2
Real Estate
Advice with
Joe Mancuso
trends watch
FUN CHILD-FRIENDLY
pieces add a touch of
whimsy to a family room.
Matt Black Picture Frames, Crate & Barrel,
www.crateandbarrel.ca
Tepee and
Cushion, To
Call Your Own
Set, The Land
of Nod, www.
landofnod.com
Text Jo Alcorn
Pros and Cons
of Buying a Fixer-Upper
PRO: Bargains do Exist
While everyone looks for a move-in
ready house, the reality is that it reflects
the vendors’ style, not necessarily the
purchasers.
When buying a fixer-upper, you can craft
your own vision of the house. This can
make your investment blossom financially
and also reward you with a living space
that better suits your needs.
A PHOTO WALL
is the perfect way
to display family
memories.
In highly urbanized areas, the first
home makeover can often cause a cascade
effect of people renovating their homes.
This will bring up the profile of the street
or possibly the neighbourhood as a whole.
Pillow Covers,
West Elm,
www.westelm.ca
A SIDEBOARD
or dresser can be used
as a TV unit in a family
room.
22
ADD HUMOUR
to your family
room with the
addition of fun
pillow covers.
Mid-Century
Media
Console,
West Elm,
www.westelm.
ca
CANADIANHOMETRENDS.COM
CHAISE IT UP
Con: Bargain or Money Pit?
Devin Leather Sectional, Decorium,
www.decorium.com
Some homes have a variety of unpleasant
and potentially costly issues lurking behind
the walls and hidden in the floor.
A COMFY RUG
that protects your floor
from wear and tear
is a must in a family
room.
There’s always the danger that the previous
contractors may have taken shortcuts,
resulting in the renovations not being up to
building code standards. This could mean
a more extensive repair than originally
anticipated.
Atticus Accent Rug, Decorium, www.decorium.com
COMFORTABLE SEATING
is essential! This sofa with a
chaise is the perfect spot for
cuddle time with your family!
Lastly, there is, of course, pride of
ownership. When you have a fixer-upper, it
truly becomes your very own home-sweethome and you may save some money as
well.
Before hiring a contractor, check their
references. Ask people you know that have
done renovations who they have hired
and what they thought of their services.
Get quotes from various companies. These
steps will help to ensure that you will be
happy and confident with who you hire.
Above all , do some research - such
as hiring a home inspector or even an
engineer and get it in writing! - Text by Joe
Mancuso