SOLUTIONS: Diet Pepsi can take old carpet off cement

QUESTION: Do you have any wonderful solutions for removing outdoor carpeting from cement steps? The carpet on the steps at my front door is in tatters and I need to remove it, and then replace it. Thank you, I love . . .

Posted: 2011-07-23

Winnipeg among best economic performers

WINNIPEG is one of the best economic performers in Canada, according to a recent report by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. The report, called Canadian Cities: An Economic Snapshot, looked at 25 major urban centres in Canada and assessed their . . .

Posted: 2011-07-23

SOLD: July 23-11

St. James Address: 413 Inglewood Street Asking Price: $104, 900 Sold Price: $145, 000 Taxes: $1, 774.00 Square Footage: 886 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Lot Size: 50 x 100 Listing Agent: Ken Maines, Maximum Realty, 999-9078 Fort Richmond Address: 5 April St. Asking Price: $334, 900 Sold Price: $356, 000 Taxes: $3, 923.09 Square Footage: . . .

Posted: 2011-07-23

Lakeside bungalow feels bigger than it is

Gino's Homes got every detail right in Amber Trails home

In this day of supersized new homes, 1, 650 square feet doesn't sound like much space to work with. While that is open to debate, one thing is certain: if a 1, 650 sq. ft. home is well-laid-out, it can seem . . .

Posted: 2011-07-23

Country charm, city convenience

Whidbey Harbour home delivers

In most homes, there are rooms that beckon you to come in and stay awhile. At 232 Mariners Way -- a well-crafted bungalow built by Irwin Homes in 2005 -- that room is the four-season sunroom, a 19-foot by 14-foot space . . .

Posted: 2011-07-23

Bargain-buyer beware

Know the lay of the land before snapping up cheap U.S. deals

When Shannon Moore crosses the threshold of each of the 70 Florida homes she inspects weekly between Tampa and Naples on behalf of foreign buyers, a property needs to pass her unique smell test. "I literally start by taking a good . . .

Posted: 2011-07-16

Renovation spending steady in Manitoba

HOMEOWNER spending on renovations has had an up-and-down ride across Canada, although it's been fairly steady in Manitoba. Most of Canada was hit harder by the recession in late and early 2009 than we were in Manitoba, and so national spending . . .

Posted: 2011-07-16

Paint your garden

Understanding colour allows gardeners to create themes

GARDENING/COLLEEN ZACHARIAS SINCE this gardening series began last August in the Free Press Homes section, it has served as a unique initiative to connect Manitoba gardeners with local experts who, through weekly articles, provide gardening tips, notices of . . .

Posted: 2011-07-16

Hydrangeas come in rainbow of colours

No other flower compares to a hydrangea for ease of arranging. A beautiful container, a single bloom left long or cut short, water and voila -- an arrangement as complete and lovely as any designed by the best florist. Nature takes . . .

Posted: 2011-07-16

Renovator gives back in an extreme way

Adam Hicks leads team that will rebuild a family's home

Think of Adam Hicks as Regina's Ty Pennington. Like the host of the hit American TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Hicks wants to help families in need by providing them with a complete transformation of their home. This month, applications . . .

Posted: 2011-07-16