COUNTRY SQUIRE RESORT, GANANOQUE Independently owned and operated
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Not valid on weekends, holidays. For reservation call 1-800-267-9415 or 613-382-3511 Not valid with any other promotion
Vol. 2, #12 Feb. 16th to March 1st, 2012
Offer expires November 30/2011
715 King Street East Gananoque
Leeds & Grenville
FREE TAKE ONE
Tel.: 613.925.5538 Toll Free: 1-877-935-7503 Email: info@homefinderweekly.com Website: www.HomefinderWeekly.com
"Working together - we 'll find the home that fulfills your present dream"
Donna Brewer Broker Direct: 613-342-8860
TOWNSMAN LTD. BROKERAGE
Independently Owned & Operated
11 Windsor Dr. Brockville, On K6V 3H5 Angela Hay 613-498-2526 1-866-924-2851
“Working Hard to Bring You Home!” 613-246-SOLD (7653) SA L E S
RE PRE SE NTAT I VE
NEW LISTING!
1411Limerick.com
(Oxford Station-close to 416)
1-866-345-3664 (24 hr pager)
Office: 613.345.2121 Toll Free: 877.311.2121 Fax: 613.345.0680
donna.brewer@century21.ca • www.century21.ca/donna.brewer
www.lisamastin.com
$329,500 MLS®
Beautiful open concept & property!
2011
Visit my website for more listings & info!
BAMBI MARSHALL Sales Representative
Direct: 613-498-6393 bambiworking4u@gmail.com OPEN HOUSE!
326 COUNTY ROAD 8 TOLEDO • 613-275-2070 • www.bonniezeliczrealestate.com
HAPPY FAMILY DAY! Have a great day with loved ones!!! OPEN HOUSE!
SAT, FEB 18TH 1-2PM SAT, FEB 25TH 10-11AM
SAT, FEB 25TH 1-2PM
424 JAMES STREET EAST, PRESCOTT
777 STEWART BLVD BROCKVILLE
141,900 MLS
$159,900 MLS
$174,900 MLS
732 SHERBROOKE LANE SOUTH FRONTENAC
So many updates to mention and move in ready, with walk in tub. MLS# 070801001502600
Large 2 Bed, 1 Bath Large eat in Kitchen, a/g pool and fenced in yard close to all amenties. MLS# 080203007521500
(BOB'S LAKE) Located in Cottage Country, drilled well, composting toilet, bunk house that sleeps 3-4 and 15 minutes from Westport. MLS# 102903002094598
$274,900 MLS
3 CHEYENNE TRAILS R.R.#2 BROCKVILLE
6 SPENCER STREET SPENCERVILLE
OPEN HOUSE!
SAT, FEB 18TH 11-12PM SAT, FEB 25TH 3-4PM
44 FAIRKNOWE DRIVE BROCKVILLE 4 bedroom, 3.5 baths, mainfloor F/R,Rec room, 2 car garage atttached MLS# 080201001510100
$319,900 MLS
105 Main St., P.O. Box 294, Morrisburg - Office: 613-543-3598 E-mail: thomrealty@mor-net.on.ca Website: www.thomrealty.net
INGLESIDE AREA: Excellent starter home on a large country lot located between Morrisburg & Ingleside. This home has a huge private backyard that includes an above ground 15 foot pool, new trampoline & a detached garage. Home features 2 plus 1 bedrooms, upgraded electrical in 2002, new laminate floors in living room. Roof & oil tank replaced in 2006. Come have a look. $117,000 (14305 Anderson Road, Ingleside)
MORRISBURG: Built in 1950s, this cozy block 2 bedroom home has newer windows, recent roof, new insulation & drywall inside, lovely new kitchen, nicely updated baths: 4pc up; 2pc down. Hardwood in dining; also under low carpet in living room. Laminate & vinyl floors elsewhere. Finished basement has natural gas stove (not hooked up) in rec room, large bedroom, 2pc bath, office area, & furnace/laundry room. 100amp electric fuses. Nat Gas furnace. Insulated/wired detached workshop. Much more spacious than you’d think! $149,500
601 TOWNLINE ROAD SMITH FALLS
3 bed,2 bath a/g pool and large lot 5 min to Smiths Falls and 20 min to Brockville. MLS# 080182404901011
$299,900 MLS
$322,888 MLS
(ALGONQUIN) 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath MB ensuite and WIC Closet, 2 car garage 10 min. to Brockville, less than an hour to Ottawa. MLS# 070600004502904
17 DAVIS LOCK ROAD ELGIN
Wanted Devolpers- 74.34 Acres located in Official Plan Schedule A2 in Settlement area, 1/2 to Smiths Falls, Brockville and Gan. and 45 minutes to Kingston MLS# 083183604607200
4 bedroom, 1.5 bath with main family room, large eat in kitchen 12 min to Kemptville or 12 min to Prescott. MLS# 070170104003301
Charles (Chuck) Barkley Broker of Record
Cell: 613-930-5701
Nancy Schaillee Sales Representative
Cell: 613-551-7025
MORRISBURG AREA: WOW! Is the best way to express what this home offers. 5 generously sized bedrooms (1 includes a personal sauna), country style eat-in kitchen, living room with wood stove, formal dining room, & inviting foyer. The entire home boasts high ceilings, & fabulous original wood work. This stately 2 storey brick Victorian is further enhanced by large decks front & back, great storage barn, super garden space, & a basement work shop with an outside entrance. Just minutes from Morrisburg, & the St. Lawrence River, it is a must see! $239,000
$219,900 MLS
Bonnie Stone-Hill Sales Representative
Cell: 613-330-5773
BRINSTON: Spectacular! Picturesque setting on over 7 wooded acres. Amazing 4 level side split features over 1,650 square feet, cathedral ceilings, finished lower level family room, main floor laundry, double attached garage, fireplace & so much more. This is truly living; 23 year old home is very well maintained & shows beautifully. Call for a look & further details today. $329,000
Floor & Wall Centre
Visit our Showroom at 7758 Kent Blvd., Brockville inspiration at your feet
613-342-1007 • Carpet • Hardwood • Laminate • Ceramic Tile
• Free Estimates • Sales • Installations • Renovations
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Where Quality is Remembered www.floorandwallcentre.com
WE ALSO DO COMPLETE BATHROOM RENOVATIONS
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February 16th to March 1st, 2012
Our Featured Homes
Leeds & Grenville MI SE ! W ING NE I ST L
$319,900 2 C H E Y E NN E T R A I L S R . R . # 2 , B RO C KV I L L E 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath MB ensuite and WIC Closet, 2 car garage 10 min. to Brockville, less than an hour to Ottawa. MLS# 070600004502904
BONNIE ZELICZ REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
$161,900 5566 MEADOWBROOK DR., IROQUOIS ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE! Nearly new built in 2010, balance of Tarion Home Warranty C/Air, M.F. Laundry, Finished Family Rm, 2 Bathrooms, MLS# 819602
BAMBI MARSHALL
DALE CHARBOT
bambiworking4u@gmail.com
dale@mouse2yourhouse.com
Broker
Sales Representative
Office: 613-925-0505
Office: 613-275-2070
111 KING STREET E., PRESCOTT
326 COUNTY ROAD 8, TOLEDO
www.mouse2yourhouse.com
www.bonniezeliczrealestate.com
Dale Charbot 111 King St. E. Prescott
Helping You Is What We Do!
Broker
“Visit our website to view photos & more details!”
Iroquois Phone: 613-652-2222 111 King St. E. Prescott Phone: 613-925-0505 10781 Cty Rd 2,
NEW SEMI LISTING!
ALL ON ONE LEVEL!
NEW SEMI!
AFFORDABLE!
$161,900
$104,900
$174,900
$75,000
5566 MEADOWBROOK DR, IROQUOIS ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE! Nearly new built in 2010, balance of Tarion Home Warranty C/Air, M.F. Laundry, Finished Family Rm, 2 Bathrooms, MLS# 819602
10329 HANESVILLE RD, RR2, BRINSTON WELL MAINTAINED HOME! Set on 1+Acre Lot, Lovely Gardens Recent Shingles, Furnace, Oil Tank, Large open Kitchen/Living area, MLS# 812910
RURAL DELIGHT!
INVESTMENT PROPERTIES!
5577 MEADOWBROOK DR, IROQUOIS Buy early and finish it the way you want to! Approx 1200 sq.ft , Tarion Home Warranty, M.F. Laundry, Open Living/Dining/Kitchen, 2 Bedbrms, MLS# 797702
$249,900
$295,900
$224,900
10317 CHESS RD, RR2 IROQUOIS BEAUTIFUL OPEN DESIGN! Quiet dead end road on 1 Acre Lot! 3+1 Bedrms Central Air, M.F.Laundry, Lower Level Family Rm, & More! MLS #810987
240 LEWIS ST, CARDINAL WELL MAINTAINED! A FOURPLEX, A TRIPLEX, and a BUNGALOW! All Rented with Long Term tenants! Also incl a separate Parking Lot, Call Dale!
MOVE IN CONDITION!
5533 BRIDLEWOOD CRT, IROQUOIS 2+2 bedroom home located close to St.Lawrence River! Open Kit/Dining /Living area Lower level Family Rm w/Gas Fireplace. C/Air! Spacious Foyer MLS# 815292
3022 JOHN ST, CARDINAL CHEAPER THAN RENT! Centrally located home with 3 Bedrooms Large Eat-in Kit, Dining & Living Rm, 4pc Bath, some updates done, MLS# 811218
LOTS OF LOTS AVAILABLE – BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME! RIVER VIEW /GOLF CLUB VIEW AVAILABLE! Golf Club Road, Iroquois, $49,900 each Call Dale for Details
February 16th to March 1st, 2012
HOMEFINDER WEEKLY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com
Randy North
Gabrielle Ault
Chris McCorkell
Sales Representative, B.A.
Sales Representative
Sales Representative, B.A.
Direct: 613-340-0794
3
Direct: 613-803-4663
Direct: 613-213-3639
Countdown to St.Patrick's:29 Days! Countdown to NHL Playoffs:51 Days! WONDERFUL HOMES ON BEAUTIFUL LOTS!
STUNNING!
$324,999-Hgwy 416 & 401-Spectacular superinsulated carpet-free 3 bed-3 bath home w/crown moulding in each & every room-set far from road on 4.4 acre lot-new propane gas boiler, new low e argon windows&25 year fiberglas reinforced shingles all in 2007-dir entrance to 24 x 29 ft garage9x9 ft drs-a/g pool-Enjoy the countryside from you 2nd level deck or walk-out patio! 2202GlenSmail.com
UPDATED SEPTIC AND MORE!
10797 Stampville Road-$118,888-Cozy 1000 sq ft country gem-main flr 4-pc bath&mstr bdrm with 2nd level bdrm&office that can be used as 3rd bdrm-French drs from living rm lead to massive deck overlooking tranquil farmer's fields-beautiful kitchen-Updates: septic 2008-windows&drs-TSSA oil furn w/new chimney liner-aFantasticPlace.ca
NEW LISTING!
$348,888-2610 McNeilly-Built 2004-1800 sq ft 2+2 bdrm-3 full bath, carpet-free hi-ranch with another 1800 sq ft finished lower level with 10 ft high ceilings & hi-end laminate flring-main level has stunning cathedral ceilings thoughout-main level hrwd&ceramic tile-R-31 insulation in all walls&attic-extremely low heating costs aFantasticPlace.ca
SO
LD ! S OL D!
$279,900-3575 County Rd 26-this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 storey country home on 2.4 acres in the Hamlet of Maynard has CHARACTER plus-south facing master w/giant window-French doors with Transom & south-facing grand room w/11 ft. cathedral ceilingsstone fireplace w/gas insert-huge restored barn are just some of the special features that set this home apart-MajesticCenturyHome.com
LD ! S OL D!
$239-888-Mountain-10375 Clark Rd1250 sq ft 1 yr old bungalow
SOLD!!!!
LOTS OF LOTS!! Cardinal-Sawmill Creek-Serviced lots starting at $29,900, all w/natural gas & some w/waterfront-Builders Welcome! Or build your own dream home with one of our highly recommended builders. Paved road, nat gas, municipal water and sewer. For a list of other building lots both commercial & residential go to Homes@GabrielleAult.com
BRING THE TOOLS TO FIX ME UP!
NEW PRICE!
$84,848-Cardinal-2045 Dundas-1500 sq ft 3 bdrm-1.5 bath home w/high ceilings-open concept dining/living-beautiful custom kitchen-newer siding, soffit& fascia-shingles 2009- doors&windows-1985&2011-gas furnace 2012-walk to the St. Lawrence & all amenities-aFantasticPlace.ca
BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED! $188,888-Williamsburgh-1220 sq ft impecably renovated 3 bdrm bungalow w/finished lower level incl. large family rm+4th bdrm/office w/walk-in closet&fabulous 3 pc ensuite w/huge whirlpool tub-beautiful treed 1/2 acre lot-city sewer-$99 mo nat gas ht-updates: custom kitchen-both baths-shingles-flring-inter drs & more! 12292CountyRoad18.com
BRICK BEAUTY
$327,600-12327 County Road 3-Just outside of Winchester, a wonderful spacious 2 storey Victorian home, 4 bed, 3 bath, on a deep corner lot. Great room, formal dining room, 3 bedrooms & master wi/ensuite & private second stairway to main level. Garage/worship and 2 storage sheds. Wide back deck. Must see! Homes@GabrielleAult.com
ACREAGE AND MORE ACREAGE: ENJOY THE PRIVACY OR BRING THE HORSES
LIST YOUR HOME HERE!!! Let Randy, Chris and Gabrielle's Northern Exposure Marketing Team work hard to get your property
$209,900-Johnstown subdivsion35 Elizabeth St-3+1 bdrm sidesplit-1 bathopen concept -hardwood in liv/dining &halllaminate in bdrms-gas stove/fireplace -finished rec room w/wood pellet stove-gas furnace-shingles 2007-2 large decks incl around a/g pool-2 car garage-cedar hedged yard-corner lot-aFantasticPlace.ca
LOVINGLY-MAINTAINED HISTORICAL HOMES:
$439,777 - 1306 CR#2-Maitland 156 Acres-barn+farmland+ trees+bush
SO
WOW FACTOR!
NEW LISTING!
TRAILS!
$279,900-Spencervillee-2813 CR#21-20 acre hobby farm backing onto the Nation River1200 sq ft renovated 3+1 bedrm all-brick bungalow-dble att garage-outbuilding easily converted to a barn-incredible horse/atv trails through beautiful wooded lot-approx 3 acres pasture-Updates included shingles, kitchen, windows-septic-aFantasticPlace.ca
SO
$70,000-Iroquois-5410 Brinston Rd. 3 bedroom 1 bath bungalow w/open concept, large eat in kitchen & living room. Screened sunroom looks onto country lot w/deep back yard & woods yet only 2 minutes from all amenities! Great place to start, bring your imagination and make it your own. Homes@GabrielleAult.com
Office:
LD ! S OL D!
$169,000-Iroquois-5763 Carman Rd2400 sq ft warehouse
613-498-3113
75 King Street East, Brockville 1 Antares Dr., Suite 110, Ottawa
"Northern Exposure Marketing System"
$199,888-North Augusta-12 min from 416/Kemptville-At the end of a long private laneway is your 16 acre mainly tillable property w/2 acre treed area near home-Metal roof covering 30 x 30 ft. garage plus 1/2 of newer extension on beautiful 3 bedroom log home w/board & batten exterior, 1.5 baths, garage w/power&lots of windows- aFantasticPlace.ca
LD ! S OL D!
$82,222-Morrisburg-75 Sir James Morris-960 sq ft bungalow- aFantasticPlace.ca
SO
LOG HOME!
$348,888-4 km from main road-25 min Hgwy 401 north of Gan-1100 sq ft private 4-season bungalow on a quiet lake adjoining Rideau Canal-Magnificent grand room w/vaulted ceilings&wood burning fireplace-Updates in 2009:dock-insulation-wndows-drs-hrwd&ceramic flring25 year shingles-CanExel siding-2 new baths incl ensuite w/handicap accessible shower-stunning kitchen cabinetry-200 amp serv- Park your boat at your 32 foot dock & take a day trip to the 1000 Islands or head to Merrickville for dinner! 402BrooksPoint.com
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Top 10 Home Buyers Tips ON THE MARKET TIPS
TIP 1- Buying A home Is One Of The Best Investments You Can Make! Home equity remains the largest single savings vehicle for most Canadians. In addition to the tax incentives of home ownership, and the ability to tap into your home equity if the need arises, buying a home is a wise and prudent investment for most people.
does not have a reputation for being ‘pushy’. The purchase of a home is a serious long term commitment on your part and a good agent will recognize that buyers need time and patience so they can satisfactorily sort out the myriad’s of factors involved in a purchase decision.
TIP 2- It Is Very Important To Buy A Home That Will Go Up In Value. Slow, steady home appreciation has been the rule over most of the nation’s history, and many real estate investors became quite wealthy in that environment. They did so by very carefully analyzing the appreciation potential of their investment, and they invested for the long term. You should too. Even if you plan on living in your home just a few years, you will want it to have gone up in value when you put it back on the market.
TIP 5- Current Home Prices Are A Less Important Consideration Than Interest Rates. Try to buy and/or sell when interest rates are low. The amount of mortgage you can afford (and thus the price of the home you will cosider) will change as the interest rates rise or fall. A certain asking price may sound expensive to you, but at a lower interest rate you might be able to afford it. You may own several homes over your lifetime, and the factors that will limit or increase the value of the home you will be selling will similarly affect the price of its replacement. Since those factors largely wash each other out, interest rates remain the most important factor.
TIP 3- Use A Buyers Agent. If you're going to work with a real estate agent, contract with a buyers agent. A buyers agent has a duty to represent your interests, while the subagent represents the seller's interests. The subagent, which has been the traditional relationship between a buyer and an agent, is ethically required to disclose all relevant information (such as the fact that you’ll be willing to raise your offer if necessary) to the seller. TIP 4- Choose Your Agent Wisely. If you are using a real estate agent look for one with experience in working with buyers, with knowledge of the neighborhood(s) you are considering, and who
TIP 6- Always Have A Home Inspection Contingency In Your Offer and always hire a professio-nal home inspector to provide you a written report, along with “ball park” estimates or ranges of repair costs. If the inspection turns up problems that weren’t readily noticeable, you
can use it and the ball park estimates for negotiating leverage to get the seller to make the repairs or provide you a commensurate price reduction. TIP 7-
Learn As Much As Possible About The Seller’s Circumstances. There may be mutually beneficial opportunities. For example if you might face difficulty qualifying for a big enough mortgage, and the seller is worried about college costs for his or her sixth grader, then maybe the seller might be interested in accepting a second trust for part of the purchase price if the interest rate is above what they could otherwise earn and the loan is paid off the summer before the child’s freshman college year. From your perspective the rate will likely be less than you could get from a traditional lender.
TIP 8- Research Your Mortgage Options Well Before You Make An Offer. You won’t have enough time in the five days sellers normally allow to get all of your paperwork together, determine the best kind of mortgage, who is offering the best rates etc. Consider getting a contingent letter of approval for a loan, or an actual loan commitment prior to making an offer. The former is not actually a loan
February 16th to March 1st, 2012
commitment, but rather a contingent approval for a loan up to a certain amount. While it has relatively little enforceable value, it nevertheless can impress a seller, who might be more willing to accept a lower offer because of the perceived financial capabilities of the seller. Its also possible to get approved by a lender with a longer term “lock” on the interest rate in order to protect you from subsequent rate increa-ses. While this should substantially increase your negotiating leverage, keep in mind that you pay more directly or indirectly for the longer commitment, either in terms of the rate and/or points. TIP 9- Learn How To Negotiate Like A Pro. There’s more money involved in this negotiation than just about any other area you’ll encounter. Even if you’re using a buyer’s agent, you’re part of the team, and you’ll have to make the ultimate decisions about how much to offer and how much to compromise on a counter offer. TIP 10- STUDY! The tips in this article are only the beginning. You’ll need to learn a lot more if you want to get the best possible deal. Read as much as you can on home buying, on negotiating, on neighborhoods in your area that might fit your needs, and on factors that impact long term appreciation like schools, infrastructure, major new business expansions or closing etc. Keep copies of everything you send the lender and everything the lender sends you.
Your guide to...
OPEN HOUSES
Presented by The Homefinder Bi-Weekly
You can download and print this section online at www.homefinderweekly.com/openhouses
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18TH, 11-12PM SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18TH, 1-2PM SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25TH, 3-4PM SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25TH, 10-11AM $141,900 $274,900
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25TH, 1-2PM
$159,900
44 FAIRKNOWE DR., BROCKVILLE
424 JAMES ST. EAST, PRESCOTT
777 STEWART BLVD., BROCKVILLE
Sales Representative
Sales Representative
Sales Representative
Bambi Marshall
BONNIE ZELICZ REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
Office: 613-275-2070
Bambi Marshall
BONNIE ZELICZ REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
Office: 613-275-2070
Bambi Marshall
BONNIE ZELICZ REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
Office: 613-275-2070
February 16th to March 1st, 2012
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s s e c c u S d Beyon Infinity... s i e r e Th ~ business cards,
~ brochures,
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350
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$
5000 Real Estate Postcards
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Postcards: 4x6 printed double sided in full color on 14 pt heavy card. Delivered to your door.
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1000 copies 4 x 6, full color, 1 sided: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125.00
Business Cards
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info@infinitycommunicationdesign.com Cornwall: 613.935.7503 - Prescott: 613.925.5538 - Toll Free: 1-877-935-7503
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Liz’ Tips
Renovation Tips
We are at mid-winter. It is a time of renewal, reflection, and project planning. Are you considering a renovation? Rich and varied colours, shapes and surface textures can be Liz’ Tips combined to create stunning effects…whether it’s in your kitchen, living room, or in other By: Liz Quinn of Design’in-Mind rooms of your home. Maximum Impact with Minimal Investment
Once you have your needs, budget and floor plan drawn out, you can begin deciding which materials you will use to update your home. But where do you begin? The architectural background of a room or home generally tells you what the overall scheme or style will be. Study the architectural elements in your home. Whatever period style your home was built in doesn’t have to be the main style that you use to decorate, but it is a good idea to reference elements of it to ensure continuity and harmony. The materials used in the home affect us physically with their feel and look, but also psychologically because of how they affect energy.
Advance planning is the key to successful renovations. Achieve the results you want by doing your renovation right the first time. Before you attempt any renovations, decide on a comfortable budget for this project. Make a list of your project requirements. Next, you will need to inquire about cost before you go ahead..
House as a System
A house is much more than just four walls and a roof — it’s an interactive system made up of many components including the basic structure, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, the external environment and the occupants. Each component influences the performance of the entire system. A renovation provides an opportunity to improve how your house performs. Kitchen renovations often include changes to HVAC equipment that can improve indoor air quality and moisture management in the house. Be careful if choosing large volume exhaust fans because they can cause combustion heating equipment to backdraft. Structural changes may give you a chance to improve air tightness and insulation, resulting in increased occupant comfort and house durability.
Avoid Surprises
• Fixtures and appliances
Once you start a renovation, there’s no turning back. Your life is disrupted and any unexpected problems will lead to higher costs and delays in finishing the project. Thorough planning will help you to develop a realistic understanding of the work to be done and the costs involved. Many people can hammer nails and use a saw but don’t be fooled by easy talk. You may need to hire a qualified & certified building professional to do a thorough investigation of the project space. Ask to see their certifications beforehand. It is best to find the problems before the renovations begin. This qualified person you hire should be able to suggest the best solutions. If you’re not sure, ask the experts at CMHC: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is Canada’s national housing agency. They may provide you with a list of certified professionals in your area.
• Floor and wall finishes.
100 Sheppard Ave. E, Suite 300, Toronto, ON, M2N 6Z1
Costing Your Project
The cost of the renovation work will depend on the condition of the existing structure, the extent of the work to be done and local labour and material prices. Costs of finishes and fixtures vary widely. A good budget checklist will help you to develop a realistic cost for the project before you start. Some of the items to include are: • Permit and inspection costs. • Design changes.
• Structural considerations.
• Moisture damage and deteriorated finishes. • Plumbing and electrical problems. • Heating and ventilation. • Waste disposal.
Before You Start Renovating Your Kitchen
Your kitchen is probably the most used room in your house. Poor layout, inadequate lighting, cramped spaces, outdated fixtures and old cabinetry are common complaints of homeowners. Before you decide to go ahead with a kitchen renovation, it is important to clearly identify the features you want in your new kitchen: distinguish between your wants and your needs. Just as important is a thorough pre-renovation inspection to identify any existing problems.
CMHC ONTARIO BUSINESS CENTRE
Telephone: 416-221-2642 Toll free: 1-866-389-1742 TTY: 1-800-309-3388 Fax: 416-218-3310
First and foremost are the structural questions: Ask yourself..
• Are there any existing structural deficiencies in this area or nearby areas of the house? • Do any structural walls or lintels need to be removed?
• Will installation of new windows or doors require special structural details? • Are the walls, ceiling, floor or basement areas wellinsulated and air-sealed to provide a comfortable energyefficient space? Consider your options..
• Carry out a complete inspection. You may want to hire an certified expert. • Repair, strengthen or replace structural components so they can carry the new loads. • Insulate and air-seal the building to provide warm interior surfaces and a draft-free living space.
• Remove wall coverings, when possible, to properly insulate and install a sealed air and vapour barrier. The open wall cavities will also make it easier to install new wiring, plumbing and other services. Because if you don’t..
Common Situations
Kitchen renovations are high on the list of the most common home renovations. A renovation can be as simple as installing new flooring or be a major undertaking that includes enlarging the space and replacing all fixtures and finishes.
• Structural deficiencies can lead to cracked finishes, floor vibration, bowing or displacement of walls, floors or roof structures and possible structural failure.
• Exterior walls that are poorly insulated and not air-sealed will lead to continued high energy costs, possible condensation problems and discomfort in the living space.
Brockville, Ontario
As for size and design: Ask yourself..
• How much workspace do you need? Is an eating area in the kitchen important? • What are the traffic patterns?
• Is there adequate storage space?
• Does the kitchen meet the needs of everyone in the household including anyone with special needs, extended family and guests?
Consider your options..
• Plan thoroughly before you start. Sometimes a simple reorganization of the space will solve many of the shortcomings of older kitchens.
• Consider an addition or adding space from adjoining areas to meet your space and function requirements. • Use a professional designer to help you design a plan to best meet your existing and future needs. Because if you don’t..
• You will have to live with the results even if they don’t meet your needs. • A poor layout will seriously detract from your enjoyment of the renovation.
• The layout may not be flexible enough to meet existing or future demands for space, storage and anyone with special needs such as wheelchair accessibility.
As for the fixtures and appliances: Ask yourself..
• Do the existing fixtures and appliances have years of useful life left?
• Do you like the style and features of your appliances? Are they energy-efficient? • Is there adequate general and task lighting? Consider your options..
• Replace or repair worn out appliances or fixtures.
• Familiarize yourself with available products and options. • Choose efficient fixtures that will reduce water and electricity consumption. New kitchen appliances carry an EnerGuide label identifying their energy efficiency rating.
• Update lighting so that it provides the brightness that you need. Compact fluorescent light fixtures are four times more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. Because if you don’t…
• Old fixtures may have to be replaced later and the new fixtures may not fit into the spaces allowed. This may involve further modification of cabinets or room layout. • If you don’t do your homework, you may find more appropriate, appealing appliances or fixtures after you have completed the work. • Outdated appliances and lighting usually mean higher ongoing energy costs. To be continued...
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Liz Quinn
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Our bilingual consultant offers you alternative & affordable decorating solutions: • De-Cluttering • Home Staging • Reorganizing • Feng Shui
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