Curb Appeal Etobicoke - ISSUE 04 • 2024

Theodore Babiak Broker 8 Country

For more than 7 years, Nutan has been a generous supporter of our team and a great and enthusiastic voice of encouragement for our players, some of whom she has supported since they were 9 years old! Her total professionalism is matched only by her deep roots in, and real commitment to, building our community.

TECHNOLOGY

Rising energy bills and an increased focus on the environment have led many homeowners to consider solar power. But harnessing the power of the sun requires some planning and professional help.

Solar energy and energy storage systems (ESS) come with some daunting considerations, including overcurrent protection, disconnecting means, wiring methods, grounding, etc. These are all better left for the professionals to manage.

HOME-BUILDING EXPERT MICHAEL HOLMES JR. AND THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUTHORITY SHARE A FEW TIPS ON HOW TO LEVERAGE SOLAR ENERGY AND ENERGY STORAGE

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

Knowing where to place your solar panels, correctly wiring them both inside and outside the home and ensuring you are receiving the correct amount of energy can be complicated. Hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) can guarantee you are getting the most out of your systems. Beware of advertisements for installations of solar panels from unlicensed contractors, which are often accompanied by the promise of cheaper or low-cost work.

BENEFITS OF ESS & SOLAR POWER

Solar and ESS systems can have a major impact on electricity bills by storing low-cost energy to use during peak hours. Both systems can provide peace of mind, as they can provide power during times of disruption, such as blackouts or other power failures. While both systems can increase

reliability and offset costs, they can also work to reduce environmental impact. By lessening dependence on traditional power, greenhouse gas emissions can be decreased.

CONNECTING TO THE GRID

Typically, ESS and solar power systems do not operate as stand-alone power sources. They often work in parallel with utility supplies, which in turn have many safety implications. When switching to solar energy, be sure to hire an LEC who can help you navigate these nuances, take out the proper notifications, ensure a safe and diligent installation and provide you with an ESA certificate.

Switching to solar energy is not the right time for a DIY project, always do your research and consult with professionals. Learn more at esasafe.com . ◆

46 Kings Lynn Road

One of the Kingsway’s finest! 5500 sq.ft. of luxurious living space sitting on premium 50’ x 140’ west facing lot on one of our most sought after streets. Every room perfectly proportioned. Timeless finishes, high ceilings, kitchen and family room all will love. 5+ bedrooms, primary with luxury ensuite, dressing room and balcony, fully finished lower level with spacious recreation/games room, gym and teen/nanny suite. Walk to best schools, grenview entrance to Royal York subway, dining, shops. www.46KingsLynn.com

45 Strath Avenue

Coach house love! This absolutely stunning custom home, by renowned builder Gallery Homes, 2 blocks to Grenview entrance of Royal York subway in the heart of the Kingsway. It’s an obvious choice and true class with unparalleled fine craftsmanship and attention to every detail. The interior is completely new and re-built to the brick walls. High ceilings, radiant heated floors throughout, wall panelling, best appliances, inground pool, outdoor kitchen, turn-key and full-out luxury. The spectacular coach house adds a whole dimension of luxury play/living space complete with bedroom and bath. Perhaps for in-laws? This is a wonderful location in a happy neighbourhood, walking distance to schools and Bloor St. strip with shops, delis, dining and pubs. www.45Strath.com

Over

79 Prince Edward Drive S

This is the Queen Bee of west Toronto towns and is a must see if you are looking for grand luxurious space combined with easy living! Glamorous 2400 sq. ft. end unit with lots of amazing features including a rare main floor powder room, 2nd floor library with rich cherrywood panelling & built-ins and a big eat-in kitchen opening to a sunny and secluded east-facing terrace. Big, beautiful windows with pretty views. A small complex situated in friendly Sunnylea with great schools, Kingsway shops, bus at doorstep and cycling paths that take you to the lake and beyond. This is a good-feeling home! www.79PrinceEdward.com

Welcome to 8 Country Club Drive, Toronto

Welcome to 8 Country Club Drive, an exquisite custom-built, 6+1 bedroom, centre hall residence in an exclusive enclave near the St. George’s Golf and Country Club. Timeless design, luxurious finishes, generously proportioned rooms, and the highest quality workmanship are the hallmarks of this elegant home with a total of 8,230 square feet on three levels.

The spacious and gracious main level beckons with a host of exceptional features including ceiling heights ranging from 9’ to 9.5’, finished on-site oak floors, and an abundance of natural light creating a bright and airy ambiance throughout. The main entry is highlighted by an impressive, two-storey skylit foyer. The elegant sunken living room has a gas fireplace, beautiful windows and great flow for family living and entertaining. A grand formal dining room with built-in cabinetry, crown moldings, bay window with french doors is perfect for hosting formal gatherings and dinner parties. The gourmet kitchen that accommodates a large table for informal dining, is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances from Sub-Zero, Miele, Thermador, Panasonic and is complemented by granite counters and a centre island. It seamlessly blends functionality with style and includes a walkout to a 27’ x16’ terrace - ideal for al fresco dining. There is a large main floor office/den/bedroom with double closets, 2 piece ensuite and large windows facing south. The exceptionally spacious family room with a gas fireplace and 9.5’ ceiling height has gorgeous, bay window views of the backyard. A convenient powder room is also located on this level as is a well-designed laundry room that is equipped with Miele washer, dryer and custom built-in cabinetry.

On the second level, the regal primary suite that overlooks the garden offers a fireplace, dressing room and a lavish new skylit Marana built bathroom with a walk-in glass enclosed steam shower, heated porcelain tile floor and a double sink vanity with quartz counter. Four large well appointed bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and skylights complete this level.

The fabulous lower level features a walkout at grade to the backyard, a spacious recreation room with an entertainment unit, gas fireplace and adjoining games area. A well equipped lounge with bar includes a built-in KitchenAid oven, Bosch dishwasher and SubZero bar fridge. There is also a bedroom with an ensuite four piece bath; generous storage; a powder room, and access to the attached triple-car garage. The wide triple driveway accommodates multiple cars.

The house transitions seamlessly to the spectacular backyard - a serene, private haven on a phenomenal 70’ x 316’ lot, sheltered by shade trees and enhanced by well established shrubs and perennials. This bucolic, park-like ambiance is the ultimate setting for memorable summer gatherings and peaceful relaxation.

Though secluded and quiet, 8 Country Club Drive is located close to the Humber River parklands, Humbertown shopping, Royal York Subway, Kingsway restaurants and boutiques, four private golf clubs as well as excellent neighborhood schools. Pearson International Airport, Billy Bishop and downtown Toronto are minutes away.

This rare offering of a luxurious, move-in ready residence in Lincoln Wood awaits the discriminating buyer.

THEODOR BABIAK**

647.717.0

FORSALE

8 Greening Crescent

$3,498,000

Stunning brand new luxury custom rebuild by Rusand Home in desirable Princess Rosethorn. Aprox. 3200 sf. 4 plus 1 bedroom, 5 baths. 9’ Ceilings. Bright open concept gourmet kitchen with large island, pantry and great room area. Wide plank oak hardwood floors throughout. Floating staircase with LED lights, glass railings. Main floor office. Luxurious primary suite. Custom finishes and fixtures. Meticulous workmanship. Heated floors. High ceilings. Bright lower level. Smart home design, Rosethorn JS. Rosethorn Echo Valley parks. Close to TTC, Thorncrest Plaza, all amenities.

MOTRIA DZULYNSKY

FOUNDER / SALES REPRESENTATIVE

motria@themotriagroup.com

CREATE A CHIC AND COZY LIVING ROOM

THE LIVING ROOM IS A PRIMARY GATHERING SPOT FOR RELAXING AND ENTERTAINING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. CREATE A CONTEMPORARY AND COZY SPACE FOR LOUNGING THAT IS CHIC YET LIVABLE. SHARON GRECH, BENJAMIN MOORE COLOUR AND DESIGN EXPERT, SHARES THREE WAYS TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE SPACE.

1 / CREATE RHYTHM

Living rooms are often open to other areas of the home, which can make it challenging to select a colour palette that will work with adjacent rooms. Using different shades of the same colour is an effective way to define the area. “Deeper colours can bring coziness, which is ideal for the living room. Choose a stronger colour for living rooms paired with a neutral, or paler version for connecting spaces. A deep grey like Kendall Charcoal HC166 pairs well with a lighter shade like Metropolitan AF-690.”

2 / THINK BEYOND THE WALLS

Consider painting furniture, window trims or ceilings in a bolder colour if your walls are neutral. Opting for neutral hues throughout the space with bolder or deeper hues to emphasize millwork, ceilings and window framing will create a feeling of harmony throughout your home. “Be sure to use appropriate premium quality products when painting these surfaces,” says Grech. For example, premium paints like Benjamin Moore Regal Select would be ideal for painting ceilings.

3 / LUXE LAYERS

Nothing says cozy quite like a plush sofa with oversized pillows and throws. Play around with different textures to establish a chic and comforting look and feel. Layering luxe fabrics that are rich in texture, like velvet and faux fur, adds an instant dose of sophistication to your space. ◆

10 Old Mill Trail #107 $1,998,000

Custom designed completely renovated condo in desirable Kingsway / Old Mill. Approx 1580 sq ft light s/w corner unit with beautifully landscaped 600 ft terrace. Custom Scavolini kitchen and laundry, miele appliances including w/d, built in coffee/expresso machine. Unit boasts 9 ft ceilings throughout, engineered oak floors, 7’6” solid doors with custom hardware, trim, wainscoting, pot lights and visual comfort light fixtures. Washrooms have state of the art plumbing fixtures, wall hung toilets, freestanding tub, custom vanities and wall hung storage cabinetry. 2 parking, 2 lockers with overflow wardrobe cabinet. Steps to subway and all amenities.

OFFERED AT $4,199,000

Welcome to Luxury Living in Princess Anne Manor. This west-end neighbourhood boasts excellent schools, along with a well-known private school in the vicinity. Proximity to the airport, major highway routes, wonderful shopping and restaurants in the Kingsway, plus three golf courses nearby, add to the enjoyment of living here.

Indulge in sophistication within this exquisite 4 +1 bedroom and 6 bath residence – a masterpiece of elegance, grace and comfort. The main level dazzles with only the finest of marble, granite, hardwood and custom cabinetry. The open-concept kitchen/family room, along with superb formal living/dining areas must be seen. Relax by the gas fireplace in the lower level media/entertainment room or retreat to the stunning vaulted ceiling primary bedroom on the upper level, with an amazing walk-through dressing room to the spa-like ensuite bath.

With two separate offices, one on the main level and the other on the upper level, this home offers unparalleled versatility for your work-from-home needs. But the ”piece de resistance” is the gorgeous stone-walled wine cellar on the lower level. You’ll want to show this off to everyone!

Schedule a viewing now and don’t miss out on this rare opportunity.

THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME Raise

When it comes to home renovations, the money that you put in cannot always be recouped when it comes time to sell. Most people want to get the best value for their dollar when doing home renovations and there are some important things to keep in mind. Before you decide on a remodel, consider the cost versus the value, and decide if the remodel you want to do is a worthy investment. Ultimately, you want to improve your home and then when it comes time to sell, you can command a higher price. The following remodel ideas may help you add some value to your home.

1 / INCREASE LIGHT AND SPACE

Dark, cramped rooms are no good when it comes to real estate. One thing that homeowners can do to increase the appeal of their property is open up the house to create more of a flow and enhance natural light. Consider knocking down some walls to brighten up a space. An open floor plan will also make a home feel much larger and is better for entertaining. Perhaps you’ve wanted to do this for years, but worried about the cost. It’s time to answer the question, how much does it cost to knock down a wall?

2 / LANDSCAPE & CURB APPEAL

The curb appeal of your home is incredibly important when it comes time to sell. The first impression of a home that someone will have is from the look of the exterior. It is said that a good first impression of a home can add five percent to its value. Make sure your exterior paint and details are up to par. The driveway should be paved properly, and any lawn space should be properly maintained. Consider drought tolerant plants if you are not great at gardening. If you have a deck, add some nice furniture, or create a colourful garden in some extra space.

3 / CREATE A HOME OFFICE

With more companies giving employees the option to telecommute, a home office can really add some value to a home. If you have some extra space in your home, consider converting it into a home office. Make sure there is plenty of work space, and remember to have grounded outlets installed as well as data ports and possibly an extra phone line.

4 / CONSIDER ADDING A DECK

It has been determined that when you spend the money to add a deck onto your home, you will likely be able to recoup more than eighty percent of its cost at sale time. If you choose to install a deck, take some time to plan it out and come up with unique features such as built in benches or a fire pit if your city or town allows them. Use higher grade materials to increase the life of the deck.

5 / FINISH YOUR BASEMENT

If you don’t have enough space to add a room to your home, consider finishing your basement. A basement space can easily be turned into a playroom for the kids, a bar, or media room, relatively easily. Consider adding a bathroom if you do remodel the basement, as this can increase the value of the remodel even more. Try to keep the space as open as possible so it does not feel dark and cramped.

6 / UPDATE OR ADD BATHROOMS

Bathrooms are an important part of a home. If there are not enough bathrooms or if they are very outdated,

it will be a big turn off to potential buyers. Updating bathroom amenities and fixtures or adding an additional bathroom if you have the space can really increase a home’s sale appeal.

7 / UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN

Kitchen remodels can really add value to your home but it is also important to be careful. When planning a kitchen remodel it is really important to consider the cost of your materials versus the value. Based on the cost of your home, if you choose to install granite or marble counter tops, will you be able to recoup that money? Take a close look at costs when remodeling kitchens. Things such as updated appliances or a window over the sink can add a lot of appeal.

As long as you take the time to really plan accordingly, and don’t overspend, you can make some really nice upgrades to your home. ◆

BROWNIES Healthy

YOUR KIDS CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF

A GREAT WAY TO GET YOUR CHILDREN TO EAT BETTER IS BY SNEAKING NUTRITIOUS FOODS INTO CLASSIC FAVOURITES. FOR EXAMPLE, AVOCADOS ARE HIGH IN GOOD FATS AND HAVE A CREAMY, VELVETY TEXTURE THAT MAKES THEM THE PERFECT INGREDIENT TO TAKE YOUR BAKED GOODS TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

Avocados can replace butter, eggs and — in this recipe — shortening. As delicious as it is original, kids and adults alike will love the softness that the avocados bring to this chocolate cake, as well as the delightful crunch of the pistachios.

AVOCADO + PISTACHIO BROWNIES

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 12

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE BROWNIE

• 125 mL (1/2 cup) melted butter

• 310 mL (1 1/4 cup) sugar

• 125 mL (1/2 cup) cocoa powder

• 2 eggs

• 1 avocado from Mexico, puréed

• 5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla extract

• 125 mL (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour

• 125 mL (1/2 cup) toasted and crushed pistachios (for garnish)

• Sea salt, to taste (for garnish)

FOR THE CHOCOLATE ICING

• 1 avocado, puréed

• 250 mL (1 cup) icing sugar

• 180 mL (3/4 cup) cocoa powder

• 5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla extract

• 15 mL (1 tbsp) boiling water

DIRECTIONS

STEP ONE: Preheat oven to 170 °C (325 °F). Butter and line an 8” square pan.

STEP TWO: Mix sugar, cocoa powder and melted butter in a bowl until smooth. Add remaining brownie ingredients.

STEP THREE: Pour mixture into pan and bake for about 25 minutes. Set aside.

STEP FOUR: For the icing, mix puréed avocado with icing sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add boiling water and mix until smooth.

STEP FIVE: Ice brownies and garnish with pistachios and sea salt.

newscanada.com

Welcome to 2720 Dundas Street West, Unit 308. Part of Junction House, a boutique, design-forward condominium, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom suite stands out as a serene retreat within one of West Toronto’s most exciting enclaves. Pairing immaculate architecture, design, and amenities, with an upbeat, unrivalled local atmosphere, this truly unique property promises a living experience that is second to none.