§2 - Friday, December 11, 1987 - North Shore News Renovate or relocate? “TO RELOCATE or reno- vate?” This is the question. Apologies to Shakespeare, but when a home fails to meet the needs of the owner, relocation or renovation is often the question. If your home is the right size, but not suited to your lifestyle, renovating may be a simple affair: enlarging the kitchen at the expense of the family room, or making a master bedroom out of two small bedrooms are good examples of relatively easy and inexpensive upgrading jobs. However, if extensive renovation or enlargement is what is necessary, the pro- ject may turn out to be dif- ficult and costly. Moving to a new home may be the only reasonable alternative, and that decision should be bas- ed on your requirements and your budget. As with any project in- volving a substantia! amount of moncy, a clear understanding of your goals and a well-thought-out plan to reach ticn are prere- quisites. Your home is prob- ably your largest asset and the decision you make should be the one that not only meets your immediate and long-term needs, but secures your future invest- “ment, too. ; Start by assessing your home and its location. Is your house too big, or too small? Is it close to shopp- ing? Does the layout suit your lifestyle? Are other homes in the neighborhood appreciating in value, or is CANYON the neighburhood deteriorating? Are you planning to have a larger family? If your present property meets all your requirements with the exception of size and design, renovating may be the solution. However, do an objective evaluation of the cost in terms of con- stiuction, inconvenience and the impact on the future vaiie of your home before you decide that renovating is really more feasible than moving. To find out the ramifica- tions of any of your deci- sions, talk to your real estate agent before you act. He can assess the current market value of your home and ad- vise you. on the effect renovations will, have on your home's future value. In addition he can make approximate -cost com- parisons between your cur- rent home, your renovated home and a new home. For instance, you might find that the renovations you are considering will make your house the most expen- sive in the neighborhood. You may not be able to recoup their cost when you sell because the value of a home is tied to the value of the area in which it is located. ; Your second step is to describe in detail what renovations you want to do and how much they will cast. Make sure that your changes do not _ infringe upon zoning bylaws and building standards. , ‘ ce HEIGHTS Discuss your ideas with a contractor or architect who will give you estimates on materials and labor costs. A good rule of thumbd is that renovations typically cost anywhere from $20 to $35 per square foot for a kitchen or a bathroom, and up to $50 to $100 per square foot for a major job like an addi- tion. Also find out how long construction will take. If the renovations are ex- tensive, it may be best for you and your family to check into a hotel while the work is being done. Be sure to allow for this expense and add it to your list of costs. Comparing the costs and benefits of renovating with those of moving to a new house may assist you in your decision. The assessment of your current house will provide a good guide to what you will need in a new home. Remember, the more precise you are in describing your needs the easier it will be for your real estate agent to show you suitable proper- ties. ; In addition, don’t forget such hidden moving ex- penses as new drapes or ap- pliances and decorating costs. Consider, too, the amount of time it will take to sell your house and pur- chase another — on average . from two to six months. Only after considering all the alternatives will you know if moving is to be or not to be. Courtesy of Royal LePage Residential Real Estate) ROYAL LEPAGE 1221 LONSDALE AVE. N. VANCOUVER ANNE GEARY Bus: 985-9544 Res: 988-3205 a PRESOTNTS GOLD anWanD bd FEATURE HOMES WEST COAST CONTEMPORARY Delightful home with all the trimmings, close to everything. See you Sat. or Sun. 1248 Frederick. KIRKSTONE AREA Excellent condition, full basement, quiet yel con- venient location. Phone me. 42,000 % CHRISTMAS SPECIAL $79,900 2 bedrooms, 1% baths, almost 1000 sq.ft., fireplace, be in your own suite in time for Christmas. Open Sun. 2-4, #210-341 West 3rd St., quiet side of building. TEMPE HEIGHTS Lots of charm here! Full basement, large coun- try kitchen, great workshop, lovely private garden. Come see for yourself Sunday. 440 Tempe Cres. A proven sales record with over 100 sales in 1987 O. 985-8231 Superb 66" sunny south facing private lot plus a beautifully maintained 1 owner home with fully developed basement. Includes 4 bedrooms (2 down) plus den. $150's. 3 BDRM STRATA. eens Seen ~ ie ‘DOUGLAS HOUSE’ TONY ROSSETTI H. 980-0243 Enka ft tar pacine ap GREAT STARTER Three bedroom ranch style home with part basement, 2 full baths, (master ensuite), economical hot water heat, and a 59° level fenced lot. Calf now. $120,000. a a ee I ae ‘SIMPLY SENSATIONAL GOOD VALUE One level 3 bdrm strata suite with parking at your * front door. Includes insulite laundry and storage too. Must be sold, receivership. Offers to $75,900. Mats wy oy ¢ Great west of Lonsdale Delbrook location. In- cludes a super new oak kitchen, a family room vith fireplace and an 80' potentially subdividable wt. $157,500. Located in the fabulous Douglas House this sun- ny west corner 2 bdrm, 1000 sq.ft. suite has a gas burning fireplace and a very generous siz- ed master bedroom. $97,590. - a a TRADITIONAL CHARM - Not your average home. An exciting blend of con- temporary flalr and the warmth and charm of a traditional home. 4 levels, 3 bdrms, 3 full bathrooms, hot tub and more. $175,000. Spacious and luxurious 2 bdrm, 1% bathroom, sunny south facing suite with gas fireplace, in- suite laundry, and superb finishing. $99,500. - GRAND BOULEVARD Character hume lovers see this Grand Boulevard 4 bdr home with cross hall dining room, gracious living room and new oak. kitchen. $190's. Spotlessly maintained 4 bdrm (2 down), central- ly located home with gleaming hardwood floors, 2 full baths, and a super double garage with at- tached wo Nhotaee : a ‘4 UPPER DELBRO Cul-de-sac located 4 bdrm Cape Cod in superior Delbrook location. includes a fabulous indoor pool. $260's.