*1 20 HI - The Canadian Champion, Friday November 7,1997 Make Home Improvements Before Winter Arrives (MS) - Whether aesthetic appeal, home repair or weatherproofing is the motive, fall is a great time for home reno- vating and refurbishing. The intense sum- mer heat has died down, and the cool breezes signaling the forthcoming winter winds are in the air. Is your home in pris- Une condition and ready for such seasonal attributes as hazardous weather condi- tions and the holidays? Some jobs may require a sizable investment of time and money, as well as electrical or carpentry skills. Others will require minimal effort and resources. Whichever is the case, giving immediate attention where it's needed will enhance and improve the condition of your home, preserving it for a lifetime of memories. Home-improvement projects can assume any number of forms, from installing a new kitchen sink to putting up new window screens to adding a whole new room to the house. Energy-conscious homeowners know that installing insulation in certain areas can help reduce heating bills this winter, as well as decrease air pollutants. Fall is also the season to check the work space this winter, install storm doors, or remodel unfinished attic space. Home improvements are also a great way to get the whole family involved. When was the last time you gathered the entire "clan" and assigned a thorough cleaning of the house? With the holidays ahead, assigning once-a-week house- cleaning chores to the children will get things in tiptop shape for grandma and grandpa's visit. While the family is packing up summer clothes for storage and bringing out fall condition of the roof and gutters, perhaps and winter wear, closets can be reorga- drywall the garage or basement for a clean nized and straightened up for maximum storage efficiency and ease of use. So, ask everyone to invest some additiona time to get the most-out of the living space. No matter what you undertake this fall, be sure to evaluate whether or not fix-it projects are within your capabilities as a do-it-yoursefer. If trying a particularly com- plicated job, remember that two heads are better than one: Go to a local hardware store or home center to get helpful advice and information. If you're hiring a contrac- tor, make sure you explain exact specifica- tions, get references on the person you hire and get everything in writing. New from Fuller-O'Brien a Finally, A Premium Paint As Creative As You Are. You know the look you want, but will that little colour chip look the same on your bedroom wall? St Clair the paint and paper people 475Main St. E. 878-2629 Fuller-O'Brien Premium colour with confidence. brings you Exclusive tinted paint samples to bring your inspirations to life. Corne get creative at your local Fuller-O'Brien paint dealer today. Ladies and Gentlemen, 'Start Your Rollers!' By Mike Ferrara, The Lazy Homeowner (MS) - Cooler weather soon will have most of us spending more time inside the house. If you can't stand spending another winter staring at your dingy, off-white walls, fall is the perfect time to paint. Yeah, I know, the last time you volunteered for this duty, you spent endless hours dragging a messy roller tray around several rooms, try- ing to achieve a quality job. This time, you won't have ail that hassle. With a little effort and the right tools, you really can achieve professional resuits. First, pick your paint. Purchase the best-quality paint you can afford. Professionais in the paint department of your local hardware store or home center can help you choose the right type of paint and the perfect color. Next, choose your painting tools. Using a power roller cuts your work time and provides a professional fin- ish. Although there are manual-feed power rollers available, I much prefer battery- or electric-powered rollers, because you don't have to keep pumping them up! Wagner's new power rollers pump the paint directly to an internally fed roller to assure an even, smooth finish without wasting paint. Wagner electric and cordless power rollers come with a variety of options, like suction kits, extension wands and trim pads. With prices starting as low as $39, you'll find yourself painting two or more rooms in no time. WATERPROOF YOUR BASEMENT BEFORE THE WINTER FREEZE UP Trueseal can solve your water problem & give you a warm, dry basement for the winter Fora FREE estimate cal: 905-937-8233 useal l - RSOION &I AEPOOIGIC