SIMPLE AND HANDY

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 266, 5 August 1932, Page 6

SIMPLE AND HANDY

Bookcase in Place of Door Panel EASY WEEK-END TASK Not infrequently, built-in cupboards ( specially those found in old houses) are unnecessarily deep. In such a case the idea shown in an illustration on this page may be adopted. The upper panel of the door is removed and a casing with open shelves is fitted on to the back, with : pair of brackets at the bottom to carry the weight. There is no necessity to go into details of the fixing, as these will be obvious to any handyman. The illustration shows how the interior of the cupboard has been adapted. At the top is a shelf with the centre portion cut away so as to allow space for the bookcase when the door is closed. Below are two shelves of the full depth. This arrangement of shelves is, of course, merely suggestive. The front of the cupboard would be painted the same as the other woodwork In the room, but fancy may dictate a little relief Inside—perhaps a gailv patterned paper, and a vermilion for the lining of the bookcase section. —“Homes and Gardens.”

CHOOSING AN ABODE Hints for House-hunters DIFFICULT WINTER TASK House-hunting is a strenuous business at any time, but when it has to be undertaken.in winter, cold weather and short days add considerably to its difficulties. In order to make the most of the time available for viewing a house, it is advisable to collect as much information as possible beforehand, by letter or telephone. Particulars of rent, lighting, water supply, and drainage may be obtained in advance from the agent. The house-hunter should always be equipped with a notebook and a tape measure. Flexible metal measures controlled by a spring are excellent for taking quick measurements. An electric torch is useful for exploring cupboards and cellars. Impressions of different houses easily become confused, and it is essential to make notes about each house separately. Much time may be saved if every important point to bq noticed is entered in the notebook beforehand and checked off at the house. The presence of the agent is often a distraction rather than a help. He may call his client’s attention to the view just when she or he is trying to picture some furnishing scheme that she wishes to carry out. The experienced house-hunter never takes anything for granted. It is quite astonishing to find how often a “charming and convenient modern residence” has neither scullery nor washhouse. One agent, when this omission was pointed out, exclaimed, “Ah, well, madam, this is a modern house. It is usual to send the washing out nowadays.” “And I am a modern woman,’’ replied his client, “and I use an electric washer and have the washing done at home.” Notwithstanding its difficulties, winter house-hunting has one great advantage. . Houses are seen at their worst. The glamour of a lovely summer day may lend a specious charm and cover many defects, but if a house can stand the test of winter it is hardly likely to prove unsatisfactory.