A home with a view

Rooftop patio the crowning jewel of this infill gem

Take a drive through Elmwood and you’ll pass by homes that fall consistently into the 30 to 100-year-old range. Imagine, then, coming across a modern-looking home — with rooftop patio, no less — that stands out from its venerable neighbours. As . . .

Posted: 2018-09-08

Is it worth fixing that old microwave oven?

Expert answers burning questions about household appliances

Wayne Archer, who fixed appliances for 20 years and now provides DIY help for appliance and lawn and garden equipment through Sears Parts Direct, joined staff writer Jura Koncius last week on the Washington Post’s Home Front online chat. Here . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

Exterior home security cameras pay off in peace of mind

Rachel Murray, a security-system specialist for Prudential Alarm in Oak Park, Ill., said people often install security cameras in their homes to watch their pets, children and elderly relatives — right from their cellphone or computer. Others believe exterior security devices . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

Weeding out the most toxic kinds of vegetation

Plants cannot run from existential threats. They have to sit there silently and take a licking. But they’re not stupid. Many grow armour of sorts — though how deer can devour rose thorns without leaving a trail of blood has always . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

Comparing notes

A St. James gardener makes sense of a challenging year

A golf handicap is based on the best 10 of your past 20 game scores. Gardeners keep score, too. If you apply the concept of a golf handicap to the 2018 growing season, then the wicked cycle of thaw and . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

Rust likely spells doom for old lawn mower

QUESTION: I have a beloved lawn mower — starts every time on one pull! But it has a rust hole on the body. Is there any way to repair this? Answer: If you ask a company that repairs lawn equipment, you’ll . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

Damp cloth and heat can help revive flat carpet

QUESTION: I read your column, and I’m hoping you can help me with this problem. I moved some big pieces of furniture around and I want to bring up the nap in the carpet again. I poked the tines of . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

Pads provide solid foundation for addition

Cottage add-on doesn't budge -- even without concrete footing

It was my assumption that additions to any house, including attached garages or even detached garages for that matter, would always require a concrete footing on which the framing would rest. I’ve since learned this is not always the case. Pouring . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

Watering under decks, additions can help foundation

Question: Hello Ari. You have been to our home in the past and we appreciated the information we received. I just read one of your Free Press articles on avoiding cracks in foundations. I water as well, but we have a . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

Parade features new trends in home design, decor

Next Saturday, Manitoba’s best homebuilders will begin a three-week showcase of 138 new show homes during the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s (MHBA) 2018 Fall Parade of Homes. From Sept. 8 until Sept. 30, people will have the chance to see the . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01