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an - WATERUJU curiomcus . Wednesday. April 15. 2003 3,3,...vaw Lam». w - w . i . ' r) Ls- », I / r ' ’7 / I", L.“ .141; . - 4 ft .xyll I, i .2? ir‘Wu a; .1 ~f , . . %’ K” “K \t..4..‘.4«.,- «fr “I. = J" “was. Aw“ .. vaw in“ 17' If I MORTGAGE RATES BELOW 4% AVAILABLE Home Improvement Pro lects ~ . M Imp rt tTh E Hercules Mina AMP MNU.3;..;?._, : are 0 an an ver ‘ S;‘.‘L;:;‘;“;3;fi;;“.”;. . . Lookfor products with high value and low cost ; _ l "7 “ESPN” M . (MS) -» Families know how important it is better option is oversized hardware -- eight “5 51959002670 WWW-mtg20n9.C3 ‘ Almb'Mti“ ‘ to retain the value of their homes. especially to 12 inches long as opposed to the standard ‘ ' when we hear so much about diminishing four to five inches » which gives you a bold home values and foreclosures. Still, remodel- look for less. ing is one of the best ways to preserve your You can also save money on bathroom home's value and in some pans of the coun- countertop surfaces by considering durable . try, homeowners can still recover up to 90 laminate instead of stone. which can be percent of their remodeling costs despite stained by cosmetics and cleaners. Another . falling home prices. If you're a homeowner advantage oflarninate is that if you decide to who's in the process of remodeling. consider change the color scheme of your bathroom ' ”-1; ;‘ budget-friendly options to get the look you in a few years, laminate can be switched out fi want without breaking the bank. Here are easily and inexpensively. ’ several tips to give you some less expensive FAMILY ROOM , ". , , ‘-. options when remodeling. Estimates tell us that adding a family ‘ z -. r " : KITCHEN room. as opposed to simply remodeling one. 1 ‘ The countertops are one of the high will helpahomeowner recoupasmuch a580 . A . , , , .5 I. impact surfaces in your kitchen. While natu- percent of their original investment at resale. A \'()lcc tor you In kitchen t‘l‘â€"l\dlt‘l'l0() . '-' ral stone options like granite and quartz. as Remember to plan the space by factoring in ' well as solid surfaces are alluring. they‘re the size of your family. the ages of your kids 0 , expensive and can quickly drain your (and their friends). and perhaps even the Peter Brald at}; remodeling budget. Now is a good time to possibility of additions to your immediate g?" check outacontempotary laminate counterâ€" family, like grandparents or babies. Some ’ t: ‘ top. which offers luxury looks at a surpris- families go as far as taking out walls to Member Of Parhament ingly low cost when compared to stone. They improve space. but careful planning and are created specifically for heavy use hori- wise furniture positioning can help you mntal surfaces like countertops The deep. avoid drastic changes to the room that tend H 1 ' h rich look and dimensional texture can give to drain your budget. If you're handy or can e pmg omeowners. your kitchen oountertop the look you want afford to hire a carpenter. built-in shelving E . . without the sacrifice. Custom cabinets, and possiblyanentenainment/gaming nook th m though gorgeous to look at. can also make a are useful and popular additions, and can be nergIZlng e econo 3" significant dent in your budget plan. To get painted. stained, or simply covered with the same look for less, install oversized laminate to match yourdecor. Invest in your home and boost our local economy. crown molding on top of stock cabinets to BEDROOMS . - make them "pop." Most people won't notice From a purely practical standpoint. your Our Economic Action Plan can help. the difference. and you'll save enough to buy bedrooms are places for you and your family . . a new appliance or two. to sleep and take refuge from the outside The Home Renovation Tax Credit munoom world. - ~ - ~ ~ A beautiful. updated bathroom will Amaster bedroom remodel should reflect . Receive a tax credit 0f 15% on eligible home renovation “)er undoubtedly add value to your home. but it an atmosphere of serenity and comfort. lt's between $1,000 EDd 510,000 can also be a money pit that sucks away your also the perfect place to install energy effi- remodeling dollars due to potentially high cient windows. which will help keep you 0 Work must be performed or goods acquired between material and labor costs. In an effort to cut cool in the summer. warm in the winter, and back. try searching for discounted fixtures allow you to eventually recoup the cost with January 27’ 2009’ and February 1’ 2010 like shower heads and faucets at home savings on your monthlyenergy bill. . . . improvement stores or at online sources like Color is typically one of the easiest and 0 Keep your receipts and claim on your 2009 income tax return eBay. most my effective ways w make a signifi» . oftentimes. the cost of new luxury»name cant change in the look of your bedrooms. The ecoENERGY Retrofit â€" Homes Program fixtures can run between $500 to $1000 while Kids' bedrooms can benefit from bright col- ~ . . mass-market versions may provide the same ms and easily washable surfaces . Receive a grant 0f up to $5900 for energy-effluent upgrades look for less. Many manufacturers. like Moen For more information and some exam« . . and Delta, provide detailed installation ples ofsucoessful home remodeling projects, . As Of April 1' 2009' the government has Increased instructions so you can save there. too. A visit www.countertop.oom. the grants by 25% - To qualify, homeowners must have a tare-retrofit energy ‘ r " F" evaluation by a certified energy adviser and a follow-up {- i ‘ inspection when the work is completed t 7 ‘ _‘ 3 ‘ ' , Mordeblerenova- .w; ' . ’,'. .‘ r {A ‘ Combine these r0 rams and save ven mor ! domwchuhlsh ' ‘ 'r : p 8 e e deflnltlonllml- . ' a t _ . 5"? i I - . t lntheldtchen. > ‘ r' - .‘1 Your home renovations can help cut energy costs, stimulate the 2,5,: win my,” ’1 \_ K ”’“ l 5‘ economy, and protect our environment. For more information, mm“ fol'budflfl' ! ' ‘ . . . conscious home- ‘ . please contact my office or vrsrt: m < i ‘ ,- www.peterbraid.ca \\\\\\"t‘lt‘ll‘l.lltl.\.l ' \l'l All: l~ » ' Manly titular .1 ,