THE TIME TO MODERNISE.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20916, 25 July 1933, Page 6

THE TIME TO MODERNISE.

A WORK OF ECONOMY. | TRICES AT BEDROCK. There arc many houses in Christchurch, obsolete in pattern, which, with a comparatively small outlay, could be converted into up-to-date dwellings and given many more years of useful life. Just when the activity should take place depends largely upon the house itself. Many old houses iire staunchly built and are still in good structural condition. They are ready for remodelling and modernising. But there is a difference between remodelling and modernising. The former has more to do with shape and size and arrangement of structure, while modernising deals principally with equipment and conveniences in the house. Some, of course, need both. Often there are various factors that will assist the owner in deciding whether to remodel or modernise. He must consider, for instance, transportation facilities to and from employment, closeness of schools and churches, shops, amusements, and companionship for children. At present labour and material costs are so low that there should be an incentive to put n desirable piece of property into condition for years of future use. Some houses in residential district's are on the verge of deteriorating into the undesirable. from an eesthetic viewpoint. Remodelling and modernising will not only save the houses, but will assure a future of desirability to the district concerned. This fact will increase property values and maintain them. Some Inside Changes. No house that is architecturally perfect but lacks modern equipment and conveniences will command a good price. On the other hand, there are houses not so attractive from the Architectural point of view but which have at the same time up-to-date equipment. From the outside viewpoint modernising should, if possible, include at least the changing of perhaps the most unattractive feature of the house Architecturally. But inside changes that make it modern are essential. The obviou.s advantages of increased house pleasure mid therefore sale value more than compensate for the expenditure. There is a fireat deal of personal satisfaction to bo secured by the family that accomplishes a modernising job on its own house. One of the most interesting parts of this satisfaction is the opportunity to choose from a wide range of materials just the exact one which fits the situation, taste, and the purse. The newer ideas in home-building are forcing on to the market a variety of ideas and methods which of necessity demand new materials. New floors are often in order before the modernising job is done. So many new kinds , of flooring have come on to the market that it is a joy to contemplate one's choice. Close-grained hardwoods are made to take plain colours, even black, for flooring. And many of the latest linoleums are put out in plain colours. It is wise to avoid the imitation of one kind of material with another. For instance, why imitate a wood or tile floor with linoleum? Use linoleum as such and do not make believe that it is .something else. Often the material that is doing the imitating is really better than the one imitated.