ASK THE INSPECTOR: Light-coloured shingles way to go for your home

QUESTION: Do darker shingles have any effect on heat retention in the winter compared to those of a lighter colour? T. Stubbington, Oakville, MB ANSWER: I am surprised your very interesting question is rarely ever posed to me during regular inspections. . . .

Posted: 2009-10-04

SOLUTIONS: Pesky glue? Peanut butter to the rescue

QUESTION: We recently installed new hardwood flooring in the dining room. The protective felt pads on the dining room chairs occasionally slide off and smear sticky glue backing onto the hardwood floor. What process or product would best remove the . . .

Posted: 2009-10-04

Fall Parade of Homes heads for record turnout

If the trend of the first two weeks continue, the 2009 Fall Parade of Homes will surpass last year's record attendance numbers. On the opening weekend, sales agents reported that more than 400 people visited their show home in one day. . . .

Posted: 2009-10-04

SOLD / OFFERED 10-04

SOLD Valley Gardens Address: 86 Werrell Cres. Asking Price: $239, 900 Sold Price: $239, 900 Taxes: $3, 355.50 Square Footage: 1, 330 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5 Lot Size: 56 x 100 Listing Agent: Tony Panchhi, ReMax Executives Realty Transcona Address: 130 McMeans Ave east Asking Price: $169, . . .

Posted: 2009-10-04

Function in forefront

Paradigm's Mombasa II exemplifies design that works in real world

There are generally three elements that come into play when assessing the overall efficiency of a new home design: form, function -- and, of course -- style. Ask Paradigm Custom Homes' Jeff Baertsoen which is the most important, and his answer . . .

Posted: 2009-10-04

Modern history

Character home preserves beauty, adds energy efficiency

Think of a home built way back in 1896, and a couple of thoughts immediately spring to mind. First, the home in question is likely to contain some very interesting period features, such as ornate woodwork rarely seen in today's modern . . .

Posted: 2009-10-04

Get with the times: Top trends for 2010

FROM the modern farmhouse look to reinvented 1980s pastels -- these are just some of the hottest decor trends for 2010. The good news for recessionistas out there: it's easy to apply most of the trends without breaking the bank. What's . . .

Posted: 2009-09-27

Combo toilet saves water

IF you live in a small space and are thinking about investing in a dual-flush toilet, there's a new option in town. The Caroma Profile Smart 305 doesn't just offer the choice between a full six-litre flush for solids and half . . .

Posted: 2009-09-27

CONNIE OLIVER: Formal elegance

Symmetry key to refined decor

This lovely Kohler bathroom is a testament to a traditional, formal decor. There's something to be said for symmetry and refinement. In rooms such as the bathroom or bedroom, a formal decor evokes a sense of being pampered, and we . . .

Posted: 2009-09-27

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Tile style

Mosaics solve kitchen colour problem

This week I received two letters that have the same solution. The dilemma for both is deciding on a backsplash for their new kitchens. The first, from Diane, says they have Quaker-style cabinets in a ginger glaze finish, black pearl countertops . . .

Posted: 2009-09-27