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Once work is underway, changes should be kept to a minimum. The details of your project, described in the contract, down to the finishing touchâ€" es, forms the basis of both the price and the scheduling of your job. Changes could affect both significantâ€" ly. However, your renovator wants you to be satisfied with the final result, and will attempt to accommodate any alterâ€" ation in plans, as long as you accept a possible delay in completion and/or a change in price. 10. Be prepared to enjoy the results Research, good planning, a profesâ€" sional work crew and open communiâ€" cation and trust â€" a recipe for renovaâ€" tion that you will enjoy for years to come! 7. Plan how you will live during the renovation Careful planning can greatly miniâ€" mize inconvenience of living in the midst of renovation. Talk to your renoâ€" vator about the schedule of work to be done and how your daily routine might be affected. For instance, will the water be turned off for any length of time? Do you need to set up a tempoâ€" rary kitchen elsewhere in the house? In major renovations, can work be done in stages so you always have some liveable space? Discuss your expectaâ€" tions of the work crew and determine the work environment. The crew needs access to washroom facilities, teleâ€" phones, water and electricity. Decide which areas of the house are off limits. It is always a good idea to let your neighbors know that you are going to be renovating â€" what you are planning to do and how long the work will be going on. 8. Establish a good working relaâ€" tionship with your renovator Renovators and homeowners agree that a good working relationship is a vital ingredient in successful renovaâ€" tion projects. Mutual trust is essential. Keep lines of communication open at all times. Expect a brief report on the progress of your job at regular interâ€" vals, if not every evening. Be available to make decisions when they are needâ€" ed so work is not held up. Don‘t hesiâ€" tate to bring your concerns to the attenâ€" tion of the renovator. If you accept the renovator‘s offer, it‘s time to write up the contract. The GTHBA has developed at Standard Renovation Contract which is available to all GTHBA members. Even the simâ€" plest of jobs should be outlined in writâ€" ing â€" the contract is the basis of underâ€" standing between you and your renovaâ€" tor. Before signing a contract, read it carefully. Are you satisfied with the description of the work to be done? Does the payment schedule include holdbacks? Are the responsibilities of the renovator clearly spelled out? If something is not in the contract, then it‘s your responsibility. Ask your lawyer to examine the contract, before you sign it. 6. Work out a contract Don‘t automatically take the lowest bid, unless you are certain that the renâ€" ovator has properly understood what you want. Sometimes low bids turn out to be the most expensive in the end. GTHBA, previous clients, the bank and the building supply store to ensure that you are, in fact, making the right choice. (Continued from page 20) Work out a contract Try to stick with vour first n J by l N Nh Nh h h h Nh No Y Y Y YX Y Y Y Y Y Y YÂ¥ Â¥ Â¥ Do Dok D J J J J Dh A J J J D D S S S N Nh Nh Nh Nh. N Nh. akyville, backs onto Is. 3 bedrooms, main $234,900 The directors of RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., are pleased to announce the appointment of Richard lann to our dynamic sales team as Sales Representative. Richard‘s dedication and enthusiasm to the profession makes him a valuable addition to the Re/Max Lakeshore Road office. Richard will be pleased to continue assisting you with any real estate needs you may have t his new location at East Oakville Glen Abbey 8422385 847â€"3593 Northeast West 842â€"1560 #27â€"0194 ANNOUNCEMENT RICHARD IANN, B.A., B.C.L. 338â€"9000 Q n t Q D