ASK THE INSPECTOR: Outdoor backwater valves a bad idea here

QUESTION: I live in Winnipeg and have a question about sewer backups. Is it possible and allowed in Canada to have a backwater valve/back-flow preventer installed outside the house? I have seen several websites and videos on the Internet that . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

Split personality

Wildwood Park home's lodge-style addition offers comfy contrast

What do you do when you're from Manitoba and you love the ambience of ski lodges in Alberta and British Columbia? Bring the lodge to you, that's what. Thus, when homeowners in Wildwood Park came to builder Cal Dueck with the idea . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

City designer's creations born out of necessity

Fougere's Tyndall stone table a 'feat of engineering'

WHEN asked to talk about himself, Thomas Fougere's modesty comes to the forefront. While his furniture designs are making a splash in the interior design industry, he tends to stick to the facts about his training and talent. The Regina-born designer . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

Winter wonderland

Shrubs and trees are this season's garden stars

By now gardeners are impatient for spring to return. Winter gives most gardeners, though, a chance to regroup after the busy growing season and to begin planning for the next. John Tinkler, founder and co-owner of Design Manitoba, as well as . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

SOLUTIONS: Bring hardwood floors, ceramic tiles to life

QUESTION: Do you have any ideas for a homemade product that will clean hardwood floors and making them shiny? Also, do you have a recipe for something to wash porcelain ceramic tile that doesn't leave a dull streaky finish? Love . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

CONNIE OLIVER: Bathroom awash in woodsy warmth

This stunning bathroom captures the eye and imagination. Although it very well could be a city home, the woodsy elements make this room warm and inviting. You can never go wrong with nature as your guide when decorating a space like . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

MIKE HOLMES: Easements are homeowner's responsibility

WHEN most people buy a home they don't usually look into the details of the property's land. I'm not just talking about landscaping and outdoor structures, I'm talking about knowing the restrictions on the land itself: knowing what you can and . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

Bring life to old sofa with slipcover

Dear Sam: I'm getting ready for a fresh new year in my condo. I want to recover my couch as it is dated and stained. What is a good way to do this inexpensively? A slipcover? What is a good fabric that . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

Building permits are not optional paper

Almost 15, 000 people enjoyed a tremendous Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show recently. There were many products and services on display that provided consumers with considerable information for their next renovation project. The show provided considerable impetus to convince people that . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

Sold & Offered: Jan. 28-12

SOLD St. Vital Address: 79 Pilgrim Avenue Asking Price: $134, 900 Sold Price: $167, 000 Taxes: $1, 413.21 Square Footage: 650 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Lot Size: 33 X 97 Listing Agent: Joanne Shaver, Cornerstone Properties Inc., 981-4047 Fort Garry Address: 2208-100 Plaza Drive Asking Price: $169, 900 Sold Price: $169, 900 Taxes: $1, 859.60 Square . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28