homefinder leeds & grenville feb16_2012

FREE TAKE ONEVol. 2, #12 Feb. 16th to March 1st, 2012Tel.: 613.925.5538 Toll Free: 1-877-935-7503 Email: [email protected] Website: www.HomefinderWeekly.com

Leeds & Grenville

Donna Brewer BrokerDirect: 613-342-8860Office: 613.345.2121Toll Free: 877.311.2121Fax: 613.345.0680

[email protected] • www.century21.ca/donna.brewer

TOWNSMAN LTD.BROKERAGE

Independently Owned & Operated

"Working together - we 'll find the home that fulfills your present dream"

11Windsor Dr.Brockville, On K6V 3H5Angela Hay613-498-25261-866-924-2851

“Working Hard to Bring You Home!”

S A L E S R E P R E S E N T A T I V E

www.lisamastin.com Visit my website for more listings & info!

613-246-SOLD (7653)1-866-345-3664 (24 hr pager)

2011

1411Limerick.com(Oxford Station-close to 416)

Beautiful open concept & property!$329,500MLS®

NEW LISTING!

TM

105 Main St., P.O. Box 294, Morrisburg - Office: 613-543-3598E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.thomrealty.net

Charles (Chuck) BarkleyBroker of Record

Cell: 613-930-5701

Bonnie Stone-HillSales RepresentativeCell: 613-330-5773

Nancy SchailleeSales RepresentativeCell: 613-551-7025

INGLESIDEAREA: Excellent starter home on a large country lotlocated between Morrisburg & Ingleside. This home has a hugeprivate backyard that includes an above ground 15 foot pool,new trampoline & a detached garage. Home features 2 plus 1bedrooms, upgraded electrical in 2002, new laminate floors inliving 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 newerwindows, recent roof, new insulation & drywall inside, lovely new kitchen,nicely updated baths: 4pc up; 2pc down. Hardwood in dining; also under lowcarpet in living room. Laminate & vinyl floors elsewhere. Finished base-ment has natural gas stove (not hooked up) in rec room, large bedroom, 2pcbath, office area, & furnace/laundry room. 100amp electric fuses. Nat Gasfurnace. Insulated/wired detached workshop. Much more spacious thanyou’d think! $149,500

MORRISBURG AREA: WOW! Is the best way to express what this homeoffers. 5 generously sized bedrooms (1 includes a personal sauna), coun-try style eat-in kitchen, living room with wood stove, formal dining room, &inviting foyer. The entire home boasts high ceilings, & fabulous originalwood work. This stately 2 storey brick Victorian is further enhanced by largedecks front & back, great storage barn, super garden space, & a basementwork shop with an outside entrance. Just minutes from Morrisburg, & theSt. Lawrence River, it is a must see! $239,000

BRINSTON: Spectacular! Picturesque setting on over 7 woodedacres. Amazing 4 level side split features over 1,650 square feet,cathedral ceilings, finished lower level family room, main floorlaundry, double attached garage, fireplace & so much more. Thisis truly living; 23 year old home is very well maintained & showsbeautifully. Call for a look & further details today. $329,000

326 COUNTY ROAD 8 TOLEDO • 613-275-2070 • www.bonniezeliczrealestate.com

BAMBI MARSHALLSales RepresentativeDirect: [email protected]

HAPPY FAMILY DAY! Have a great day with loved ones!!!

424 JAMES STREETEAST, PRESCOTT

So many updates to mentionand move in ready,with walk in tub.

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141,900 MLS

44 FAIRKNOWE DRIVEBROCKVILLE

4 bedroom, 3.5 baths,mainfloor F/R,Rec room,2 car garage atttached

MLS# 080201001510100

$274,900 MLS

777 STEWART BLVDBROCKVILLE

Large 2 Bed, 1 Bath Large eat inKitchen, a/g pool and fencedin yard close to all amenties.MLS# 080203007521500

$159,900 MLS

3 CHEYENNE TRAILSR.R.#2 BROCKVILLE

(ALGONQUIN)3 bedroom, 2.5 bath MB ensuiteand WIC Closet, 2 car garage10 min. to Brockville, less than

an hour to Ottawa.MLS# 070600004502904

$319,900 MLS

732 SHERBROOKE LANESOUTH FRONTENAC

(BOB'S LAKE)Located in Cottage Country,drilled well, composting toilet,bunk house that sleeps 3-4 and

15 minutes from Westport.MLS# 102903002094598

$174,900 MLS

6 SPENCER STREETSPENCERVILLE

4 bedroom, 1.5 bath -with main family room, large

eat in kitchen 12 min to Kempt-ville or 12 min to Prescott.MLS# 070170104003301

$322,888 MLS

601 TOWNLINE ROADSMITH FALLS

3 bed,2 bath a/g pool and largelot 5 min to Smiths Fallsand 20 min to Brockville.MLS# 080182404901011

$219,900 MLS

17 DAVIS LOCK ROADELGIN

Wanted Devolpers- 74.34 Acreslocated in Official Plan ScheduleA2 in Settlement area, 1/2 to

Smiths Falls, Brockville and Gan.and 45 minutes to KingstonMLS# 083183604607200

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22 HHOOMMEEFFIINNDDEERR WWEEEEKKLLYY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com February 16th to March 1st, 2012

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ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE! Nearly new built in 2010, balance of TarionHome Warranty C/Air, M.F. Laundry, Finished Family Rm, 2 Bathrooms,

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Leeds & GrenvilleNEW SEMI

LISTING!

326 COUNTY ROAD 8, TOLEDOwww.bonniezeliczrealestate.com

BAMBI MARSHALLSales RepresentativeOffice: [email protected]

DALE CHARBOTBrokerOffice: [email protected]

111 KING STREET E., PRESCOTTwww.mouse2yourhouse.com

BONNIE ZELICZ REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

DaleCharbotBroker

“Visit our website to viewphotos & more details!”

111 King St. E. Prescott

Helping You Is What We Do!10781 Cty Rd 2, IroquoisPhone: 613-652-2222111 King St. E. PrescottPhone: 613-925-0505

5566 MEADOWBROOK DR, IROQUOISABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE! Nearly new builtin 2010, balance of Tarion Home WarrantyC/Air, M.F. Laundry, Finished Family Rm,

2 Bathrooms, MLS# 819602

NEW SEMI LISTING!

10329 HANESVILLE RD, RR2, BRINSTONWELL MAINTAINED HOME! Set on 1+Acre

Lot, Lovely Gardens Recent Shingles, Furnace,Oil Tank, Large open Kitchen/Living area,

MLS# 812910

ALL ON ONE LEVEL!

$161,900 $104,900

5577 MEADOWBROOK DR, IROQUOISBuy 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

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$174,900

3022 JOHN ST, CARDINALCHEAPER THAN RENT! Centrally located

home with 3 Bedrooms Large Eat-in Kit, Dining& Living Rm, 4pc Bath, some updates done,

MLS# 811218

AFFORDABLE!

$75,000

240 LEWIS ST, CARDINALWELL MAINTAINED! A FOURPLEX,A TRIPLEX, and a BUNGALOW!

All Rented with Long Term tenants! Also incla separate Parking Lot, Call Dale!

INVESTMENTPROPERTIES!

$295,900

10317 CHESS RD, RR2 IROQUOISBEAUTIFUL OPEN DESIGN! Quiet dead endroad on 1 Acre Lot! 3+1 Bedrms Central Air,M.F.Laundry, Lower Level Family Rm, & More!

MLS #810987

RURAL DELIGHT!

$249,900

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RIVER VIEW /GOLF CLUB VIEW AVAILABLE!Golf Club Road, Iroquois, $49,900 each

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5533 BRIDLEWOOD CRT, IROQUOIS2+2 bedroom home located close to

St.Lawrence River! Open Kit/Dining /Living areaLower level Family Rm w/Gas Fireplace.C/Air! Spacious Foyer MLS# 815292

MOVE INCONDITION!

$224,900

February 16th to March 1st, 2012 HHOOMMEEFFIINNDDEERR WWEEEEKKLLYY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com 33

Randy NorthSales Representative, B.A.Direct: 613-340-0794

Gabrielle AultSales Representative

Direct: 613-803-4663

Chris McCorkellSales Representative, B.A.Direct: 613-213-3639

$324,999-Hgwy 416 & 401-Spectacular super-insulated carpet-free 3 bed-3 bath home w/crownmoulding in each & every room-set far from road on4.4 acre lot-new propane gas boiler, new low eargon windows&25 year fiberglas reinforced shin-gles all in 2007-dir entrance to 24 x 29 ft garage-9x9 ft drs-a/g pool-Enjoy the countryside from you

2nd level deck or walk-out patio!2202GlenSmail.com

$348,888-2610 McNeilly-Built 2004-1800 sq ft2+2 bdrm-3 full bath, carpet-free hi-ranch withanother 1800 sq ft finished lower level with 10ft high ceilings & hi-end laminate flring-mainlevel has stunning cathedral ceilings though-out-main level hrwd&ceramic tile-R-31 insula-tion in all walls&attic-extremely low heating

costs aFantasticPlace.ca

10797 Stampville Road-$118,888-Cozy 1000sq ft country gem-main flr 4-pc bath&mstrbdrm with 2nd level bdrm&office that can beused as 3rd bdrm-French drs from living rmlead to massive deck overlooking tranquil

farmer's fields-beautiful kitchen-Updates: sep-tic 2008-windows&drs-TSSA oil furn w/new

chimney liner-aFantasticPlace.ca

$439,777 - 1306 CR#2-Maitland -156 Acres-barn+farmland+ trees+bush

$239-888-Mountain-10375 Clark Rd-1250 sq ft 1 yr old bungalow

SOLD! SOLD!

SOLD! SOLD!

$209,900-Johnstown subdivsion-35 Elizabeth St-3+1 bdrm sidesplit-1 bath-open concept -hardwood in liv/dining &hall-laminate in bdrms-gas stove/fireplace

-finished rec room w/wood pellet stove-gasfurnace-shingles 2007-2 large decks incl

around a/g pool-2 car garage-cedar hedgedyard-corner lot-aFantasticPlace.ca

$188,888-Williamsburgh-1220 sq ft impecablyrenovated 3 bdrm bungalow w/finished lowerlevel incl. large family rm+4th bdrm/office

w/walk-in closet&fabulous 3 pc ensuite w/hugewhirlpool tub-beautiful treed 1/2 acre lot-citysewer-$99 mo nat gas ht-updates: customkitchen-both baths-shingles-flring-inter drs

& more! 12292CountyRoad18.com

$327,600-12327 County Road 3-Just outsideof Winchester, a wonderful spacious 2 storeyVictorian home, 4 bed, 3 bath, on a deep cor-ner lot. Great room, formal dining room, 3 bed-rooms & master wi/ensuite & private secondstairway to main level. Garage/worship and 2storage sheds. Wide back deck. Must see! -

[email protected]

$279,900-3575 County Rd 26-this 3 bedroom, 2 bath-room, 2 storey country home on 2.4 acres in the Ham-let of Maynard has CHARACTER plus-south facingmaster w/giant window-French doors with Transom& south-facing grand room w/11 ft. cathedral ceilings-stone fireplace w/gas insert-huge restored barn arejust some of the special features that set this home

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$84,848-Cardinal-2045 Dundas-1500 sq ft 3bdrm-1.5 bath home w/high ceilings-openconcept dining/living-beautiful custom

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amenities-aFantasticPlace.ca

$70,000-Iroquois-5410 Brinston Rd.3 bedroom 1 bath bungalow w/open concept,large eat in kitchen & living room. Screenedsunroom looks onto country lot w/deep backyard & woods yet only 2 minutes from allamenities! Great place to start, bring your

imagination and make it your [email protected]

$279,900-Spencervillee-2813 CR#21-20 acrehobby farm backing onto the Nation River-1200 sq ft renovated 3+1 bedrm all-brick

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$199,888-North Augusta-12 min from416/Kemptville-At the end of a long private

laneway is your 16 acre mainly tillable propertyw/2 acre treed area near home-Metal roofcovering 30 x 30 ft. garage plus 1/2 of newerextension on beautiful 3 bedroom log homew/board & batten exterior, 1.5 baths, garagew/power&lots of windows- aFantasticPlace.ca

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$348,888-4 km from main road-25 min Hgwy 401 northof Gan-1100 sq ft private 4-season bungalow on a quietlake adjoining Rideau Canal-Magnificent grand roomw/vaulted ceilings&wood burning fireplace-Updates in2009:dock-insulation-wndows-drs-hrwd&ceramic flring-25 year shingles-CanExel siding-2 new baths incl en-suite w/handicap accessible shower-stunning kitchencabinetry-200 amp serv- Park your boat at your 32 footdock & take a day trip to the 1000 Islands or head to

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ON THE MARKET TIPS

TIP 1- Buying A home Is One Of TheBest Investments You Can Make! Homeequity remains the largest single savingsvehicle for most Canadians. In additionto the tax incentives of home ownership,and the ability to tap into your homeequity if the need arises, buying a homeis a wise and prudent investment formost people.

TIP 2- It Is Very Important To Buy AHome That Will Go Up In Value. Slow,steady home appreciation has been therule over most of the nation’s history, andmany real estate investors became quitewealthy in that environment. They didso by very carefully analyzing the appre-ciation potential of their investment, andthey invested for the long term. Youshould too. Even if you plan on living inyour home just a few years, you willwant it to have gone up in value whenyou put it back on the market.

TIP 3- Use A Buyers Agent. If you'regoing to work with a real estate agent,contract with a buyers agent. A buyersagent has a duty to represent your inter-ests, while the subagent represents theseller's interests. The subagent, which hasbeen the traditional relationship between abuyer and an agent, is ethically requiredto disclose all relevant information (suchas the fact that you’ll be willing to raiseyour offer if necessary) to the seller.

TIP 4- Choose Your Agent Wisely. Ifyou are using a real estate agent look forone with experience in working withbuyers, with knowledge of the neighbor-hood(s) you are considering, and who

Top 10 Home Buyers Tipsdoes not have a reputation for being‘pushy’. The purchase of a home is aserious long term commitment on yourpart and a good agent will recognize thatbuyers need time and patience so theycan satisfactorily sort out the myriad’s offactors involvedin a purchasedecision.

TIP 5- CurrentHome Prices AreA Less ImportantCon s i d e r a t i o nThan InterestRates. Try to buyand/or sell wheninterest rates arelow. The amountof mortgage youcan afford (andthus the price of the home you willcosider) will change as the interest ratesrise or fall. A certain asking price maysound expensive to you, but at a lowerinterest rate you might be able to affordit. You may own several homes over yourlifetime, and the factors that will limit orincrease the value of the home you willbe selling will similarly affect the priceof its replacement. Since those factorslargely wash each other out, interest ratesremain the most important factor.

TIP 6- Always HaveAHome InspectionContingency In Your Offer and alwayshire a professio-nal home inspector toprovide you a written report, along with“ball park” estimates or ranges of repaircosts. If the inspection turns up prob-lems that weren’t readily noticeable, you

can use it and the ball park estimates fornegotiating leverage to get the sellerto make the repairs or provide you acommensurate price reduction.

TIP 7- Learn As Much As PossibleAbout TheSeller’s Circum-stances. Theremay be mutuallybeneficial oppor-tunities. For ex-ample if youmight face diffi-culty qualifyingfor a big enoughmortgage, and theseller is worriedabout collegecosts for his or hersixth grader, then

maybe the seller might be interested inaccepting a second trust for part of thepurchase price if the interest rate is abovewhat they could otherwise earn and theloan is paid off the summer before thechild’s freshman college year. Fromyour perspective the rate will likely beless than you could get from atraditional lender.

TIP 8- Research Your Mortgage OptionsWell Before You Make An Offer. Youwon’t have enough time in the five dayssellers normally allow to get all of yourpaperwork together, determine the bestkind of mortgage, who is offering thebest rates etc. Consider getting a contin-gent letter of approval for a loan, or anactual loan commitment prior to makingan offer. The former is not actually a loan

commitment, but rather a contingentapproval for a loan up to a certainamount. While it has relatively littleenforceable value, it nevertheless canimpress a seller, who might be more will-ing to accept a lower offer because of theperceived financial capabilities of theseller. Its also possible to get approvedby a lender with a longer term “lock” onthe interest rate in order to protect youfrom subsequent rate increa-ses. Whilethis should substantially increase yournegotiating leverage, keep in mind thatyou pay more directly or indirectly forthe longer commitment, either in termsof the rate and/or points.

TIP 9- Learn How To Negotiate Like APro. There’s more money involved in thisnegotiation than just about any other areayou’ll encounter. Even if you’re using abuyer’s agent, you’re part of the team,and you’ll have to make the ultimatedecisions about how much to offer andhow much to compromise on a counteroffer.

TIP 10- STUDY! The tips in this articleare only the beginning. You’ll need tolearn a lot more if you want to get thebest possible deal. Read as much as youcan on home buying, on negotiating, onneighborhoods in your area that might fityour needs, and on factors that impactlong term appreciation like schools,infrastructure, major new businessexpansions or closing etc. Keep copies ofeverything you send the lender andeverything the lender sends you.


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RenovationTipsWe are at mid-winter. It is a time of renewal, reflection, and project planning. Are youconsidering a renovation? Rich and varied colours, shapes and surface textures can becombined to create stunning effects…whether it’s in your kitchen, living room, or in otherrooms of your home.

Liz’ Tips

Liz’ TipsBy: Liz Quinn of Design’in-MindMaximum Impact with Minimal InvestmentBrockville, Ontario

Once you have your needs, budget and floor plan drawnout, you can begin deciding which materials you willuse to update your home. But where do you begin? Thearchitectural background of a room or home generally tellsyou what the overall scheme or style will be.

Study the architectural elements in your home. Whateverperiod style your home was built in doesn’t have to be themain style that you use to decorate, but it is a good idea toreference elements of it to ensure continuity and harmony.

The materials used in the home affect us physically withtheir feel and look, but also psychologically because ofhow they affect energy.

Advance planning is the key to successful renovations.Achieve the results you want by doing your renovationright the first time. Before you attempt any renovations,decide on a comfortable budget for this project. Make a listof your project requirements. Next, you will need toinquire about cost before you go ahead..

Costing Your ProjectThe cost of the renovation work will depend on the condi-tion of the existing structure, the extent of the work to bedone and local labour and material prices. Costs of finishesand fixtures vary widely.Agood budget checklist will helpyou to develop a realistic cost for the project before youstart. Some of the items to include are:

• Permit and inspection costs.

• Design changes.

• Structural considerations.

• Fixtures and appliances

• Moisture damage and deteriorated finishes.

• Floor and wall finishes.

• Plumbing and electrical problems.

• Heating and ventilation.

• Waste disposal.

Before You Start Renovating Your KitchenYour kitchen is probably the most used room in your house.Poor layout, inadequate lighting, cramped spaces, outdatedfixtures and old cabinetry are common complaints ofhomeowners.

Before you decide to go ahead with a kitchen renovation,it is important to clearly identify the features you want inyour new kitchen: distinguish between your wants andyour needs. Just as important is a thorough pre-renovationinspection to identify any existing problems.

Common SituationsKitchen renovations are high on the list of the mostcommon home renovations. A renovation can be as simpleas installing new flooring or be a major undertaking thatincludes enlarging the space and replacing all fixtures andfinishes.

House as a SystemAhouse is much more than just four walls and a roof— it’san interactive system made up of many componentsincluding the basic structure, heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) equipment, the external environmentand the occupants. Each component influences theperformance of the entire system. A renovation providesan opportunity to improve how your house performs.Kitchen renovations often include changes to HVAC equip-ment that can improve indoor air quality and moisture man-agement in the house. Be careful if choosing large volumeexhaust fans because they can cause combustion heatingequipment to backdraft. Structural changes may give youa chance to improve air tightness and insulation, resultingin increased occupant comfort and house durability.

Avoid SurprisesOnce you start a renovation, there’s no turning back.Your life is disrupted and any unexpected problems willlead to higher costs and delays in finishing the project.Thorough planning will help you to develop a realisticunderstanding of the work to be done and the costsinvolved. Many people can hammer nails and use a sawbut don’t be fooled by easy talk. You may need to hire aqualified & certified building professional to do a thoroughinvestigation of the project space. Ask to see their certifi-cations beforehand. It is best to find the problems beforethe renovations begin. This qualified person you hireshould be able to suggest the best solutions. If you’re notsure, ask the experts at CMHC: Canada Mortgage andHousing Corporation is Canada’s national housing agency.They may provide you with a list of certified professionalsin your area.

CMHC ONTARIO BUSINESS CENTRE100 SheppardAve. E, Suite 300, Toronto, ON,M2N 6Z1

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 areaor nearby areas of the house?

• Do any structural walls or lintels need to be removed?

• Will installation of new windows or doors require specialstructural details?

• Are the walls, ceiling, floor or basement areas well-insulated and air-sealed to provide a comfortable energy-efficient space?

Consider your options..

• Carry out a complete inspection. You may want to hirean certified expert.

• Repair, strengthen or replace structural components sothey can carry the new loads.

• Insulate and air-seal the building to provide warm interiorsurfaces and a draft-free living space.

• Remove wall coverings, when possible, to properly insu-late and install a sealed air and vapour barrier. The openwall cavities will also make it easier to install new wiring,plumbing and other services.

Because if you don’t..

• Structural deficiencies can lead to cracked finishes, floorvibration, bowing or displacement of walls, floors or roofstructures and possible structural failure.

• Exterior walls that are poorly insulated and not air-sealedwill lead to continued high energy costs, possiblecondensation problems and discomfort in the livingspace.

As for size and design:Ask yourself..

• How much workspace do you need? Is an eating area inthe kitchen important?

• What are the traffic patterns?

• Is there adequate storage space?

• Does the kitchen meet the needs of everyone in thehousehold including anyone with special needs, extendedfamily and guests?


• Plan thoroughly before you start. Sometimes a simplereorganization of the space will solve many of theshortcomings of older kitchens.

• Consider an addition or adding space from adjoiningareas to meet your space and function requirements.

• Use a professional designer to help you design a plan tobest meet your existing and future needs.

Because if you don’t..

• You will have to live with the results even if they don’tmeet your needs.

• A poor layout will seriously detract from your enjoymentof the renovation.

• The layout may not be flexible enough to meet existing orfuture demands for space, storage and anyone withspecial needs such as wheelchair accessibility.

As for the fixtures and appliances:Ask yourself..

• Do the existing fixtures and appliances have years ofuseful life left?

• Do you like the style and features of your appliances?Are they energy-efficient?

• Is there adequate general and task lighting?


• Replace or repair worn out appliances or fixtures.

• Familiarize yourself with available products and options.

• Choose efficient fixtures that will reduce water andelectricity consumption. New kitchen appliances carryan EnerGuide label identifying their energy efficiencyrating.

• Update lighting so that it provides the brightness that youneed. Compact fluorescent light fixtures are four timesmore efficient than standard incandescent bulbs.

Because if you don’t…

• Old fixtures may have to be replaced later and the newfixtures may not fit into the spaces allowed. This mayinvolve further modification of cabinets or room layout.

• If you don’t do your homework, you may find moreappropriate, appealing appliances or fixtures after youhave completed the work.

• Outdated appliances and lighting usually mean higherongoing energy costs.

To be continued...


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