From page 17 story. Roughly-squared joists, perhaps with bark still on them, betoken a house built when the area was first cleared of trees. An unusually large bathroom in an old house was probably once a small bedroom — and_ indicates that indoor plumbing was installed well after the house was built. So the first thing to do is discover what you have to work with. © Have interior walls been moved? Look for vertical tines in the plaster. els this the original porch? A pale vertical stripe on the wall and faint traces of paint in the brick mean it isn’t. * How was the original floor finished? Pry up a corner of the floor covering and find out. @ Have any doors or windows been blocked up — or added? Pay attention to the finishing and Proportions of existing doors and windows. An oddly-placed open- ing might have been added later, or perhaps it once had a mate that has since been bricked over. @ What are the walls made of? Plaster or panels, wallboard or drywall — these give the best clues to the activities of previous renovators. © Where are the original stove- pipe holes and fireplaces? Know- ing this will save you the expense and risk of installing new ones. Let the results of this examina- tion, not just your imagination, guide vour work. Take the simple, conservative approach. Remember, you bought the old place because its features and design appealed to you. Plan your work, concentrating on your house’s special features: ® renew surviving design and dec- oration elements, uncover details and features buried by previous renovators; ® choose and maintain the most important details — those that most clearly define the character, . such as door frames, fireplaces and stairs; and © design new elements in the spirit and style of the original features. When you understand the struc- ture and features of your house, itll be obvious which projects should be done first. Don’t let the lack of ready cash dictate the quality of the work. Wait until you have more funds before undertaking another priority pro- ject or do most of the work yourself, If your house is historically significant, or a fine example of Film series set for March A NEW four-part film — series featuring Billy Graham is having its Canadian premiere at the North Shore Neighborhood House gymnasium. The Hope series will be shown at 7 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. on each of the first four Saturdays in March. Hope for the Family runs on March 2, Hope for the Lonely is on March 9. Hope for Forgiveness will be shown March 16, and the series concludes with Hope for Commitment on March 23. The films are being shown by the South Lonsdale Mission at 225 &. 2nd St., North Vancouver. “There will be music and all ure welcome,” says organizer Jeff Zak. ‘Admission is free to the public and seating is available for 250." For more information, call 980-5514 or 988-6923, 20 - Friday, March 1, 1991 - North Shore News its style of architecture, it might be a designated property — or perhaps it should be! Your local historical association and the re- cords staff of your township or municipality will be able to help, both with research and informa- tion abou; heritage designation. Grants and loans are available to rehabilitate heritage properties, but owners have to sign easements to protect the public’s investment. Consider the legal implications carefully before applying for heritage funding. Look at the benefits of sensible HOME & GARDEN Work should concentrate on the unique rehabilitation: ®you save money and achieve more with the money you've spent; * you protect the value of your house, much of which lies in the quality of its design, construction and maintenance; ® you preserve the character of your area, cultivate good relations with your neighbors, obey zoning regulations; and * you help protect our national heritage. And you thought you were just going to fix up a house! Nay Nt rr AR ea, GOOD FENCES — FREE ESTIMATES -— DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & REPAIR. . FENCES, DECKS &-PATIOS Serving North & West Vancouver, Call Bub: 980-4506 alll ; Pearl Lanire ; . ELEGANT INTERIORS BEGIN WITH BENJAMIN MOORE PAINTS OUR HIGHEST QUALITY INTERIOR PRODUCTS __ \ | / ALL INSTOCK 0, WALLPAPER .., 10% ALL INSTOCK $549 BORDERS Schumacher ._| Sanderson ALL BOOK ORDERS over 500 books 0-30. OUR COLOR MATCHING EXPERT So you think you've got a hard-to- match color? Moore’s Computer challenge! Just bring in your sample — whether it's fabric, wallpaper or aimost any decorating material — and our computer will give you an accurate paint-cole-; match in minutes. ~ a. .