The 1980s called, wants its stippled ceiling back

Strapping, adding new drywall best way to smooth over textured ceiling complaints

It isn’t the first time in my renovation career that a homeowner is disgruntled with a textured or stipple ceiling. In the older suburbs, many houses are also plagued with unsightly cracks in the plaster, especially at the corners. . . .

Posted: 2022-12-17

Longevity should drive driveway repairs

Retopping with asphalt an option, but may not be cheapest over time

Question — Please advise on paving over concrete driveways with asphalt, as is done on city streets and commercial parking lots. Thank you, Michael Bazak. Answer — With any driveway job, the condition of the base is the most important . . .

Posted: 2022-12-17

Oh, Christmas tree!

How you decorate your holiday twig says a lot about your personality

Nowhere does your individuality reveal itself more than the way you decorate your Christmas tree. If your tree is up and covered with lights and shiny things and baubles already, take a good look at it. Is that you . . .

Posted: 2022-12-17

Freeze! Well, these foods and not those foods, anyway

Question – Which foods should only be eaten while fresh, instead of frozen? Candace Answer – Except for eggs in shells and canned foods, many foods are freezable. It is important to note that some foods do not freeze well. . . .

Posted: 2022-12-17

Looks like a million bucks

Foxridge charmer combines space, elegance

Having an abundance of space to work with when designing a luxury home can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, designers have plenty of space to build in all the design features they want without . . .

Posted: 2022-12-17

Can do, Canora

111-year-old charmer offers space and character in the heart of Wolseley

Without question, one of the city’s most endearing neighbourhoods is Wolseley. With its walkability, wealth of mature trees and proximity to an eclectic mix of shops, services and restaurants, it’s a delightful area to live in. That said, perhaps the greatest . . .

Posted: 2022-12-17

Winnipeg Renovation Show just around the corner

Home renovations are a big part of our lifestyle in Manitoba. We historically spend more on home renovations per capita than any other province and Manitobans consistently spend more money on renovations than on new home construction. Home renovations . . .

Posted: 2022-12-10

Keep moisture out of your basement with these three steps

Questions: I’m sure that I must be one of many homeowners with the same question. Last September we moved into our new house in Ridgewood West from the temperate climate of British Columbia. I am worried about the very . . .

Posted: 2022-12-10

Things are starting to heat up around here

Manitoba winters don’t stand a chance against the devil’s only friend

Every once in a while when I can feel that nasty winter chill creeping into the old bones, I take a trip out back to my caboose and light up the old wood-burning cookstove, as I did a few . . .

Posted: 2022-12-10

Room with a custom view

Major changes in windows have minor visual impact

The decision to replace windows can be daunting — the costs and invasive process are ingredients for procrastination. At a boat-access-only cottage project during the fall of 2021, it appeared as though the cottage-owner had put off his window . . .

Posted: 2022-12-10