Is Your Home Holiday Ready?

As we begin the holiday season here are a few tips to get your home in top shape for company!

Service Your Appliances

Make sure your kitchen is ready for extra use by showing your major appliances a little love. Check and replace any old lights and filters, examine the seals to make sure they are intact, and give everything a good scrub both inside and out. If you notice anything that needs professional help, make appointments as soon as possible to avoid having a broken appliance when you really need it.

Tune-Up Cabinets

While you are in the kitchen, you may notice that your cabinet doors and drawers have gotten a little looser with use. A few minutes with a screwdriver is all it takes to tighten hinges or handles.

Clean Out the Clutter

Now is a good time to clean out any overstuffed cabinets and drawers to make room for all the extra food and prep coming up. Don’t forget to purge your pantry and refrigerator too.

Test Your Detectors

Fall is a great time to test your smoke and O2 detectors and replace batteries or parts if needed.

Take Care of the Toilet

It’s time to take care of any flushing or running issues by replacing the flapper valve or the entire flush mechanism. If the toilet rocks slightly, try tightening its mounting bolts. It may even be time for a new toilet seat if yours is starting to look a little worse from wear.

Give Your AC a Check-Up

As we begin to switch from warm to cold weather, the AC may need a little extra attention. Now is the time to clean your vents, check on filters, and schedule routine maintenance. Don’t forget to check on the outdoor condenser unit and remove any debris or build-up around it.

Prevent Unwanted Guests

Avoid the appearance of any unwanted pests in your home while your guests are visiting by checking and replacing any worn-out weather stripping. It is a good time to check your pest control schedule or maybe add an extra service to the routine.

Secure the Outside 

Take a close look at your front entrance and walkways. Replace any burned-out lights or broken fixtures. Don’t forget to check your porch, patio, and any stairs and railings to make sure they are safe and secure before the visitors arrive.