Detailed questions are key when building a home

Now that you’ve visited the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s (MHBA) Parade of Homes show homes last month, and you’ve picked out your new dream home and the builder who will make that dream home a reality, where does the process . . .

Posted: 2017-10-21

Rock-solid condo

Unit benefits from modern construction and impressive layout

The beauty — or lack thereof — of some condos runs beneath the attractive exterior. That’s because some condominium buildings’ skeletons are wood frame, while others are made of concrete and steel. As a result, there can be a world of . . .

Posted: 2017-10-21

Wanted: a buyer who loves westerns

HANFORD, Calif. — Karen Lopez wanted to own a horse and live in a house reminiscent of America’s classic western television series Bonanza. Forty years ago, Lopez and her husband, John (who died in 2010), bought a two-acre property at 1586 . . .

Posted: 2017-10-21

Hot spots up for sale in Southern California

LOS ANGELES — Fashion tycoon and film producer Sidney Kimmel and his wife, Caroline, have listed the former Johnny Carson estate in Malibu for sale at US$81.5 million. The longtime Tonight Show host, who died in 2005 at 79, bought the . . .

Posted: 2017-10-21

Oil soap will clean out bad smells

Question: Would you know of a good solution to remove a putrid smell out of a wood floor in a steel sea can (shipping container) from China? Something must have spilled before we purchased it. Thank you for any help. — Brian   Answer: The quickest . . .

Posted: 2017-10-14

An association is only as strong as its members

Last night, the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (MHBA) held its annual Fall Parade of Homes Gala at the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre. More than 700 people were slated to attend the Gala to celebrate and recognize the winning entries in . . .

Posted: 2017-10-14

Small space not lacking in style

Capitol Hill row house maintains classic style with fresh DIY touches

WASHINGTON — In an old house, there are endless places to spend money. But for the Hoburg family, whose Capitol Hill row house is 117 years old, it’s never been about perfection. In the 14 years the family of four . . .

Posted: 2017-10-14

Scissor lift a godsend for second-storey job

Certain unforeseen challenges arise once a major renovation gets underway. During the construction of the two-storey addition on my house, the biggest challenge had been lingering in the back of my mind for a while — how to tackle the . . .

Posted: 2017-10-14

Annual tradition

Free Press readers share which plants were their favourite this past year

The moment we purchase an annual plant in spring or start a plant from seed, our expectations begin to build. Throughout the growing season, we evaluate a plant’s performance based on a number of criteria including colour; growth habit; heat and . . .

Posted: 2017-10-14

Life on the cutting edge

Eddie Noakes has been sharpening blades as a second career -- for 35 years

Home businesses, they’re everywhere! And there’s none more "cutting edge" than this particular gem. I speak of none other than Eddie’s Sharpening, owned and operated by the amicable Eddie Noakes and his daughter, Linda. The business is run out of a . . .

Posted: 2017-10-14