Affordable finish

Savvy choices on materials go a long way in keeping prices down

These days, a new home priced at under $400, 000 is (unfortunately) considered something of an anomaly. Not surprisingly, many young, growing families find it difficult to move up to a new home from their (say) 800-square-foot starter home. Sufficiently big . . .

Posted: 2010-10-16

Fabulous fifties

Vintage home has been given a modern makeover

Take a drive through neighbourhoods in different parts of the city, and chances are you'll be able to discern design trends in fairly short order. That's the case in a little pocket of homes in Niakwa Park (found off Archibald Street). . . .

Posted: 2010-10-16

TREE CARE: Proper fertilization is crucial to trees' health

IN my previous article (Sept. 25) I mentioned that I would explain how to fertilize trees especially those under stress. Aeration and fertilization is a process that can be done by property owners to open up the root zone of trees . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09

Purple carrots? Orange cauliflower?

What will you grow next year?

Many Manitobans are busy planning their Thanksgiving menus and vegetables are an important part of this meal. To be guaranteed the freshest, tastiest vegetable dishes, try locally grown products at a nearby farmers market or organic food grower such as Stonelane . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09

Garden now for blooms later

Dividing perennials yields great rewards after winter snows melt away

Think of Margaret Roach as the gardening friend you've always wanted -- someone with an utterly spectacular garden who is completely willing to share all her secrets with you, especially on how to handle those myriad shady spots in your . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09

Idyllic lair for Dragons' Den duo

Couple loves rustic rural abode almost as much as each other

They talk it up on CBC's Dragons' Den, but do they live it up at home? In a consecutive five-part series, Homes looks into the lairs of the five business moguls who bring hope -- and fear -- to entrepreneurs . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09

Grey is the new beige

TV host Gorder offers her tips for goof-free decorating

Ban the beige! That's the message from designer Genevieve Gorder for do-it-yourself home decorators this fall. The star of HGTV's popular Dear Genevieve makeover show (and the new Battle on the Block), Gorder has been transforming the homes of desperate . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09

CONNIE OLIVER: Crafts remain a classic, fun pastime for all

Crafters are busy making their wares for the upcoming holiday season. It may seem early to be thinking about the holidays but it takes time to make handmade treasures. Better to be ready than to be rushing at the last minute. . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09

MIKE HOLMES: Manufactured wood products have their uses

I'M a big fan of manufactured wood products such as engineered hardwood flooring and polylaminated beams. They are strong and straight and available in lengths and dimensions that you just can't find in natural wood. They can be used for structure, . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Basement leakage causing homeowners worry

QUESTION: Our home was built in 1977 just outside of the city. The basement has been a problem on and off with leakage. It is worse on a wet year of course. This year and last spring we had problems . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09