Can pesky basement teleposts be removed? Moving those supports tricky business

111The design of our basement is L-shaped, due to the attached garage. I have no problem with the posts below the back beam, which spans the full 47-foot width of the house. However, the two support beams at the front . . .

Posted: 2008-10-05

Even cheap facelift can make big difference

A fresh paint colour can give new life to existing furniture

If you're not ready for a full-scale renovation, a mini facelift can make your home feel fresh again. With a modest investment in improvements, such as paint, lighting, linens, cushions and slipcovers, you'll see your home and existing furniture through new . . .

Posted: 2008-10-05

Home spacious beyond its means

Living area a surprise given 1,600-sq.ft. layout

An exterior of brick, siding and copper flashing adds an elegant touch to this feature-filled one-storey home, Plan APS-1516, by Home Plans LLC. Its floor plan covers 1, 593 square feet of living space. The recessed, sidelighted entry opens directly into . . .

Posted: 2008-10-05

Sold

Central Address: 29 Cornish Asking Price: $317, 900 Sold Price: $301, 000 Square Footage: 2, 625 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 lot size: 49 by 115 Listing Agent: Jennifer Gulay, Royal Lepage Alliance, 885-5500 Whyte Ridge . . .

Posted: 2008-10-05

Setting the standard

Construction, design, technology add up to outstanding home

When you're looking for a new home, it's only natural to look at the different prices and wonder why some homes are (far) more expensive than others. In some instances, location is the reason; in others, it's meticulous building standards. Or, . . .

Posted: 2008-10-05

When it has to be just so

Architect takes his time, but he comes up with award-winning designs

Christopher Simmonds is a perfectionist. The award-winning architect with a penchant for modern spaces, where glass blurs the line between outdoor and inside spaces, has been known to take hours mulling over a design problem. Take the time he paced around . . .

Posted: 2008-10-05

Lot orientation a matter of preference

South-facing backyard most in demand

111There is one lot that really appeals to us but it has an east-facing backyard. We don't want to regret our decision to build on a lot, so we are open to your thoughts. ANSWER -- . . .

Posted: 2008-10-05

Bridgwater Forest welcomes first families

Glitches pushed possession dates back

It's official: after years of waiting for the development to take shape -- and approximately seven months of construction -- Bridgwater Forest finally has its first residents. Fittingly, the two homes were designed by Hilton Homes, the first builder to pour . . .

Posted: 2008-10-05

Battle of the bathroom

Some common sense in the loo can help you start your day off right

This one is for the couples out there who share one small bathroom with their partner and are finding it to be a bone of contention. By couples I mean everything from a husband and wife to roommates to parent . . .

Posted: 2008-09-28

A mosaic of beauty

Resurgence of interest in ancient art form

A few months ago I wrote a column about mosaic tiles. There is a resurgence of interest in this ancient art form; we are seeing stunning mosaic work decorating bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes and floors. The number of enthusiastic responses I . . .

Posted: 2008-09-28