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The Citizen, 1987-02-25, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1987. Installing solid wood plank paneling is one way to give lackluster walls added interest and dimension. Available in a variety of profiles at building supply stores and lumber dealers, says the Wood Moulding & Mill work Producers Association, do-it-yourselfers ought to be able to get professional-looking results. Plank paneling gives variety Tips to help you buy and sell a home The search for a new home takes time, patience and, most impor­ tantly, skill. Research shows that the average home buyer looks at 12 different properties before making a new home purchase. Such factors as location of the home, its energy efficiency, size, design and proximity to schools, work and shopping, are carefully weighed before a final decision is made. If you’re currently in the market for a new home, it’s important that you make a thorough inspection of the one you’ve chosen prior to purchase. Naturally there'll be different items to look for, depending on whether you’re considering an older home or a new one,butt he key areas for you to check are: Structural stability, energy-effi­ cient qualities, and plumbing and heating systems. With the in vest me nt of a little time, you call do a good inspection job on your own, using the following checklist: •Roof and gutters - Look care­ fully to make sure shingles are in good condition. Check to see that gutters are not rusted, bent or ^on-existent. •Heating up - Turn the furnace on for at least 15 minutes to see if it runs smoothly and quietly. Check for oil stains and signs of wear. Ask how old it is. The average furnace can be expected to last about 25-35 years. •Energy efficiency - Check the insulation levels in the home to determine if they are adequate for your geographic area. Look to see if the home is caulked or weather­ stripped. See if storm windows and screens are in good condition. •Water - Check the condition of the pipes by turning on the sink faucets in the upstairs bathroom, then turn on the tub. If the water level drops more than 25 per cent, the home may have a problem with pipe corrosion. It pays to be a smart consumer when shopping for a home. If you do notice any problems, get an estimate for repairs and use that information when negotiating pric­ es. SELLING A HOME If you’re selling a home, ob­ viously you’re not interested in spending the money on major home improvement projects. It can, however, be quite beneficial for you to consider less costly projects to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. •Caulk and weatherstrip cracks around doors and windows. •Add insulation in the attic to bring your home to today’s energy standards for your area of the country. Upgrading insulation lev­ els is easy to do; millions of homeowners have added insula­ tion such as fiber glass batts or rolls to their attics in a single afternoon. •If trim on your home is worn or peeling, paint it. •Clean windows and storm windows until they are bright and shiny. •Mow lawn, shovel snow, or rake the grounds depending upon the season. Remember, buyers of energy­ efficient homes are receiving better breaks from lending institu­ tions who are willing to relax income standards. The rationale is that owners of energy-efficient homes will spend less on cooling and heating; therefore, they will have more income availableto make house payments; thus, buyers can bor­ row more money. "IT PAYS TO STAY WITH OIL" ...The Eneroil Comforter Oil Furnace sets a new standard We are the authorized dealer for Eneroil furnaces and Riello burners. EDWARD FUELS CLINTON 482-7381 The victims of pirates were often forcedto“walktheplank.” But those days are long gone. Today, instead of walking the Forgotten attic can be media room The ballroom era is past, but the need for entertainment remains. Interior designer David Husak, recently converted a neglected attic into a casual multi-media room that’s fun for the whole family. Husak’s family room is a high-tech funhouse, equipped with the best modern electronics has to offer. But, what’s really unique about the room is that virtually all the furnishings - shelves, paneling and sofa -- are molded to fit the contour of the attic. The sofa is constructed as a “triangle”; the spacious shelves are cut off on one side to accommodate a sloping ceiling; special moldings were designed to decorate and enlarge the low ceiling. Buy building pieces to fit the special nuances of the room - as opposed to buying standard-sized items - Husak was able to make the attic seem larger and less cluttered than it actually is. Naugahyde® fabric was used to upholsterthesofaandthe many cushions liberally tossed about the in home heating GODERICH 524-8386 TEESWATER 392-6100 ...The Riello Mectron burner has the solution to the complex energy puzzle •Up to 96% efficient •Lifetime warranty plank, homeowners use solid wood plank paneling to decorate the walls and ceiling of one or more rooms for added depth and dimen­ sion. seating area and throughout the room. “Naugahyde was a natural •ijoice for refurbishing the family room. People spend most of their time there and it can take the day-to-day abuse. Itcanalsobe easily cleaned without harming the napped texture of the upholstery, ’ ’ Husak says. “That’s an important plus.” “Simple furnishings and acces­ sories help establish the room’s casual ‘roomy’ ambiance,” says Husak. “I selected materials with an attractive rustic quality that were useful as well. ’ ’ For example, the split reed trunks store records; the floor covering is really a hand-stenciled painters drop cloth. The otherwise ufiused por­ tions of the room are used as “comfort corners” for video play­ ing, reading or viewing of films. Interior plank paneling is easy to install. Most homeowners can do it themselves using nails, adhesives, or special clips available with all styles of plank paneling. Use plank paneling to accent one wall or the ceiling of a room. If used throughout a room, plank paneling adds elegance and warmth. Many homeowners install paneling on the walls and ceiling of adjacent rooms to visually connect the rooms. This also creates the feeling of added spaciousness as two rooms appear to blend into one. Solid wood plank paneling can be used to create other visual effects as well. Planks installed vertically, for example, make ceilings seem higher while hori­ zontal planks bring ceilings closer to the floor. A tall windowless wall seems less imposing if covered with knotty grade planks. Painted planks add texture and color to a room while stained planks, showing their natural grain, add depth. Planks installed diagonally can break up a room’s formal symmetry. Once paneling is installed, apply wood moulding at the ceiling, floor and corners to conceal spaces left for expansion and contraction. Then, finish with wood stain, paint clear sealer or wax for a soft luster. I