WHILE TACKLING THE JOB YOUR- SELF MIGHT SEEM TO BE THE MOST ECONOMICAL APPROACH, FEW PEOPLE HAVE THE MULTITUDE OF SKILLS NECESSARY TO DO THE JOB. KITCHENS AND baths are the two most expensive and time con- suming rooms to remodel, yet they are also the most popular. What makes people want to re-do these rooms, despite the budgetary and time factors? The kitchen has long been regarded as the heart of the home: it’s the room where families and friends get together to eat and so- cialize. A pleasant environment adds to the ambience. On the other hand, a recent study of bath remodelling custom- ers showed that their primary reason for remodelling was to create a room that they ‘would be proud to have guests see, Whatever the reason for remodelling, careful planning is essential to achieve satisfactory results. While tackling the job yourself might seem to be the most economical approach, few people have the multitude of skills neces- sary to do the job — plumbing, carpentry, flooring and electrical. In perspective, hiring profes- sionals may indeed be less costly. The remodelling process is com- pleted more quickly, meaning less disruption of family life and eating meals out. In addition, expensive do-it- yourself errors are eliminated. Fi- nally, the result is a kitchen or INNOVATIVE 13 ~ Friday, August 8, 1986 - SUPPLEMENT TO HOME & GARDEN THINKING OF REMODELLING? Consult a kitchen/ bath _ a _ North Shore News professional THE CHALLENGE of a too-small kitchen can be overcome with the help of a kitchen professional. In this award-winning design, the designer recessed the refrigerator to free up floor space. Opening the wall created an airy feeling. bath that looks like a professional job. Referrals from friends and neighbors who have had similar jobs done is one good way to look for a firm to install a new kitchen or bath. Other sources include newspaper ads or dealer listing ads in national magazines. After finding a reputable dealer, visit the showroom to see what’s available. The introductory meeting, where you discuss generalities with an expert, usually costs nothing. Fees come into play when you commission a floor plan and rendering of what your new kitch- en or bath will look like. This design fee will be included in the overall cost of the remodell- ing, if you decide to proceed. If not, you will have paid only for the drawings, which you can use if you decide to proceed later or sell with the house. If you do proceed, a designer will visit your home to take measurements and discuss what specific elements, colors and equipment you want included in your new kitchen or bath. He or she will draw up a plan for your review. After signing a contract, cabi- nets will be ordered. The industry rule of thumb is 40 per cent pay- ment when signing the contract, 50 per cent when work commences and 10 per cent upon completion. How much does an average kitchen or bath remodelling cost? The situation can be equated to a car purchase. You can buy a Chevy or a Cadillac. Both provide transporta- tion but you pay more for the lux- ury version. STYLING for your own persorial tast Satisfy your own individual taste with in- novative Kitchen Craft styling ideas for your new kitchen. Let us show you the complete seicction of cabinet doorstyles and colors available. SPECIAL PRIGES ON DISPLAY APPLIANCES SPECIALIZING IN CANADIAN & EUROPEAN DESIGNED CABINETS Complete Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Services Summer Sale New Curve Door and Oak Door styles 20% off LET US HELP YOU DESIGN A NEW OR REMODELLED BATHROOM OR KITCHEN FOR FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES, CALL 984-9741 OR VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT: 106 W. 3rd STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER 1674 S.E. Marine Drive Vancouver 321-4343