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An important decision on any renovation project is whether to do the work yourself or to hire a contractor. In the euphoria of planning some exciting im- provements to your home, there may be a tendency to underesti- mate the complexity of the job and to overestimate your exper- tise. While savings and satisfac- tion can result from doing it yourself, perhaps some jobs should be left to professionals. Consider the following points when making your decision. * Check with your local build- ing authorities. Jobs involving plumbing, wiring or heating systems must at least be in- spected and some jurisdictions require that these tasks be done by certified tradespeople. * Can you realistically fit the renovation into your existing schedule? If the house is topsy- turvy for an extended period, you may not win the Family Peace Prize. * Have you had recent experi- ence exercising the skills you ° HOME ° RENOVAIIONS o Quality workmanship ¢ Professional advice ¢ Competitive pricing ¢ Over 10 yoars experience In residentlal construction CALL RAY (705) 786-2384 When and how to will need for the task at hand? If previous appearances in the role of Home Handyperson net- ted you more cat-calls than cur- tain calls, perhaps you should consider hiring some expert as- sistance. * Do you have access to all the tools you will need? If you have to rent or buy specialized equip- ment, take this into account when costing the job. * Will you really save money? Get accurate information on the potential savings of a do-it- yourself project. Add up the price of materials and possible expenditures for tools, then compare this to written quotes from contractors. In some cases, the savings may not be suffi- cient to compensate for your own time and hammer damage to your thumbs. Maybe a combi- nation of undertaking the work you are familiar with and con- tracting out more specialized tasks would be the best route to a quality job that is also afforda- ble. If you have made the decision to hire a contractor, the real work still lies ahead. Finding the right contractor and ensur- ing that the work is completed to your satisfaction requires time, care and close attention to details. To avoid problems of inade- quate workmanship or unfin- ished jobs, take the following stepsin the contracting process. 1.Develop ashortlist of potential contractors You may know of a suitable Durham Steam carpets & couches 985-8552 Get the Jump on your Cleaning Spring Cleaning. We'll break the Back of your Spring Cleaning. contractor by reputation or a previous job but unless you are completely comfortable with the costs and workmanship, it's usually wise to consider several contractors. Ask your family, friends and neighbors to recom- mend a company or individual and consult the yellow pages and your local newspaper. You should also ask prospec- tive contractors for references and run a quick check with the local Better Business bureau or consumer protection agency. 2.Meet with contractors To ensure a range of opinions and cost estimates, arrange for prospective contractors to visit your home to appraise the job and discuss the various options for proceeding. Contractors should provide you with a writ- ten estimate detailing the work to be undertaken, material and labor costs, additional cost or conditions and a mutually satis- factory method of payment. The estimate should be signed and dated by the contractor but you are not required to sign any- thing at this point. 3. Carefully evaluate each estimate Consider the quality of ser- vice and materials offered by contractors and their ability to complete the work according to your needs. Be sure that prices are of equal quality, apples to apples. Price is an important consideration but avoid hiring an inexperienced contractor simply to save yourself a few dollars. It may end up costing youin the long run. 4. Ask for a written contract Once you have made your choice, ask for a written con- tract incorporating the details of the estimate. A clause should be included outlining the liabili- ty insurance carried by the con- tractor to protect you from legal action if an injury occurs on your property while the work is in progress. As well, responsi- bility for incidental damage, clean-up, corrective action for eVerticals eVenetians Valid on custom Orders placed by March 31, 1992 203 Queen Street, Port Pe 9865-3221 (in back of Luke's Country Store) 11 Brock St. E., Uxbridge 862-7299 problems caused by the work, and repairs required after the work is completed should be stipulated in the contract. Don't sign the contract until you have read it carefully and understand its terms and condi- tions. All costs and other details should correspond with the con- tractor's estimate. When you are satisfied that this is the case, sign the contract and re- tain a copy for your own records hire a contractor and protection. 5.Check the work Upon completion of the job, ask the contractor to describe exactly what has been done. Check all of the work carefully to ensure it is completed to your satisfaction before making final payment. Each province has legislation that helps limit your liability should the contractor neglect to pay suppliers, em- ployees or sub-contractors. Consider your lifestyle How to choose your cabinets successfully If you are planning to pur- chase new cabinets for your kitchen or bath, you may be wondering where to begin. You may ask: "How will I know which cabinets will last?" "If water or food is accidentally spilled, will the finish be ruined?" "Will the shelves sag after years of use?" "Will I have to replace a door if my child hits it with a tricycle or falls against it?" "When I sell my house, will I recover my cabinet investment, or most of it?" The following ide- as can make your job easier. Consider your lifestyle. Is it formal or informal? Do you pre- fer traditional cabinets or would a more contemporary look, such as the European style, meet your needs? Do you want solid wood or wood veneer, or would a more high tech look with laminates be best for you? Carefully consider the con- struction. Look at door align- ment and check the hinges to be sure they are securely attached. Joints should show no sign of separation, and components that are joined should have cor- ner bracing. Many other important as- pects of a cabinet's construction really cannot be seen. For exam- ple, before construction, wood parts should have been dried correctly, and all materials used in construction must be suitable for use in the kitchen or bath. ADVERTISERS THE PORT PERRY STAR & STAR MARKETPLACE DELIVER YOUR MESSAGE TO MORE THAN 19,000 HOMES AND 50,000 READERS EVERY WEEK * PMB STUDY shows each issue has 2.7 exposures. PHONE (416) 985-7383 TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THIS SPACE Please Call...........o...