| | I "15 - Friday, July 7, 1989 - North Shore News KNOW STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES . Assess home before improving ABOUT 85 per cent of Canadian homeowners undertake some form of renovation each year, and they are spending unprecedented amounts of money on these repairs and improvements. In the face of this booming ac- tivity, industry experts suggest that careful planning is the key to a successful project. The first step in the planning process is to make sure you know your home's strengths, weaknesses and overall condition. By making this kind of assessment, you may generate a number of good ideas for improvernents in several areas. For example, virtually every renovation job presents oppor- tunities for energy conservation measures that will help pay for themselves over the course of a few years. Even simple, fow-cost initia- tives such as caulking and weatherstripping will provide a significant benefit. Depending on the scale of the project, you may be able to im- prove insulation levels in exterior walls, upgrade your doors and windows or even install a new, high-efficiency heating system. To clarify the job in your mind (and to help you describe it io others), put your renovation ideas on paper. In designing the project, con- sider your long-term plans for the house. Then ask yourself hard questions about the impact of the proposed changes on the house, whether your plans make financial sense, and whether they comply with local building code reauire- ments. Costing the project and deciding whether or not you can afford it is the next step. You can ask con- tractors for a quote or, if you area do-it-yourselfer, you can visit your building supply dealer with a copy of your plans and a comprehensive list of the material required. Once you have an idea of the costs involved, add a 19 to 15 per cent contingency for unexpecied occurrences. Before deciding to undertake renovations yourself, consider how much time you have to contribute to the project. Renovations that stretch out over several months can affect your family life and peace of mind. It is also important to be experi- enced in the skills required and to have access to all the tools you will need. You can often save money by doing it yourself, but some jobs, such as wiring, plumbing and heating systems are better left to professionals. In fact, some jurisdictions re- quire that certain work be done by certified tradespeople. In the end, many homeowners find that a combination of undertaking the work they are familiar with and contracting out more specialized tasks is the best route to a quality job that is also affordable, You can start your search for a contractor by asking for recom- mendations from friends, neighbors, building supply and hardware stores or your local home builders’ association. It is wise to invite more than one contractor to submit a written bid on the job, but keep in mind that the lowest bid is not always the best. Check the details of each bid to make sure the contractors have quoted on the same basis. Once you've made a selection, ask for a written contract detail- ing, among other things, the work to be done (including sketches), the materials to be used, the type of work to be subcontracted, con- templated start and completion dates, the contracted price and payment schedule. The contract should also in- dicate that the contractor has ade- quate insurance coverage and is properly licensed. While planning is only the first stage of your renovation project, it will have a dramatic impact on everything that follows. By taking the time required to plan carefully s The Perfect Way to Pave ! COLORED, INTERLOCKING CONCRETE PAVERS FOR DRIVEWAYS AND PATIOS HOLLAND " CONSTRUCTION SF*:VICES ADVICE — DESIGN — INSTALLATION FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS “UNITED. LANDSCAPE SUPPLY. © FREE ESTIMATES: 25 RIVERSIDE ‘QRIVE. NORTH VANCOUVER before the work begins, you will almost surely save yourself time and money down the road. Energy, Mines & Resources Canada publishes a wide range of information designed to help Ca- nadians reduce their home energy costs, increase their comfort levels and incorporate energy efficiency into renovation plans. Publications are available free of charge to homeowners across Canada. Send your request for in- formation to Home Energy Publications, Energy, Mines & Resources Canada, 580 Booth St., Ottawa, Ontario, KIA 0E4. op WHOLESALE” > SPA POOL & SPA CHEMICALS 20% ore oartle & gibson co. itd. 399 Mountain Hichway (2 blocks off Main Street) this A 1 5 i i] i ’ ‘ 8 ‘ *with 4 1 coupon 4 1 t ' ‘ 4 ' ‘ a s 225 East First, North Van. 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