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R REAL ESTATE -- Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- 3 Things to know before hiring a building contractor Does your home need a facelift? If so, you'll pro- bably want to hire a con- tractor to do the renovation work. But before you sign on the dotted line of any contract, there are several things you should know. When planning any type of renovation, it's essential to have a clear idea of what you want to do and how much money you want to spend. Once you put your ideas on paper, you can start to get your project under way. Depending on the nature of the work you want done, you may also want to consult an architect to help you develop formal plans. Additional con- sultants may also have to be approached for technical assistance. If you have a good work- ing knowledge of house con- tracting and have a lot of time to devote to your renovation project, you may want to act as your own contractor and subcon- tract the various tasks in- volved to qualified profes- sionals. This requires a great deal of organizational skill, but you can save money. If you have neither the time nor the talent to do this, you'll have to hire a professional. Contractors usually have a crew of in- dividuals to do the basic renovation work, while specialized tasks like wiring and plumbing are subcon- tracted to professionals in those fields. Do Your Homework Once you're ready to shop around for a good contrac- tor, take the time to do a lit- tle homework before mak- ing a decision about who you're going to hire. Ask your architect for names of suitable people. Talk to friends and relatives about renovation work they've had done. If they are pleas- ed with the outcome, get the names of the contractors they used. You can also con- tract your local home builders' association to get names of renovation contractors. Then contact these firms and get their business licence numbers. Also make sure they carry up-to-date public liability and proper- ty insurance. You may also want to phone the Better Business Bureau in your area to see if any complaints have been filed against any of the con- tractors on your list. If at all possible, view the sites of other projects and get references from satisfied clients. Once you've confirmed the status of these firms, pick three to supply cost estimates for your project. Give all three the same in- formation ahout your pro- ject so they can give you ac- curate quotes. You should also include any special considerations in the infor- mation you supply to the bidders, such as time con- straints, cleaning provi- sions, and so on. Your decision shouldn't rest solely on the lowest bid; in some cases, an ex- ceptionally low bid can mean that the costs haven't been properly estimated. Consider all the quotes carefully before making your decision. You should also get references for these contractors and check them. It's important to trust the person you select. Turn to Page 6 LYNDA KENDRY ® RE/MAX scugog realty mites Wh MBX Chances are we're going 134 QUEEN STREET, PORT PERRY Bus.: 985-7361 to sell your house. 0985-4427 Why not call us first? a. 184 OFFICES VAAN Res.: 985-9268 KENNY COURT SEMI - An mterratomal network of independent member brokers KEVIN HOWARD Res.: 705-328-1600 WATERFRONT PROPERTIES REDUCED $20,000.00 WITH V.T.B. Vendor will take a 1st mortgage at 9% % for 2 years on this 4 bedroom cottage with mature tree, fenced yard. 75' x 289' lot. in an area of all year round home's for $139,900.00. THIS 2 BEDROOM WINTERIZED COTTAGE on 50" x 200° lot with new carpets and flooring, painted throughout. On well & septic service plus vendor may hold a mortgage. Priced at $142,000.00. SUNSET VIEW BEACH ON LAKE SCUGOG Two cottages available with large decks, docking, fur- nishings and appliances for $44,900. & $49,900. ACCESS TO TRENT SYSTEM AT YOUR DOOR STEP A 5 bedroom raised bungalow, large kitchen large living room, 14' x 24' family room. Hot tub, 32 car garage on 1% acres of land. Priced at $349,900.00. SE BUY OR RENT TO OWN Raised bungalow on 160" x 200' lot, 2 kitchens, 2 bathrooms, den, rec room, workshop, above ground pool, single car garage, mature tree s for only $174,900.00. NEW HOME EAST OF PORT PERRY All brick sidesplit with large kitchen, living room, finished rec room on a 1% acre lot with double car garage at $244,900.00. THROUGHOUT ONTARIO GRANT MORGAN ... Res. 985-4073 RETIRE IN HISTORIC PORT PERRY Exceptional 3 bdrm., close to all amenities, completely finished up and down with 2 baths, den and rec room. Beautifully landscaped 55' x 175' lot with heated workshop. Only $179,000. SPECTACULAR LAKEFRONT LOT 5 minutes from Port Perry, western exposure, 75' x 275". offered at $199,000. - LAKE SCUGOG WATERFRONT .- open concept' + custom pine kitchen .~ totally finished up and down ,~ boat house and 40' dock .» w/0 base- ment with kitchenette. Asking $259,000. . V.T.B. with 1/3 down. VALERIE EDEN .... Res. 985-2122 TOO GOOD TO MISS! CALL NOW! 3 bedroom bungalow with attached garage, huge kitchen with walkout to deck. Walkout basement has woodstove and partially finished rec room. Decorated to perfec- tion and immaculate. Asking only $189,900.00. SUPER SEMI- BLOSSOM COURT Immaculate tastefully decorated 3 bedroom home, 1; baths, finished basement, fully fenced yard with huge deck and garden shed. Asking only $148,500.00. $145,000.00 Great oppor- tunity - 3 bedrooms, spacious garage, w/o from diningroom to deck - fenced backyard and inground pool; new windows throughout. Fern SEAGRAVE - COUNTRY BUNGALOW Custom built spacious 3 plus 1 bedroom home near park, separate diningroom with french doors, finished family room in basement $224,900.00. 10 RIDGEVIEW - APPLE VALLEY $245,000.00 Immaculate, 4 bedroom, main floor family room with fireplace, Impressive entrance foyer featur- ing curved oak staircase, 2; bathrooms, main floor laundry, charming decor are just some of the many features of this fantastic home! DON HARPER Res.: 985-3159 TRUE TRUE VALUE AT $219,900. This home offers plenty for family living. 4 bedroom 2 4-piece baths, 1-2 piece bath, eat in kit- % chen, main floor family | room with fireplace and w/0 to deck & private lot. Close to schools & Hosp. Clean and sel, Don miss ; out, call me today for your private showing. CASTLE HARBOUR Just move right in to this two storey, 3 bedroom home. Large estate lot, dou- ble garage. This home is waiting for you to offer. Call me today for more details. RECREATION OR PERMANENT 11.5 acres of property with building permits available. Large 12 acre pond, just listed at $89,900.