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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, N ov em be r 25 ,2 02 1 | 30 When You Sell With Tony You Will Receive The Following At No Extra Charge: √ FREE Services Consultation √ De-Cluttering √ Packing √ Moving √ Un-Packing & Set-Up at your new retirement suite √ Donation, disposal or auction of your unwanted belongings √ Preparation of your original home for maximum results √ Retirement residence incentives √ Professional Financial Consultation (if required) Tony is your one-sTop service provider TransiTioning seniors wiTh digniTy, respecT & peace oF Mind HELPING EMPTY NESTERS & SENIORS ACROSS THE GTA WITH REAL ESTATE, DOWNSIZING & TRANSITION SERVICES www.tony-whitehouse-royal-lepage.metrolandwebservices.com Tony Whitehouse Sales Representative Accredited Senior Agent (ASA) Call: 647-378-1789 Email: twhitehouse@royallepage.ca Cut out paying more Your only destination for more coupons, more flyers, more savings. #SavingWithSave Save $1.00 on any Nature's Bounty product save.ca/coupons Scan to get coupons Real Estate Advertorial Home upgrades to help you get ready for holiday guests Many people are happy to welcome back friends and family in their homes again. In anticipation of the holiday season, you might consider updating your house now, so entertaining is a joy in the many months of celebration to come. Home improvements that add function and support when entertain- ing are key. Whether you'll be hosting a grand holiday party with out- of-town guests or an intimate affair with local loved ones, these top improvements will prepare your home for holiday merriment. 1) Refresh the fireplace The quintessential holiday gathering always seems to be set around a warm and welcoming fireplace. If you have one in your home, consid- er getting maintenance done now before the holiday rush. A tune-up, chimney cleaning and glass-door cleaning will ensure your fireplace is ready to inspire guests to cozy up and create memories. Beyond proper functioning, you can also update your fireplace to create a new aesthetic. If the surrounding brick, rock or tile is dated, consider special masonry or tile paint that can help you refresh the materials with a contemporary neutral colour such as grey, beige or white. You can also paint the mantle to accent your new fireplace sur- round for a cohesive look that will serve as a backdrop for holiday photographs for years to come. 2) Research functional additions Adding a guest bathroom or wet bar is sure to impress visitors and add to your home's value. But this may seem impossible in spaces without below-floor drainage for plumbing - like a basement or garage. A simple, affordable solution is above-floor plumbing systems from Saniflo that avoid the hassle and expense of busting through concrete to create conventional drainage or installing a sewage ejector system. For example, the Saniaccess 2 from Saniflo is ideal for creating an additional half bathroom virtually anywhere, thanks to a 1/2-horse- power macerator pump system. Above-floor systems like this can pro- cess waste from sinks and toilets before pumping it to the nearest drain line that connects to the home's septic tank or a sewer system. 3) Create a contemporary kitchen The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but it's also the hub of the holiday season. From roasting that golden turkey to baking and decorating favourite holiday treats, the kitchen is a functional gather- ing place for your family and guests. Simple updates can make a big difference in style and functionality, such as enhancing organization and adding seating options. If you want bigger changes without the expense of a complete re- model, consider thoughtful updates that revive your kitchen with no- table style. Painting the existing cabinets and adding new hardware provide a visual facelift that revives the room. New countertops are nice, but sometimes just adding a new backsplash transforms the space, plus makes for easy cleanup during sometimes messy holiday cooking. You might also consider adding an island with running water and a sink. An above-floor plumbing solution, like the Sanivite from Saniflo, can create that functionality where no below-floor drain currently exists. 4) Define dining areas Whether you have an open concept home or the layout features a formal dining room, it's important to update eating spaces. After all, enjoying food together is one of the crowning events of holiday get- togethers. Painting the space in a modern hue provides a big visual impact without much cost or effort. An area rug can also redefine the dining room and pull elements together. New linens add a holiday vibe. More casual eating spaces can benefit from a refresh as well. Tidy up breakfast nooks and buffet tables so they are ready to use. Stools for countertop spaces create an ideal place for cooking, casual nosh- ing and conversation. If you're hosting children, you may want to set up tables and other areas for them to eat and play games. The holiday season brings us together. Now that in-person celebra- tions are being planned again, there's no better time to focus on home improvements that guests will appreciate and you will love. BPT