A family affair

Manitoba siblings design gardens inspired by their British heritage

John Tinkler and Val Thomson have an inspired association. Siblings, they have a common interest in gardening and enjoy sharing plants and exchanging ideas. Both have expansive gardens — Thomson’s property is in Birtle and Tinkler’s is on the outskirts . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27

Picking your Parade of Homes favourite is just the beginning

Now that you’ve visited the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s Parade of Homes show homes last month and picked out your new dream home and the builder who will make that dream home a reality, where does the process of building . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27

Organizing product manuals a good habit

Product manuals for appliances and other major household devices are a little bit like martini glasses. You never use them, but the minute you get rid of them, you realize you need them. So, although some people choose to dispose of . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27

Big bathroom brings big relief

Three-piece facility is crowning touch of basement remodel

When hired to complete a lower level from scratch in a client's basement, I was only given a few requirements: a fair-sized rec room, one large bedroom with a decent closet, a utility room and a BIG three-piece bathroom. With the . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27

Halloween heroes

North End couple looking forward to a night of fun and fright

Be afraid. Be very afraid. Reports of a horrorist roaming free in Winnipeg’s North End have been confirmed. OK, roaming free may be a bit of a stretch — but it sounds so scary. The truth is the happy horrorist is none . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27

Proper garden cleanup important in the fall

Be selective with your autumn yard tidying

Dead leaves on the ground, dead stems on trees and shrubs, dead plants where flowers and vegetables once strutted their stuff — how forlorn the yard can look this time of year. The urge is to tidy things up by . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27

The costs, benefits and dangers of pressure washing

What you need to know to get the job done right -- and safely

Pressure washing can instantly transform your deck, driveway or garage into a cleaner, more attractive version of itself. But before you hook up the hose and power up the machine for some fall cleaning, you’ll want to make sure you’re . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27

Attic stains may not be a result of leaks, but best be sure

Question: I have stains in my attic, which are probably from new or old water leaks. How can you distinguish between new and old leaks? I do not trust the roofer that inspected the attic. Thanks. — Julie   Answer: Determining the age of moisture . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27

Home's inviting layout is an open book

Spacious but warm bungalow will appeal to families, professionals and empty-nesters alike

Designing a home to appeal to several demographics is never an easy task. Yet, the design team of Avanti Custom Homes has delivered a winning design with mass appeal, says Glen Harvey, sales representative for the 1, 846-square-foot bungalow located in . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27

Updated St. Vital home offers great value

Remodelled residence features bright, spacious living

In the past year or so, Winnipeg’s real estate market has changed dramatically. With the federal government’s stringent stress test now firmly in place, homebuying budgets have decreased — especially for young people just starting a family. This may indeed present challenges, . . .

Posted: 2018-10-27