A custom home can tick every box on a prospective buyer's wish list. Without the right builder, however, both the experience of building the home and the finished product might come up short.

Before signing a contract with a builder, there are several important questions people in the market for a custom home should have answered.

One of Canada's most well-known and down-to-earth construction and renovation gurus, HGTV Canada's Bryan Baeumler has some savvy advice for anyone tackling a home renovation project this spring.

When it comes to modern window treatments, the selection is so vast that choosing the right ones for your home can be a challenge.

Lynn Hickey, owner of Lynne's Window Treatments Inc., says people should first consider how they live in their home and use the various rooms.

Most homes are not designed to accommodate the needs of someone who uses a wheelchair. This creates challenges when it comes to entering, turning and even using the features within a room.

However, there are several additions or renovations that can reduce or eliminate the barriers people who use a wheelchair face within the home.

Housing market conditions continue to follow similar trends to last year, with gains in sales.

At the same time, there have been further reductions in new listings and inventory, and more declines in prices.

Justin Becker - REALTOR^®, founder and team leader with YYC Realty

Top attraction

"My favourite attraction in Calgary is Stephen Avenue. I love all the amazing eateries, shopping, bars, pubs and lounges in such a beautiful setting. Our downtown is gorgeous, with its stunning architecture balanced with lots of green space and the river running through."

After the first sunny day in March, most gardeners begin to think about starting seeds. This includes gardeners in all types of dwellings – from highrise condos to townhomes to bungalows. It makes no difference where you live.

I have grow lights in my kitchen and a greenhouse outside, so I have a place to start seeds indoors and a place to move them when they get growing. But what about everyone else, including renters? Are they starting seeds this spring?

There is pent-up interest in the Canmore area for homes that can be used for short-term rentals, and Spring Creek's new Tamarack lodge is poised to take advantage.

The four-storey, 80-suite condo project is one of only a few developments in the mountain town with Tourist Home permitted zoning, allowing for short-term stays (under 30 days) or permanent residency.

Don't be surprised if you notice more action down on Stephen Avenue in the months to come. It's all part of the City of Calgary's innovative plans to reimagine and energize the area.

Much more than a facelift, the revitalization takes a three-pronged approach. Co-spearheaded by the Downtown Calgary Association, each phase will prepare the popular thoroughfare for the future of downtown, encouraging more people to visit, stay longer and increase business.