Repair & Improve

Top Ten Home Improvements For The Holidays

by Tom Kraeutler

Expecting a crowd this holiday season?  Here’s a home improvement “To Do” list to make sure your entertaining is safe, happy and fun!

FLOORING – New carpeting or a redo of your hardwood floors will make a good impression on guests.

PAINT – Easy home improvement.  Perfect for the Weekend Warrior.  Before the relatives arrive.  How to buy good paint, etc.

ADD GFCI – To avoid electrical shocks, update your outside outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters before hooking up the lights.

ADD MOTION SENSING SPOTLIGHTS – Protect you homes from burglars who prey on homes while you may be away visiting family.

CHILDPROOFING - Move the dangerous stuff. Store matches, lighters, cigarettes, medications, and household products out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet. All medications should be in child-resistant packaging. If grandma carries any of these objects in her purse, remove them to a safer location, too.  Remove choking hazards. Hard candies and nuts are especially dangerous for young children.

RE-DO THE LOO – Bathroom fix-up’s good this time of year – including re-grouting and tiles.

INSTALL A SKYLIGHT – Winter days are darker.  Skylights bring the light in.  Position high for longer daylight.  Low for better views.  Ventilated types are best.

CLOSET MAKEOVERS -  Good time to make room for all the new stuff and toss out the old.  Especially important for kid’s closets.

APPLIANCES – Good time to buy new or fix up the old.  Tip:  Don’t run self clean cycle just before guests arrive.

SEAL DRIVEWAY – Make a good 1st impression and protect driveways from winter road salt.

CLEAN GUTTERS – Avoid slippery sidewalks and wet basements that can ruin a planned gathering.

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