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Show Transform an older home into a modern-daydream Usually, we think of home improvements in terms of updating the kitchen, remodeling remod-eling the basement.or finishing finish-ing the attic. But, what about buying an older home and fixing it up? Now, there's a home improvement im-provement project. If charmed by an older house, the National Home Improvement Council suggests sug-gests hiring a professional contractor to check the condition con-dition of the house before you buy. He can determine its strengths and weaknesses, furnish you with remodeling costs and discuss the home's potential for renovation at a reasonable cost. crawl spaces, and replacing worn out windows with snug-fitting, snug-fitting, tightly weaiherstripped modern units. These are practical and economical improvemi'r.ix (hat will reduce re-duce the cost of heating and cooling a home. Working with a reputable contractor is of the utmost importance. How do you find one? NHIC suggests you look for one with an established place of business, preferably in your locale. Be sure he had adequate financial references. ref-erences. Get the names of some of his customers and pay them a personal visit. Contact the local Better Business Busi-ness Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to see if there are complaints filed against him. Many older homes offer a great deal of charm and beauty. Oversized rooms, high ceilings, large fireplaces, intricate detailing and handcrafted hand-crafted woodwork can make them hard to resist. But, don't let "old fashioned charm" . override good sense. A pro- - fessional contractor will help I you weigh the advantages of remodeling against the draw-; draw-; backs. He can also point out 1 the old fashioned elements - of a house to update. ; For example, old houses generally have little or no " insulation. Frequently, they f I have iil-fitting. drafty win- I ; dows. If these are the only major flaws in an otherwise ; I sound house, priority remod- i eling might include installing I insulation in the attic, exterior j walls and over unheated Most important, avoid snap judgements. Take note of the contractor's suggestions sugges-tions and discuss his plans thoroughly. But don't shop with him on prices of materials mate-rials or labor rates. On all projects, be sure to have a written agreement which specifies plans, materials, mate-rials, costs, method of payment pay-ment and other aspects of f the job. Additional information on ; home remodeling and hiring L a professional is available in a free booklet. To obtain a copy of "How to Remodel." send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to NHIC. 1 1 East 44th Street. New York. NY 10017. |