26 ~ Friday, November 18, 1988 - North Shore News AN IMPORTANT decision on any renovation project is whether to do the work yourself or to hire a con- tractor. In the euphoria of planning some exciting improvements to your home, there may be a tendency to underestimate the complexity of the job and to overestimate your expertise. While savings and satisfaction can result from doing it yourself, perhaps some jobs should be left to profes- sionals. Consider the foilowing points when making your decision. eCheck your local building authorities. Jobs involving plumb- - ing, wiring or heating systems must at least be inspected and some jurisdictions require that these tasks be done by certified tradespeople. eCan you realistically fit the renovation into your existing schedule? If the house is topsy- turvy for an extended period, you may not win the Family Peace Prize. @ Have you had recent experi- ence exercising the skills you will need for the task at hand? If previous appearances in the role of home handyperson netted you more catcalls than curtain calls, perhaps you shculd consider hiring some expert assistance. *® Do you have access to ali the tools you will need? If you have to NOVEMBER SALE Woo! Super Sleeper from New Zealand. CRIB SINGLE DOUBLE QUEEN KING 2d Grey Down Quilts European outer shell (100% cotton) SINGLE DOUBLE QUEEN rent or buy specialized equipment, take this into account when costing the job. ¢ Will you really save money? Get accurate information on the potential savings of a_ do-it- yourself project. Add up the price of materials and possible expenditures for tools, then compare this to written quotes from contractors. In some cases, the savings may not be suf- ficient to compensate for your own time and hammer damage to your” thumbs. Maybe a combination of under- taking the work you are familiar with and contracting out more specialized tasks would be the best route to a quality job that is also affordable. If you have made the decision to hize a contractor, the real work still lies ahead. Finding the right contractor and ensuring that the work is completed to your satisfac- tion requires time, care and close attention to details. To avoid problems of inade- quate workmanship of unfinished jobs, take the following steps in the contracting process. 1. Develop a short list of potential contracters. You may know of a suitable contractor by reputation or a previous job but unless you are Complete Alarm Equipment Packages from =249 = © Residentlai and Commercial & « Licensed Installations m ° Froe Estimates & * Monitoring i ° Keys, Locks and Security mM Hardware f ¢ Do-it-yourself or we can § provide installation 980 Marine Drive North Vancouver tors. Ask your family, friends and neighbors to recommend a com- pany or individual and consult the See Carefully completely comfortable with the Page 27 costs and workmanship, it’s usual- ly wise to consider several contrac- PRE-SEASON SALE __LAST TWO WEEKS ..the look of 18th century country manors by Thomasville Fisher Park recalls the refined. gentle lifestyle of the gentleman farmer on both sides of the Atlantic. From colonial American plantations and English country manors come the classic influences for this traditional furniture design. Crafted in pecan solids and richly figured pecky pecan veneers, Fisher Park pieces are finished in a deep, nut-brown hue, enriched with golden undertones. The patina of the finish recalls carefully tended antiques. Even the gleaming brass hardware conspires to create the look of fine family family heirlooms. When you look at the tradition-cich Fisher Park bedroom, dining room, occasional tables and library system collections, you can be confident that you are looking at another kind of tradition too. It's the tradition that has made the name Thomasville synonomous with quality. Left to Right: Left Facing Curio End, 24x18. 80h Regular $2.999.95 Sale $2,399.00 Corner Tie-In Units, each unit: 14x14, 80h Regular $1,699.95 Sale $1359.00 Entertainment Center, 38x24, 80h Regular $1,599.00 Sale $1,279.00 Home Electronics Center by Thomasville E LF Ars at o Os THOMASVILLE GALLERY Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. ta5 p.m. 4240 Manor Street Burnaby, B.C. (1/2 block west Sunday 32 Naon te $ p.m. of Villa Sheraton Hotel) 435-5566 The upper section of the Entertainment Center features a removable shelf. a pull-out VCR shelf and a pull-out swivel TV shelf behind pocket doors. Just below is a drawer for tapes. Behind the lower doors is one stationary shelf, one removable shelf and record storage. Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. With proper perscnal and professional care, they will. Without it, they don't stand a chance. CANADIAN UPNEAL ASSOUIATION