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Tight capital, high borrowing costs and economic uncertainty are turning more Canadians to the renovation market in search of solutions to their living space problems. However. few people have experience in renovating their own homes, and the potential pitfalls are numerous. Renovate the energy efficient approach In an effort to foster improved energy emciency in the residential market, the Canadian Electrical Association. together with Canada's electric utilities, has pub- lished a booklet on Home Renovation-An Energy Efficient Approach. The free information contains some very valuable tips on getting stan- ed, deciding upon priorities, managing the project, and ensuring satisfaction when the job is complete. lts excellent advice applies to a wide range of large and small home renovation projects. Whether renovating a kitchen or bath- room (the most popular renovation pro- jects), finishing a basement or putting on an addition. the CEA guidelines will help you hire a contractor, fmance your reno- vations, choose materials. meet proper insulation levels. and much more. Deciding where to start and what to include in the project can be a major task. Every renovator would like to turn his home into a castle. But there are impor- tant considerations in establishing priori- ties and limits to the scope of work. Your house is first and foremost shel- ter for you and your family. Using this logic, you should start with fundamentals outside of your house to ensure it is ade- quately weather-proof" This generally means eliminating water problems in the roof and basement. retrofitting insulation and caulking levels to improve comfort winter and summer. and reduce energy cost; and finally. ensuring the maximum level of structural integrity. it is sound advice to complete all essential repairs before non-essential changes. Check your roof and basement for leaks. Your roof is easily checked by climbing into the attic space and check- ing the joists for telltale water marks. Look closely around vents, chimneys and area where sections of the roof are joined. A dry basement is equally important. Check the walls for even the slightest cracks and have an expen fill them with epoxy before proceeding further. landscaping is another important consid- eration in damp basements. Terrain should be landscaped to allow water to drain away from the house. Eaves trough- ing also helps keep basements dry. INSULATION Once structural concerns have been looked after, there are a number of gener- al considerations that involve almost any renovation from bathroom to basement. With the extremes of the Canadian cli- mate, good insulation all around the house is important in both winter and summer. WHERE TO START WATER PROBLEMS (See "Improve" RE 17) vrtih'ii?)iv,%ti:rr'ii", V ii T e 'iiirRi,iriaM, '. ls , a" . 'i')i':ijSiili,lti?iii, . _ s2tliiiitilllliti"'il'e,. 'ii 1WaliP, % k T . . ', Way“: vi . Ink? w. 1Wt '. ‘:~\\~.:~§< " “ l 1t%% “3)“: “‘3' , , \ss‘s , ‘ k8 '. 'Ti , '31; "iiMKll x: "u-ary, I"? 'i"i?sallit a " “it?” lid , , My 71’ in: A . ( " - , ' 1iEN . , Mlligrm " f . lliililii t: 'tia V "rlrii?. 35$“:C. » k', x 3‘ 1,: ‘ L 2.x; 5w»; a :3); _ . s', xi 5%?!“ '. - i.pd " 'rta"ttil: wm = .1: Ef rriu'iWi2"%%lttW,3' ar, oNt. - __ - y I - . :1, It ' _ .. S tte ' F _ b': 'jsij,)ii:iet,':,:'s iti%, ,- li, .. Pe' ', .33.: .. iai 'rrk:a \. it.; i5Nt1alll, IE8l = 14 Ff s: . " LII - ’31:“: att - " e w 'll , _ I or', 7 l: twj‘ng I“ I boast of beautiful courtyards and ments and detailing. From marble Oakville and history speaks for us appliances that are in each suite adorned with the finest appoint- gardens. We merely have to say But it's what's inside that counts! For An Appointment call Wendy Martin or Carol Keen: Sales Representatives that we're at the heart of Olde Just one look and youu see why Two storey luxury penthouse suites with wood burning fireplaces priqed froon_n|y bleached oak and lush broad- loom in the living areas. Not to mention the six top of the line it's what's inside that counts flooring in the bathrooms to he Towne Square suites are any condominiums can 416-338-0737 Pa er 416-338-9030 RiitfMlltf Other suites from 2ousopee. $169,900 $1 19,900 REALTY CORP