Prime everything

Architectural gem by the Red a perfect fit

It's a brilliant, late March, early spring (or should we say late winter) day. Not only does the bright blue Prairie sky hurt your eyes due to its azure-hued vibrance, but so, too, does the snow that surrounds the home, a . . .

Posted: 2013-04-13

RENOVATION: Making countertops count in your kitchen

They exude an aura of beauty in materials ranging from marble and granite to Formica and wood

A score of years ago, I attended a cabinet-making course at an Elizabethan manor in Dorset, England. Though the manor was filled with historic curiosities, what fascinated me was the kitchen countertop, a 12-foot length of solid sycamore (maple) fully . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06

GARDENING: Strawberry and raspberry fields forever

How to help them survive harsh prairie winters

Most of us have picked raspberries or strawberries at some point in our lives. Half of what we pick goes into a plastic ice cream pail and the other half is eaten out of hand. It's all part . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06

SOLUTIONS: Removing 'ring around tub' not a problem

Feedback from Manitoban who cares I really disagree with your "cure" for cats or squirrels in the garden. Cayenne pepper may work but it's a very cruel cure. A small animal such as a squirrel or rodent who gets cayenne on its . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06

MIKE HOLMES: Federal budget a boon for skilled trades

Since the federal budget was announced on March 21, I've been hearing (and reading) a lot of feedback. Most of it has been positive, which I'm happy about. But some people are complaining about how the new budget doesn't really . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06

Is your home making you sick?

Spring-clean allergens and toxins from your home

Your home is your safe haven, the place where you should feel most protected. But toxins and allergens threaten to invade your tranquil space, putting your health at risk. "The typical Canadian home has countless pollutants lurking, " says Adria Vasil, . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06

ASK THE INSPECTOR: How to quiet sump-pump drain-pipe racket

QUESTION: In 2005 we purchased a bungalow which was built in 1993. This was the first time we had a home with a sump pump. Our last home was on a ravine property in Ontario, and when it was being . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06

Prairies seeing increase in first-time buyers

A recent Pulse survey was conducted by the Canadian Home Builders' Association with assistance from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Natural Resources Canada. The survey was nationwide and involved new-home builders and renovators. We will be looking at the . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06

SOLD & OFFERED: April 6-13

SOLD SILVER HEIGHTS ADDRESS: 398 Whytewold Rd. ASKING PRICE: $234, 900 SOLD PRICE: $234, 900 Ç $2, 801.60 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1, 110 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 2 LOT SIZE: 60 x 100 LISTING AGENT: Ryan Davis, RE/MAX Performance Realty, 204-791-9200 RIVER PARK SOUTH ADDRESS: 301-2345 St Mary's Rd. ASKING PRICE: $259, 900 SOLD PRICE: $260, . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06

Owner inspired

Personal touches make all the difference

Ask any custom-home builder and they'll tell you they always appreciate when a client has a clear vision of the home they want to build. In the case of 131 Deer Pointe Drive -- a 1, 960-square-foot bungalow with walk-out basement . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06