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

Converting cold storage area could get tricky

Moisture and cold air can create problems

Question: I have a cold storage area under the concrete stairs in front of my house. The room is concrete on all four walls, the ceiling and the floor. We live in Victoria — where it rains most of the . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06

New kid on the block

Artista took great care in making show home fit in to elite neighbourhood

Artista Homes was looking for an opportunity to build a new home in an established community when the perfect lot became available in Tuxedo. "We were thrilled to finally be able to build a home in an established area, " said . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06

Quality, design set Wildewood Village apart

Townhomes like nothing else in the city

While realtor Ken Clark has viewed many fine condo designs over the years, he says the luxury townhomes at Wildewood Village top anything he’s seen to date. "There’s nothing like them in the city, " says Clark, a.k.a. the Condo King. . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06

Renovation site safety takes high priority at MHBA

Most people aren’t aware that when a renovation project begins in their home, it technically becomes a construction site and workplace for those who are doing the renovation work. Manitoba Home Builders’ Association renovator members take this very seriously. In order . . .

Posted: 2018-10-06