Friday. Apri! 2. 1999 — North Shore News — 43 SCHOO CORTE COSTAE DT OOSOSSO SECC ES DES DOCOE SOE OOOO SSC OOOO EE EOEOEES CEOS HEHE EOE HO SESELLE Children not the cause of most renovati HEAR that hammer- ing, drilling or sawing going on in your neighbourhood? No, it’s not the sound of new homes under consiruc tion, it’s the busy sound of renovation, “We are surprised to learn that over 50% of Vancouver hauscholds intending to ren- ovate are planning te spend more than $2,000 on renova: tions in 1999, and the aver- age expenditure will be $6,000," said CMHC market analyst Cameron Muir, “We know from our sur- vey of 32,000) Vancouver houscholds that nearly half of potential renavators plan on undertaking small ticket items tike painting and wall- papering,” said Muir. “Bot the large amount households intend to spend on renovations suggests more involved projects than do-ir- yourself touch-up painting and wallpapering. It now appears that many house- holds are hiring skilled trades to do this work or else comb- ing painting and wallpapering with other renovations such as flooring or some bath- room/kitchen updating.” Another — surprise for CMHC ts that most house holds intending to renovate are without children. “Since renovation is often induced by growing family size and the wear and tear young families exact upon home interiors, we presumed the majority of renovators would be families with chil dren,” said Muir. “We now know that over the five major urban centres of Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver around half of the households planning to reno- vate are without children. In Vancouver, an astounding O1% of households planning to renovate are without chil dren, “There are a number of reasons for this,” said Muir. “Renovators in Vancouver tend to be older than in other Canadian cities. Over half of Vancouver households plan- ning to renovate are over age 45. The high cost of housing in Vancouver means many home purchases are delayed until adequate down pay- ments and income levels are achieved. “High single family home prices also drive many bas ment conversions, The base- ment suite or ‘mortgage Architecis exhibit art IT takes more than a practical mind to be an architect — it also takes creativity. That's why it isn't surpris- ing that so many architects have artistic talents and inte outside of their prac Architects as Artists, an exhibit of work created through these interests, is on display until April 12 at the Architectural Institute of British Columbia. The celectic exhibit pre- sents intricately designed furniture, leather sculptures, paintings, photographs and photo-based digital prints created by local architects inchiding Arthur Allen, Tina Dhillon, Sid Johnson, John Kay, Scott Kemp. Orto Lejeune, Jacqui Metz and Jonathan Yardley. The AEBC Gallery is located in the Architecture Centre at 100, 440 Cambie St. in Vancouver. Admission to the exhibit is free. helper” has become a neces Sar renovation for SOTTEC houschalds, “Most people undertake renew auons within six months of ther home pur chase, some getting the home ready fora faniily.” said Muir. “On the other hand, many people renovate aftee their children have moved) out, Puimg ina fashionable Kitchen or designer carpets just isat practical with chil- dren at home, given wear and tear and the financial limita- Uons of starting a family, “We know thar Vancomer households consider their home a key investment.” explained Murr. “In general, renovating makes splendid cconomic sense. Updating fixtures and redecorating has real eco homic consequences, provid ing higher property values and greater equity. But what is interesting is that older renovators are most likely making Hifestyle choices, cre- ating the home improve- ing of 15.5% and a drop in new construction of 12%, The deciing in local reno vation spending during 1998 is related to the decline in home sales. “Mobility: plays a critical tole in home renovations because home buvers tend to make significant repairs dur- ing their first few years of ownership,” said Muir. “Even new home buyers, particularly first-time buyers. make changes or additions to their homes.” added Muir. ments they've always wanted. or prepartog their home tor the needs of their senior years.” In) Canada, renovation spending has surp. sed new sonstruction spending every vear siney 1992, Across the country, reno: vation spending reached a record level in 1898, expect: ed te be $22.8 billion. up nearly 4% from the previous year, However, in B.C, CMHC has projected a 1998 decline in renovation spend- NEWS photo Mike Wakefield Club comfort BUYERS of the upscale homes at West Vancouver's Rockcliffe development also receive a membership at Hollyburn Country Club, with tennis courts, a swimming pcol, ice rinks, a fitness centre and more.The Rockcliffe display suite is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 12 to 5 p.m. on weekends. 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