Character to spare

Functional, private-feeling three-bedroom, two-level Wolseley townhome-style condo that began life in 1910 combines stately elegance with modern features

As attractive as apartment-style condominiums are to first-time buyers with modest budgets, they come with their share of deficiencies. First, because many apartment-style condominium complexes were once apartments, they were — in many instances — built in less-than ideal locations . . .

Posted: 2022-08-06

Warm lemons are easier to squeeze

Question: How can I get more juice out of a lemon? David Answer: A warm lemon will extract more juice than a cold lemon. Heat the lemon in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Next roll the lemon on the . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Lightning rods spark interest

Mustard meets a fellow current collector

There was lightning, thunder and what felt like a tsunami this past Monday at Mustard Manor — it was as memorable as they come. It was almost as if the “powers that be, ” whatever they are, sent me a . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Cool basement can easily be made more comfortable

Question: Our house is a bungalow, with an open staircase going into the basement, and every time I go into our basement the thermometer indicates it is approximately three to four degrees Celsius cooler than the main floor. This . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

You aren’t stuck with stucco

Rocky railing removal ends with satisfying results

As part of a design feature implemented at the time the house was built, the continuous stucco railings presented a few non-desired results over time. Not only were these unsightly railings obtrusive and awkward, but they also prevented the . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Gardening with nature

Make a meadow garden with native Manitoba wildflowers and grasses

The demand for native plants has steadily increased in the past few years across North America. Planting a few native plants to benefit pollinators has grown into wanting to incorporate a meadow garden to reduce the amount of lawn . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Smart and stylish in Taylor Farm

Energy-efficient Headingley home large and loaded

Most builders will tell you it’s easy to build a king-sized home. The hard part is making a large home feel like it isn’t just a random collection of disjointed spaces. A smart floor plan is the key to the sense . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Total package in East St. Paul

Custom bungalow magnificent in every way

Often when it comes to properties outside the city, although the lots are big and beautiful, the houses tend to be dated. There are no such issues with 675 Shalom Path, says Royce Finley of Royal Lepage Prime Real Estate. “This . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Putting a lid on it

Fire table gets custom quartz cover

Sometimes the little solutions have the biggest impact. Carole and I recently purchased a fire table for the second-floor balcony. After finding another set of hands to help navigate and negotiate the 250-pound fire table up the stairs and through . . .

Posted: 2022-07-23

Insect entry into home through holes always cause for concern

Question: We have a bay window in the front of our home with plants in front. Last year we had wasps going through the plants, underneath the bay window, with some ending up in our basement. We are looking at . . .

Posted: 2022-07-23