Best of both worlds

Combines benefits of both detached home and condo

When it comes to the merits of a single family home or a condominium, both residences have their strengths, and weaknesses. For example, a single family home -- due to its yard, and weather beating on its exterior -- needs to . . .

Posted: 2012-04-14

Mediterranean elegance by the river

Expansive, tastefully appointed mansion awaits at end of long front drive

As communities go, St. Vital's River Pointe flies quite a long way beneath the real estate radar. Positioned unobtrusively in a secluded area off River Road just south of Bishop Grandin Boulevard, it's something of a revelation when you first drive . . .

Posted: 2012-04-14

Ceiling colour depends on mood you seek

Dear Debbie:We live in an older home with a charming front vestibule. The ceiling is high and I'd like to do something special to create a grand entrance. Should all the ceilings on one floor be the same colour, either . . .

Posted: 2012-04-07

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Metal roofing bad idea if pitch is too low

QUESTION: I read your column weekly, and have really learned a lot. I have a low-slope residential tar-and-gravel roof. I'm thinking of replacing it with a metal roof with spray-on foam in the cavity. My question is this: Right now I . . .

Posted: 2012-04-07

The fragrant garden

Flowers that exceed the smell test

Unique pleasure "STOP and smell the roses" may be a cliché that has nothing to do with fragrance in the garden, but nevertheless, the heavenly scent of a garden in bloom is a unique pleasure. Lynn Collicutt, a retired . . .

Posted: 2012-04-07

CONNIE OLIVER: Hooked on handy home storage solutions

FINDING handy storage solutions for the home can make the tasks of daily life a little easier. Having a convenient place to store items that you use regularly helps keeps the home running efficiently. Since the invention of sliced bread, I . . .

Posted: 2012-04-07

SOLUTIONS: Cloudy film on shower stall may be permanent

QUESTION: I have a problem with a cloudy stain or film on the inside glass of my shower stall. I've tried: Windex, vinegar and water, vinegar straight, razor blade scraper, CLR, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and none have had any . . .

Posted: 2012-04-07

Chalk it up to the paint

Coating lets family members express themselves

For the Lacroix family, chalkboards are too cool to be just for school. Near the back entrance of Lisa Lacroix's home, a section of the wall has been covered with chalkboard paint. Scribbles line the bottom of the board where little . . .

Posted: 2012-04-07

Sticking points

How different brands of painter's tape perform

The timing was perfect: 3M sent samples of its Scotch Blue painter's tape and I had a whole basement worth of trim that needed painting, so why not try out a bunch of different tapes to find out how they . . .

Posted: 2012-04-07

Warm hues for spring days

A guide to season's hottest colours

Understanding paint colours is as simple as turning on a tap, says Brad Elkins, senior brand manager for Dulux paints: "Red is hot and blue is cold." As for which end of the paint colour spectrum you pick for your walls, . . .

Posted: 2012-04-07