Preparing for Christmas - Home Improvement & Renovation Tips
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Christmas is a time of year like no other. We all enjoy the sharing and caring atmosphere that Santa Claus and Christmas brings, however it can also be an extremely stressful time. Having 20 or more family members choose your house for Christmas lunch can be very daunting. The secret is to prepare in advance. Here's some ideas to get your mind ticking.
The Fundamentals
Every year on Christmas day Service Central is overwhelmed with two types of emergency jobs: Oven repairs and Blocked drains. It seems that Christmas is as much about getting food in and (ummmmm) getting food out as it is about sharing gifts. So be prepared.
Make sure that your oven is big enough and that it is up to the challenge of cooking many roasts at one point in time. You don't want to keep your family waiting as your oven struggles and Christmas lunch comes out 2-3 hours late.
Check that your toilet is up to the challenge. Having 20 people head to the loo straight after a big Christmas lunch will strain your sewerage system. You don't want to spoil your lunch with an overflowing toilet. Although the site of your uncles vying for the title of Handyman of the Year as they get the plunger out to unblock the toilet could be quite amusing.
Other fundamentals to consider are:
- Do you have enough powerpoints? Will you be using additional slow cookers or electric cooking utensils that need extra powerpoints?
- Will your switchboard overload?
- Will your air-conditioning overload with 20 people in a room on a hot day?
- Do you need additional fencing to keep young children and toddlers out of harms way?
- Is your fridge ready for the extra food and drinks?
- Are your carpets clean?
Christmas Luxuries
Christmas can be a time to let everyone know just how well you're going. To show everyone that you're no longer the black sheep of the family, that you have actually made something of your life. Here's some home improvement ideas that could make you the envy of your brothers and sisters.
The kitchen renovation
No-one is going to be envious of a poky little kitchen. This is particularly exagerated on Christmas day when everyone is in the kitchen trying to help out. Instead, if you have a nice big open plan kitchen with an island bench and a great view, now that might make Aunt Edna a hint jealous!
The deck & pergola
To enjoy a true Christmas in Australia you really should be outdoors. Sitting on your brand new deck and sipping on a chardonnay is a wonderful way to experience your seafood lunch. Much better than trying to squeeze everyone into the dining room. If an outdoor setting like this is attractive to you, you may also wish to consider:
- Shade coverings to block out direct sun, or (in the worst case) rain on Christmas day.
- A nice bbq area.
- Landscaped gardens to look out upon.
- Folding doors to open up your home to your new deck.
Now is the time for action
As we all know Christmas comes quicker and quicker each year. Now is the time to seriously consider what you need done around your home in time for Christmas and to book in the tradespeople you require as early as possible. Typically every householder wants everything complete by Christmas so tradespeople are booked out well in advance. With that in mind its time to post your job requirements and secure your tradesmen today.
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