The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, February 23, 1994 Real Estate Deadlines and Policies Deadline for Wednesday Publication is Monday at 12:00 Noon. Any compensation for errors or omissions by The Canadian Statesman will be limited to the value of the space occupied by the error in the advertisement. ^ Please phone 623-3303 and ask for the Real Estate Sales Department j Things to Consider When Hiring a Building Contractor Hiring A Contractor This article is provide by local Realtors Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association Association (OREA) for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market. Now that everyone's thoughts are beginning to turn to spring and the wanner weather it will bring, many homeowners throughout the province are starting to seriously consider undertaking undertaking some home renovations. Undoubtedly, spring is an extremely popular time of year for this type of .task. If you've been bitten by the renovation, renovation, bug, now is the time to start HELEN BONNET Sales Representative Lie. Since '87 Now taking listings for SPRING 1994! If you are thinking of selling call me for a FRANK TALK. Off. (905) 623-3393 Res. (905) 623-8536 W. Frank Real Estate Ltd. 234 King St. E. Bowmanville laying the groundwork for your project. project. That way, you can map out your ideas and get quotes from a few qualified qualified contractors. You'll have a much better idea of just how much your project will cost you and you should be able to avoid the spring rush. Before you contact any contractors, contractors, it's extremely important to sit down and decide exactly what you want done and what your budgetary parameters are. For example, is this going to be a large undertaking or a relatively minor one? Obviously, a large job will involve more expense and generally more disruption to your daily routine. For instance, adding on a deck won't involve a lot of upheaval. However, a project that involves tearing tearing down walls and adding on extra rooms or totally gutting existing ones will require some patience and understanding understanding from you and your family - and you should be prepared to put up with some degree of pandemonium until the job is complete. Ask Family and Friends In your search for suitable contractors, contractors, you should contact friends, family ' and relatives for possible referrals referrals to reputable contractors. Obviously, Obviously, if they've had a bad experience experience with a particular company, you're not gong to want to use the same company. And keep in mind that, if aunt Marjorie had her back porch replaced by someone she highly recommends, it doesn't necessarily mean the same contractor will be well-suited to the task of adding on a second storey addition addition to your home. Contractors who specialize in small jobs aren't always qualified to take on larger projects. The reverse is also true. Once you've compiled a list of some contractors, you may want to contract your local Better Business Bureau to see if any consumer complaints complaints have been lodged against any of them. Depending on the outcome of your investigation, you'll want to contact at least three contractors to obtain written quotes. Keep in mind that quotations can vary greatly, so make sure you give each contractor exactly the same specifications for the work you want done. Choosing the lowest doesn't al ways guarantee the job will end up being the least expensive in the end. And picking the highest quote doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the best results. If possible, get a list of recent clients clients of these contractors and contact them to see if they were satisfied with the jobs they have done. It's also important to factor in your rapport rapport with each contractor. Obviously, you're not going to work really well with someone you felt uncomfortable with. Also look at every tiling that's included included in the contract;' after all, you don't want a lot of unexpected surprises surprises down the road. Other Considerations You should also find out whether these contractors are licensed by the industry's licensing commission, trade association or professional organization. organization. Are they insured and bonded? It's also a good idea to find out if they have good credit ratings. And find out what kind of warranty - if any - is offered with the renovation. renovation. Keep in mind that a reliable contractor contractor should be able to offer you ideas, improvements - even cost savings. savings. Ideally, the contractor should also provide emergency telephone numbers which are accessible after hours or on weekends. Written Contract Once you decide on a particular contractor, it's important to get a written contract describing all the work that's to be done. You should specify who is responsible for obtaining obtaining all the appropriate permits. Remember that it's absolutely es sential to ascertain whether you need a permit for the job that is to be done - and-to obtain it -'before any work takes place. Otherwise, you could be subject to fines - or you might have to dismantle your project. Your contract should also outline start and completion dates and a payment payment schedule. Take care when agreeing to the terms of a contract and make sure everything is spelled out clearly. Remember Remember that under the Construction Lien Act, you must withhold 10 per cent of the contract price for 45 days following substantial completion ; of work. Recycling is Smart: Do Your Part! 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 Frçe - Region of Durham, and Toronto 1-800-567-3926 Over 30 Years Quality Real Estate Service 234 King Street East, Bowmanville Telephone 623-3393 rrj Toronto Line 686-1035 sJosie Doxtater* NEED A LITTLE HELP? $117,900. 623-3393 Newcastle. Rental income in this cute bungalow, garage, double drive and walk to town makes it ideal. Call Josie Doxtater** at (905) 623-3393 or (905) 623-9557. CENTURY BRICK BEAUTY -ORONO 4 bedrooms, family room with stove, separate living room, super lot, insulated garage. Priced to sell at $142,900. Call Charlie Reid* (905) 623-3393 or (905) 983-5914. 1 ACRE BUILDING LOT P0NTYP00L Charlie Reid* 623-3393 $49,900. Permits available. 212' x 212'. Super country location. Call Charlie Reid* (905) 623-3393 or (905) 983-5914. COUNTRY BUNGALOW Arleen Handley $139,000. 623-3393 Retire in comfort! Central air, inground pool, 3 bedroom brick bungalow and detached garage. Close to Hwy. 115. Newcastle. Call Arleen Handley* to view at (905) 623-3393 or (905) 797-2306, Ann Van Dyk* SIMPLY YOURS 623-3393 Cozy, neat 2 bedroom, mobile home. Laundry room or 3rd bedroom, modern bathroom. Newcastle. $34,900. Call Ann Van Dyk* at (905) 623-3393 or (905)623-4638. • © cornerstone realty ltd., realtor 104 king st. e., bowmanville 623-6000 428-1206 (Toronto Line) lets results! "Associate Brokers * Sales Representatives BUNGALOW, BUNGALOW, BUNGALOW! David Passant** , . Mint condition, 3 plus 1 bedroom brick with à detached double car 24' x 20' garage, quiet court on fan-shaped lot 139 feet deep, mature'hedges and trees, plaster wall construction, interlocking brick drive. "Lakewood" fireplace Insert in finished rec room, dishwasher included. Please hurry on this property! Call David Passant**, Associate Broker, 623-6000 24 hr. pager, If you are planning to sell, please call David for a Professional Market Evaluation Experience + Dedication + Service - Results FAVOURED COURT LOCATION You'll find lots of upgrades In this "better than new" three bedroom Bowmanville home - fireplace, sliding glass walkout, 3 baths, oak cabinetry, fully fenced yard, interlocking brick patio and front walk, double garage, paved drive. FISH IN YOUR OWN SPARKLING STREAM as it winds its way across this park-like, wooded, 2.5 acre lot. The spacious all brick bungalow comes with central air, central vac, fireplace and woodstove, three baths, fully finished. lower level and extra large double garage. VILLAGE SLEEPER! You'll be charmed by the renovation - restoration of this 2125 sq. ft. century style home. Everything from plumbing, wiring and high efficiency gas furnace to gleaming pine and hardwood floors. Located on a mature and private, half acre, village lot. associate broker "Member of Remax 100% Club" Call for your EXCELLENT BUILDING LOT - PRICED TO SELL! 5.51 acre level building lot on the south edge of Orono - conveniently located - terrific exposure for home business. Lots of possibilities - financing available. Now just $66,000. FREE APPRAISAL 623-6000 COMFORT YOU CAN AFFORD This 4 bedroom village home with huge backyard, backing onto a field, offers a bright and open main floor living area with sliding glass walkout to covered porch, main floor master with ensuite, 3 bedrooms, bedrooms, full bath upstairs. OPEN HOUSÈ SAT., 2 - 4 p.m.! FIREPLACE GLOW!! Vinnie Gupta* Sales Rep. 987-1709 (res.) 1650 s 9- 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, family room with "Ynur riarinntnn fireplace, attached garage, opulent master ensuite. Connection" Please visit 30 Tucker Dr., Bowmanville. For more information and directions please call Vinnie Gupta* 623-6000 24 hr. or 987-1709 Res. DOLLAR WISE!! 1500 sq. ft. 3 bedroom home, family room, 3 baths, main floor laundry, attached garage. Quiet court location! Priced to sell. $129,900. Newcastle. Ron Moore* 623-6000 24 hr. or 623-9263 Res. "Get Moore for your money with Remax" Ron Moore* Sales Rep. 623-9263 (res.) OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 2-4 p.m. 757 Ferndale Street, Oshawa Aubrey Crooks* Large 2 storey home located in "The Glens". Four family sized i bedrooms, main floor family room, fireplace, gorgeous bleached oak ' flooring on main level. Inground concrete pool, fully fenced lot. Close to all schools and trans. Reduced to $183,500. Aubrey Crooks* 623-6000 or 623-1735 (Res.) OPEN HOUSE Dianne Warren* SUN., FEB. 27th, 2-4 p.m. 11 Prospect St., Bowmanville 3 + 1 bedrooms, 2 - 4 pc. baths, main floor famlly/sun room, finished rec room with gas fireplace and wet bar. $133,500. ScugogN. to O'Dell, east to Prospect. Ca| | Djanne yy arren * 623-6000 (24 hr. pager) for your complimentary appraisal. Paul DeJager* $4 N SHOWS TO PERFECTION 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, freehold townhouse. Eat-In kitchen. Very bright home. Asking $117,900. Paul DeJager* 623-6000 or 623-2712. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, FEB. 27 2 - 4 p.m. 121 Vallmeadows Cres., Bowmanville $115,900. Ellie Kinnear* Do you have a penalty on your existing mortgage which may be preventing you from selling? Call to see how I can help. HOW SOON CAN YOU MOVE? Eat-In kitchen with upgraded cabinets, cabinets, fully toncod lot, largo dock, 3 bedrooms, gas boat, attachod garago. Froohold townhomo closo to parkotto In groat neighborhood, James Bush* 4 level backsplit semi close to schools. 2 lower levels, finished for in-law potential. A real steal at only $113,900. Monthly payments payments Including taxes approx. $900.00. Ellen Bush** Doug Humphrey* COMMERCIAL ZONING - 1/3 ACRE Lot in Orono with older building used for storage. Asking $64,900. with vendor linancing available. Call Ellie Kinnear* 623-6000 (24 hr. pager). ZwT if® Jp' : ■ JidÆ ■AW «•LLLî ^ 1 m l ÉÊÊÊi * dp*! Vy t, n Linda McLennan** ONLY $99,900.1! Super 2 bedroom starlor home. Gas furnace - 1992. Newer shingles and 200 amp service. Go King St. to Liberty, south on Liberty to 25 Albert Street. Follow signs. Call Linda McLennan** 623-6000 ATTENTION BUSY EXECUTIVES Entertain elegantly In approx. 2000 sq. ft, ol custom custom country splendor. Main floor boasts formal dining dining room, largo kllchon and soparnto Gating nroa, family room and solarium. Mako the llrst stop to botlor living. Call James or Ellon Bush. THINKING OF BUYING OH SELLING? Don't bent nrouml the Bush. Call James and Ellen Hush JUST LISTED A good place to start or your first Investment properly. 3 bedroom semi with large kitchen - close to schools, shopping and bus. With 5% down carries for $399.00 - not bad for a brick home with forced air gas furnace. Asking $59,900. COURTICEAREA Groat 4 bodrooni family homo. Prosontly vacant, approx, 2400 sq. ft. Double garago, 4 bathrooms, plus largo principal rooms. Roducod to $103,900. To view Ihcso properties, call Doug Humphrey**, Broker, 623-6000 Member of Romax Hall of Fame I