GARDENING: Quick and dirty

Store leaves for composting next spring, summer

Gardeners living in the Red River Valley have to contend (wrestle may be a better word) with clay soil. In addition to poor drainage and compaction, clay soil takes longer to warm up in the spring. Plants grow . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

Chalk it up to good style

Everyone's life needs a bit of organization -- so why not do it with a bit of fun and whimsy? For a new way to get organized, think charming, unique. Think chalkboard paint. That's right, the Krylon paint company tells us . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

Luxury laundry the next trend in home decor

First it was glamorous bathrooms with crystal chandeliers over massive soaker tubs. Then kitchen renovations got the special treatment with exotic wood cabinetry, Italian tile backsplashes and sophisticated appliances that looked as good as they cooked. So it's no wonder that . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

Kesay's got you covered

Design centre offers one-stop shopping experience

MANY times, one small change in the home leads to another. You think that a fresh coat of paint is all a room needs, then afterward you realize the lighting is dated and the room could also use new flooring. Suddenly, . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

RENOVATION: Subterranean secrets

Some basement renos should be done by pros

Renovating your basement has several advantages. First, it will force you to jettison all that junk you've assiduously collected and stored in your underground grotto over the years. Second, it will give you hundreds more square feet of living area, and, . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Asbestos tape can be covered, left alone

QUESTION: I have just discovered we have asbestos tape on our heating-pipe joints in an area where the ceiling is open. There are about 30 pieces of tape. Can I just tape over them with duct tape? What is the . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

SOLUTIONS: Cooking-oil method will remove sink stain

QUESTION: A white film has developed on my black Silgranite sink and I have not been able to come up with a solution to remove it. I have tried Mr. Clean Magic Eraser as the manufacturer suggested, but this has . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

MIKE HOLMES: Termites can eat a home from the inside out

Living on Canadian soil has its benefits, such as world-class resources, a robust economy and workforce, and nature's playground in our own backyard. Another huge benefit -- especially as a contractor and homeowner -- is something our soil doesn't have: . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

City new-home starts enjoying growth

A recent study by the Conference Board of Canada looked at 28 municipalities across Canada with regards to housing starts. It charted these cities in terms of both short- and long-term growth potential. Each of the 28 municipalities was then placed . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

Let there be light

KDR Homes designer shuns gloomy earth-tone trend

After viewing show home after show home that was afflicted with EIS (earth-tone interior syndrome), KDR Homes' Diego Vassallo knew what he had to do. "So many show homes had interiors with dark colours, " he said. "So I decided to . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27