Done right, to the last detail

Hallmark house lets you live with the 'Wow Factor'

IT goes without saying that the 'Wow Factor' plays a central role in selling any new home. That said, liveability is equally important. If a home isn't as liveable as it is eye-catching, chances are it won't sell as quickly as . . .

Posted: 2011-09-03

Remarkable reno

$1 million in upgrades takes house a second step above

It's not something you see very often: a home that's been renovated to the tune of approximately $1 million. Somewhat unbelievably -- this is Winnipeg, after all -- that's what happened inside 37 Kerslake Dr. in Tuxedo: a home already a . . .

Posted: 2011-09-03

It's easy to create a backyard Eden

IT takes more than barbecued burgers and pretty paper plates to throw a summer garden party. Hosting casual backyard get-togethers with neighbours and friends is the perfect time to create fun and festive decorations and tasty snacks to turn the . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

Ask auditor how your house works

Home-energy evaluation, audit, rating -- they all mean the same thing when you're qualifying for any federal or provincial government upgrade grants.The whole idea is to identify where your home rates on a scale from 0 to 100. The audit . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

Buy a house that suits your lifestyle

Dear Marc: I am in the market to buy a new home. My husband and I want to buy a house we can design to reflect our personalities. My husband and I both work long hours, so the time we . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

Party hardy (in your garden)

Warning: Cultivating native plants can be habit-forming

I am a self-declared naturalist. You can't really go to college or university to become one. It's more of an ethic, a kind of deep seated value that you accept all of what Mother Nature has to offer - the . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

Lofty ambitions

Decorating an attic bedroom offers unique challenges

Attic or loft spaces are fun rooms to decorate. The angled ceilings and unique layout lend themselves to what can be a truly creative space. These same room attributes, however, can also prove to be challenging when it comes to . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

Grey chocolate buds need wet-and-dry fix

QUESTION: I made a birthday cake for my daughter. I bought chocolate buds to decorate the top of the cake and when I opened the box, I was disappointed because the chocolate looks grey instead of brown. How can I . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

Filling gap under steps stops pests, seepage

Question: I was hoping you might be able to guide me in the right direction. I live in Linden Woods and moved into my house about two years ago. I noticed that beside my front steps there is a gap . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

Invest in necessary repairs to your house first

Invest in necessary repairs to your house before spending on its appearance

What did you think would happen? I know I'm going to sound like an old guy here, but I can't believe how little common sense people seem to have these days. I've just turned 48 -- not so old, really. But . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27