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

Grand finishes for compact home

Standard features include high-end feel at a reasonable price

Times change, and nowhere has that been more evident than in the city’s new home marketplace. Just five years ago, times were good. Interest rates were low, and there was no such thing as a stress test or impact fees. Consequently, homebuyers . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

We need to seed green-collar work

Education is key to a greener future, and Manitoba just lost its best resource

Green-collar workers are in more demand than ever. Manitoba’s population is flourishing and growing at a faster rate than the national average. Homeowners who live in new and existing residential areas or in ever-expanding condominium communities have a growing need . . .

Posted: 2018-08-25

Cutting cottage clutter

I’m amazed any of our neighbours are still speaking to us. We’ve tried their patience sorely with our painfully slow renovation of our little cottage. But now, the eyesore of the neighbourhood is close to becoming the sweet little cottage . . .

Posted: 2018-08-25

Don't soak mushrooms, just wipe or brush them clean

Question: What is the best way to clean mushrooms? I buy them in bulk and soak them in hot water to get rid of all the dirt, but they still look dirty. — Keith Answer: When purchasing mushrooms, begin by buying them through . . .

Posted: 2018-08-25

Pastel colours will make your home a soothing space

Pastels are one of the hottest trends in home decor right now. Typically associated with spring and summer, pastel colours are some of the hottest new colours for fall. Why? Pastels are gender-neutral and blend well with other colours while . . .

Posted: 2018-08-25

Tips for making your space look expensive on a budget

Art doesn’t have to be expensive to look expensive. Designers use a number of tricks to create interesting and original artwork without breaking the bank. Here are seven tips for adding art to your decor on a budget. 1. Mix and . . .

Posted: 2018-08-25

Keeping clean pleases our feline friends

Cats can be loving pets, if you treat them right

Let’s get right down to business. If you’ve got cats, you’ve got litter, and a regular maintenance task that’s there as long as the kitty is. Some people don’t do the litter thing well, which results in a grumpy cat, or cats, . . .

Posted: 2018-08-25

Digital word-of-mouth a powerful tool

Social media can bring in jobs similar to those already completed

It has been roughly 20 years since the dawn of my contracting services and things are busy as ever! And in all honesty, my greatest insurance for a continuous workflow has been word-of-mouth referrals. This may explain why my workload tends . . .

Posted: 2018-08-25