Homes Website News

Renovation & Design

Marc LaBossiere / Free Press The new basement configuration provides convenient access to nearly all the spaces along one main wall.

Not all basement doors are open-and-shut cases

Marc LaBossiere 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

When it comes to basement overhauls, previous experience has prepared me for potential hurdles.

The usual suspects include uneven concrete floors, shabby ceilings and questionable window seals. And although I’m always prepared for the unexpected, a recent renovation threw a few extra curveballs my way.

Fortunately, I’m always ready to swing.

Once the basement had been re-framed, including introducing new walls to create a better flow in the space, subfloor panels were installed throughout to level the existing concrete floors, as well as to insulate between the planned vinyl plank and the cold basement shell. I had anticipated the extra height required to compensate for the rise in subfloor elevation when framing the doorways, but the existing ceiling joists (taking into account the gap needed to hang suspended tiles) no longer allowed for a traditional rough framing height of 81.5 inches for a standard 80-inch pre-hung interior door.

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Renovation & Design

Mary Ann Shaw photo A deer surveys the buffet of plants in Mary Ann Shaw’s front yard garden.

Even ‘deer-resistant’ plants can tempt hungry critters

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read Preview

Even ‘deer-resistant’ plants can tempt hungry critters

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

What does “deer-resistant” really mean?

With a growing deer population in Fort Richmond, resident Mary Ann Shaw is becoming increasingly aware that there is a distinct gap between assurances that a plant is deer-resistant and reality.

If there is one thing deer will tell you, deer-resistant does not mean deer-proof.

Shaw’s property is across the street from the 37.4-hectare Kings Park.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

New Homes

The five-acre infill site once occupied by the old Allard School will soon be home to 58 bungalow condos and 12 townhome condos.

Condo development breathing life into former school site

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Condo development breathing life into former school site

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Patience almost always pays off.

Because, let’s face it, many of the best things in life are worth waiting for.

This is a mantra that Karma Developments’ Myles Kraut has been living for the last six-plus months, as work preparing the site of the old Allard School at 130 Allard Ave. for his new infill condo development in Westwood, Glendale Estates, proceeded at a painstakingly slow pace.

“Remediation of the school took much longer than expected,” he says. “But it’s finally complete. I’m happy to say that rough construction on Glendale Estates is well underway. The piles for the homes are all in, and we are now pouring foundations.”

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Resale Homes

Todd Lewys photos / Free Press The backyard at 50 Manring Cove, Southdale, is a private resort featuring a large deck with hot tub, outdoor shower and a low-maintenance saltwater pool.

Renovated two-storey is move-in ready

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Renovated two-storey is move-in ready

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Not every home you see gives you the feeling that there’s something special about it.

But that’s the sense that you get when you glimpse 50 Manring Cove.

Its profile is extraordinarily clean, crisp and sharp. Clearly, the home has been impeccably maintained.

Terry Isaryk of RE/MAX Performance Realty says pride of ownership really shows at this 2,335-sq.-ft., two-storey residence, which was built in 1989.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Renovation & Design

Once the L-bracket is mounted along the perimeter, the main supports and cross section create a grid for the floating tiles.

Drywall or tiles with style? When it comes to replacing ceilings, you’ve got options

Marc LaBossiere 5 minute read Preview

Drywall or tiles with style? When it comes to replacing ceilings, you’ve got options

Marc LaBossiere 5 minute read Saturday, May. 16, 2026

Roughly a decade ago, a homeowner was adamant he wanted his basement ceiling drywalled, to match the style of the main floor of the house.

Although it was an older home, the basement had high enough floor joists above to allow for seven-and-a-half foot ceilings, completely drywalled. The project went fine, but several locations required quick access panels to reach service shut-offs and clean-outs. And therein lies the rub — why drywall a basement ceiling if a bunch of holes are required?

Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand why a client might insist upon a drywalled ceiling in the basement — it makes the lower level feel much like the rest of the house. However, most scenarios would not allow a clean installation of drywall, primarily because of the services that run throughout the lower-level ceiling joists: main ducts for the HVAC system, hot and cold water feeds, drain plumbing that connects to a main stack, and so on.

There are generally accepted alternatives in these cases, and they can be quite complementary when installed strategically.

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Saturday, May. 16, 2026

Renovation & Design

Jpg 1_classic perennials_Siberian Iris_Swans in Flight_ with low carpet of Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer Walters Gardens photo Siberian iris swans in flight with a low carpet of white-flowered snow-in-summer are classic perennials.

It’s bloomin’ plant sale season

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read Preview

It’s bloomin’ plant sale season

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read Saturday, May. 16, 2026

It’s been a cool and windy start to spring this year. The anticipation of flowers — not a few pretty blooms scattered here and there but a lush and abundant flowering display — grows stronger each day.

Even small spaces can be filled with masses of vibrant flowers. For lasting appeal, choose quintessential perennials such as irises, peonies, clematis, delphinium, poppies, salvia, foxglove, clustered bellflower, daisies, speedwell, salvia, lady’s mantle, phlox, echinops (globe thistle), daylilies, snow-in-summer and more. You can also sprinkle in self-seeding annuals like snapdragons, cornflowers and calendula.

What could be more satisfying than a classic cottage garden look that features extravagant colour? Key factors include planting densely in groups of at least three. Choose plants of different heights, including ground covers, so that no bare ground is visible. You may also want to create curved borders and add a vertical structure such as an obelisk, trellis or arbour.

But above all, you will need beautiful plants that flower reliably.

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Saturday, May. 16, 2026

Resale Homes

This elegant 3,209 sq. ft. bungalow is in an amazing location.

ONE Fantastic find

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

ONE Fantastic find

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, May. 16, 2026

Every now and then, a home absolutely knocks your socks off.

One such home is at 45 Salme Drive in St. Vital.

Tucked away on the north side of the quiet street off St. Vital Road, the sprawling, 3,209-sq.-ft. bungalow — set back at the end of a long, tree-lined driveway — comes into view, introducing itself in a quietly regal manner.

It’s one of those homes that you didn’t know was there, and when you discover it, you want to find out more about it.

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Saturday, May. 16, 2026

New Homes

Todd Lewys / Free Press Space and style abound in this stately great room at Oak Bluff Condos.

Style and substance

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Style and substance

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, May. 16, 2026

If there’s one key to making the successful transition to being an empty-nester, it’s feeling like you’re not settling for less when you sell your longtime home.

And that means having to make few — if any — adjustments to adapt to the home you’re downsizing to.

That’s often easier said than done, because space and function are still high priority for empty-nesters.

After all, when you’ve lived in a 2,500-sq.-ft., two-storey single-family home for 25 years or more, the transition to a 900-sq.-ft., two-bedroom apartment-style condo can be rough.

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Saturday, May. 16, 2026

Renovation & Design

Syngenta Flowers photo Florencio begonias such as Florencio Cerise have bright-yellow centre stamens and superior heat-tolerance.

Beguiling begonias

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read Preview

Beguiling begonias

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read Saturday, May. 9, 2026

All it took was one look at Rodney Wohlgemuth’s begonias and I decided to break my own rule of not buying begonias before May 15.

Wohlgemuth owns Green Oak Gardens, located two kilometres east of Beausejour. The expansive greenhouses are tucked behind a large red barn in a picturesque rural setting with a winding creek and a sweep of mature trees in the background.

On my visit on May 1, the sun’s rays were warm and there wasn’t a hint of wind. I was primed to shop for plants.

Wohlgemuth grows a wide variety including annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. He especially loves begonias which are displayed throughout the main greenhouse — luscious begonias on plant tables as soon as you step inside the greenhouse, begonias in hanging baskets above you and begonias in beautiful mixed containers on the floor.

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Saturday, May. 9, 2026

New Homes

TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS The two-storey, 2,069-sq.-ft. dwelling takes full advantage of its prime positioning, offering incredible style, functionality and gorgeous forest views.

West St. Paul two-storey’s wooded lot perfect site for family life

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

West St. Paul two-storey’s wooded lot perfect site for family life

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, May. 9, 2026

It’s an oft-repeated adage in real estate: location, location, location.

And while location plays a central role in determining the value and desirability of a property, there’s another factor that also contributes to a home’s allure: where it’s situated within a community.

The positioning of Hilton Homes’ new show home at 296 Masters Ave. in West St. Paul pays off in more than one way, says the sales representative for the 2,069-sq.-ft. home, Soren Frederiksen of Re/Max Executives Realty.

“I think the first thing to note about this home is that it’s on a corner lot that’s a very good size at 44-feet wide by 154 feet and 180 feet at different points,” he says. “Not only that, because of its positioning, there will also never be a home next to it on its right-hand side looking at it from the street.”

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Saturday, May. 9, 2026

Resale Homes

TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS The masterfully remodelled condo is in turnkey condition and tucked away in a quiet, park-like setting in popular River Park South.

Fully remodelled condo in River Park South truly a turnkey treasure

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Fully remodelled condo in River Park South truly a turnkey treasure

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, May. 9, 2026

When a condominium is 35 years old, it can be hit or miss whether it’s contemporary in style or a throwback to the era in which it was designed.

Charlene Urbanski of Lifestyles Real Estate says she just listed an apartment-style suite in a tidy building at 805 St. Anne’s Rd. that simply sparkles.

“I’ll be honest — many units in buildings this old tend to be dated,” she says. “But not this one. It’s been remodelled from top to bottom.”

In the process — the 1,180-sq.-ft., two-bedroom suite was completely renovated in 2022 — it was taken from drab to dynamic, says Urbanski.

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Saturday, May. 9, 2026

Renovation & Design

Photos by Marc LaBossiere / Free Press Although the top decking hue has faded slightly, the canola oil has already lasted longer than the store-bought product applied years before.

The canola oil experiment, revisited

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Preview

The canola oil experiment, revisited

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Saturday, May. 9, 2026

In late June of 2023, my Reno Boss column depicted an experiment using canola oil to treat my aging deck boards, and the column generated the most feedback I have ever received for any of mine to date.

Interest in the ongoing performance of the canola oil on my deck still finds my inbox with queries, on occasion. After receiving a couple of them recently, I thought it might be a good idea to revisit the experiment and discuss the results it has yielded.

The concept of using canola oil arose after having treated my front and rear decks once they began to fade. Both had been subjected to years of sunlight, and the resilience of the brown treated lumber had clearly dissipated.

My first attempt at rejuvenation involved an expensive Behr deep-penetrating oil product. The process involved clearing the entire deck surface, prepping the top decking by using a high-pressure spray wand, letting it dry and choosing an arid morning to quickly apply the expensive oil in such a manner that sequential lines of application would not reveal any overlaps.

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Saturday, May. 9, 2026

Renovation & Design

Becky Slater photo Eighty to 90 per cent of Winnipeg’s three million trees are on private property. A private tree bylaw could help protect them.

Book a passionate, grassroots call to protect and grow our urban forests

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read Preview

Book a passionate, grassroots call to protect and grow our urban forests

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read Saturday, May. 2, 2026

Out on a Limb by Erna Buffie is a 100-plus page, digest-sized paperback packed with a powerful message about the importance of preserving and growing Winnipeg’s urban forest.

It’s one of those rare books where not a single word is wasted. This is not a sentimental ode to trees but rather a passionate call to immediate action.

Published this year by Great Plains Press, Buffie’s work is the third instalment in the City Project series. The series’ editors are Emma and Michel Durand-Wood. Together with Buffie, all three are grassroots activists who do not shirk from citizen-led action to preserve Winnipeg’s tree canopy.

As a documentary filmmaker, Buffie worked with CBC’s acclaimed series, The Nature of Things, for more than 20 years. She directed Smarty Plants, an award-winning 2012 documentary which uncovers the real secret world of plants. She also directed episodes of the incomparable Canadian documentary series, Recreating Eden, which ran for five seasons on CBC.

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Saturday, May. 2, 2026

New Homes

Panache Homes’ show home (left) at 557 Centennial St. (there’s also a similar design for sale next door) is filled with quality and style.

Brand-new two-storey great fit for older neighbourhood

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Brand-new two-storey great fit for older neighbourhood

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, May. 2, 2026

As attractive as a brand-new infill home in an established area can be, it’s unwise to rush into buying.

That’s because one important detail needs to be carefully examined before signing the purchase agreement — how well was the build executed? This is a critical detail, as some infill homes are built on short time frames with sub-par structure and mediocre finishes to make for a quick sale.

Suffice it to say, such a hastily built dwelling is unlikely to age well. That can lead to unwanted maintenance costs and repairs within the first five to seven years of owning it — all after paying a premium price to live in a desirable neighbourhood.

Reid Boles says there are no such concerns with a sharp-looking two-storey home that was recently built at 557 Centennial St. in River Heights north.

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Saturday, May. 2, 2026

Resale Homes

The well-kept bungalow is built on an oversized country lot backing onto wide-open space.

Stonewall bungalow a great fit for down-sizers, young families

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Stonewall bungalow a great fit for down-sizers, young families

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, May. 2, 2026

It’s something everyone craves — a home to fill you with an absolute sense of peace when you step inside after a long day.

Unfortunately, it’s a pipe dream for many. No matter where you live, there always seems to be something to shatter the silence, whether a loud truck rumbling down an adjacent street, a dog barking or an ambulance answering a call in the middle of the night.

Those things can naturally prompt a longing to live somewhere off the beaten path to avoid unwelcome disturbances.

Jeff Brown of Sutton Group-Kilkenny Real Estate says you don’t necessarily have to move out into the middle of an isolated forest when you can find a home like the one he just listed on a quiet street in Stonewall.

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Saturday, May. 2, 2026

Renovation & Design

Marc LaBossiere / Free Press The dryer duct and vent, new 30-amp outlet, and ABS drain plus water feeds combo insert make for a clean look along the back wall.

Seize the opportunity

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Preview

Seize the opportunity

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Saturday, May. 2, 2026

The introduction of an additional laundry room on the second floor within any home is a tricky prospect at the best of times and requires careful planning prior to execution.

Although a laundry room was not a priority during an elaborate kitchen remodel I handled, an opportunity presented itself to tackle the endeavour.

While the walls were being stripped down to studs on the main floor, a useful corridor via which to run rough plumbing and electrical from the basement to the second level was too good for the homeowners to pass up.

This particular kitchen remodel a couple years ago was a huge project. The area of the dining room into the old kitchen was roughly 700 square feet in size, and involved removing a dividing wall, introducing two new kitchen picture windows and a side coffee bar with sink beyond the centre island with the main sink area.

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Saturday, May. 2, 2026

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