It won’t be long until Thanksgiving is here and then the holidays will be right around the corner. Whether you’re expecting a small or large crowd this holiday season, you may be thinking about some updates you can do now to have your home looking its best when your guests arrive.
To help you get your home refreshed and ready for guests, we asked a few of our Home Service Connections partners for advice. Here are their five recommended quick and affordable fixes.
Clear Out the Clutter: You’ll start the season with a clear mind by purging toys your children no longer use and clothing they’ve outgrown. There’s also a tenancy to get rid of old furniture and knick-knacks to make room for visiting family and friends, according to Collin Wheeler, owner of 123Junk. Many local trash companies offer special pick-ups of bulk items and furniture, so contact your provider for more information. Businesses like Wheeler’s also can haul away old sofas, love seats and other furniture for you. Some companies will even offer these items to local charities and send the donation receipt to you as the donor.
Update Your Lighting: The right lighting can have a dramatic effect on your home and add to its value when you sell. Replacing a light fixture is also one of the easiest and most inexpensive home improvement projects you can do. Whether your home is old or new, installing new lighting not only can update your home’s style, but also can help you save money on your utility bills.
Replace Your Faucets: If you’ve been putting off changing that leaky faucet, now is the time to do it before the holidays. Faucets are known as the crown jewels of the room and updating them can make your kitchen or bathrooms look fresh and inviting. This time of year, many people replace their powder room faucets to get their homes party ready, said Andrew Blate of Beautiful Home Services.
Refresh the Look of Your Front Door: A new coat of paint on your front door can make a dramatic difference to the curb appeal of your home, said Blate. Replacing old, dingy hardware and locks can also update the look. Many of Blate’s clients are choosing to replace their door hardware with digital door locks, which can keep a record of who is coming and going from the house and eliminate the need for a key.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint: An inexpensive way to give your home’s interior a renewed appearance is with a coat of paint, said Ron Jacque, general manager of TR Young Services. Don’t forget to paint the HVAC wall vents, as well as replace dirty and worn light switch and outlet covers, to complete the clean look.
Whether you’re de-cluttering, updating or planning a total renovation, check the Home Service Connections website to find a trusted contractor in your area.