Inside OUT

Backyard living area enhances couple's home

When Errol and Susan Billinkoff began renovating their 1960s-era back-split-level home, their vision from the start was to integrate elements of the smart, elegant design of their home's interior into their outdoor space.Busy professionals, they planned to create a contemporary, . . .

Posted: 2015-10-31

Prairie housing trends highlight local stability

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recently released its housing forecasts for the three prairie provinces. This comprehensive analysis included housing starts (single-family detached and multi-family), MLS sales and average MLS prices; not only for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, . . .

Posted: 2015-10-31

Tree-boring birds can cause disastrous results

Sometimes I see trees that appear to have internal problems, usually due to significant wood decay. Now I can't see into trees, but I have a machine that can. It is called a Resistograph. It is basically a variable speed . . .

Posted: 2015-10-31

Removal of flooring likely required to repair squeaks

Question: I am having trouble with my laminate floors, which are squeaking. I have tried adding cross members between the joists under the plywood seams and I have tried adding shims between the joists and plywood, but the plywood and . . .

Posted: 2015-10-31

Simple tips to cheer up the laundry room

When every other room has been touched with your decorative hand and your desire to decorate has not yet been satisfied, you might want to consider decorating your laundry room.While utilitarian in nature, the laundry room is still part of . . .

Posted: 2015-10-31

Use lemon juice to prevent brown bananas

QUESTION: Can you please tell me how to prevent bananas from turning brown when making banana cream pie? Maureen, WinnipegAnswer: Black bananas take a tantalizing dessert from a treat to a travesty. I have been the baker of the latter. . . .

Posted: 2015-10-31

Natural beauty

Sage Creek bungalow offers style and value

There are two types of wow factor that can present themselves in new home designs. One is contrived, while the other occurs naturally as part of the overall design.The new show home by Gino's Homes at 49 East Plains Dr. . . .

Posted: 2015-10-31

Fresh start

Remodelled River Heights home move-in ready

Young families looking for a move-up home usually have two or three things on their wish list. First up is typically location, followed up by a home that is move-in-ready, and finally, and not surprisingly -- affordability.According to Lynda Mackie . . .

Posted: 2015-10-31

New home builders honoured at Parade gala

On Oct. 16, the Manitoba Home Builders' Association held its annual Fall Parade of Homes Gala at the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre. More than 700 people were in attendance and popular emcee Joe Aiello kept the evening lively with his . . .

Posted: 2015-10-24

Weeping tile important component in new home

Question: I am currently building a new house in River Park South and upon reviewing the blueprints a couple days ago, I noticed the plan does not include the typical exterior weeping tile system. Instead, the plan calls for a . . .

Posted: 2015-10-24