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The Independent, Canadian Statesman Weekender, Bowmanville, Saturday, January 15,1994 21 How to Choose Your Kitchen Contractor The contractor who pulled out half a wall, then went to take a coffee break but never came back...the work island that sailed across the floor slick as an ocean schooner every every time somebody slammed the back door...the kitchen drain that imitated Old Faithful a week after it was installed...at installed...at some time or another almost almost everyone has heard a horror story story about kitchen renovations. door-to-door or telephone solicitation. solicitation. While some honest firms will solicit work just because they happen to be doing another job in the area, others may.be fly-by-night operations that move from one district to another another as their poor reputations become become known. In a recent court case, a Toronto renovator was convicted of committing committing an unfair practice under the D j ... uiuaii ui tivuuv uiiuci uiv But, despite hearing many tales of Business Practices Act and for oper- woe, householders continue to ating as a door-to-door seller without choose kitchen renovation as the a licence. Inspectors found that he most popular home-improvement overcharged and that his work was project in Ontario. In part, this is due either adequate but unnecessary or into into the real-estate agencies' view that adequate. For instance, he installed kitchen fix-ups add the greatest value exterior stone facing in a consumer's per dollar spent to the property. basement which served no functional To help get quality work at a fair or esthetic purpose, price, smart-shopping experts at On- "To avoid similar problems, do tario s consumer ministry have come some research on the companies you up wijth some tips on hiring a kitchen interview and the requirements of the project you have in mind," says Gu- revsky. She suggests a quick course in what's involved with home renovations renovations courtesy of the do-it-yourself books at your local library. Then, reno firm. The first step toward satisfaction with the finished product is to find the names of some competent contractors. contractors. "If friends and neighbours can't recommend a company, ask people once you know roughly what work you work with or a local business you want done, and have the names person you trust for their opinions," of six to 10 contractors, give them a says Marilyn Gurevsky, a manager at call to describe your project. Set up the Ministry of Consumer and Com- initial meetings with .the three or four merci al Relations. "Also, ask your lo- that sound the most promising and re- cal home-guilders' association for alistic. their, list of construction firms that The first meeting is the house- specialize in renovation work." holder's chance to find out most of Usually, the worst'way to decide what they'll need to know to choose on a contractor is to respond to a a good contractor, including other if# work the firm has done, if subcontractors subcontractors are to be used, and materials. It is not an appropriate time to ask for references-this should be done after you've narrowed the choice to two or three - or to accept a quote unless the project is very simple. Ask the contractor contractor to mail you the quote. This removes removes the pressure to sign a contract on-the-spot. At the second meeting you should be prepared to talk in more detail. By the end of this meeting it should be clear to you exactly what is planned - remember that it can be very expensive expensive or even impossible to satisfy your wishes if you change your mind half way through the project. You should have had time to consider the estimates before the meeting and to look at some of the materials you might wish used. The scope of the. renovation is, of course, the biggest factor in determining determining the final price tag, but the costs of such materials as countertops (corian or melamine), flooring, sinks, cupboards, fittings and hardware all play a role. The installations of windows, windows, skylights or patio doors will also have a considerable impact on costs. "Everyone has some special needs," says Gurevsky. "Don't forget to take yours into account before your plans are complete." To receive a list of contractors specializing in renovation in the Toronto Toronto area call the Greater Metro Toronto Toronto Home Builders' Assoc, at 391- 3445. LAWYER Peter E. Heslin, LL.B. Real Estate Wills Mortgages Family Law Pickering-Ajax Bowmanville 1305 Pickering Parkway 36 King St. E. Suite 304 623-5554 Call Toll Free - Region of Durham, and Toronto 1-800-567-3926 123 KING STREET E. BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO 905-623-4115 Al Beard HOME OF THE WEEK NICER THAN NEW COUNTRY BUNGALOW This "Texas Size Rancher" offers almost 5,000 sq. ft. of tastefully finished country class. $224,900. Call Rob Perkin at 623-3624. cornerstone realty ltd., realtor 104 king st. e„ bowmanville 623-6000 428-1206 (Toronto Line) «5 ** Associate Brokers * Sales Representatives ffcl Re/Max Cornerstone takes pleasure in congratulating Sally Staples on being the sZÙv'St*^** leading sales person in the company for all of 1993. Associate Broker 623-6000 COMMERCIAL ZONING - 1/3 ACRE Lot in Orono with older building used for storage. Asking $64,900. with vendor financing available. Doug Humphrey** COURTICEAREA Great 4 bedroom family home. Presently vacant, approx. 2400 sq. ft. Double garage, 4 bathrooms, plus large principal rooms. - 9 * ltt9 ' aoü - To view these properties, call Doug Humphrey**, Broker, 623-6000 - Member of Remax Hall of Fame OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JAN. 16,2-4 p.m. 11 SOUCH COURT, BOWMANVILLE Aubrey Crooks* Family home, large oak kitchen, separate dining room with walkout to fenced garden. Three bathrooms, fireplace, double garage. Beautiful decor and situated on child safe court. Aubrey Crooks* 623-6000 or 623-1735 ;V s oV> Associate Broker 623-6000 solo I*: *;/.• .. . , A : •' •. " • - f S0LD ^ : S °^S CENTURY STYLE lot. with fireplace, to deck. * Loaded with character - gas heat. ■ .. v - . PRESTIGE SUBDIVISION 1 Greenhouse kitchen, family room, fireplace. 1 Central air, central vac, double garage. ' 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, all brick. 1 Kitchen walkout to fenced yard. Call for a FREE APPRAISAL ÎT COUNTRY ACRES < ' Sq. *3 + 2 bedroom all brick bungalow. *-0 jS * Fully finished basement, woodstove. * Fireplace, central air, central vac. ' * 2.5 acre wooded lot with trout stream. HUGE MATURE LOT * All brick, 3 bedroom bungalow. * Large bright rec room with woodstove. * Maintenance free exterior, vinyl windows * 72' x 237' lot, backing onto farmland. V J f t~ 11 SYLVIA COURT, NEWCASTLE Large 3 bedroom home with family room, 3 baths, and lots more! Only $129,900. Dir: 401 or Hwy. 2 to Mill St., North to George St, go east to Sylvia. Ron Moore* "Get Moore for your money with Remax" 1/4 ACRE LOT! 2 bedroom home with heated garage. Less than $700 mortgage payment!! Only $92,500. For this and other properties in the area, please call Ron Moore* at 623-6000 24 Hr. or 623-9263 Res. Tony Klompmaker* Call Tony Klompmaker* 623-6000 or res. 263-4448. OPEN HOUSE SAT., JAN. 15,1 -4 p.m. Gorgeous ranch bungalow approx. 2400 sq. ft. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, main floor family room with beamed ceilings and fieldstone fireplace, ail on 1.27 acres with 25 x 42' workshop. Asking $269,900. Location - 3909 Old Scugog Rd., north of Bowmanville, corner of 4th Cone, and Old Scugog Rd. BOWMANVILLE - NORTH END 4' bedroom, 2 storey home with main floor family room, laundry, French doors, ensuite. Shows beautifully and is vacant. Call today for your inspection. Asking $174,900. COUNTRY Located just north of Bowmanville, this 2400 sq. ft. home shows pride of ownership. Large rooms, beautifully decorated and situated on its own private 3 acres. e Vinnle Gupta* COME HOME FOR THE NEW YEAR Over 1650 sq. ft., 3 'bedrooms, 3 baths, family room with fireplace and attached garage. BRAND NEW! Only $157,900. Please call Vinnie Gupta* 623-6000 (24 hr.) or 987-1709 Res. "Your Newcastle and Area Sales Representative." David Passant** EXCLUSIVE AREA WALTER SCHLEISS BUILT Immaculate 4 bedroom sidesplit with tasteful decor. Features family room, separate dining room, gleaming hardwood floors, all newer windows, 54 x 140' private yard surrounded by mature hedges and trees, walkout to patio. Ask for Dave on this lovely family home today! Please call David Passant**, Associate Broker, 623-6000 24 hr. pager A Top Producer In the Durham Region with over 18 Years of Service. ^11* nuns ipsilll Linda McLennan** POWER OF SALE Super value - $95,900.! 2 bedroom town- home - no condo fees. Gas heating. Check it out. Liberty North to Freeland, turn left at Copeland Gate, left on Fenwick to Hanning Court to Elford Dr. .Follow signs. $59,900.! Why rent? This super priced starter needs T.L.C. and you! Large eat-in kitchen. 3 bedrooms.'Gas heat. Go King St. to Brown St., turn south. Follow signs. 0 Oi Call Linda McLennan** 623-6000 Rod Doris* Associate Broker 623-6000 or 987-3400 Res. HAPPY NEW YEAR I would like to personally thank everyone for helping me attain my goals for 1993 and making it a successful year. THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? Call me today and ask about my new. promotional contest for 1994. Shhh Its a Secret. Just Call and Ask specifically for ROD DORIS** For professionalism at It's best call the name people recommend to friends. James Bush* STOP SUPPORTING LANDLORDS "X ■ÿy, Ellen Bush** THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? Don't beat around the Bush, Call James and Ellen Bush Beautiful 3 bedroom home close to amenities. Eat-in kitchen with pantry, fireplace in living room and walkout from dining area to patio. Payments only $887.00 per month. Call now. 4 level backsplit semi with separate entrance to in-law apartment. High fenced yard and multi-car driveway. Only $808.00 per month. Call now. COUNTRY CHARMERS WITH INCOME LÜiF run i a, Ü.» 1.1 t-1 fl Renovated Century home on 13 acres. 2 outbuildings, outbuildings, acreage planted planted with apple and pear trees. Call now. Vendor financing available. 3 bedroom ranch bungalow on 87+ acres with basement inlaw inlaw apartment. 14' x 74' mobile home with separate services. 2 barns and a five car garage. Plus 10,000 evergreen trees, property fully fenced. Call now. Vendor says Sell!