October 1963

When does it make sense to remodel?

A family in Cleveland suffered for years in a postwar house so cramped it would have made a Moscow apartment dweller gloomy. When they finally got up enough courage to add two bedrooms, a family room, and a second bath, they were amazed-- and a bit sheepish, too.

What's the best way to get started?

How do you choose a contractor?

Can you save by doing it yourself?

When pure dollar savings are considered, do-it-yourself appears too enticing to turn down. Here are the figures to prove it:

How do you get a cost estimate?

Which financing is best for you?

Cash is the simplest way to pay, providing you have disposable savings. But don't ever pay for the job in advance. No legitimate contractor would demand it. You'll be expected to put down a certain amount as a down payment when the contract is signed. This could run anywhere from five per cent to a third of the cost. A second installment is generally paid at a predetermined point in construction-- say, after framing. The final payment is made at closing.

What to do when the job begins

Do you have enough insurance?

Home improvement increases the value of your dwelling, so it's important to review your over-all insurance situation at this time. In recent years, real estate values and building costs have climbed sharply in most urban areas, and for that reason many families don't have adequate insurance protection even before they begin their home improvements.

How much do typical improvements cost?

HOW TO BUY PANELING

The biggest question mark in choosing paneling these days is yourself: Exactly what would you like? You can find an excellent product that will please you if only you'll shop for it. Here are the facts, so you'll know what to look for and what to talk over with your building materials dealer.

IT'S NEWS TO ME!

Mops go glamorous. Mitt-type dust mop is made of orlon yarn; comes in a choice of pink or white. Matching wooden handle comes in three sections. May be taken apart for cleaning blinds or under large furniture. Comes in gift-type package for brides.

IS THERE A "BEST" KIND OF LIFE INSURANCE?

Yes, there is. But the word "best" in this case means "best for your family." The kind of policy that suits you might not suit your friends or neighbors-- even though some of their family situations may seem superficially like your own. Choosing the right policy requires a careful analysis of your past, present, and future. You need to take into account not only your current and prospective income, but your family's entire way of living and the long-range goals of each family member.

HANDYMAN HOW-TO

Tips, techniques, and ideas to help you choose and get the most out of portable electric sanders.

AND NOW THESE FAMILIES SHOW YOU HOW TO LIVE LIKE NEW AT THE SAME OLD ADDRESS!

HERE IS A VERY GOOD SMALL SPLIT LEVEL

First, plan an efficient kitchen-- and ... it plan dining and living rooms. Then put ... bedrooms in a raised wing of the house, ... from all the noise of the activity areas. ... finally, design a simple, unified exterior. ... will it look like? Like this very good ... level-- that is, if you've made every inch ... 1,247-square-foot plan do its very best.

THE TERRIFIC, TIMESAVING NEW WASHERS AND DRYERS!

When you're shopping for a washer, dryer, or combination, you should, as with anything else, concentrate on value.

ADD A DASH AND TASTE THE DIFFERENCE!

TEMPERATURE TAKERS!

STORAGE SURPRISES

HOW TO DIVIDE AND TRANSPLANT PEONIES

Few perennials offer as many large, beautiful blooms year after year and demand as little care as does the peony. This old favorite is as popular today as it was 30 years ago.

HOW TO GET PLANS

You can order plans for either of the two houses you've seen in this issue. The complete package includes working drawings a list of materials to help estimate costs, an outline of specifications for workmanship and materials, and points for you to include in your builder-owner agreement.

MISTAKEN IDEAS ABOUT HEATING

1. You have chilly rooms and high fuel bills so something must be wrong with the heating unit. Before you buy a new unit, hold your hand against the inside of the exterior walls. They should feel no colder than an interior partition. If they do, the remedy is more insulation, which can be blown easily into existing walls.

HOW TO GET A SMOOTH START WITH WOOD

These days, the paints and varnishes available for your home projects are tougher, easier to apply and will give you a more professional-than-ever job. But none of them stands a chance of making your project look anything but home-made unless you get a really smooth start for the finishing process. Here we show you the many products that help you get this smooth surface-- and how to use them right.

HOW TO BUY A BETTER BULB

You can count on almost any healthy spring-flower bulb you plant this fall to bloom well, but we ... like to help you select the bulbs that will produce biggest blooms ever next spring.

DRAPERY SERVICES THAT SIMPLIFY SHOPPING

You've seen these phrases in drapery ads: shop-at-home; made-to-your-measure; ready-made; custom de luxe; factory-sewn and tabled. Know what they mean before you shop, and you'll get a better buy for your money.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BOOKCASE?

With style and storage? Project 1 (left) has plenty of both. The plywood arches and stock louvered doors take it far beyond the ordinary in up-to-date good looks. And you can change its mood from warm sophistication to bright gaiety with a coat of paint. There's room on the shelves for a library of books, plus the accessories to make the whole wall a show place. The base cabinet gives you space to keep track of everything from records to toys and all the odds and ends in between.

DON'T SPEND DOLLARS FOR PLAN MISTAKES

Living in a house is a little like wearing a suit of clothes --if it doesn't fit, you're going to be uncomfortable. You can't make your family comfortable in a poorly planned house any more than you can force yourself into an ill-fitting suit.

SHOPPING BY MAIL WITH BETTER HOMES & GARDENS

THE MAN NEXT DOOR

Mrs. Terry, who has reared nine fine children, came to our first PTA meeting of the year and stayed an hour before she remembered that she doesn't have any kids in school any more.