Navigating your outer space

Watch your garden grow in style

What's the stylishly clad yard sporting this summer? A recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), shows it's everything from swanky outdoor lighting systems to ornamental pools and low-maintenance plantings.Gardens, landscaped spaces, outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas . . .

Posted: 2014-08-02

Easy does it with telepost adjustment

Question: We built our house 32 years ago and have never adjusted the teleposts. They are now out by as much as 1.25 inches at the most and three-quarter inches for some. There are five posts to be adjusted. I'm . . .

Posted: 2014-08-02

Clean and classy

Custom builders hit the mark with bright and spacious condos

These days, everyone seems to want to own a home - whether it's a single family home, or condo - in the Waverley West area. While that area is extremely popular --and deservedly so -- there's another area a bit farther . . .

Posted: 2014-08-02

On the Seine

Spacious condo perfect for empty-nesters

Condominium living is attractive, but it can come with a downside: a lack of living and storage space.Equally important is how a suite is laid out. If a floor plan isn't logical, it doesn't matter how much space there is . . .

Posted: 2014-08-02

UPROOTING your home & garden

Good news for gardeners who can't bear leaving their precious plants behind in a move to a new residence

Homebuyers searching for their next property are more likely than ever to purchase a house that also comes with a garden. Attractively developed landscapes add considerable value to the worth of a property.What if you are selling your home and . . .

Posted: 2014-08-01

Maximum livability

Clever design details add space and light

There's a singular reason why bi-level cab-over designs remain popular with families.That reason is none other than function. With four distinct levels -- the basement, an expansive foyer situated seven steps below the main level, the main level (front-oriented dining . . .

Posted: 2014-07-26

Contemporary twist

River Heights home is best of both worlds for buyers wanting both an old neighbourhood and a new house

As alluring as River Heights' centrality and beauty is, there's a downside to acquiring a home in the area. That downside is that you'll likely be laying out your hard-earned dollars for a home that's somewhere in the neighbourhood of . . .

Posted: 2014-07-26

Re-staining readiness

What to consider when prepping for the job

I've received a number of questions and comments from readers concerning a July 5 column on how to prep a deck for re-staining. As a result, I've decided to return to the theme to answer the queries and respond to . . .

Posted: 2014-07-19

Building on strengths

Randall's Hillcrest incorporates others homes' positives

One of the keys to staying relevant as a new homebuilder is to keep learning from previous designs.That's because as good as one design might be, it can always be modified to make it better. Turns out, 15 Grey Owl . . .

Posted: 2014-07-19

Like a cottage near the city

Ample charms in two-storey in mature neighbourhood

Serenity. It's a sought-after commodity, yet one that's often hard to come by in the city.Consequently, in order to gain peace and quiet, many people opt to move to newer bedroom communities where it might be quiet, but, because many . . .

Posted: 2014-07-19