76 ~ Friday. June 4. 1999 - North Shore News

- Buyers: beware of
‘Character’ flaws

WHEN shopping for a home, it’s
easy to be swayed by that big
back yard or cathedral ceiling —
those features that give the house
its character.

That “character” however, could be
masking potentially serious and costly
problems that only a trained eye can
detect.

An excited homebuyer might not real-
ize that the fresh coat of paint in the hall
could be covering a water stained area
where water has leaked through the root.

Falling in love at first sight often blinds
homebuyers to detects otherwise poten-
tially detected by a home inspector. Just
like a marriage proposal, buying a home
can be a lifelong commitment.

A qualified home inspector can look
beyond surface esthetics to assess hundreds
of items in a home and provide the

Prospective buyer with a detailed report of

the findings.

“In many instances, new homeowners
are shocked by the unexpected repair bills
generated by problems after the sale,” says
Edmond Kett, director of business devel-
opment, AmeriSpec of Canada. “A thor-
ough inspection of the home prior to pur-
chase can make the buyer aware of any
problems within the home and give the
opportunity to negotiate a satisfactory
salution prior to closing.

“During cach home inspection our
inspectors must answer three key ques-
tions,” says Kerr. “Does the home appear
sound? Are all major mechanical systems
working properly, such as air conditioning,
heating, plumbing and electrical systems?
and, is the home safe? If an inspector can
answer these important questions satistac-
torily, the buyer will have the confidence
they need to make a commitment.”

JIM

Many problems an inspector may find
are satety related, such as improper wiring,
the need for handrails, or the presence of
hazardous materials such as lead paint.
Other potential problems may be structur-
ai in nature, such as the foundation, inade-
quate framing or an inefficient venting svs-
tem.

Bur how is a prospective homebuyer
able to know if'a home inspector is quali-
tied?

The Canadian Association of Home
Inspectors recommends a qualified home
inspector conduct a home inspection.

The inspector should provide a com-
prehensive written report and buyers
should join the inspection to learn more
abaur care and maintenance of the home.

Renovation tour
next weekend

EVER been curious abeut other peoples’
renovations?

Next Sunday, June 13, vou can spend the
day wandering around other peoples’ pro-
tessionally renovated homes, at the Greater
Vancouver Home Builders’ Association
Parade of Renovated Homes. For $3, visit
10 homes throughout the Lower Mainland
from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Pick up your pass-
port at the first home you visit.

The homes are at: 535 E. First St., North
Van; 2543 Woodland Drive, Vancouver; 4
Simon Fraser Court, Port Moody; 812
Grover Ave., Coquitlam; 1620 Spray Ave.,
Coquitlam, 700 Appian Way, Coquitlam,
12852 - 98A Ave., Surrey; 12553 Pinewood
Cres., Surrey; 11540 - 96 Ave., North
Delta; 5160 Chiff Place, Tsawwassen.

CHRIS

HEMPHILL CHUANG

728-2620

SOMERSET GREEN 55

Cell: 649-1839
Hh ORG

205-6630

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o

ZONE 32]

Bright south facing condo with awesome city &
water view. Beautifully updated including Terra
Cotta tiling, pine & fir floors. Renovated kitchen
with Corian counters. #210-170 E. 3rd St.

$265,900

SMARTER STARTER

Walk to the beach only 2 blocks to Deep Cove. |

Almost 1500 sq.ft. Features wood burning fire-

a place, terraced patios & 3 bdrms. Open week-

end by appointment.

EXCLUSIVE CUL-DE-SAC

Like new view home on huge 50x150 south

' facing lot. Very quiet cul-de-sac location.

FANNY BAY, VAN. ISLAND

BDRMS W/VIEW
Opportunity on this bright south facing over 1000

B sq. ft. 2 bdrm end unit, 1.5 bath, ensuite laundry,

gas fireplace. View of Lion's Gate bridge in a well
run building.

| FABULOUS HOME IN DESIRABLE LOCATION

You'll be pleasantly excited when you enter this won- §
derlul home- a grand foyer weicomes you, leading to 2
large family room and a one bedroom. Upstairs offers 3

f bedrooms, tiving room, dining room kitchen wieating

area onto a sunny sundeck. Backyard with truit trees. A
stone's throw to Boundary Elem. school.

791 EAST 26TH ST.

O" SUN 2-4 Paes

Spacious 4 bdrm rancher, large beautiful gar-

den, new paint, newer furnace, across Westview

Elem. Minutes to bus, shopping, open layout.
1645 BEWICKE AVE. N.V.

3 BDRM & DEN TOWNHOME
$214,900 Centrat location, situated in quiet side
of complex - end unit - low maintenance fees.

r eer ae PAGE
SUMMER IN THE COVE! 5
Fabulous Cove ccitage with water views =i
from sundrenched decks. Quiet, safe,

friendly street surrounded by Parks. Walk to @
the end of the fane to tiie beach. 2 blocks

7.9 level acres with 540 ft. of waterfront. 50 min. up island | trom the Elem. School this exciting home

offers 3-4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2250 sq.tt.

1080 PALMERSTON AVE., W.V.
City & water view. Level easy care 99'x 131' lot.
beautiful landscape. Well maintained home. Newer
kitchen & bathroom, 3 yr old roof. 4 bedrooms up, 3
1/2 bath, 2 ensuite. C-D-S location Near school.

from Nanaimo and minutes to Courtenay. Escape year round
to this fabulous property with a 1550 sq.ft. character home
plus unfin. basement superb landscaping, lush gardens,

stocked trout pond. Zoned for two homes.
7979 WHITE DUCK ROAD

549,000

suttonigroup *‘sentinel-realt
o Age —

_[[s875,000 ]|

with separate guest accommodation totally
fedone and loaded with charm. For that
special family who want something wondar-
fully ditterent.

2022 PARKSIDE LANE,
NORTH VAN. $379,

m Beautiful secure Somerset Green. This is a top floor
fa South facing unit with a superb view of Harbour & city.
It has 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, gas F/P, security.
high ceilings, insuite laundry, storage, bus stop
,outside the dgor. Small pets ok. Open by
fa appointment.
#510-121 W. 29TH

Rentals Wanted!

Caulfield home for 1 yr.

Terminal City Club
Worldclass Condo Living!
wot “ 3 a ae
Elegant Living at the
‘Rosemont’

Beautifully appointed 2 bdrm, 2 bthrm
suite in quality low rise concrete build-
ing. Spacious kitchen & eating area,
good sized rooms, very open & bright.

Gas fireplace, 9ft. ceilings, guest suite
& pets O.K. Open Sun 3-5pm

British Properties
Home for 1 yr.
$2300 per month max.

Experience the luxury of living at the

residences of one of the world’s top

| private clubs & locations, overlooking

h spectacular ocean, harbour &

N. Shore mountain vistas. This new 2

bdrm, 2.5 bthrm, den & solarium offers

1535 sq. ft. of exceptional quality.

m Enjoy private club. Fitness & hotel
| facilities. It's 1st class!

Furnished short-term
(month of July)
West Van Home.

sut