The rave cave

Hardy flooring, fine lighting add brash flare to basement

One of the most common problems we encounter is the basement. Those ominous, dreary crypts that for too long have remained un-commandeered while the real estate above ground is compromised by the growing need for workable space. Not every basement can . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

Hard-core colours

Wild shades are the new beige as Canadians eschew safe and boring

We all have our preferences when it comes to interior paint colour, but one thing is becoming clear: both professional decorators and do-it-yourselfers are going for serious colour. Canadians are starting to embrace colour as never before, notes Frank Turco, a . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

Set your priorities when renovating a home

A HOME renovation can cost a lot — but it should not cost more than you expect. Bad plan­ning, expensive extras and unpleas­ant surprises can break a project budget. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead. Set priorities. Define scopes . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

CONNIEOLIVER: Window-dressing can be creative, cheap

Window treatments add tons of character, colour and texture to a room. They complete your decor and make your home feel dressed. They can be costly, particularly if you have several windows in the room you're decorating, but with a . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Reinsulate after foundation cement dries

QUESTION: I am hoping you can point us in the right direction. My husband and I took possession of our new home in September 2005. Our homebuilder, per their "code, " framed, insulated and placed vapour barrier in our basement. We . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

SOLUTIONS: Cure varnish odour before using cradle

QUESTION: We love your practical tips column in the Winnipeg Free Press. We have a problem, which is trying to eliminate the stain/varnish odour in a new cradle which our son built for his new daughter. It was varnished nearly . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

Record entries as renovators honoured

THE RenoMark Renovators Council of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association held its annual Renovation of the Year Awards Night on Nov. 5 at the Victoria Inn. A record 44 entries were received in six categories from 10 renovators. Six judges reviewed . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

Sold & Offered: Nov. 13-10

St. Boniface Address: 540 Doucet Street Asking Price: $149, 900 Sold Price: $170, 500 Taxes: $1, 596.88 Square Footage: 1, 198 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1.5 Lot Size: 33 x 103 Listing Agent: Ryan Davis, RE/MAX Performance Realty, 791-9200 St. Vital Address: 28 Westdale Place Asking Price: $224, 900 Sold Price: $225, 000 Taxes: $3, . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

Plenty of room, little work

Qualico offers low-maintenance home designs

Reality is, not everyone wants a new home with a huge lot. Rather -- in this era of being so time-challenged -- more and more people are looking for a home that's not only as maintenance-free as possible, but affordable to . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

Best of multiple worlds

Vasa Lund Place offers high-end life-lease condo living

Bill Thiessen remembers the day he got the call about Vasa Lund's newest 55-plus project, Vasa Lund Place. "It was about one-and-a-half years ago, " he recalls. "They'd already built Vasa Lund Estates, and the public reaction to it (a 55-plus . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13