One more foot makes lots more home

Wider home means plenty of space to move around

AT first glance, it would seem that making a home 68 square feet larger than a similar model wouldn't make a big difference. Maybe not a big difference, says Quest Residential Real Estate's Fred Dawes, sales representative for Ventura Custom Homes. . . .

Posted: 2010-06-19

South Drive home full of surprises

Beach-style gem features Tyndall stone, indoor pool

DRIVE down a countrified road like Fort Garry's South Drive, and it's difficult to see what kind of homes lie at the end of many of the curving, tree-lined driveways. That air of mystery makes for some surprises, much like the . . .

Posted: 2010-06-19

Before you buy, get an inspection

A home's hidden faults can cost you a tonne of money to fix

With today's real estate being such a seller's market, many prospective homebuyers are opting not to have a home inspection done on a house they want to make an offer on. That's understandable. Write the inspection in as a condition, and . . .

Posted: 2010-06-19

Pile on the style with pillows

There's a fluffy decor piece for every situation

Like a necklace that takes an outfit to the next level, pillows are the quintessential personality changer for your home. Whether you prefer shabby chic or feverishly funky, pillows are an easy way to give any room a jolt of . . .

Posted: 2010-06-12

A green alternative

Readers know I'm always looking for new products that could help gardeners. I have found a few new ones that just might fill the bill. Sarritor is described as a biological weed killer. The manufacturer calls it the first 100 per . . .

Posted: 2010-06-12

How does your garden grow?

It's easy for the passion of gardening to start

It's easy to become passionate about gardening. It can start innocently enough. Perhaps you stop on your way to the office to notice how beautiful a rose is. Or maybe the sweet scent of daphne halts you in your tracks. . . .

Posted: 2010-06-12

CONNIE OLIVER: Bamboo offers variety of 'green' decor uses

Bamboo has become a popular component in many home-decor products. Because of its sustainability, it is a great substitute for items formerly made from less-renewable resources like hardwood. Bamboo is a grass that renews itself within a five- to seven-year span, . . .

Posted: 2010-06-12

Decorate your home with a hot tin roof

When Mathieu Pronovost and his fiancée, Tania Passafiume, bought a home in Ottawa's ByWard Market area 18 months ago, they thought they were prepared. They had limited money, but lots of energy and family willing to help with sweat equity. They knew . . .

Posted: 2010-06-12

MIKE HOLMES: Best to put off that painting job for a while

THE first long weekend of summer is the busiest time of the year for exterior painting. Building-supply stores sell more paint than at any other time, because homeowners have been trained to think the "safe time" to paint outside is . . .

Posted: 2010-06-12

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Drain water out of new basement now

QUESTION: I enjoy reading your column every week for the practical advice you have. I am hoping for some advice on a new condo that I recently pruchased that is currently in construction. It is a townhouse-style condo that is two stories, . . .

Posted: 2010-06-12