Good as new

Pristine Oaks home offers the whole package

As new communities go, the Oaks -- positioned pristinely between the Perimeter Highway and the Trans-Canada west -- tends to fly under the radar of homebuyers. That's a shame, because it's a well-conceived community that offers beauty, privacy, a collection of . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

Magical Makeover

Garden gazing, whether it's our own yard or someone else’s, is a favourite pastime. But be warned: contemplation inevitably leads to inspiration and the desire for change. Translating inspiration into a working plan and then implementing it, however, can present a . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

From bleak to hotel chic in 5 steps

Holidays mean house guests, and if your spare room has turned into a storage room, this is the time to transform it into a chic guest room with a relaxing hotel feel. Benjamin Moore colour and design expert Sharon Grech, . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

October is Renovation Month across Canada

For 20 years, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association has been promoting October as Renovation Month across the country. It is the only nation-wide marketing campaign dedicated exclusively to Canada’s renovation industry. In addition to the national campaign, each local home builders’ . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

To renovate or relocate?

HGTV show helps homeowners see the light

With soaring real estate prices, families looking for newer or bigger homes are increasingly faced with a dilemma: take on a renovation project or move to another house? HGTV’s new Monday-night series Reno vs. Relocate focuses on that issue. With the . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

Local firms offer finishing touches

After the dust has settled and the walls are back in place, you'll want to add some great finishing touches to your renovation project. Thankfully, Winnipeg is teeming with talented artisans and craftsmen who design and create unique items for the . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

Sounds like a plan

Knowing what you want is the difference between a successful and a botched reno

Considering a home renovation? Keep in mind a well-planned and executed reno can make the difference between a potential catastrophe and an eye-catching triumph. "Before you start knocking down walls, ask yourself what you want the completed house to look like, . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

Don’t rush your reno

Setting a hard deadline puts you and contractor behind the 8 ball

Every year around this time I start hearing people say things like, “Let’s renovate the kitchen for the holidays.” They imagine cooking a big holiday feast in a beautiful, newly renovated kitchen — with all the fancy finishes and appliances. And . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

Don't forget the alarm system

Great tips for homeowners are offered on the HGTV network. I especially enjoy watching the renovation shows. Homes opened up and stripped down to bare studs. New wiring, drywall, vapor barriers, heating ducts, and a host of other improvements centered on . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

Take your time with kitchen renovation

Well-planned project can be done in stages

RENOVATING a kitchen is the most disruptive and costly home project there is, other than major add-ons. You may have a dream kitchen in mind, but how and when to accomplish the turnover is simply too daunting a task. And yet, . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20