& Summer Furniture, by Tom Carpenter. Firefly Books,
327 pages, $18.95.

Terry Peters
Contributing Writer

THIS aptly named author, Tom Carpenter,
introduces the reader to buiiding our own out-
door furniture.

The combination of form and function are perfectly
blended in all of the practical creations shown in the book.
Carpenter encourages us to make our own alterations to his
plans.

“Modification is not just the soul of outdoor furniture
design, it’s the whole thing.”

This book is geared towards making sturdy useful furni-
ture. Nothing more, nothing less.

Unlike many how-to construction books, it doesn’t leap
from simple to complex projects in the span of a few pages,
instead he sticks to his plan and keeps each piece straight-
forward and buildable for anyone willing to follow the
instructions.

Carpenter takes an uncomplicated and direct approach to
each project, first discussing the special requirements and
materials for it, then providing a step-by-step description for
its construction. Finaliy, comes a complete list of all materi-
als and sizes, along wath a space to draw right in the book
2ny notes or diagrams you might make,

The furniture he chooses to build, such as benches,
tables, planters, are simple and attractive pieces
that would fit into any backyard ;
setting. :

riome

Deana Lancaster

News Reporter
dlancaster@nsnews.com

NEXT time you’re at
Home Hardware in
North Vancouver,
check out the new
home inspection aisle.

OK, it’s not exactly an aisle
.. but the store did introduce
a new. service in January:
HomePro Inspections Ltd.
Jeff London, who owns, oper-
ates and is the sole inspector
for HomePro, said he usually
looks at homes for people
considering a purchase.

“They may not be too su
about the house, or even if
they think everything looks
good, the inspection gives
them peace of mind.”

London, who has a back-
ground in construction and
carpentry and graduated from
the home inspection program
at BCIT, checks the founda-
tion of a home, structure,
interior, exterior and more.

“I make sure it’s safe, that
there are smoke alarms, that
they're working; I check for
faulty electrical; make sure the
decks aren‘t rotten, and rhat
there aren't any gas leaks.” He
can also warn potential buyers
of any repairs that might be
upcoming.

As he does the inspection,
London — photo-documents
the site with a digital camera,
which he says can be usefil for
insurance purposes.

London also does home
inspections for people consid-
ering improvements and for
people who know they need
repairs but want an unbiased
opinion about what needs to
be done.

He says a home inspection
is more valuable than many
people realize.

“CONCEPTS TO COMPLETION”
Any Styie + Any Wood °« Any Finish

Opening by appoiniment
April 3rd/00

Closing effective March 31
97 Lonsdale Ave., North Van
990-8380

PY

#120-18 Gostick Place
(south end of Bewicke)
www.newwerks.com North Van. 990-8380

inspections are k

3

HOME inspector Jeff London makes a note about wood rot on en aging fence.
Getting an inspection helps homebuyers prepave for potential problems and repairs.

Let us help you with your new look
~ at our lowest prices of the year! ~

Wall Satin

30%
sug. retail $39.36

Aqua Velvet Aqua Pearl $39)
$3577 rail $45.92 $3 8%? retail $49.29

Sale prices on all top of tie line Benjamin Moore Paints

A STROKE O

_, 1491 Marine Drive, West Van 922-2641 _