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Page THE HALTON HILLS HOMESTYLE Saturday December 15 1990 Kitchens traditional gathering place This article Is provided by local Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market Down through the ages kit chens have served as a tradi tional gathering place for families A longstanding symbol of warmth and comfort the kit chen continues to serve as a very important part of todays home combining more traditional func with newer ones If your kitchen is beginning to look seedy or dated you may want to spruce it up a bit with some simple but relatively inex pensive redecorating You may even want to launch a full scale renovation project if your kitchen has failed to keep up with your growing family needs Before deciding on which ap proach you want to take it s a good idea to study some redecorating and remodelling publications Most convenience and book stores carry home improvement magazines It s also a good idea to visit kit showrooms to see what s available Home shows arc also an excellent source of ideas You should also think realistically about your needs Will a new coat of paint and some minor inexpensive changes do the trick Or do you require more cupboards and ex storage space What about an expanded eating area Do want to incorporate extra living space Do you want to include a family room or a deskstudy area into the kitchen DON TFOBGET YOUR BUDGET Cost is a key issue so always keep a realistic budget in mind before you go too far in the plann ing stages Remember that in titial renovation estimates can be somewhat lower than the final cost of the project You can save money by doing some of the work yourself but leave the complicated tasks to the experts If you re on a shoestring budget you can still create a new look without breaking your bank account In many cases a coat of paint and some new wallpaper can breathe new life into a kit that become drab and dated If you have adequate storage space but desire an updated look you can have your existing cupboard doors refaced or replaced This costs less than replacing them entirely with brand new units New flooring can also give an older kitchen new life Today s flooring comes in a variety of materials and textures with something to suit every taste and budget Easycare wooden floors are also becoming a popular op tion in kitchen renovations Before making a final choice think carefully about how the types of flooring you like would fit in with your kitchen Also con the volume of traffic the area will receive kitchens de mand flooring that is practical durable and easy to clean New are another option for brightening up your kitchen Like flooring they come in a variety of materials textures and colors Back splashes can also take on new life with decorative tiles Consult the ex at your local home building centre to decide what best suits your needs CONSULT EXPERTS If you are planning mofe exten sive renovation work make sure you contact the appropriate ex before proceeding with your project Major structural changes or additions are likely to require the input of experts such as architects building contrac tors plumbers or electricians When redesigning your kit chen you should also keep in mind that the installation of new plumbing is usually a com plicated relatively expensive procedure and it might be far more economical to keep your sink and dishwasher in their pre sent locations WORKABLE SPACE In many older homes counter space is often sparse so make sure you allow for enough workable space when planning any renovations IS YOUR BEDROOM AS and quiet as this one If not it can be but it takes some planning and attention to detail NATIONAL REAL ESTATE SERVICE GEORGETOWN 8730300 ERIN 51 BRAND REALTY INC REALTOR INDEPENDENT MEMBER BROKER 45MOUNTA1NVIEWRD Toronto Line Fax 873 24 Hour Answering Service MAIN ST UNIT 3 Toronto Line 4167960840 Fax 519833 SQ FT ERIN Only for this huge 4 bedroom home on n town lot Upgroded and beautifully decorated bathrooms family room with fireplace A gorgeois and delightful home Call John Hill Sales Rep NRS9472 BOUNTIFUL BUNGALOW Georgetown crescent location beautifully decorated hardwood floors finished rec room plus bedroom Loaded with goodies for Call Glenda Hughes Sales Rep ELAINE KEMSHEAD Sales Representative Bus 8730300 Res 8732270 OPEN HOUSE Sun Dec 16 14PM 3 Credit St Glen Williams 174500 Charming bungalow 5 minutes to GO train Kitchen and bathroom completely renovated Stone fireplace in livingdining room den and 2 bedrooms on mom floor 1 large bedroom down stars Call Elaine Kemshead Sales Rep 0300 DIRECTIONS la to OPEN HOUSE Sat Dec 15 1 M 26 Baylor Cres IN LAW SUITE Lovely 3 bedroom s tuoted on pie shaped lot on the east side of Georgetown Kitchen and bathroom completely renovated Nuetral decor 2 bedroom self contained in law suite with separate entrance For more mat on call Elaine Kemshead Sales Rep