Designed with a family in mind

Cab-over style provides exceptional function and convenience

For several years, there was a dearth of cab-over designs in the new home market. Now, more builders are plugging them back into their lineup of homes. One of those builders is Broadview Homes. Lisa Castro, Broadview’s sales representative for 64 Eaglewood . . .

Posted: 2017-09-02

An abode filled with soul

Scotia Heights century home a spacious, naturally-lit gem

There’s something that resonates deep within you when touring one of the city’s most mature, historic neighbourhoods. In this case, the area is Scotia Heights, a residential area developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Set well back from Main . . .

Posted: 2017-09-02

Ants in your plants

These fascinating, social insects are more than just pests -- as long as they're outdoors

Legions of ants have been on the march throughout most of this summer, building their tall dirt-filled mounds or extensive underground colonies in lawns and flowerbeds as well as small crater nests between paving stones. Homeowners have varying degrees of . . .

Posted: 2017-08-26

What lies beneath

What you can't see is, at times, the best indicator of quality

When doing a remodel or upgrade that involves replacing a sink and faucets, the placement of the drain and shut-off valves for the hot and cold water often isn’t given much thought because it is beneath the sink — tucked . . .

Posted: 2017-08-26

Time to dust off those meal-planning skills

It’s that time again, when summer freedoms are swapped for structure. Late bedtimes were fun for a spell, but they lose appeal when the kids must arrive at school awake and alert. And although ice cream every afternoon sure felt . . .

Posted: 2017-08-26

Improving on a good foundation

Renovations can give a childhood home new life

Have you ever done a major reno in your home? Renovation, that is — but I think it’s safe to assume we all know what a reno is. The Eagles wrote a great line that pretty much covers the potential of . . .

Posted: 2017-08-26

Plastic straws offer no-waste solution to berry stems

Question: I pack strawberries in little plastic containers for school lunches. With strawberries being so expensive, it drives me crazy when kids eat a few bites around the stem and toss most of the berry into the trash. Other than . . .

Posted: 2017-08-26

Learn to spot the differences between these diseases

In the summer, Dutch elm disease (DED) can show up on susceptible American elm trees. At about the same time, the very common elm anthracnose fungal disease also appears. I occasionally receive inquiries from property owners who notice brown leaves . . .

Posted: 2017-08-26

Clearing the air on furnace flow

A well-sealed house may need better ventilation

Question: I had a high-efficiency furnace installed last year and I have a gas water heater as well. I didn’t get a hard sell from the furnace seller about back-draft problems, but he did mention it to me. I live . . .

Posted: 2017-08-26

Decision worth sleeping on

Mattress shopping will never be dreamy, but you can make it easier. As a reporter, when I struggle to write a story, I go back to the "five W’s and an H" taught in journalism school: who, what, where, when, . . .

Posted: 2017-08-26