Steps to consider for any home renovation project RENOVATING YOUR home can be an exciting and rewarding process. Whether you are making modest changes in one or two rooms or you are transforming the entire house into the dream of a lifetime. the process can be pleasant and smooth — if you take the time to plan your project carefully. Steve Leckie. chairman of the Renovation Committee atthe Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA), suggests that homeowners can ensure a suc- cessful-renovation if they follow these steps: & Do your homewerk. Advance: research is the key to getting what‘you really want. Study magazines and books to get an idea of the look you want. Visit home shows.and display “rooms to find out what products are _ available. Talk'to friends, family ‘members and colleagues who have renovated recently. Consider your lifestyle and the needs of your fam- “ily, both in the short and long term. - Find out how-much you can afford. If you are thinking about using outside funds, discuss your borrow- ing.needs and options with your ‘lender. You will probably find. that there-are many financing possibili- ties to consider, from personal ‘loans and lines ‘of credit to home equity loans and homeowners’ ‘mortgages. ‘Mi Look for a Professional renova- ter. _» For appropriate service and high-quality results, hire a profes- “sional renovator. Cail the GVHBA . ‘vide alternative id at 590-5256 for a list of member renovitors in the Greater Vancouver area. Ask family and friends for ree- ommendations. Drive around your neighborhood to see who is reno- vating. then talk to the homeowners about their project. @ Get estimates. Chtain Ovo or tree different bids: more are usually not required. Make sure that you provide all the renovators with the same detailed information, [t is important that they bid on the same job or you will not be able to compare esti- mates, This information could be a description of the job including sketches, drawings. photographs and measurements. Be honest and open about your budget. The renovator will be able to.make suggestions that will help “ou stay within you budget or pro- eas to stretch your dollars. . & Check references. Doir't omit this step just because you are too busy or “they scem like ‘the right person for the job.” Call the GVHBA, the renovator's previ- ous clients, the bank and the build- ing supply.-store to ensure that you are making the right choice. @ Work out a contract. Don’t automatically. take the lowest bid, unless you are certain that the renovator has properly understood what you want. * Sometimes low bids tum out to be- the most expensive in the end. if you accept the renovator’s offer, it’s time to write up the con- tract. Even the simplest. of jobs ‘LOOKING AT BUILDING? | Quality custom Built Homes: ELL ENT. INC. . Custom Bultt Homes from byt) sq.ft. depending on design We also provide a ‘consulting service in building your own home, covering ve Payments: : Products * Trades * insurance ° WCB «City Hall, ete... ae alee a — _— Gas | Insert ; Sf ty INSTA-FLAME _. Models FSDV30 and FS30 Free Standing Gas Fireplaces should be outlined in wriling because the contract is the basis of understanding between you and your renovator. Remember that if something is not in the contract, then it’s your responsibility. Have a lawyer examine the contract before you sign il. @ Pian how you will live during the renovation. Careful planning can greatly minimize inconvenience of living in the midst of renovation. ‘Talk to your renovator about the schedule of work to be done and how your daily routine might be affected. For instance, will the water be turned off for any length of time? Do you need to set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the home? Can major work be done in stages so you always have some liveable space? Discuss your expee- tadions of the work crew and deter- mine the work environment. The crew needs access to wash- room facilities, telephones, water and electricity. Decide which arcas of your home are off-limits. It is a good idea to let your neighbors know that you are going to be renovating. Show them your plans and explain how long the work will be going on. Establish 4 good working rela- tionship with your renovator. A good working relationship is a vital ingredient in successful reno- vation projects. Mutual trust is essential. Keep lines of communication open at all times. 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