Getting out... and going in

Mild weather gives this year's Spring Parade of Homes a boost

Last year, the landscape surrounding show homes during the Spring 2014 Parade of Homes looked like a winter-bound scene from the movie Frozen.Fast forward to the Spring 2015 Parade of Homes, and -- thanks to an early spring -- the . . .

Posted: 2015-03-28

Roomy as advertised

Condo townhouse features three levels

Buying a home tends to be an exercise in restraint.Which is to say, when you're in the market to buy a home, there's a tendency to go into a viewing with low expectations. That way, if the home isn't exactly . . .

Posted: 2015-03-28

Coming attractions

Think perennials as the first buds begin to bloom

One of the greatest pleasures in spring as we walk through the garden, taking care to avoid compacting soggy-wet soil with our boots or the premature use of garden tools, is seeing the first shoots of perennials emerging. But there . . .

Posted: 2015-03-21

Embracing insulating concrete forms

Home renovations often include large additions or finished basements. Many people are telling their contractor to build their basement, and even the upstairs walls, with insulating concrete forms (ICF), which exceed R-values recommended by the Manitoba Building Code. "The present code . . .

Posted: 2015-03-21

When replacing siding start with a clean slate

Question: I read an article you wrote on the Internet and it prompted me to ask about a new siding project on our home we are planning. The house still has the old cedar lap siding, which has become a . . .

Posted: 2015-03-21

Room to grow

River Park South home has livable space upstairs and down

If you're the parents of two or three children, space is paramount. Unfortunately, that need tends to conflict with reality, which dictates that a home possessing 2, 000 sq. ft. of living space might not be affordable. It's time to re-think . . .

Posted: 2015-03-21

HOP hopeful province will renew funding

Housing program helps deserving families realize their dream of home ownership

IF anyone ever doubted the difference Housing Opportunity Partnership makes in peoples' lives, all you have to do is ask Realtor Frank Zappia. "The only way I can put it is that the people fortunate enough to qualify for a home . . .

Posted: 2015-03-21

Good as new

River Grove beauty well-cared-for

One of the best aspects of buying a new home is that it's, well, new. Which is to say, when you walk in the door, everything is shiny and unspoiled, from the floors, to the countertops to the windows, and so . . .

Posted: 2015-03-21

Coordinating successfully is easier than you think

Matching sets can be boring. Why let someone else determine which accent chair goes with your sofa or that table lamps have to match. Coordinating items rather than playing it safe with matching sets is a great way to break . . .

Posted: 2015-03-19

Comforting treat for winter-weary tootsies

QUESTION - The dry winter air has been hard on me this year. Can you recommend a household solution for cracked, dry heels? Bruno (Brandon).ANSWER - You may need to consult your physician if the skin is badly cracked. To . . .

Posted: 2015-03-19