OCR Text |
Show Home, Farm & Garden Wednesday, April 4, 1984 - Page 16 Architect is safest bet There was the story making the rounds awhile ago about the remodeler who ended up putting the Jacuzzi in the kitchen and the stove in the bedroom. That created some chuckles about boneheaded mistakes that can be made in remodeling. But there's really nothing funny about the horror stories about residential remodeling mix-upHomeowners will spend millions of dollars this year on home improvements. Based on past performance, a large number of them won't be happy with what they get for their money. That's why architect Homer Delawie, member of the San Diego former Planning Commission, has some advice for people who want to have remodeling done. "I think the consumer can give himself the best production by using an architect to design the remodeling project, whether it's adding space or just redoing what is already there," he said. "That, I think, is the professional approach. "And the more professional you are, the more you are protected." Anyone who wants to remodel can call a local office of the American Institute of Architects and get a list of architects who specialize in remodeling. "The property owner can then contact the architects and interview them," he said. "He can then select someone he feels comfortable working with." The home owner should tell the architect exactly what is wanted and let the designer inspect the house and yard. Hiring an architect, Delawie said, is only the first step in a process that will lead to a professional remodeling job without a rip-of- f. s. jj ar mm county government." The home owner then "should contact different lending institutions to get the best possible loan rate," for remodeling, Delawie said. LocJ real estate prices also should be carefully checked through real estate brokers to determine how big the remodeling job should be, he said. According to Delawie, that step should be taken "because you don't want to create (through the remodeling) a $250,000 house in an area where the prevailing price might be around $80,000. That will make it hard to sell in the future in many cases." If an architect is retained to draw the plans for the remodeling, the property owner can consult the architect on which contractor actually will do the work. "The architect can suggest names of reliable people," Delawie said. "And then the home owner can interview the contractors suggested." He said the home owner should look for a contractor with a good track record over a period of years. "The home owner also should go out and look at jobs the contractor has done and talk to the people who had the work done," he said. "They can also do this if they employ an architect." "They can check his work out and talk to people who used the architect. That's the smart thing to do." , 2BOOG TCT For home improvement. extra remodel Or bedroom. your Add that much-neede- d kitchervWhatever home improvements you have in mind, Deseret Bank has the money to hefp you do it. rate mortgage loans available, Deseret Bank can help you get that new home now when you really need it. construction. Make your dreams a reality by building the home you have always wanted. Deseret Bank has money to lend for Give your growing family room to spread out in a new home. With competitive Pleasant Grow 66 South Main Office 785-352- 1 American Fork Office 207 East Main 756-3561 st Oram Office 140 West 800 North Lindon Office 144 South State Lehl Office 99 West Main 225-72- 1 . . 785-750- 8 .. .j construction of new homes in Utah County. For strength and security. Now you can have the home you want with help from the bank you trust. Deseret Bank. For new home For a new home. low-intere- dois Q0cr$ V r:.." INI "The home owner should find out from the city government how much yard space can be used for expansion," he said. "If it's unincorporated territory, then it's the 768-844- 4 Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender DeseretBank matmam. We're all behind you. And all around you. mmm a a fm mn ila . ii r i w iV |