REMODELING
Homebuilders group offers free seminar
Thinking about renovating your kitchen or building an addition on your home?
You may want to attend "The Rewards of Remodeling," a free seminar sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Maryland.
The class will offer advice on contracts, warranties and on choosing a remodeler. People who attend the seminar will receive a free copy of the association's "Home Remodeling Guide."
The seminar will be held Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the association headquarters, 1502 Woodlawn Drive.
The association's remodelers council also publishes a free brochure called "Need a Remodeler?" It contains a list of council members and is available by calling the association headquarters at 265-7400.
Parade of Homes features 17 houses
Today is the final day of the Frederick County Builders Association's annual Parade of Homes. The event features 17 outstanding homes.
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., people can shop for a new home or browse for decorating ideas.
"The purpose of the parade is to make buying a new home a celebrated event where buyers can take advantage of terrific deals without any pressure," said Beverly Shelton of Mackintosh Realtors, event chairperson.
Tickets for the event cost $3.
For more information, call the association office at 663-3599 or Ms. Shelton at 662-0195, ext. 234.
OLDER HOMES
8-page booklet offered for detecting defects
Would-be homebuyers faced with screening older houses for potentially costly defects can turn to "Before a House Becomes a Home," an eight-page booklet published by Aetna Life & Casualty.
The free booklet covers various parts of a house, offering tips about what to look for in the exterior, basement, kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom and attic. Each topic is illustrated with drawings.
Also included are tips on selecting homeowner's insurance and an insurance agent, but these are handled in such a general way that Aetna can't be accused of polishing its own apple. What's more, the insurance tips are sensible and worth following.
To get a copy of "Before a House Becomes a Home," write Aetna, Resources RWAC, 151 Farmington Ave., Hartford, Conn. 06156.