Make safety a priority
when tackling projects

CHANGING THE old sink;
finishing the basement;
putting pot lights in the den,
finally replacing the old win-
dows ... projects like this
often get put off.

Last year, all summer long, you
probably ran through a list of
home repairs and renovations and
said, “That would be a great pro-
ject for the winter.” After all,
there's no sense wasting a nice
day working around the house.

But with another winter come
and gone, do-it-yourself projects
should not be put off, especially if
they involve the home’s exterior.

Before you start, just like pro-
fessional renovators on a job site,
think safety first. Do-it-yourself
projects badly done can actually
damage your home or create haz-
ards. Here are some points to help
you head into those projects with
your eyes open.

B@ If you're making renovations
that change the value of parts of
your home, you should talk to
your insurance agent about your
over-all coverage.

® Don’t attempt band-aid repairs
that can only lead to damage later
on. If you have a leaky tub,
squeezing on some caulk may not
be the answer; water could already
have damaged the joists beneath
the bathroom. Inspect 2 problem
thoroughly before deciding on \he
necessary course of action.

B& Be especially careful when
working on piumbing or electrical
projects. Turn off the water supply

or power source as needed, and
know what you're doing -- you
don’t want to have water suddenly
gushing through your house or,
worse, electricity coursing through
that water.

& When working or storing mate-
tials anywhere near the furnace,
remember that you could be play-
ing with fire, Paint, paint strip-
pers, varnishes, drain cleaners,
rags, and any other chemical con-
pounds can all catch fire or
explode if they become overheat-
ed. or even if the fumes mix with
a flame. Before beginning a base-
ment project, turn off the pilot
lights inside both the furnace and
water heater.

@ Here’s an important rule of
thumb about hammering (apart
from “don't hit yourself with it”):
never use a smaller or weaker nail
than the job requires. especially
with structural projects. Nails are
the glue that holds the house
together, and the wrong nail can
cause severe damage.

® Make sure your home can with.
stand the project. For instance,
adding a room or appliances can
overtoad the electrical system.
And while a new double whirlpool
tub can make for romantic
bathing, it could also be too heavy
for the floor when filled.

@ Neither your home nor Rome
was built in a day, so why rush the
job? Take the time to do the pro-
ject right, making sure each step is
done carefully and without cutting
any corners.

@ New constructions, structural

Start With A Loan At Prime!
Two Renovations To Be Won. Worth Up To $10,000 Each!
Come in and tatk. . .or, call us and get a loan by phone!
1-800-465-BANK (2265)

1504 Lonsdale Ave. 981-5600

3190 Edgemont Blvd.

Westview Shopping Centre 981-5665

Otter in attect June 1 ty July 31, 1994
Draw date August 8, 1994
Compista contest rules are avatabte
in branch

981-5650 2040 Park Royal South

ANK,.
Your Bank. Your Way"

1802 Marine Or, W. Van. 926-3274

922-0158

Not 0 ba combined with any cther eter.

“Subject to quaktying creda crtena
“Trademark of TO Bank

changes or additions, and major
demolitions usually require a
building permit. Whether you're
doing the job yoursel! or using a
contractor, get the permit first.
Apart from being required by your
Inunicipality, it forces you to be
organized it approaching the job.
B Don't let your ego ora determ:-
nation lo save libor costs get in
the way of safety and profession-
alism. Ask yourself: would you
trust yourself doing the job on
someone else’s home? If not, why
take a chance on your own? When
in doubt about how to proceed,
consult with the experts or hire
one to do the job.

M@ If you do hire a tradesman, get
references and monitor the job
closely.

This is only a general list of
things to consider when going
about your home improvements;
for any project, do a fair bit of
research to learn the dos and
don’ts Of the particular job.

Remember, by incorporating
safety and planning inte. all your.
repairs and renovations, you
ensure they'll go smoothly -—— and
that you'll be around to enjoy
them.

- Courtesy the Insurance
Bureau of Canada.

Largest
Selection
of
PAVING
STONES
on the
North Shore

ARE YOUR
WINDOWS
SCREAMING
FOR COVER?

Is the perfeet tine co cover up. Hecate our Window Dressing Sale gives sou speetul
discos right dirongh the month of dime: 44% olf all Contour Select enstome vertical
and oini blinds. flis, our professionally Ceaited: staff came right te your home to give
yoni free personal consultation, Ask about oar Fall House Deal for exter savings on
eight or more whidews, Call or visit sour nearest Contour store soon, We're what the
hestalressed) wirdlows are wearing,

flurry in - these special discounts end Jume-25; ~~

NORTH VANCOUVER “7/7 Ni TAY ill
1226 Marine Drive
984-4407 ‘Oh tOuR

WEST VANCOUVER

925-3655

® Keystone ® Botanico
© Allan Block Jr © Terraforce
® Cascadia © Shadow
© Pisa Il ® Stonewall

ITALIAN
TERRA-COTTA