Homeowners want honest contractors Survey shows cost doesn’t raie as a high priority Homeowners who conipleted a sur- vey ata recent seminar on home renovation cited honesty, reliability and references as their three most important considerations when choosing a contractor. Speasored by the Renovation Council of tue Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVEHBA), BoC. Hydro, BUC. Gas and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the popular seminir g hemeowners through the pitfalls and jous the renovation process, including design and planning, municipal requirements, legal and contracts, selecting a ren- ovator and living through a renovation. “The survey helped us to determine trends in preferences and expecta- tions. For example, 59% of respondents revealed they would definitely hire a contractor, while 29% indicated — they would likely hire a con- tractor rather than tackle the job themselves. Who to hire proved to be a major concern to them, considering the many shady opera- tors,” said GVHBA Chief Operating Officer Peter Simpson. Simpson said more than 51 billion will be spent on home renovations in 1998 by Vancouver-area homeowners, so it is crucial that homeowners do their homework before they sign on the bottom line. “Last year cost was number two on the respondents” list of key considerations. This year cost dropped to seventh as respondents SUSSEX REALTY Shelley Luther 984-9711 FABULOUS. PEMBERTON LOCATION LLOYD REGENCY Enjoy the sunsets from this southwest corner unit located on the top floor, views downtown and out fo the f islands. Other features of this home are wide hallways, insuite taundry, huge open kitchen for entertaining wi closet off master with semi-ensuite. This bright taste- g fully decorated home also features many extras includ- ing gas tireptace, west facing balcony and is very, very private. To top this is the balance of the new home war- tanty. Call now Ken Spong 984-9711. #302 1085 WEST 17TH ST. UPPER LONSDALE VIEW SUITE Large southwest comer suite with views to downtown and West Van. This 2 bedroom loft apt boasts 4 bright and spacious living space of over 1270 sq.ft. with 16 foot vaulted ceilings. Other features included are W/B fireplace, recent carpets, updated flooring in kitchen & bath, and new insuite digital washer & dryer. You will not find 2 beds & 2 baths, view, loft and fireplace very often in Upper Lonsdale for this price! #302-101 EAST 29TH ST. “The survey helped us to determine the Yes, trends in preferences and expectations. For example, 59% ... revealed they would definitely hire a contractor.” placed qiere satye on honesty and guality work.” said Stimpson. Other survey findings included: B What tepe of renavation are vou planaing? Basement, 2 kitchen, 23%. bathroom, 23% major addition, 21S. family room, 18%; energy retrotit, 17%. home office, 3%: specral needs 2%, @ How much money spend on vour renovatio $1,000-$10,000, 15%: $10,000- $20,000, 32%, $29,000-$35,000, 29%, $35,000-$50,000, 12%: $350,000-S60,000, OX; $60,000+, 6%. re vou planning to BW Will vou aced financ- ing help to complete vour renovation? 1 No, Maybe, se B Do vou plan on hir- ing a contractor for your 49%; 12 @ What are vour most important considera- tions when choosing a contractor? Honesty, 17%; reliabili- tv, 14%; references, 14%; experience, 13%; quality, 12%, communica- tion, 11%, cost, 9%; reputation, 8%; value, 7%; trust, 6%; compatibility, 6%; protessional- ism, 4%. B Would vou be willing to spend a portion of your renovation budget to make vour home more energy efficient? Yes, 73%; No, 6%: Maybe, 21%. B Would you be willing to spend 2 portion of rnovation budget to improve vour *s indoor air quality? Yes, 56%; No, 16%; Maybe, 28%. Ken Spong 984-9711 IMPRESSIVE PRINCESS PARK Custom designed 3 {evel traditional residence with a natural setting on a quiet cul-de-sac. This nome features 4 bedrooms up plus huge rec room over triple garage, massive master suite with WA closel & sepa- rate entry to deck. Other features curved staircase, vaulted ceilings, lofts, den sewing room, family room off sundrenched kitchen. Over 4700 sq_ft. on 2 levels. Down is over 2200 sq.ft. unfinished with indoor swim- ming poo! & a tevel 1/4 acre lot. A very sare home. 787 E. ST. JAMES CENTRAL LONSDALE LOCATION Excellent 3 levei townhome with its own doutis car garage. This 2 bedroom and den townhome with over 1650 sq ft. offers 3 bathrooms, gas fireplace, family room off kitchen and a view to Lions Gate bridge. Other features are extensive use of tile, lots of storage, new ensuite laundry, BA vacuurn and much, much more. Absolutely immaculate! #2-2057 ST. GEORGES AVE. Sussex Group - $.R.C. Realty Corporation North Vancouver 984-9711 SUSSEX REALTY OPEN SUN 2-4 DESIGNER SUITE Beautiful south facing suite in popular Central Lonsdale bidg. Customized at construction w/exten- sive use of tile and designer finishings to give that special touch. Close to Seabus, Lonsdale Quay. F/P sunny patio. Two thumbs up. 128 WEST 8TH STREET, N.VAN SUSSEX GROUP GEOFF WHITE REALTY LTD. "RAND GATZKE 984-9711 aN 0 | git - = Se VIEWS - PRIVACY EXCITING CONTEMPORARY Super energy efficient coritemporary on cul-de-sac. Superior quality through- out. South-westerly exposure with fantastic views. 4 bdrms [upstairs]. Gorgeous kitchen + adjoining family room. H/W radiant heat. 3 gas fireplaces. Huge [16x12'] Conservatory with hot tub & fireplace. Many extras. Hurry - this won't last! ADO60 45 SWEETWATER PL. LIONS BAY 2108 QUEENSBURY 4ST OPEN SUN 2:30-4:30 ~ Brand new custom built ~ Fabulous 4 bdrm & den - Lg kitchen wiistand ~ Spacious master wielegant ensuite ~ Professionally landscaped — Corner lot ~ $438,900 - faa | CLASSY CONDOMINIUM “4210 STARLIGHT BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY ~ Tastefully updated ~ Views of city — Huge family room ~ 2 bdrm — Views: & water & Mni. ~ 5 bedrooms - - TH . Approx. 5000 sq. tt. Spectacular!!! ~ End unit S/E corner — Gourmet kitchen - $799,000 Sussex Group — S.R.C. Realty Corporation North Vancouver 984-9711 West Vancouver 925-2911 na een see cenmarnpaeect tt ce : ‘ wa,