Joel White, Executive Officer
Spokane Home Builders Association
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As the holidays approach, many guest bedrooms will find themselves filled with the luggage of in-laws. The extra leaf of the dining room table will be pulled down from the attic, awaiting a packed family feast. As extended families gather to celebrate the holiday season, the capacity of homes across the country is tested. Maybe yours is one. Will your home be ready for the influx of people to come? Read on to find out what you can do to make everyone’s holiday enjoyable around your home.

Be sure that all of your walkways, decks, and other outdoor areas are as free of ice and snow as possible. A bad fall could easily put a damper on your celebrations. Also make sure that all outdoor and garage lighting is working properly.

You may want to clear your closet out and designate a spot for people’s coats and other winter apparel. Preparing for this now will make everyone more organized when the fun begins. You may also want to consider an extra doormat for wet boots. Remember, wet shoes can quickly make a kitchen floor slippery and a prime place for a nasty spill.

Keep in mind that the bathroom may get a large increase in traffic. Replacing tile or even adding new grout can give your bathroom a totally new appearance. Take a look around the shower areas and make sure the ceiling isn’t peeling from humidity. If it is, simple ceiling repair and repainting can fix the problem quickly. Be sure that bathroom fans and windows are in working order. Proper ventilation is essential in keeping mold and mildew far away. Extra hand and bath towels can also help with the added traffic of the holidays.

Your kitchen will also receive a high amount of traffic during the holidays and it’s important that you’re ready. Increased entertaining may mean more countertop space is necessary. Clear off countertops and stow appliances in cabinets when they’re not in use. Look closely at the condition of your countertops and cabinets. Does anything need replacing? Are all of the cupboard knobs secure and functioning? Also, the lighting should be in excellent condition. Long hours in a kitchen with inadequate lighting can put a strain on tired eyes. Ensure your kitchen is well lit by replacing dim lightbulbs.

Take the headache out of the holidays by preparing your home for your guests. Strong preparation will allow for less confusion. Besides, some preparations you make now may last you longer than the holidays!

For more information on prepping your home for the holidays, contact the Spokane Home Builders Association at (509) 532-4990 or visit the National Association of Home Builders at www.nahb.org/forconsumers.

The information in this article is provided courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders.