Grande, indeed

Paradigm show home luxuriates in its ample space

It's fall 2011. Paradigm Custom Homes frontman Jeff Baertsoen is wondering what moniker he's going to use for a show home that's going to appear in the Spring 2012 Parade of Homes. At 2, 933 square feet, the bungalow was one . . .

Posted: 2012-03-17

Natural beauty

Almost five acres of fine living just five minutes from St. Vital Centre

It isn't often in life that you can have the best of both worlds. Yet that's the case with 2942 St. Mary's Rd., a 3, 450-square-foot, two-storey home located on a 4.8 acre lot two minutes outside the Perimeter Highway, said . . .

Posted: 2012-03-17

Emphasize differences in style mishmash

Style challengeIf you're just starting out in your first home or are blending two homes into one, you probably have a mishmash of furniture and accessories to contend with. Some items may have been handed down, some gifted and others . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12

Should worries be flushed down the drain?

QUESTION: I am wondering if it's a good idea to have both a main back-flow valve, under the basement floor, and a backup valve in the basement drain. Please excuse me if this is a little long-winded, but I will . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12

Building green different than talking green

I've been hearing a lot of green talk bandied about lately. It's the thing to do nowadays. I know we're talking green, maybe even thinking green, but are we really doing green?I won't comment on other industries -- I'll leave . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12

Sun-novators

Students design super-efficient, adaptable solar-powered home

Students from Ontario's Carleton University, Algonquin College and Queen's University have joined forces to enter a prestigious U.S. competition that will challenge their skills, creativity and ingenuity while they build a solar-powered house of the future.Called the Solar Decathlon, the . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12

Stop down jacket from leaking feathers

QUESTION: I very much enjoy and appreciate your solutions in the paper. Here is one challenge that I have and haven't noticed mentioned before. I have a lovely down-filled jacket that is warm and comfortable. But it is a few . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12

Tried-and-true perennials

Prairie blooms have unique needs, preferences

I've often heard novice gardeners say, "I'm going to plant a bunch of perennials and they will just grow every year."By definition, a perennial is a plant that will grow back for three or more years. However, this doesn't mean . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12

Tools for tasty treats

Handy gadgets make preparing food and drink a snap

Can't quite afford to renovate your kitchen? If the heart of your home is in need of a wee facelift, funky gadgets and colourful appliances will do the trick with an instant, easy update until you're ready to take on . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12

Spring Parade offers wealth of new homes

The first week of the Spring Parade of Homes is in the books and it looks like we're in for another great event. The weather has been consistent and, if the first week was any indication, crowds will continue to . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12