Sheds top list of homeowner DIY projects

The Home Projects Council conducted a recent survey of 507 homeowners in the United States and 45 per cent said they planned to spend $1, 000 or more on outdoor do-it-yourself home-improvement projects in 2015.In 2014, just 37 per cent . . .

Posted: 2015-06-27

Summer is a great time to renovate your home

I'm glad that I waited until now to promote the spring and summer renovation season. Usually, we try to get things going full speed during the May long weekend. You remember, that was the weekend that featured hail and snow.If . . .

Posted: 2015-06-27

Clean mould and mildew with baking soda and vinegar

QUESTION: I am wondering if you might have a home remedy for removing mildew and mould in a shower stall. Also, do you have any tricks for discouraging snakes from entering your house? Thank-you so much. Darquise, WinnipegANSWER: Here is . . .

Posted: 2015-06-27

Make your backyard work for you this summer

We're heading full force into summer, and for many of us, our idea of a great summer starts with a great backyard. But more than just a place to have some drinks, enjoy time with the kids and friends, it's . . .

Posted: 2015-06-27

Trees important part of daily lives

Some of you must wonder about the seemingly never-ending impact diseases and pests have on our trees. Although I write a great deal about the problems trees have, there is always enduring value to having trees as a part of . . .

Posted: 2015-06-27

Fully loaded

Linden Woods condo development boasts affordable luxury

A new condominium development -- Murano Gardens of Linden Woods -- is offering a different take on buying a condominium."Our goal with Murano Gardens is to get away from the upgrade mentality typical of so many new developments, " said . . .

Posted: 2015-06-27

Firmly planted

Wolseley character home perfectly suited for putting down roots

When a realtor refers to a listing as a character home that's not always a good thing.In many cases what the realtor is actually trying to say is the home is dated.That's definitely not the case with 295 Aubrey St., . . .

Posted: 2015-06-27

PERFECT perennials

Last year's flash frost damaging, but could inspire rebuilding

Last November gardeners braced themselves for potential plant losses when temperatures suddenly plummeted from 0 degrees on Nov. 23 to -28 C by Nov. 26. Without the benefit of at least a few protective centimetres of snow cover at the . . .

Posted: 2015-06-20

Step up your decor: decorate your stairway

It's time for a refresher course. We've covered some of these ideas before but one tends to forget, so today let's review some awesome ways to decorate a staircase.With the exception of grand windows or a fireplace a staircase might . . .

Posted: 2015-06-20

Moving basement window a task fraught with risk

Could weaken foundation, lead to cracks, damage

Question: We are planning to replace our wood-burning fireplace with a gas one. In order to do so, a gas meter would have to be placed below our kitchen window. Currently, the window for our basement bedroom is below the . . .

Posted: 2015-06-20