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Advertorial Home renos: How to prepare for the unexpected (NC) Renovating your home can be both exciting and daunting, offering the promise of a redesigned and refreshed space that looks and works better for you and your family. But as anyone who has lived through a renovation can attest, it's important to expect the unexpected. Renovations often come with their fair share of surprises and complications, making the journey to the finished prod- uct a little bumpy. With that in mind, below are some tips to help you renovate and rejuvenate. Do your research Before embarking on a renovation project, take the time to meet with and get quotes from multiple contractors so you can compare costs and get a feel for the person you'll be handing your house keys. It's important that you ask for refer-handing your house keys. It's important that you ask for refer-handing your house keys. It's important that you ask for refer ences to ensure your renovation is in reputable hands and that you feel comfortable with the contractor's work style. Budget accordingly Create a budget to help navigate the renovation process and manage expenses along the way. Remember to include the costs for both labour and materials, and factor in an extra 10 to 15 per cent on top of your anticipated costs to help cover any unexpected expenses. You may need to make some trade-off decisions during your renovation, so establish early on what is a necessity and what you could give up if needed. Understand your financing options Renovations can sometimes be pricey, but there are ways to finance the project that can allow you to feel more confi- dent. A home equity line of credit, like the TD Home Equity FlexLine, allows you to use the equity in your home to access credit. This can help you manage cashflow and often comes with a lower interest rate than unsecured loans. Planning ahead and having a financial plan in place will help to reduce stress and for you to feel more financially confident. Find more information on refinancing options at td.com/refinancing. Deck the halls with better home entertaining (NC) This season can be many things -- cheery, chilly, charming -- but it is rarely simple. And when everyone is juggling so much, from family fun to last-minute shopping, stressing over being a perfect host is the last thing on any-stressing over being a perfect host is the last thing on any-stressing over being a perfect host is the last thing on any one's list. Keep it simple and classy with these tips for better entertaining. Charcuterie is a busy host's best friend Remember, a great meal does not require hours of cook-Remember, a great meal does not require hours of cook-Remember, a great meal does not require hours of cook ing. A quality charcuterie board is easy to put together. Even just a few options of cheeses, crackers and jams makes for a delectable board. Guests will walk away with smiles on their faces. Create a crafty cocktail A perfect cocktail doesn't have to be complicated. Try a twist on something simple, classic and always beloved like a cinnamon-infused old fashioned or a cranberry sangria. Take it up a notch with an LG InstaView door-in-door fridge which produces round, slow-melting craft ice. It instantly elevates any cocktail drinking experience. Make it a potluck Feeding a large crowd is a daunting task, especially dur-Feeding a large crowd is a daunting task, especially dur-Feeding a large crowd is a daunting task, especially dur ing the hectic holiday season. But everyone has a favourite recipe they love to make, so give them a chance to share it. Invite friends and family to bring something to the party. 31 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,D ecem ber 5,2019 insidehalton.com SAMMcDADI 905.502.1500 sam@mcdadi.com Owner/Sales Representative B.Sc., M.B.A. SAMMcDADI'S HOME OF THE WEEK 2426 Capilano Cres, Oakville - $1,288,000