It's all clear

Choosing new windows for your home

It can be difficult to decide on the best choice of window for a new or retrofitted house because window technology has become very sophisticated in the last 20 or so years. Back in the day, most windows were constructed of . . .

Posted: 2013-02-02

GARDENING: Spring seeding isn't just for farmers

From mid-March to mid-April, our gardeners can start growing from scratch

Gardeners, are you longing to get your hands in the soil as you browse through seed catalogues and gardening magazines? If you have been planting the same varieties of annual flowers, herbs and vegetables, this could be the year to try . . .

Posted: 2013-02-02

SOLUTIONS: Bandage 'ouchies'? Use water, olive oil, blow dryer

QUESTION: I have a three-year-old boy who constantly falls and scrapes his knees. He loves to wear animated bandages and immediately stops crying when I put them on him. But when it's time for the bandage to be taken off, . . .

Posted: 2013-02-02

MIKE HOLMES: Pick the right architect

Anyone thinking about doing a major renovation will likely work with a professional architect at some point. Not everyone understands the relationship between homeowners, contractors and architects, but in my line of work I depend on these pros all the . . .

Posted: 2013-02-02

CONNIE OLIVER: Mid-century Danish modern style gains fans

"I am an avid 'antiquer' and 'thrifter, '" says Kirsten Derlago, whose mid-century Danish modern decor is gaining popularity with friends and family. "I buy anything and everything that is within the realm of mid-century modern. I see what works and . . .

Posted: 2013-02-02

Getting our mortgage debt under control

Although mortgage debt remains a topic of concern for most Canadians, spending trends indicate that growth in mortgage debt is actually declining. While the gross debt may still be increasing as there are more people and more houses each year, the . . .

Posted: 2013-02-02

A little luxury

Smaller home still bears Maric elegance, quality

Think of the name Maric Homes, and spectacular, innovative million-dollar homes instantly come to mind. Consequently, it might be a surprise that Maric has come up with a 2, 178-sq.-ft. two-storey design at 26 Vestford Place in South Pointe that tips . . .

Posted: 2013-02-02

Just move right in

A gem that offers quality from top to bottom

It's something -- let's call it Oil of Olay Factor -- that most resale homes don't have, said Royal LePage Top Producers' Michael Leclerc. "With most resale homes, there's usually a give-away to their age, but not with this one, " . . .

Posted: 2013-02-02

Headingley honey

Attention to detail makes former show home a winner

Whether you're buying a car or a home, the decision to buy one model over another is usually influenced by a subtle, yet significant intangible: the little details. And that's as it should be, as both items qualify as the most . . .

Posted: 2013-01-28

GARDENING: Europe's great gardens await

Nothing compares to the real experience

In this connected world of ours, virtual images of some of the world's most famous gardens are easily enough within reach -- Pinterest.com for example -- but are nevertheless only a substitute for actually strolling beneath a canopy of lush . . .

Posted: 2013-01-26