Are you planning to host guests this holiday season? You’ve probably started to make a grocery list, find yourself elbow-deep in holiday decor, and are beginning to create your ultimate hosting to-do list. But what if there are some BIG to-dos that you haven’t considered? We have a holiday hosting checklist for you!
Our friends at Rodenhiser Home Services are sharing a few often overlooked to-do’s that will ensure a pleasant holiday hosting experience. These items should be added to everyone’s home maintenance schedule, and the holidays are a great time to check them off of the list!
Drain Maintenance
Thanksgiving is a busy time in the house! Don’t let a clogged drain in your kitchen or bathroom ruin the fun of holiday hosting. Routine drain maintenance is often overlooked until your drains are backed up. Drains are designed to only transport wastewater from your home. Some people dispose of items like baby or cleaning wipes, cotton swabs, and feminine products in their drains, resulting in clogs. There are other culprits that are beyond our control; soap scum, hair and fur, food particles and grease.
Add or Update Sensor Outdoor Lighting
Motion-activated outdoor lighting should be a consideration for any busy family! Sensor lighting automatically lights up paths, driveways, and entryways, and helps prevent accidents and tripping hazards, especially in areas where visibility is limited at night. Your guests will be able to easily find their way inside, and your kids can play outside longer!
Keep an Eye on Your Water Heater
Imagine: You have a house full of guests and there’s no hot water. Oh no! Having family staying over for the holidays can be really fun- constant laughter, creating memories and traditions, until someone comes to you complaining of having to take a cold shower…
If your water heater is more than 10-15 years old, it might be nearing the end of its lifespan. Older water heaters are generally less energy efficient and may require frequent repairs. If you notice a decrease in your water heater’s performance like insufficient hot water or fluctuating temperatures, it might be time for a replacement. Upgrading to a new water heater can provide you with a more reliable and consistent supply of hot water.
Consider Improvements for Outdoor Entertaining
Many New England homes are older and were not built with the intent of hosting large gatherings. Extend your entertaining space by considering an outdoor gas grill hookup and gas fireplace! Gas outdoor fireplaces are considered safer than wood-burning fireplaces as there is no risk of flying sparks, popping embers, or accidental burns from handling firewood. Additionally, they often come with safety features such as automatic shut-off valves and glass barriers that provide an added layer of protection. Along those same lines, a gas grill hookup is extremely convenient and eliminates the need to constantly monitor and replenish fuel, as the grill can be easily connected to the natural gas supply of the house. This convenience allows for uninterrupted grilling without the hassle of running out of propane or charcoal.
Be Prepared for Anything: Add a Generator!
Picture this: the turkey is in the oven, sides are in the warming drawer, football is on the TV and all of a sudden everything goes dark…until your generator kicks in! Thanksgiving is saved!
Generators provide a power backup: A standby generator automatically switches on when it detects a power outage, providing backup electricity to your home. This ensures that essential appliances and systems, such as refrigerators, heating or cooling systems, medical equipment, and security systems, continue to function during outages, thereby maintaining comfort, safety, and security for you and your family.
Generators provide peace of mind: Knowing that your home has a reliable source of backup power can provide you with peace of mind, especially during severe weather events or other situations that might cause extended power outages. This peace of mind can be particularly valuable for individuals with medical conditions that require continuous electrical support or for those living in areas prone to frequent power interruptions.
