Basement efflorescence nothing to fret over

Vinyl plank flooring makes moisture issues easy enough to deal with

Question: We live in Laurier, Man., about 270 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. Our house is 12 years old. We are having trouble deciding how to finish our basement floor in the main area, which is about 700 square feet. Along the . . .

Posted: 2018-04-14

Embracing minimalism is a personal thing

No two simplified lives have to look the same -- here's how to find what works for you

There is a method, but no madness, to the type of minimalism espoused by Cary Telander Fortin and Kyle Louise Quilici. The organizing experts and authors of New Minimalism argue for something a little more practical than a strict 37-piece clothing wardrobe . . .

Posted: 2018-04-14

It's well worth the visit

Bridgwater Trails home is built for hosting

In many instances, you can read a lot into a new home’s model name, while with others, a model name doesn’t provide a whole lot of insight into what it’s all about. Suffice it to say, the model name of 177 . . .

Posted: 2018-04-14

Urban retreat

Wildwood home a great condo alternative

Young couples looking for a move-up home often find themselves in a quandary. With a budget of somewhere between $250, 000 and $300, 000, affordability is a definite issue. Consequently, a spacious apartment-style condominium is a consideration, as many units feature . . .

Posted: 2018-04-14

Just made deadline on delightful addition

Two-storey home project a worthwhile effort

After months of planning, the framing of a two-storey addition to the south side of my house began on a warm and sunny day in mid-September 2017. Luckily, the exterior was completed the day before the first official snowfall. Amidst a rigorous . . .

Posted: 2018-04-07

New tool can help keep you on track and on budget

Home reno project coming up? There's an app for that

Many people who are planning home renovations use social media apps such as Pinterest and Houzz to find design ideas and inspiration. It’s a great way to browse the latest trends and find unique and different styles in home decor . . .

Posted: 2018-04-07

BUILDINGA SURVIVOR

Experts developing species hardy enough for our climate

Digging, planting and replacing is not a routine that the average gardener wants to repeat too often. For one thing, it slows the process of garden making, not to mention the cost. However, in our climate of extremes where the . . .

Posted: 2018-04-07

Slow-cooking perogies can help with feeding guests

Question: I am having a large group of guests at my house in the next few weeks, I’m just dreading it because I hate company. Add to that, I have a small house with limited space in my oven, and . . .

Posted: 2018-04-07

Countertops and more at Home & Garden Show

There are certain very important and very visual parts of my home that haven’t been upgraded since this house was built back in 1986. Top of mind at the moment? The kitchen and bathroom countertops. Vintage 1986 plain-Jane scratched and worn . . .

Posted: 2018-04-07

Half-baked, homeowner-designed rarely the way to go

Question: I read an article you wrote back in 2012 in the Winnipeg Free Press regarding heat recovery ventilation units (HRV). I live near Aberdeen, Sask. We live in a SIPS (structural insulated panels) house built about six years ago. . . .

Posted: 2018-04-07