SUGGESTIONS FOR THE HOMEOWNER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 229, 27 August 1932, Page 8

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE HOMEOWNER.

FIRST REPAIR, THEN IMPROVE. Though tho effect of tho Government subsidy han had a gratifying result on building work generally in Palmerston North, there is still room for an im-mensely-increased volume of orders. Fow homes are perfect, and lucky is the housoholder who can claim that every constructional detail is exactly to his liking. Now is hin op;>ortunity for a check-up and a serious consideration of ways and means. To-day's buyer of additions and alterations is fortunate in two respects: The cost of labour is shared by the Stato ami tfie cost of materials is believed to bo at rock-bottom. Whatever tho selected job, it cun lie tackled more cheaply than for a great number of yoars. In planning an investment in improved household conditions it pays to make a oreitical examination from cellar to attic, front gate to back fcnco. So close are one’s associations with a home that, its faults become familiar and aro apt to bo overlooked. A purposeful, dispassionate survey often reveals much. Again, there is too question of discrimination in alterations. Thero is little wisdom, for example, in spending tho whole of tho available money in alterations for tho sake of added convenience when certain repair work is crying out to bo done. Similarly it is better to bo sure that existing property is in good order and condition lieforo additions aro embarked upon. Tho last observation applies particularly to outdoor work. Year iri and year out owners will let fencing, gatos, paths and even houxo wcatherbourding go unrepaired while other task? are undertaken more or less regularly. Tho inevitable day of renewal or oxtensivo repair is put of! until it becomes a major operation, calling for considerable outlay. Jn tho cases of wooden bouses and iron roofs, painting should bo among tho first jobs considered. At tho samo time roof plumbing should bo inspectod and repaired. fycaks and blockages in watersheds and pipes load to endless trouble if not dealt with promptly. Before repair work is considered complete, attention should lie paid to wood, concrete and plastor work, particularly in basements and linings. A vigorous search for borer should bo inst,b_ tuted, bearing in mind that, with borer, tho proverb of a stitch in time has espocial aignificnnco. If at, all practicable, borer should bo extricated by (lie removal of tho affected wood and, if this be undertaken, the pest must be tracod to the fullest limits of its excursions. One overlooked plank can upset tho permanency of tho job-