The joys of home renovation . AS YOU begin gathering ideas and developing a vision, home renovation can become quite a unique and personal experi- ence. This is an exciting time as your imagination can roam freely as you try ideas out in your mind, sketch them on paper. and visit home shows and display rooms to see what is available, Some homeown- ers spend months, and even years, dreaming and planning. Turning your vision into reality can be an equally exciting and satis- tying experience, and using the ser- vices of a professional renovator will help to make your renovation a success. Knowing some of the do's and don'ts of working with a profes- sional renovator paves the way for a smooth project ‘and satisfying results. : THE DO's * Do get a professional renovator involved early in your renovation .. planning. Talking with professional ‘renovators up front can help you ~"S$ave time and money, and put your project on the right track — get ball- -park estimates, suggestions — for _ improving your plans, and advice on ‘the need for design work, working '. drawings, and permits. * Do. provide renovators with the .. same information when you ask for - bids. ; 1. °.The bids prepared by different - contractors’ should be based on the. -same.clear and consistent informa- - _-tion, otherwise you will not be able to compare bids: and decide who -Offers the greatest value and quality for the price.”; :*: Do’ pay: attention to. your “gut. hunch”: when you hire a renovator. . _- Personal. fit. between you and the ‘Tenovator: is; a vital ingredient in your renovation -— you need to hire someane who understands your needs and fifestyle. * Do check references before you sign a contract. Talking with renova- lors’ past and current clients, bunks and suppliers will let you know if you are dealing with a professional renovator. Also, cheek with the local Home Builders’ Association to veri- fy that the renovaiors are members, and with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that there are no outstand- ing complaints registered against them. * Do plan how you will live during the renovation. Don't get taken by surprise once the work begins, and your home turns into a beehive of activity, Sit down in advance with your renovator and discuss your expecta- tions of the crew, the rules of the house, the renovator’s needs (access to facilities, temporary storage space, uncluttered work environ- ment) and your needs (the ability to carry on with your daily routine). * Do accept the unpredictable. Even the best-laid plans can go off course. Bad weather, materials that are sud- denly not available, surprises and challenges uncovered in your home as work begins . ... these things do happen, and your renovator will do his/her very best to keep your reno- vation on track. THE DON'TS * Don’t automatically take the low-. est bid. The consumer adage that “you get what you pay for" also tends to hold true for renovation. Sometimes, a bid that is consider- ably lower than the rest is an indica- tion that the renovator may not have ‘understood what you want, or sim-, ply ‘doesn’t have the experience needed to quote on your job. If you “arc tempted by the low bid, check it European engineered and custom made to conform to your : We invite you to our factory/showroom So you can _,See for yourself the comfort and quality of the ~ FLEXWOOD CUSTOM SLEEP SYSTEM. BLEXWOO Beeb “SLEEP SYSTEM out carefully, compare it with the other bids, and don’t hesitate to stsk the other renovators who submitted bids to explain why theirs are high- cr. > Don't hire a “fly-by-night” or “under-the-table” renovator, Don't leave yourself vulnerable to finan- cial loss and personal liability, Avoid a renovator who has no busi- ness card or address, who knocks on your door offering you a special cash deal or who cannot, or will not, give you any references, * Dow t ever work without a con- tract, even for the simplest job, With atcontract, you have a legally bind- ing agreement describing the nature of the job, the materials to be used, the permits needed and the responsi- bilities of you and the renovator. (Loak to next Weduesday's North Shore News for a special Home Faprovement feature.) CORRECTION NOTICE in our B1-2 Valentine's flyer, Champagne Spray on page 4 should read 20 ml. $48. Papillon Blanc Baby Tee & Boy Leg Brief on page 6; La Lingerie 3-pack Briefs & 5-Pack Bikinis on page 9; Life-Like Potted Flowers on page 37 will be fate - rainchecks will be available at the store. Lifestyler Video Rewinder & Fuji T-120 Video Tape 6-Pack on page 47, prices in effect from wan Feb. 6th to Mon., Feb. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. THE VICTORIA LAMPSHADE SHOP Wholesale, Retail and Custom Mfg. Manufacturers of the largest selection of lampshades in B.C. and also specialists in custom hand-sewn silk shades and expert recovering. See our many styles. of table and floor lamps as well: 3955 Oak Street (near King Edward Avenue)’ Vancouver 733-4900 As part of Chamber of Commerce Week, and to promote Career and Education Awareness we are proud to present: ; After the J Comes the February Remnants. Pine items still to be cleared _ 60x40 Harvest table (trade in) Matching 4 chairs (trade in) Welsh Dresser ° 36x24 Desk/Table : 72x36x24D TV. 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