During the holiday time, which is the busiest of the year for homeowners, we see that between food prep, home decoration, and setting out guest rooms, homeowners often put off the exterior work until the last minute. But the look of a home’s outside is the first thing that is greeted by visitors. Broken walkways, full gutters, poor lighting, and lack of care in the landscape all of a sudden become very noticeable once the guests begin to arrive.
Many homeowners put most of their effort into cleaning inside and ignore the outdoors, which also requires attention. Also, it is in fact before holiday get-togethers that homeowners should attend to the outside of the home, which improves safety, enhances curbside appeal, and also will present a welcome setting for guests. Also, it is often found that issues that may have gone unnoted all year present themselves when putting up the holiday decorations.
Dirty Walkways and Driveways Become More Noticeable
Among the most ignored maintenance tasks is that of cleaning exterior walkways and driveways. In the fall and early winter months, leaves, dirt, mud, and debris tend to accumulate fast. Over time these surfaces become slippery and unattractive.
Upon the approach of guests to the front entrance, what they see is damaged concrete, raised pavers, or walkways that have grown with moss. Also in terms of safety, which can be an issue, these issues present just as much of a problem when it is wet or icy weather.
Pressure washing of sidewalks, driveways, and patios may see the property transform within a short time frame. Also, homeowners remove leaves and debris that may cause injury at holiday gatherings. If elderly family members or kids are expected to be visiting, homeowners should put extra effort into improving walkway safety.
Adding new borders to pathways and pruning nearby plants also brings entrance areas a better, cleaner feel.
Clogged Gutters Can Cause Bigger Problems
Gutter maintenance is an issue that many homeowners put off until it causes problems. In the fall gutters collect leaves, twigs, and dirt, which in turn block water flow. At holiday times during rain or snow, clogged gutters cause water to overflow at entryways.
Gutters that overflow cause walkways to become muddy, water stains on siding, and, in serious cases, foundation issues if left unaddressed. In cold climates water can ice up and create dangerous ice patches around entryways.
Cleaning out the gutters prior to the holiday season will benefit the home at the same time that it will improve the home’s look. Also note that gutters may be looking to sag or overflow, which will stand out once exterior decorations and lighting are put up.
Many homeowners saw the state of the gutters only when climbing the ladder.
Faded Landscaping Reduces Curb Appeal
Landscapes may lose some of their color in the wintertime; also, neglected outdoor areas can make a home look devoid of care all year round. Dead flowers, overgrown shrubs, fallen branches, and patchy lawns may break up the flow of beautiful holiday decor.
Simple changes in the seasonal design of outdoor spaces will greatly improve appearance. Things like leaf raking, shrub trimming, removal of dead plants, and adding new mulch help to present a neater and more put together look.
Even with large-scale changes out of the question, small decorative elements like winter planters, evergreen arrangements, or seasonal wreaths may be used to brighten outdoor spaces.
Outdoor areas, which also serve for holiday entertainment. At family gatherings guests may be found on patios, porches, or by firepits. A nicely kept yard helps that welcoming feel to extend beyond what is inside the home.
Poor Outdoor Lighting Creates Safety Concerns
Lighting outdoors is a large issue in holiday prep. Broken porch lamps, burnt-out bulbs, or poor path lighting can in turn make it difficult for guests to safely make their way around the property at night.
During the winter it is often seen that days are shorter, which in turn sees a greater number of guests arriving in the evening. Proper use of outdoor lighting improves safety and also guest comfort, which may be enhanced by familiarization with the property’s layout.
Entryways, driveways, staircases, and sidewalks should be well lit. Replace old fixtures with new ones or try out brighter LED bulbs, which will in turn improve visibility.
During the busyness of holiday gatherings when guests are constantly in and out of the home, motion-sensor lights also add to the convenience and security.
Interestingly, many homeowners only become aware of poor lighting issues when decorating for the holidays. Putting up the decorations and turning on the nighttime lights displays what areas are too dark, which before went unnoted.
Holiday home decorating brings to light what otherwise may have gone unnoticed: repair issues.
Holiday Decorating Often Reveals Hidden Repair Issues
During the holiday decorating season homeowners have a chance to very closely look at the outside of the home. Putting up lights and using ladders brings to light maintenance issues that may have gone unsolved.
During home renovation projects, issues like loose shingles, peeling paint, damaged siding, or cracked trim are often noticed. Also at this time, the roof lines and gutters get a closer look as homeowners prepare for seasonal displays.
This is also why many people turn to professional holiday light installation services are presented before homeowners host guests. What often comes to light is that prior to the party there is a need for some cleanup, repair, or, in general, some maintenance. By taking care of these issues in advance, the home will look its best and most welcoming all season.
Professional lighting designs do in fact improve curb appeal but also bring to light the best elements of the home. Also, it is noted that installed lights tend to bring notice to areas that may be in need of basic maintenance, which in turn means additional prep work may be required before installation.
Don’t Forget the Front Entrance.
At the front door, which is the first welcome for guests’ arrival, it is often ignored during holiday prep. Dusty doors, dirty windows, worn-out welcome mats, and chipped paint all play a role in diminishing the home’s festive feel.
Cleaning and brightening of the front door, detailing the hardware, and a wash of the nearby windows are a quick pick-me-up for the entryway. As for seasonable decor, wreaths, lanterns, or potted evergreens help to bring in that welcome feel without overdoing it.
Homeowners may also want to check doorbells, railings, and steps before guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a home for holiday guests is a much larger task than just what goes on inside. Outdoor work is very important in setting out a safe, pretty, and inviting environment for family and friends.
Issues like cleaning walkways, clearing gutters, refreshing landscaping, and improving outdoor lighting usually get put off until the last minute. Luckily it has been found that attending to these minor maintenance issues greatly improves both curb appeal and guest comfort during the holiday season.
During the holiday decorating season, it is also a great time to do a property check and see what issues may come up before the guests’ arrival. Homeowners with a bit of preholiday work can get the property in tip-top festive shape, which will be ready for all guests.
