Homefinder Leeds & Grenville Feb. 17th by HF Group Media

RATES ARE MOVING! DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND CALL NOW! - Preapprovals-Electronic Approvals-Mobile ServicesCALL US Your Mortgage Team Tel: (613)930-2592 or Email: info@uppercanadamortgage.com UPPER CANADA MORTGAGE

OPEN HOUSE

www.lisamastin.com

shagerman@martelmortgages.ca www.martelmortgages.ca Corporate Office: 43 King Street West, Suite 202, Brockville, ON K6V 3P7 LIC # 11963 Tel: (613)345-5284 • Fax: 1-866-236-9111

More Information:

www.25WildwoodCres.com

Bringing You 18 Years Of Real Estate Experience Direct: 613-658-2233

Office: 613-258-1990 • Toll Free: 1-866-447-1990 francine@jcis.ca • www.royallepagegale.com

2705 County Rd 43, Kemptville $ 2 ML 8 S 9, 78 9 0 19 0 90

$ 2 ML 2 S 9, 9 77 0 25 0 18

$ 2 ML 5 9 S , 78 0 0 03 0 30

Francine Menard

$ 2 ML 9 9 S , 77 9 0 30 0 58

Tel: (613)345-4525 fax: 1-866-236-9111

(Brockville)

Office: 1-866-345-3664 (24 hr pager)

106 ST. JOHN ST. – MERRICKVILLE All brick 3 storey classic home close to canal. Lovely front verandah and many upgrades, 3 bedrms, 3rd flr loft/family rm, bright and lots of windows with custom interior blinds. See: www.obeo.com/516741

Mortgage Agent

25 Wildwood Cres.

Direct: 613-246-SOLD (7653)

Sales Representative

Shawn Hagerman

SAT. Feb 19th 11-12:30

R EP R ES EN TAT I VE

Email: lisamastin@royallepage.ca

570 Drummond Conc 1, Perth On K7H 3C3 canadianpestcontrol@sympatico.ca

Tel.: 613.925.5538 Toll Free: 1-877-935-7503 Email: info@homefinderweekly.com Website: www.HomefinderWeekly.com

“Working Hard to Bring You Home!”

S A LE S

Tel: 613.267.4209

FREE TAKE ONE

Vol. 1, #86 Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011

#10128 Serving Eastern Ontario since 1991

Protecting Perth, Smiths Falls, Lanark and surrounding areas.

4046 COUNTY RD. 44, SPENCERVILLE 5 GRENVILLE ST, BURRITT’S RAPIDS 560 COUNTY RD. 43, KEMPTVILLE CHOOSE THE BEST TO LOOK AFTER YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! STONE HOME CIRCA 1850 - 8 ACRES – Lovely, old, full of charm & character home with Spacious 4 bedroom homeJOHN on 2 acres, A. Yesterday’s charm & today’s conveniences, stunning riverview, private deck overlooking Rideau landscaped, double garage, recent upgrades: oak kitchen cabinets, re-finished pine canal, Artist’s studio with separate entrance! HomeCHOOSEupdated, hardwood floors, ceramic tiles, windows, door, THE BEST TO LOOK AFTER YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! ESTATE floors, gas stove in living room, 4 bedrm. decorated with taste. See: www.obeo.com/607125 bathroomsMlots of space & REAL efficient floor BROKERAGE A. JOHN John A. Allison John Morrow Maureen Fodrek Jennifer Harper MORRISBURG VILLAGE PLAZA plan! See: www/obeo.com/630282 613-360-6901 613-330-5580 613-858-5515 613-543-3717 Tel: 613-543-3717 Fax: 613-543-3718

ALLISON

ALLISON Broker of Record

Cell:

Broker

Cell:

Sales Representative

Cell:

Assistant

Tel:

“IT’S NOT JUST FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE – IT IS FULFILLING A DREAM” NEW LISTING

John A. Allison Broker of Record

John Morrow Broker

Maureen Fodrek

Sales Representative

Jennifer Harper Assistant

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

613-360-6901

Cell:

613-330-5580

Cell:

613-858-5515

NEW LISTING

Tel:

613-543-3717

MORRISBURG VILLAGE PLAZA

NEW LISTING

Direct: 613-342-8860 11696 Lakeshore Drive, Morrisburg – Excellent bungalow on Lakeshore Drive west of Morrisburg with St. Lawrence River views; 3 bedrooms, remodeled main bath and master ensuite, fabulous family room, solarium, + so much more! $279,900.

40 Park Ave, Morrisburg – Lovely, unique 1.5 storey home with St. Lawrence River views; 2 bedrooms on main floor plus master on 2nd floor; attached single car garage plus detached 2 car garage with loft, an excellent home that must be seen! $334,500.

(Please leave a message)

TOWNSMAN LTD. BROKERAGE

Independently Owned & Operated

NEW LISTING

Tel: 613-543-3717 Fax: 613-543-3718

Donna Brewer Broker Cell:

NEW LISTING

11696 Lakeshore Drive, Mor- 40 Park Ave, Morrisburg – 3 Whitney Cres., Morrisburg – risburg – Excellent bungalow on Lovely, unique 1.5 storey home Character 2 storey home in quiet Lakeshore Drive west of with St. Lawrence River views; 2 cul-de-sac; 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Morrisburg with St. Lawrence bedrooms on main floor plus hardwood floors, 2nd storey sunRiver views; 3 bedrooms, remod- master on 2nd floor; attached room, many recent updates eled main bath and master single car garage plus detached including gas furnace, central 3 Whitney Cres., Morrisburg – ensuite, fabulous family room, 2 car garage with loft, an excel- a/c, gas hot water tank, gas fireCharacter 2 storey home in quiet solarium, + so much more! lent home that must be seen! place + more. Great family cul-de-sac; 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, $279,900. $334,500. home. $194,500. hardwood floors, 2nd storey sunroom, many recent updates VISIT OUR LISTINGS AT WWW.REALTOR.CA including gas furnace, central a/c, gas hot water tank, gas fire- We have high quality rentals available – References required SERVING THE SEAWAY VALLEY FOR 30 YEARS place + more. Great family home. $194,500.

VISIT OUR LISTINGS AT WWW.REALTOR.CA Office: 613.345.2121 We have high quality rentals available – References required Toll Free: 877.311.2121 Fax: 613.345.0680 116 KING STREET WEST SERVING THE SEAWAY VALLEY FOR 30 YEARS

donna.brewer@century21.ca www.c21townsman.com

92 KERRY POINT ROAD NOW $319,000

Beautiful turn key Summer Home just east of Rockport on the St. Lawrence River. Inside is the soaring cathedral wood ceiling, great room has a Napoleon propane gas fireplace, both bedrooms feature cosy electric fireplaces, double closets. Extensive upgrades and renovations since 2003 include metalroof,Tyvek insulation under vinyl siding, new main door, new windows(low e & argon gas), patio door is older, floating laminate flooring in great room and bedrooms, high quality vinyl for kitchen & bath. Bathroom with deep soaker tub. Kitchen with generous counter space, great storage, all newer appliances including dishwasher. Outside is a 32 X 10 deck to enjoy, and both stationary and floating dock with a canoe and other watercraft. MAKE THIS WONDERFUL SUMMER HOME YOURS! READY TO MOVE NOW?

27 ALDERSHOT AVENUE NEW PRICE $129,900 This townhouse condominium is close to shopping, with city bus service nearby. Features include fireplace in sunken living room, dining area with patio doors to enclosed rear garden, galley style kitchen, good closet space in bedrooms and jet tub in main bath. Unfinished basement has washer dryer hookeups, but gives you the opportunity to finish to your requirements.

CALL TO SET UP YOUR APPOINTMENT ON THESE GREAT PROPERTIES.

HOMEFINDER WEEKLY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com

Our Featured Homes

Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011

NOW $319,000

92 KERRY POINT ROAD Beautiful turn key Summer Home just east of Rockport on the St. Lawrence River. Inside is the soaring cathedral wood ceiling, great room has a Napoleon propane gas fireplace, both bedrooms feature cosy electric fireplaces, double closets. Extensive upgrades and renovations since 2003 include metalroof,Tyvek insulation under vinyl siding, new main door, new windows(low e & argon gas), patio door is older, floating laminate flooring in great room and bedrooms, high quality vinyl for kitchen & bath. Bathroom with deep soaker tub. Kitchen with generous counter space, great storage, all newer appliances including dishwasher.

379 Henry St., Prescott - $169,900 Looks are Deceiving, This large century home has 2 full baths, and 4 bedrooms. All charm with it's original woodwork, flooring, and fireplace. MLS# 759809

Donna Brewer Broker Direct: 613-342-8860

TOWNSMAN LTD. BROKERAGE

Independently Owned & Operated

Office: 613.345.2121 Toll Free: 877.311.2121 Fax: 613.345.0680

donna.brewer@century21.ca • www.century21.ca/donna.brewer

111 King St. E.

Prescott

Phone: 613-925-0505

10781 City Rd. 2

Iroquois

Phone: 613-652-2222

Heather Mackay, Sales representative

Hire a Pr ofession al,

Hire a R EAL TOR

A qualified, competent REALTOR® will help you navigate the myriad of decisions that arise when buying and selling a home. A REALTOR® provides value to the homeowner in many ways:

• Pays for all marketing and advertising costs.

• Adds experience and expertise in all aspects of the sales process including marketing, financing, negotiations and more. • Handles all showings.

• Brings a network of known, trusted real estate professionals. If your REALTOR® doesn’t have the answer, he or she likely knows someone who does.

• Always has your interests in mind so you always have someone on your side.

• Can handle and advise on all price and contract negotiations. • Gives an unbiased, realistic view of your home and your options.

• Unlike buyers and sellers, a REALTOR® has no emotional attachment to property.

• Has the knowledge to help you ask the right questions.

• Being a third party, potential buyers are more likely to tell your REALTOR® the truth about your home, even if it is unflattering. This objective viewpoint will help you make the necessary changes to get your home sold.

• Your time is valuable. A REALTOR® allows you to spend your time how you want.

HOMEFINDER WEEKLY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com

Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011

111 King St. E. Prescott

Bonnie Tackaberry

Phone: 613-925-0505

10781 City Rd. 2 Iroquois

Sales Rep.

Toll free: 1-866-487-0077 $189,900

•

www.prescotthomes.ca

Phone: 613-652-2222

•

bonniet@mouse2yourhouse.com $175,000

5518 Meadowbrook Dr. Iroquois Two plus 1 bedroom, 2 full baths. Just over 2 yrs old with lots of extra’s already done for you including finished bsmt, shed, and driveway. MLS #781489

5521 Meadowbrook Dr. Iroquois NEW BUILD! Buyer’s choice: Central Air or Fireplace. Two bdrm semi with attached garage in a great new neighbourhood with municipal service. MLS #774156

$139,900

$239,900

526 James St., Prescott This would make a great home for a growing family with 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, and large town lot. Very well maintained home just waiting for someone special. MLS #775180

51 Plaza, Iroquois Approximately 4000 sq feet of freehold retail space. Currently set up as a restaurant, including equipment. Plenty of mall parking. MLS #769534

Thinking about Buying or Selling a property? Call Bonnie!

13201 RIVERSIDE DR., MORRISBURG $189,900

67 FIFTH ST. W., MORRISBURG $164,500

Solid brick bungalow with modern windows, paved drive and lovely rear deck overlooking private, spacious rear yard. Lower level rec room with cozy woodstove, an office/den that could be a 4th bedroom and 3pc bath. Great starter or retirement home, plus within walking distance to everything Morrisburg has to offer.

In choice rural location. 3 bdrms, 1.5 bath well maintained bungalow with recent upgrades including siding and c/a. Att. dbl. heated garage/workshop and also a dbl. det. garage situated on prime property. Located across from the St. Lawrence River. Close to schools, shopping, Upper Canada Village and more!

Just minutes from Ingleside where you will find shopping, recreation and the St. Lawrence River. Minutes to the 401, 1 hour to Montreal and 45 min. to Ottawa. This 3+1 bdrm home is open concept with a large eat in kitchen/living rm with patio doors to a large deck and screened in gazeebo. It also has a fin. Rec rm on lower level.

2 acre lot, this home has much to offer. Minutes away to all the amenities and just 1hr to Ottawa and Montreal. This home is very well maintained and beautifully landscaped. The 3 bedroom home has an attached 2 car garage, finished lower level, pine doors through out and large deck that boasts a scenic country view.

Brick bung. on 7.8 acres 15 minutes north of Cornwall. Approx. 1500sqft 3+1 bedroom, master bdrm with 3pc ensuite, main floor laundry, family rm with wood burning fireplace, att. single car garage. Recent upgrades include propane gas furnace, electrical panel and garage door. Large rear deck with hot tub. Creek runs through lot.

Grand foyer with marble flooring leads to spiral staricase. Upper level features master bedroom and 2 spacious bedrooms each with their own walk-in closet. Large second floor common area. Main level family room with gas freplace, formal living and dining rooms, den, etc. Interlock driveway, mature plantings. A MUST SEE!

14940 DUFFYS RD., INGLESIDE $199,900

15800 COUNTY RD. 18, LUNENBURG $219,900

18 STEWARD DR., MORRISBURG $474,500

17060 MYERS RD., ST. ANDREWS W. $229,900

DAVE DUPRAU

Sales Representative Cell: 613-662-7355 dave@coburnrealty.com

We never stop moving. COBURN REALTY BROKERAGE Independently Owned and Operated

JOHN MORROW

Broker Cell: 613-330-5580 jmorrow@coburnrealty.com

21 THOROLD LANE, INGLESIDE (In the Shoping Plaza) Telephone: 613-537-2000 Fax: 613-537-2004

E M O H R U O Y SELL

T S A F

! R A L L O D TOP AND FOR

The Real Estate Market Has Changed . . .

Buyers are far more discriminating, and a large percentage of the homes listed for sale don’t sell the first time. It’s more critical than ever to learn what you need to know to avoid costly seller mistakes in order to sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.” THE 9 STEP SYSTEM TO GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST AND FOR TOP DOLLAR

elling your home is one of the most important steps in your life. This 9 step system will give you the tools you need to maximize your profits, maintain control, and reduce the stress that comes with the home-selling process:

1. Know why you’re selling, and keep it to yourself.

The reasons behind your decision to sell affect everything from setting a price to deciding how much time and money to invest in getting your home ready for sale. What’s more important to you: the money you walk away with, or the length of time your property is on the market? Different goals will dictate different strategies.

However, don’t reveal your motivation to anyone else or they may use it against you at the negotiating table. When asked, simply say that your housing needs have changed.

2. Do your homework before setting a price.

Settling on an offering price shouldn’t be done lightly. Once you’ve set your price, you’ve told buyers the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home, but pricing too high is as dangerous as pricing too low. Remember that the average buyer is looking at 15-20 homes at the same time they are considering yours. This means that they have a basis of comparison, and if your home doesn’t compare favorably with others in the price range you’ve set, you won’t be taken seriously by prospects or agents. As a result, your home will sit on the market for a long time and, knowing this, new buyers on the market will think there must be something wrong with your home. 3. Do your homework.

Find out what homes in your own and similar neighborhoods have sold for in the past 6-12 months, and research what current homes are

listed for. That’s certainly how prospective buyers will assess the worth of your home.

4. Find a good real estate agent to represent your needs.

Nearly three-quarters of homeowners claim that they wouldn’t use the same realtor who sold their last home. Dissatisfaction boils down to poor communication which results in not enough feedback, lower pricing and strained relations. 5. Maximize your home’s sales potential.

Each year, corporate North America spends billions on product and packaging design. Appearance is critical, and it would be foolish to ignore this when selling your home.

You may not be able to change your home’s location or floor plan, but you can do a lot to improve its appearance. The look and feel of your home generates a greater emotional response than any other factor. Clean like you’ve never cleaned before. Pick up, straighten, unclutter, scrub, scour and dust. Fix everything, no matter how insignificant it may appear. Present your home to get a wow” response from prospective buyers.

Allow the buyers to imagine themselves living in your home The decision to buy a home is based on emotion, not logic. Prospective buyers want to try on your home just like they would a new suit of clothes. If you follow them around pointing out improvements or if your decor is so different that it’s difficult for a buyer to strip it away in his or her mind, you make it difficult for them to feel comfortable enough to imagine themselves an owner.

6. Make it easy for prospects to get information on your home.

The prospects calling for information on your home probably value their time as much as you do. The last thing they want to be subjected to is either a game of telephone tag with an agent, or an unwanted sales pitch. Make sure the ads your agent places for your

home are attached to a 24 hour prerecorded hotline with a specific ID# or a MLS listing# for your home which gives buyers access to detailed information about your property day or night 7 days a week without having to talk to anyone. It’s been proven that 3 times as many buyers call for information on your home under this system. And remember, the more buyers you have competing for your home the better, because it sets up an auction-like atmosphere that puts you in the driver’s seat. 7. Know your buyer.

In the negotiation process, your objective is to control the pace and set the duration. What is your buyer’s motivation? Does s/he need to move quickly? Does s/he have enough money to pay you your asking price? Knowing this information gives you the upper hand in the negotiation because you know how far you can push to get what you want. 8. Make sure the contract is complete.

For your part as a seller, make sure you disclose everything. Smart sellers proactively go above and beyond the laws to disclose all known defects to their buyers in writing. If the buyer knows about a problem, s/he can’t come back with a lawsuit later on.

Make sure all terms, costs and responsibilities are spelled out in the contract of sale, and resist the temptation to diverge from the contract. For example, if the buyer requests a move-in prior to closing, just say no. Now is not the time to take any chances of the deal falling through. Your agent can advise you on this. 9. Don’t move out before you sell.

Studies have shown that it is more difficult to sell a home that is vacant because it looks forlorn, forgotten, simply not appealing. It could even cost you thousands. If you move, you’re also telling buyers that you have a new home and are probably highly motivated to sell fast. This, of course, will give them the advantage at the negotiating table.

Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011

HOMEFINDER WEEKLY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com

111 King St. E.

Prescott

Phone: 613-925-0505

Heather MacKay Sales Representative

10781 City Rd. 2

Iroquois

Phone: 613-652-2222

579 Boundary St, Prescott - $149,900 St. Lawrence River as a backdrop. Large private corner lot with mature perennial beds, shrubs and trees. Wonderful masonry verandah, and an enclosed windowed sunporch. MLS# 743073

150 James St., Prescott - $79,000 Being sold "AS IS". Lots of Character and Potential. Floors are hardwood throughout, renovations by previous owner 70% approximately completed includes drywall, bathroom, etc. MLS# 743958

“Visit our website to view photos & more details!”

5516 Bridlewood Court, Iroquois $175,000 Spacious 2+2 Bedroom Home in Popular Subdivision MLS# 779689

111 King St. E. Prescott

10781 City Rd. 2 Iroquois

Phone: 613-652-2222 Sales Representative Toll free: 1-866-487-0077 Brandon Stone

2724 North Campbell Road, Augusta $245,000 Family Home 3+1 Bedroom with Large Fenced Yard - MLS# 772194

Email: brandon@mouse2yourhouse.com

Independantly Owned & Operated Brokerage

Office: 613-937-4445 506 Pitt Street, EXIT REALTY SEAWAY Cornwall ON

379 Henry St., Prescott - $169,900 Looks are Deceiving, This large century home has 2 full baths, and 4 bedrooms. All charm with it's original woodwork, flooring, and fireplace. MLS# 759809

Building lot, 70 tandem loads sand, great location! $35,000

Email: hmackay@sympatico.ca

Phone: 613-925-0505

“Visit our website to view photos & more details!”

4104 Brinston Road. Brinston - $279,900 Big 3+2 Bedroom Bungalow with Large Detached Barn/Workshop - Call For Details- MLS# 781404

The referral of your friends and family is the greatest compliment you can give us!

4 FOREST HILL RD, LONG SAULT $549,900 Prepare to be pleased by this more than 2000 sq. ft. bungalow offering 3 bedroom and 3 baths on the main level. This home features luxuries such as a private deck with hot tub from the master bedroom with en-suite bath done in travertine marble, soaker jetted tub, glass shower and in floor heat. The great room offers 2 sided fireplace with slate surround and built in plasma TV, a view of the forest from a wall of windows, and floors done in Brazilian Cherry wood. This home is done with high end materials such as; slate, travertine marble, cherry, and granite. The main level has a very convenient office for work at home. Downstairs will greet you with a bright recreation room that is on a walk out level. This home's lower level walks out to a private back yard or leads you into the 2 car heated garage. Located in Prestigious Arrowhead Estates.

Check out these exquisite homes Henrietta Duvall, Sales Representative.

Direct line: 613-930-5372 • www.homescornwall.ca

51 FOREST HILL RD, LONG SAULT $1,495,000 3 Level 6,500 Sq. ft of luxury living-Welcome to this absolutely stunning stone and cedar Adirondack style home-Finest finishing and craftsmanship. This home is offering a perfect blend of contemporary and classic elegance with hardwood and travertine marble floors throughout, custom architectural moldings, 5 beautiful baths, gourmet kitchen with granite counters and restaurant quality appliances including double ovens. This bright sun filled home with breath taking views leads to outdoor living areas with 2000 sq. ft. of ipe decking, tempered glass railing, 4,000 sq. ft. of interlocking patio, heated in ground salt water pool, extensive stone work including walls, stairs and walkways and so much more. So many features: In floor heating throughout lower level, 3 level, double sided stone fireplace, spa like bath, lower level theatre, home gym with mirrored wall, hot tub and the list goes on and on!!!...Call Henrietta @ 613-930-5372 for full details.

HOMEFINDER WEEKLY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com

The Homefinder Weekly is ONLINE

Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011

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DOWNLOAD YOUR WEEKLY ONLINE EDITION!

Surf our website and view listings along the Seaway and surrounding communities from our full papers online.

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Liz’ Tips

Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011

HOMEFINDER WEEKLY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com

Don't move; improve By Nancy E. Smith Special to the Herald

Once their children are grown and have left the nest, many homeowners realize how outdated their houses have become.

All those bedrooms that once were so badly needed now sit empty or have become seldom-used guest rooms, hobby areas or oversized storage closets haphazardly stacked with boxes.

Meanwhile, that one bathroom built as small as possible to make more space for bedrooms has come to seem woefully inadequate.

added to a home, but if it isn't in a salable location, the cost of the remodeling may be lost in the resale," he said.

"However, making better use of existing space, such as opening up rooms or converting a little-used garage to a usable room, can help gain needed space for about half the cost."

A new home could be the answer, but the cost may be beyond the budget when retirement is looming just a few years away.

Mallonee also points out that with lumber prices the highest they've ever been, big savings can be realized by working within the perimeter of the existing home.

The result can seem like moving into a new house but without the hassles of leaving the neighborhood you've grown to know and love.

Bathrooms in many older homes have built-in linen closets, which can be removed or replaced with smaller closets to add roominess. Open shelving can retain the feeling of openness while storing towels and other bathroom items.

A better, less expensive option may lie in remodeling the home to make better use of the existing space, while improving its comfort and appearance.

Most areas of a home can be updated in some way. Opening up walls to increase room size or to create larger door and window openings can greatly improve the appearance and utility of the most lived-in areas.

Look around your home. What space do you have that gets little use?

An extra bedroom can be opened up to create a large master bedroom or spacious bath. Or that space can be partitioned to adjacent rooms for walk-in closets or additional bathrooms.

A good remodeling contractor can advise the homeowner on ways to use existing space, as well as the practicality of constructing additions to existing homes, said Tom Mallonee of Mallonee and Sons of Kennewick.

"The location of the home can help determine if it would be worthwhile to do a large remodel job or if another alternative should be sought out," Mallonee said.

"A person can pay for an additional 400 square feet to be

The bathroom has been the most popular candidate for a makeover in the recent jobs he's worked on, Mallonee said.

Mirrors, see-through showers and glass divider walls can contribute to the sense of spaciousness, making a small bathroom appear much larger.

Using glass bricks to replace a 3-by-4-foot section of wall next to a jetted tub can create an attractive effect while adding light to the room, said Greg Senger of Senger Construction in Kennewick.

Creative use of glass also can greatly enhance the sense of spaciousness in a kitchen remodeling.

"Always look to see if the cabinet doors can be prepped for glass," said Kathy Longwell of Craftsman Cabinets and Floor Covering in Richland. "New knobs, new countertops and maybe floor covering, along with paint and wall covering, will practically make a new kitchen."

If space seems cramped, it's often possible to create more room by better organization without having to expand the actual space.

Home Inspection Services

• Thermal Imaging • Mould Inspection • Air Sampling

613-926-0892 • charles.boyd@sympatico.ca

Something as simple as removing a soffit, the structure enclosing the vacant space above a cabinet, can create more space. "Installing a taller cabinet to take up the space where the soffit was will give additional storage space in a kitchen," Senger said.

"Install a microwave with a built-in vent over the stove so there will be no need for extra counter space to set it on," he added.

Senger also suggests adding an "appliance garage" to keep seldom-used appliances off counters and out of the way. Sometimes, the kitchen table can be replaced with an island eating area that can double for storage and food preparation.

And don't neglect the possibility of bringing in more daylight. "To replace an outside door in the kitchen with a door that has glass in the upper half, this gives you another window," Longwell said.

Senger agrees. "There are many ways to gain space and natural light in an older home. Skylights can be put in most any room," he said. "It's surprising how much larger and open a room can look when it has good light."

When planning the work, don't fail to consider the accommodations you should make for installing modern electronic devices like home entertainment centers, computers and home office systems.

With so many things to consider, it's often wise - as well as cost-effective - to seek professional help.

With remodeling becoming such an important part of the building industry in recent years, many architects, contractors and interior designers have accumulated a great deal of experience in the field. They can provide expert help on complying with city codes and making sure any changes to the home are structurally sound.

Since 1985

Our bilingual consultant offers you alternative & affordable decorating solutions: • De-Cluttering • Home Staging • Reorganizing • Feng Shui

Liz Quinn

Décor consultant

Charles W. Boyd

Design’ in - Mind

Let’s Talk: 613-342-4141

Cert. # IAC2-01-2807

Certfied Indoor Air Quality Consultant

elizabeth.quinn@sympatico.ca

www.ontariohomeinspectionservices.com

We can solve your pest problems! Ants - Bedbug - Bird - Carpenter Ants Insects - Mice Rats - Spiders Squirrels Etc....

Protecting Perth, Smiths Falls, Lanark and surrounding areas. No one willingly invites pests into their homes. We can help solve pest problems at your house, townhouse, apartment or cottage. With services ranging from one-time visits to regular monthly inspections, we can create the service to best fit your needs. Call us now to restore your home to a safe, pest-free environment.

Call: 613.267.4209 Email: canadianpestcontrol@sympatico.ca 570 Drummond Conc 1, Perth On K7H 3C3

By: Liz Quinn of Design’in-Mind Maximum Impact with Minimal Investment Brockville, Ontario

Maximum Impact with Minimal Investment

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