Mixed-use condo space requires streamlining

Dear DEBBIE: We are looking at a big move from a house to a newly built condominium and are struggling with design ideas for the combination living/dining/kitchen area. We enjoy cooking and would still like to have a few friends . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

'Personal' describes 2014 design trends

Wide-ranging offerings from designers known and unknown

If there is one word to describe the design trends we'll see in 2014, it's "personal." "We entertain so much in our home, we're becoming super savvy about design, " says Karen Kang, the director of strategic partnerships and programming for . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Temper your indoor temperature expectations

QUESTION: I own a 1-3/4-storey home with no basement, but a small crawl space. I installed a new high-efficiency furnace a year and a half ago. Over this past winter, my tenant complained that it got very cold overnight in the . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

RENOVATION: Wise investment

$80,000 basement reno yields1,000 square feet of luxurious living space

Is it possible to buy a 1, 000-square-foot house for $80, 000 in today's real-estate market? You might pick up a building lot in a tony new subdivision for that amount; but, a functional house with a lot of amenities? I . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

CONNIE OLIVER: Lower level need not look like a basement

Generations are sharing living quarters these days to thwart the high cost of moving to a larger residence, so it makes sense to make the most out of the space you currently have. Utilizing the lower level or your . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

MIKE HOLMES: Get the LEDs out -- you won't regret it

You might have heard of the new federal regulations on light fixtures that came into effect Jan. 1. Basically, manufacturers can no longer supply 75- and 100-watt incandescent light bulbs to Canadian retailers. Retailers can sell off any stock they have left, . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

Building-product market continues to grow

For the past seven years, Canada has been a net importer of bu 156 Lake Bend Road, Bridgwater Lakes ilding products and materials. Prior to that, a healthy U.S. market ensured a solid demand for our raw and manufactured materials . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

SOLD & OFFERED: Feb 1-14

SOLD Silver Heights Address: 355 Ainslie St. Asking Price: $269, 900 Sold Price: $260, 000 Taxes: $3, 036.39 Square Footage: 1, 076 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Lot Size: 55 x 110 Listing Agent: Jennifer Gulay, Royal Lepage Alliance, 204-885-5500 Kildonan Meadows Address: 54 Sand Point Bay Asking Price: $339, 900 Sold Price: $325, 000 Taxes: . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

Winchester warmth

Stunning hardwood floors set off large home with great wetland views

It's not often that flooring steals the show in a show home, but that's definitely the case with 156 Lake Bend Road in Bridgwater Lakes. "The first thing people talk about once they enter the home are the hardwood floors, " . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

Imagine the possibilities

Country living offers more bang for the buck

Sometimes, it pays to open your mind to the possibilities when you're looking for a home. These days, a high percentage of home buyers -- whether they're looking for a new or resale home -- is thinking about putting roots down . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01