76 ~ Friday, tober 28, 1988 - North Shore N=ws REAL HISTATE INVESTIGATIVE WORK Look at foundation before buying home AS A homeowner, one of the most costly yet least an- ticipated expenses one can encounter is foundation repair. While most buildings have insignificant settlement and small foundation cracks, a little easy investigative work can reduce the chances of unknowingly purchasing a home with significant struc- tural problems. A_ hefty repair bill soon after a recent purchase can be devastating. An attitude of informed, watchful expectancy is your best defense. Before buying a home, know the area. Foundation problems occur commonly in buildings erected over land fills, on hillsides, or on soft materials such as peat. Make a visual inspection of the house starting from the street and concentrate on examining all vertical and horizontal structures for plumb and level. Look at windows, doors, posts, walls and siding. any part of the structure comparing the levels anc plumb with adjacent struc- tures or other buildings. Walk around the building and carefully examine all concrete, stucco and mason- ry work. AH are dead giveaways for settling as they have poor tensile strength, are rigid and tend to crack rather than bend with settl- ing. Examine all of the foun- dations for cracks, tipping or the staining of water penetration. Check side- walks, patio slabs and basement floors for cracking and separation from adja- cent walls. : If any of these structures have been recently renewed ask why. Go inside the house and examine all openings in any walls for corner cracks or repairs of the finished sur- faces. Check especially for bowing, buckling, twisting of all opening door frames. Open and close the doors and windows, including cupboards and closets. Look for sticking, bending or signs of recent planing or hinge adjustment. Stoop and examine the fireplace and fireboxes for any cracks or separation at the adjacent floor or walls. If your inspection reveals the presence of any of the above signs, it is wise to get an assessment by a compe- tent structural repair specialist. The specialist will be adept at detection of such problems and will provide you with a report outlining any necessary remedial repairs together with a cost estimate for such work. RASMUSSEN | OPEN HOUSE SAT. 2-4 988-2666 ie 3444 CHURCH ST. - $144,900 125-127 WEST Zard STREET NORTH VANCOUVER Two new residences in this desirable Cen. Lonsdale location, steps from Rec. Centre, shops & testaurants. Features two very spac. bdrms., both with their own full baths. Mod. kitchen has bay window, adjoining fam. m., 5 appl’s. L-shaped liv. and din. rm., gas FIP. Single det. garage and ex- tra parking for yous beat or trailer. The 30x100 lot is beautifulty I'caped. Full price: only $159,000. a " " CHARLES WHEATER 925-1111, 686-6736 Classifieds Sell Compare all parallel structures on each side of the building. Starting at the roof peak, move to the fascia at the edge of the roof then to all the windows and so on. 986-6222 * Immaculate condition * 4/5 bedrooms on 2 levels @* Quiet, central location la * Fenced rear yard . . Kel * Fantastic city & harbour view * Completely renovated * 3 large beds - over 1600 sq.ft.! * Big balcony and your own rear garden * Nearly new kitchen and carpets If something appears slightly untrue do not hesi- tate to go and sight along $86-0124 Res. z You'll feel right at home the moment you step into this § outstanding side-split level on a family perfect tree-lined cul-§f - 5 de-sac of fine homes. Beat winter blues with the security, # comfort and happiness this home offers — 3 bdrms., 38 B baths, 2 fireplaces, country kitchen, cozy family room and& § combined formal living & dining complement this serene § § package — extra large fenced private manicured yard, too! § § 1256 Eastview Dr. (off Rufus or 16th & Mountain) or call f fer private showing. ; BRIAN McDANIEL 986-9321 Office THIS HOME SAYS 1 COME IN ! —* Assumable fow interest mortgage! IN NORTH VANCOUVER CONTAINS 2-3BR units on 2 levels 2% baths & 3 balconies. (1560 sq.ft.) &2 -3 BR units on grade (825 sq.ft.) EACH UNIT HAS... | Wood burning fireplaces, & in suite laundry. 2085 INCOME $34,620 per annum EXPENSES $4698 per annum NET INCOME $29922 per annum ASKING $339,000 If you want a 10 year old duplex for an investment, in excellent condi- tion with exceptional tenants then BILL BABCOCK res: 922-2208 off: 263-1433 #501-1930 BELLEVUE AVE.