ways than one

This is officially my 104th "Reno Boss" column published in the Free Press — two years of weekly columns. So I thought I’d delve into something I’ve kept close to my heart. It is of course reno-related, but it’s also . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06

Finding beauty in decay

Ontario photojournalist captures a different perspective in the garden

Mathew McCarthy is in the business of storytelling. As a photojournalist for the Waterloo Region Record in Kitchener, Ont. — McCarthy’s camera and photography skills visually bring a story to life. But there are parameters. The subject matter dictates the . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06

High-quality housing can be affordable

Mezzo Homes offer unique medium-sized homes for people looking to spend less

In the market for an affordable new home? I may have just what you’re looking for! The following feedback from Ellery Broder of Broderco Development arrived in my email in regard to last week’s column on tiny homes: "Hi Laurie, I read . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06

Tips for cleaning your hardwood floors

Water and dish soap often enough to get job done

Question: The oak flooring in my post-and-beam house was installed in 1988 and has not been properly cleaned in at least 15 years. Otherwise, though, it is in great condition. The flooring is 3½-inch, tongue-and-groove solid oak planks stained golden . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06