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Low-Maintenance Renovations For High-Quality Enjoyment

Renovating a space can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it can also be time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, there are several low-maintenance renovations that you can do to enjoy your space for years to come without breaking the bank.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for a room. Not only is it an inexpensive way to update your space, but it also has a big impact on the overall feel of a room. Choose a colour that complements your existing decor or you can go for something bold and daring to make a statement. You can also consider painting an accent wall to add some depth and interest to the space.

Replace light fixtures

Another low-maintenance renovation that can make a big impact is updating your light fixtures. This can be as simple as replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones, or you can take it a step further and install dimmer switches to create a more relaxing ambiance. This can be especially useful in rooms like the bedroom or living room, where you might want to adjust the lighting based on your mood.

Upgrade your hardware

Upgrading your hardware is another low-maintenance renovation that can make a big difference in your space. This can be as simple as replacing old doorknobs or drawer pulls with modern ones or swapping out your old faucets for new ones. You can even consider adding some decorative hardware to make a statement.

Add some greenery

Adding some greenery to your space instantly makes it feel more alive and inviting. You can choose to add a few potted plants or even consider a vertical garden for a unique touch. If you're not great with plants, there are several low-maintenance options like succulents or air plants that require minimal care.

Upgrade your flooring

If you want a more significant renovation, upgrading your flooring can be a game-changer. Replace old carpet with hardwood or laminate flooring or even upgrade to tile in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom. Not only does this improve the look of your space, but it's also more durable and easier to clean.

Add storage solutions

Finally, adding storage solutions can help keep your space organized and clutter-free. This can be as simple as adding some shelves or hooks to your walls or investing in some furniture with built-in storage like a storage ottoman or a bed with built-in drawers. This will not only help you stay organized but can also make your space feel larger and more open.

Renovating your space doesn't have to be a daunting and time-consuming task. By focusing on low-maintenance renovations like painting, adding greenery, and adding storage solutions, you can enjoy your space for years to come without breaking the bank.

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As a homeowner, are you prepared for the unexpected?

(NC) Your home is a major investment that comes with plenty of added costs, like maintenance and renovations. The biggest cost is your mortgage, a major expense that might be difficult to pay in tough times.

If you have a mortgage and you’re worried about leaving your loved ones with a mortgage payment in the case that you were to pass away or experience a covered critical illness, optional TD Mortgage Protection might be the solution.

Evaluating whether mortgage protection insurance is right for you is important. Having a mortgage is a long-term financial obligation. You’ve worked hard for your home, and there are ways to help protect it.

If you aren’t sure if you need mortgage protection insurance, ask yourself these three questions:

What would the impact be to my finances if my income was lost or reduced due to a covered critical illness?

A recent TD Insurance survey reveals that one in three Canadians without asset protection coverage think it’s too expensive, and 28 per cent say they do not believe they get the right value for the amount spent. While we all value our homes, we may undervalue mortgage protection insurance, which could pay or reduce the outstanding balance of the insured mortgage in the event of a covered critical illness.

Would my partner or co-borrower be able to afford the mortgage on their own if I were to pass away or suffer a covered critical illness?

As household partners, you’re in this together. If a mortgage was set with two incomes in place, it could be difficult to get by on just one. Consider having a plan in place, like mortgage critical illness and life insurance, before an unexpected covered critical event occurs. There are options available to help you find the right coverage that best suits your budget and needs.

Do I have loved ones who rely on me financially?

Owning a home and having a family comes with the responsibility of ensuring your dependents are safe and protected. Mortgage protection insurance can help you protect your mortgage and home, which could also benefit loved ones who may financially depend on you.

Learn more at td.com.

 
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Top home renovations to invest in this fall

(NC) Today, many families are focused on improving their homes instead of spending money on vacations and entertainment outside. With autumn as your last major chance to renovate before the winter, here are some of the best projects to tackle now for maximum enjoyment of your space.

Upgrade your kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home, and where you’ll be spending lots of time cooking for the holidays and entertaining your small social circle. So, give it a facelift to make sure it’s a bright and welcoming environment. A great DIY project is painting the cabinets in a bold or warm shade and updating the hardware in a metallic neutral. You can also invest in sleek, energy-efficient appliances for a clean, modern aesthetic and get fresh seasonal linens for your tablescape.   

Finish your basement
A finished basement extends your living space and has an excellent return on investment. It’s also the perfect place to turn into a spacious dedicated home office, so you can finally stop working on your dining table or couch and boost your productivity and comfort. But whether you want to turn your basement into that, a rec room or in-law suite, the first step is installing a high-performance subfloor. The best option for this is Dricore subfloor panels, which are designed with air gap technology to help protect against mould and moisture and keep floors dry, comfortable and cozy all year. It’s an easy DIY project, as the panels are easy to install and a room only takes half a day to do.

Elevate your exteriors
Not only does the exterior of your home make the first impression, it can also extend your living space – which is crucial when we’re working, living and playing at home. Make the most of it with areas you can spend time in even when the temperature drops. For example, you can create a sitting area to relax in or host smaller outdoor get-togethers for your social bubble by screening in your porch or installing an awning over your backyard patio. Laying down Dricore panels can work here too, as they will make cold surface feel warmer, softer and cozier for your feet. Complete the space with a heating lamp and you’ll be able to enjoy your exteriors almost all year-round.

 
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Think twice before borrowing against your home equity

(NC) An estimated three million Canadians have one, and they have emerged as the single largest contributor to the growth of household debt in Canada.


Yet many consumers do not appear to fully understand how they work.


No, we’re not talking about credit cards or car loans. We’re talking about home equity lines of credit or HELOCs.


According to a 2019 survey by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, many people appear to lack awareness of the terms and conditions of this widely sold financial product, exposing them to the risk of over-borrowing, carrying debt for extended periods and uninformed decision-making.


HELOCs are a secured form of revolving credit. The lender uses your home as a guarantee that you'll pay back the money you borrow. And, as you pay your HELOC down, you can borrow it again, up to a maximum credit limit.


Most major financial institutions offer them with a mortgage as a combined product, which is sometimes called a readvanceable mortgage. Many use them for renovations, debt consolidation, vehicle purchases and day-to-day expenses.


When used responsibly, HELOCs can benefit consumers through low interest rates, convenient access to funds and flexible repayment terms.


Unfortunately, the convenient features of HELOCs can encourage consumers to add too much to their debt load.


In fact, 27 per cent of those who responded to FCAC’s survey said they make mainly interest-only payments on their HELOCs. Considering that, on average, Canadians owe about $65,000 on their HELOCs, this means many homeowners end up carrying debt for long periods.


So, if you have a home equity line of credit or are considering getting one, you need to ask yourself:

  • Would a HELOC tempt you to use your home like an ATM?
  • Could you still afford HELOC payments if you lose your job or interest rates go up?
  • Are you prepared to stick to a plan to pay it off fully, and avoid continually borrowing against your home equity?

Those are just some of the questions to consider before borrowing money that will be secured by your home equity.

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