My parents resided in the picturesque town of Gaspe, Quebec, for the majority of their lives. In 2018, they made the decision to relocate to Ontario, aiming to be closer to their children. At that time, I, recently separated and the youngest in the family, found myself chosen as their primary caregiver. They purchased a condominium designed for seniors in Ingersoll, Ontario, a charming town located west of Kitchener-Waterloo. Managing tasks in town was straightforward, reminiscent of life in Gaspe.Sadly, they passed within 8 months of one another last year.
During this period, my daughter and I were residing with my mom. It was then that I resolved to renovate and prepare the property for sale. Collaborating with Dulux Paints in Woodstock, I opted for neutral colours, mindful of the eventual listing of the house. The most challenging aspect was parting with the memories accumulated over 85 years—sorting through numerous boxes and disposing of old furniture.
The assistance provided by everyone at Dulux Paints was invaluable. I carefully selected three distinct tones of paint for the ceiling, trim, and walls to ensure consistency throughout the entire home. Dulux Lifemaster Paint DLX1098-2 (Heavy Cream) was chosen for the walls, DLX1001-1 (Delicate White) for trim and doors, and the ceiling was painted in the whitest shade possible. Dulux Lifemaster, introduced in 1992 as Canada’s first paint free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), stands as their flagship environmentally friendly product, compliant with LEED standards. The premium 100% acrylic formula, featuring an EZ Clean surface protector, proved easy to apply with a brush, roller, or spray. It offered excellent hide, touch-up capabilities, and dried to a uniform, abrasion-resistant finish that withstood frequent washing.
The paint’s remarkable coverage proved phenomenal, with most rooms and ceilings requiring only two coats. In addition to painting, I took on the restoration of wood floors and updated the bathroom sink and faucets, along with fixing a persistent kitchen faucet leak. As my parents’ health declined, the attention to detail in their home had understandably taken a backseat.
On January 26th, my parents’ home was officially listed on MLS.
Trina Stewart is the Editor of HOMES+ Locale Magazine. Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, Trina loves exploring the area and embracing the activities, events, and local businesses.
