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

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