Kitchen renos come with considerations to keep in mind

So, you want a new kitchen? Whether you’re considering designing a kitchen using your own architect, a kitchen planner hired through a store such as IKEA or Home Depot, or an online planning service, professionals suggest keeping a few things in . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

Be bright about food preservation while the lights are out

When storms knock out the power, what’s the best way to handle refrigerated or frozen foods? Err on the cautious side. When in doubt, throw the food out. "Food can be very expensive to throw away, but not as costly as food-borne . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

Oh, for the love of home renos...

Keeping the peace while making your humble abode work for you needn't be so hard

Ludwig van Beethoven once declared that "Love, and love alone, is capable of giving thee a happier life." Come again? Call us shallow, but we are fairly certain that skim-coating your walls can actually give thee a happier life. Or crown moulding: . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

Generations of gardening

From growing up on a farm to maintaining your own plants

Growing up on a farm with a large vegetable garden to tend, the age-old system of learning by doing taught Michelle Soenen many valuable life skills. From seed collecting in the fall to starting seeds in spring and nurturing plants . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

Old meets new in backyard deck reno

Build recycles existing framework into updated structure

The most common summer-season reno request that comes my way is the deck build. And when it comes to decks, support is everything. A few years ago, clients of mine Carolyn Smith and Harold Harrison required a ‘quick-fix’ to the framework . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

Messy pets can become a challenge

Family companions don't always get along with cleaners

My good buddy Lisa Manary, in partnership with her hubby Dan Manary, owns and operates Little Luxuries House and Carpet Cleaning (serving the Winnipeg area), so one fine day it occurred to me she might have some interesting stories about . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

Condo board lacks common sense on furnace vent blockages

Question: I’m hoping you can help me figure out if it’s safe to plant vegetation in front of new intake and exhaust high-efficiency furnace vents. I would rather not put any potential obstructions near the vents, terminating through the side . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

Easy to fall in love with The Woods

You could find yourself living a very affordable life of luxury in south St. Vital

The new-home market has changed over the past two years or so. Prior to the arrival of the federal government’s stress test, mortgage rate increases and City of Winnipeg impact fees, the sky was literally the limit for new-home buyers. With budgets . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

A stunning (and affordable) dream home

Transcona two-storey a fantastic opportunity for bargain hunters

It’s the stuff dreams are made of: a spacious, well-appointed home on a lakefront lot with walk-out basement. Yet, for most people, such a home is just that — a dream. After all, when you tally up the costs associated with building . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

Project shines light on public gardens

Group puts forth effort to discover Manitoba's parks, plants

The Manitoba Public Gardens project is a collaborative initiative that aims to discover and uncover the names and locations of all of Manitoba’s public gardens, from the smallest, most hidden oasis off the beaten track to unsung jewels that offer . . .

Posted: 2018-07-21