Manitoba's housing-industry forecast projected to be steady

Lai Sing Louie — regional economist with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) — delivered a forecast for both Winnipeg and Manitoba’s housing industries at the recent Manitoba Home Builders’ Association Housing Forum. This annual presentation plays an important . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

Singing the praises of the Larsen Truss system

Composer, wife make aging home look and feel like new

As is often the case with so many renovation projects, the scope of musical composer/producer Danny Schur’s home-renovation project was to be relatively small."We had a problem with a badly insulated wall in our dining room, as well as ice . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

Light bulb can't heat crawlspace

You might be better off draining pipes if you rarely use your cottage over winter

QUESTION: I was wondering if you could help me with a dilemma. We recently purchased a cottage that has a small, maybe eight by eight foot, well-insulated basement that houses our plumbing. This includes the pump, hot water tank and . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

Clean soiled faux leather with baby wipes

Question: What is the best way to clean fake leather? The label says that my jacket should not be dry cleaned.— RobertAnswer: Refer to the label for care instructions. Spot clean faux leather with baby wipes or a damp cloth. . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

Where presidential sleepovers are held

New book highlights history of Blair House, the official state guest residence of the U.S.

A new book on Blair House, the official residence for guests of the U.S. president, highlights the historic home where, if tradition holds, president-elect Donald Trump and his family will stay just before the inauguration.Blair House: The President’s Guest House . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

How to stay warm and save money

A small investment now can lead to cheaper energy bills throughout the winter months

Every year, you tell yourself things will be different. You’ll actually start winterizing your home ahead of time. But you procrastinate and end up curling up in a fleece blanket once again when the thermometer dips. Now is the time . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

Homegrown for the holidays

Use these new trends and old favourites to make your space stand out during the winter season

No matter what your design style may be — mid-century modern or ever-evolving contemporary — there are plenty of non-traditional plant choices this holiday season. The options to accessorize your mantle and table-scapes go beyond the familiar palette of red . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

A bathroom revolution

Three rooms overhauled for one client

I’ve recently started a new project — a kitchen, dining room and living room remodel with a huge beam in place of a supporting wall, in keeping with the open concept trend. Amidst the chaos of prep and demo, a . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

Not all winter activities are equal

Antique photo album of Winnipeg snowshoers in need of good home

Soon, the weather outside will be frightful and for some weird reason, that makes you winter lovers happy. Well good on ya. I appreciate your appreciation, but since all my favourite outdoor activities need summer, I’ll applaud your enthusiasm looking . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

Rolling on the river

Custom-built home offers spectacular Assiniboine views

Drive down Roblin Boulevard just a bit north of Grant Avenue and you happen upon a unique sight.On the left-hand (west) side, there’s a pair of new, custom-built infill homes that occupy a huge lot on which one king-sized home . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19