30 - Friday, March 18, 1988 - North Shore News New Renovations Council to provide quality control WHILE CANADIANS have tradi- tionally been a people who believe in moving on — real estate prices are such that, for many people, staying put and channelling money into fixing up existing houses is an economic reality. Recent statistics indicate that Canadians spend at least $15 billion a year on renovations. Of this $15 billion, only 20 per cent is spent by do-it-yourselfers. The remainder goes to a number of relatively small contractors throughout the country. The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, recognizing the enormous growth within the renovations segment and in response tO consumer horror stories regarding fly-by-night renovators, have established the Renovations Council. The council, a non-profit association within the GVHBA, was formed with the intent to pro- vide some professionalism and quality control to the industry. The council not only helps the con- sumer, but the renovator as well, bringing together a group of pro- fessionals to discuss the industry, discover new technologies and develop viable means of dealing with the consumer in a fair and professional manner. The Renovations Council not _ only. screens -members..and de- mands that they follow a code of ethics when dealing with the con- “sumer, . but’ they’ police their <-members,. and ‘rectify. consumer _. complaints.. At..the same time, anyone wishing to retain a reputa- ’ ble contractor is encouraged to - contact. the GVHBA who will recommend companies with the atea to complete the project. “The Renovations Council also conducts seminars and provides : education for members in areas of - business and new technology," said president Ken Sawatsky. ‘And that’s not all. We are cur- - rently drafting a comprehensive contract and estimate form for. contractors. This provides protec- tion for the consumer as well as the contractor.”” ‘According to Sawatsky, every ‘BT spores have staying power ‘BACTERIAL SPORES present in the most widely-used microbial- - based insecticide can persist in soil ‘in significant numbers for eight months or more, a Penn State ’ microbiologist has shown. Dr. L.E. Casida, professor of microbiology, says the results point to the need for more research to assess the effect on the en- vironment since, “‘It’s likely that the, spores can persist indefinite- y- : Casida also notes that it’s not :yet known whether the spores, ‘which are like tiny bacterial “‘seeds,’’ ever germinate and com- plete their life cycle. Casida emphasizes, however, ’ that no one has produced evidence that the spores that persist cause harm. “At the present moment, based on present knowledge, use of the insecticide seems to be reasonably safe, but we can’t assume that the continued. accumulation of these spores in the environment will have ‘no effect on humans,”’ he said. “You definitely have a potential ‘problem any time you put an or- ganism into the environment, and it survives in significant numbers.’ member within the Renovations Council is licensed and financially stable and most carry liability in- surance. Anyone not living up to the standards of the council or un- able to meet the requirements is asked to give up their membership. The Renovations Council was established in October 1987 and already the membership numbers more than 40, “The 1988 B.C. Home Show provided the vehicle for the coun- cil’s first public exposure,"’ said Sawatsky. The response and inter- est from consumers, contractors, subtrades and suppliers has been tremendous.’ For more information or advice concerning renovations and con- tractors, contact the GVHBA at 584-5515. ‘CALL TODAY FOR FREE BROCHURE OR SEND $3.00 FOR CATALOGUE 596-6737 Call today: DOUBLE 'S' CEDAR HOMES 14771C bath AVE.. SURAEY V39 1X6 366 “a in vo $39% | Radial ‘Armor Table Saw { #39 Plaaee send me your plan book, spec. sheet, home planner and peice Iist. Enctosed te $3.60. Name Address __. City State/Prov. Zip, Telephone Location of Building Lot ROUTER BIT SETS 30% off High speed steel er carbide : 225 East First, North Van. 4 LIFESTYLES SECURITY BARS AND ALUMINUM RAILINGS APARTMENT AND TOWNHOUSE SECURITY SPECIALISTS @® TUBAL? CAIN FABRICATIONS CENTRAL NO. 524-5307 COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL FOR YOU! *Reface or replace your existing cabinets *Redo the counters *Kitchen & bathroom remodelling our specialty CO-ORDINATED KITCHENS Established 1974 FENCING AND DECKING 82.59 ea. 2x6x10 4.79 ea. 3.19 ea. 2x6x12 5.49 ea. 3.89 ea. Ax4x6 4.19 ea. 3.89 ea. 4x4x8 5.49 ea. 2x4x8 2x4x10 2x4x12 2x6x8 LANDSCAPING MATERIAL 6x6 Rough — *1.39 LF 4x6 Rough — *1.09 LF 4x4 Rough — * .69 LF Mon-Wed 7am-6pm Thurs-Fri Sat Sun 7am-9pm 9am-6pm 10am-Spm ae RYAN HG Hway ] 985-9128 | SADA DH LAREN eNOS RENO OO Nd coasted AED ed ede saith aco oer Po yada att gies RUM ERROR tbe erCE Ta NEN eon ane ae NTH Sanit Ge Carman Satis eephonin atin epee it rete nmern nt iit Lees EES ty are , ag ES chat Ameer ae Aas