CONNIE OLIVER: It's spring...

So get out there and be inspired

In my travels I come across a lot of innovative and fun decor items. Today I'd like to share some of my favourites with you. You may just find what you've been looking for in this list of new and . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24

ASK THE INSPECTOR: New furnace gives rise to downdraft worries

QUESTION: My question is about the chimney connection to gas water heater. I am about to replace the old gas furnace with a new high-efficiency furnace, which comes with the new narrow exhaust pipe. At present the water heater chimney is . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24

GARDENING: Europe beckons

World's biggest plant show inspires

We may not always let fashion dictate what we wear, but certainly we're intrigued by what's new, even if we don't necessarily add it to our wardrobe. Gardeners, though, are keenly interested in new trends. It's positively exciting to find out . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24

SOLUTIONS: This solution sprays pesky plant flies away

QUESTION: I read your column regularly and find it very helpful. Some time ago, you gave a solution to get rid of the little flies that seem to take up residence in house plants. Was it 2 tbsp. per litre . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24

MIKE HOLMES: Making wrong situation right with contractor

You've hired a contractor for a three-month renovation. Two months later, your home still looks like a demo site. The contractor tells you the renovation is actually going to take six months to complete. And the kicker? He's going to . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24

Going out to turn up the furnace

Outdoor wood boilers from Manitoba Hutterite colony offer renewable, affordable heating

As energy prices rise and the full environmental impact of fossil-fuel use comes into focus, more and more Canadians are looking to wood as a sustainable, affordable source of heat. This makes sense given the landscape that surrounds many of us, . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24

Transition period perfect time for viewing show homes

The end of March presents the perfect transition period for homeowners, home buyers and everyone else who has antything to do with homes. The Spring Parade of Homes concludes on Sunday, March 25, and the Home Expressions Home and Garden . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24

SOLD&OFFERED: March 24/12

St. James Address: 365 Rutland St. Asking Price: $169, 900 Sold Price: $203, 000 Taxes: $1, 932.79 Lot Size: 50 x 100 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Listing Agent: Bob Goodfellow, Goodfellow & Goodfellow R. E. Ltd., 224-2551 Harbour View South Address: 84 Filbert Crescent Asking Price: $279, 900 Sold Price: $310, 000 Taxes: . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24

Everybody loves a (spring) Parade

If Manitoba's contingent of home builders was worried interest in new digs would be down during the 2012 Spring Parade of Homes, that worry has been assuaged -- big time. According to those who've manned the front lines -- the sales . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24

Subtle elegance

South Pointe home chalk full of features

The simplest features often draw the most raves in new home designs. Rob Swan of Huntington Homes says that's the case with his newest show home, a 2, 174-square-foot bungalow with walk-out basement at 20 Cypress Ridge in South Pointe. "One of . . .

Posted: 2012-03-24