Month: November 2021

With the world slowly getting back to a new normal after Covid-19, this year’s holiday season might reflect the past holiday seasons, which for many is hectic. If you’re hosting dinner at your house this year, your mind is probably going through every detail before guests arrive. Here are a few pointers to help you stay on track and have a (hopefully) stress-free holiday season!

Focus

There’s no time to clean every inch of your home the day before your guests arrive, so prioritize cleaning efforts by taking care of what’s needed most. Start by getting rid of clutter from the main living areas and guest bedrooms. Clean the tops of your counters and coffee tables, removing anything unnecessary that takes up space or appears unorganized. If you’re down to the wire, store the clutter in the basement, unused closets, or car trunks. If it’s out of sight, it will be out of mind. You can always reorganize after your guests leave.

Guest Bathroom

If there’s one place you shouldn’t skimp on cleaning, it’s the bathroom. Even if the rest of the house can’t be spotless, pay extra attention to the bathrooms your guests will use. Provide extra toilet paper, fresh towels, clean bathmats, and toiletries (in case someone forgets). Empty your trash bins and remove personal bathroom belongings from the counters. This especially is important if you are hosting overnight guests.

Safety

Candles, cooking, and crowded rooms can mean disaster during the holidays. Make sure there are no decorations that could be considered a fire hazard, such as tall uncovered candles. Check your fireplace to see if it’s clean and the door is working properly. Smoke detectors should have fresh batteries and it’s always best to keep a fire extinguisher handy. If there will be children in the home, hide matches and lighters as well as any toxic cleaners.

Comfort

Consider the number of guests and sitting space available. Bring in more chairs or ottomans and arrange seats so all the guests can move and engage freely. Also, consider the room temperature – a lot of people in one house can get stuffy, so don’t crank up the heat too much. Provide fresh sheets and extra blankets in the guest rooms in case anyone gets cold at night.

Space

Since a home’s foyer has the most traffic, make sure it’s clear of any luggage or shoes. Have a designated place where everyone can place their belongings as soon as they enter. Provide extra hooks and coat hangs when needed. If possible, clear out a closet entirely for guests as well as drawers if they need to unpack.

Kitchen Zone

The kitchen will be the headquarters during the holidays, so make sure it’s ready. Clear your kitchen sink, drying rack, and counter space. Count all of your plates and utensils so you can provide enough for guests. Perform a quick scan of your fridge and create space by tossing what needs to go. Have containers ready for leftovers – for you and for guests to take home. If people tend to visit while you cook, place extra stools or chairs around or within the kitchen along with some drinks and snacks.

In the end, the most important thing to remember is to enjoy your family and friends. Make sure to find the time to relax and be thankful for the memories you’ll make at home!

For most homeowners, fall is the season you adorn the house with harvest decorations and take in the colorful foliage. The new season can also be the perfect time to tackle some home improvement projects you have on your to-do list. The cooler weather makes outside DIY tasks more bearable, or if you decide to hire help, there may be more available contractors during the “off” season.

By making a few minor updates you can increase the curb appeal and overall value of your home. So, if you’re a homeowner planning to sell in the spring or you’re just looking to gain sweat equity, it might be time to roll up your sleeves and invest in a few simple improvements:

Paint the front door.
One of the most effective, yet simple, ways to spruce up your home’s exterior is by painting the front door. Applying a fresh coat of paint instantly gives your home a more polished look and the cooler weather is optimal for exterior painting. Repainting the shutters to match is also a nice touch!

Repair the deck or patio.
Having a deck or patio is something that home buyers value enormously. However, if the wood is warped, splintering, or faded, it becomes more of a problem than a benefit. The sight of a deck in poor condition can reflect badly on the overall aesthetic of the backyard. If your deck needs to be repaired, simply power washing or applying a new finish can do the trick. However, if the overall structure needs work, it’s probably worth the investment to hire outside help.

Power-wash the exterior.
The amount of value this adds to your home depends on the level of cleaning needed. Taking care of a few minor stains will help a home sell and it’s a moderately easy DIY project for the homeowner. However, if most of the exterior needs washing, hiring a professional could add phenomenal value when the job is finished. Although the cost of using outside help might be intimidating, having your home look like new will be worth it.

Replace the windows.
Windows can be a costly investment, so it’s wise to hold off on complete replacement unless there is serious damage, or the insulation is so poor it racks up utility bills. If you have large bay windows, periodic washing of the interior and exterior will help retain your home’s look and value.

Update your HVAC.
If your HVAC system is more than 15 years old, it might be worth it to upgrade. It’s not a major highlight on a buyers list, but if they point out the system is old, it could be a way for them to negotiate a lower price.

Clean the gutters.
Cleaning the gutters probably seems like a less exciting task on the home improvement list, but regular maintenance prevents larger problems down the road. Overlooked rain gutters could amount to foundation damage, which would mean substantial costs and devaluation of a home. To prevent future damage, make sure you stay on track with this chore and give your home the care it needs to last a lifetime.