November to do's around the home

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure the pathways are well lit for your family's safety

 1.   Deep Clean Your Home

Now is the time to clean your home for winter festivities. Whether you have a family gathering in the works or you want to make sure things are perfectly cozy for winter, tackle some of those cleaning tasks that aren’t on your regular cleaning rotation. Carpet and upholstery cleaning might be one of those things on your deep cleaning to-do lists. It’s the perfect time to give them a refresh.

 2.   Make Kitchen & Bathroom Updates

While it might be too late to start a complete remodel before your holiday company arrives, you can certainly make some upgrades to improve your kitchen and bathrooms. A fresh coat of paint or a new sink can be just what the room needs. A new backsplash is also something you might be able to DIY.

 3.  Inspect Outdoor Stairs

Winter will bring snow and ice that can make it dangerous to walk on your outdoor stairs and pathways. Before the weather changes dramatically, check your outdoor steps for cracks and uneven areas. Get them repaired now. You’ll also want to install a handrail if you don’t have one already. This is a safety feature that’s a must on any outdoor stairs.

 4.   Replace Outdoor Light Fixtures

Similarly, it’s also a good time to replace any outdoor light fixtures that may be out or in need of repair. Winter brings less daylight along with colder weather, making it harder to see if there’s ice on your walkway. Having efficient outdoor lighting can help avoid an accident. Outdoor flood lights may not be as fashionable but can help illuminate entryways, so you can see. The average cost of floodlights is around $400 to $500.

 5.   Repair Plumbing

With Thanksgiving coming up quickly, it’s likely any plumbing issues you have will be magnified. A semi-clogged pipe can turn into a big issue if you have visitors over or plenty of dishes to be done. Get the fix you need now, before it’s too late.

 6.   Install Weather Stripping

Make sure your home is comfortable for the winter weather. Weather stripping can prevent cold air from entering the home. The good news is that it doesn’t need to be replaced every year, but aging weather stripping should be replaced. Depending on the amount you need to be done, you might be able to DIY.

 7.   Install Fire Protection

The holiday season is a prime time for house fires. From dried trees to burnt turkey and holiday candles, there are plenty of hazards present in your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, with the day before in second place. And, 21% of holiday decoration fires started in the kitchen.

 If you need assistance, please call SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378