MIKE HOLMES: Tax credit battles 'grey market'

A win-win for both contractors and homeowners

Most homeowners have heard by now of the home renovation tax credit, and many are taking advantage of it. The idea of the tax credit is to stimulate local economy by keeping contractors working and keeping building supply retailers busy. It's . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

CONNIE OLIVER: What makes a tranquil room tick?

This Benjamin Moore room instantly evokes a sense of order and calm. There are many elements at work here that produce this visual and mental tranquility. Sometimes it's hard to put your finger on just what makes a room tick . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Where there's water, there's a solution

QUESTION: Our sump pump works but it seems our house is the lowest spot on our street. Our house was built in 1996 and our sump pump was replaced in the last couple of years. Our street is in a . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

Sold / Offered 06-06

Transcona Address: 210 Whittier Ave. W Asking Price: $149, 900 Sold Price: $160, 000 Taxes: $2, 217.11 Square Footage: 960 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Lot Size: 60 x 100 Listing Agent: Bob Goodfellow, Goodfellow & Goodfellow R.E. Ltd., 224-2551   Lindenwoods Address: 25 Kingsborough Drive Asking Price: $369, 900 Sold Price: $425, 000 Taxes: $5, . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

Space, style, super layout

Hybrid design blends traditional, contemporary elements

WHEN Silverton Homes' Brian Porznak talks about The Clearview -- an 1, 850-square-foot walkout bungalow -- he describes the home as a custom hybrid design. "By that I mean creating a home that has contemporary styling and features, yet doesn't lose . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

All the home's a stage

Maximize the sale price for your property with a pro's touch

For one reason or another, it's time to sell your home. And, truth be told, you're not exactly liking what you're seeing. As you survey your home, the harsh realities of living in it for nearly 20 years -- and doing . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

Charm, character and convenience

Wolseley home has had a five-year makeover

Tucked away on a tiny, hidden street, the house at 51 Dundurn Avenue looks like many of the character houses in Wolseley. With its warm, butter yellow siding and bright, cherry red door and steps off the signature front . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

GARDENING: Just the scraps, ma'am

Good-looking composting systems for your kitchen

Out of sight, out of mind is an adage that applies to composting. Yet, you really do want your composting system to be accessible for everyone in your household to see and use. To get over the yuck factor, here . . .

Posted: 2009-05-31

Eco-friendly fences hit market

Someone once said that good fences make good neighbours. But what makes a good fence? This year, the choice of fencing materials is better than ever, from natural cedar to vinyl-coated plastic and durable synthetics. Fencing costs vary widely. Does your budget allow . . .

Posted: 2009-05-31

MIKE HOLMES: Kids climb the darnedest things

Make sure your design ideas are child-safe

I encourage people to do everything they can to make their homes as safe as possible -- and that's especially important if you have children. And, if you are doing a renovation or building a new home and you have . . .

Posted: 2009-05-31