The holiday season is in full swing, but there’s still time to make your home more snug, cheery and inviting for the holidays. This month’s To Do list contains both holiday and cold-related items that can make the holidays safer and brighter.
1. Holiday house help
You asked for it and now Get Dwell is offering a less expensive option to our handyperson service. Perhaps you need help with carrying boxes, setting up Christmas trees or even just changing light bulbs — anything that doesn’t require a skilled handyman or carpenter. Schedule our Chore Taskers. They’re efficient, organized, show up on time and get the job done. Santa comes early this year.
2. Making spirits bright
Let’s get festive. If you’re challenged in the outdoor decorating department due to time or agility constraints, a team from Get Dwell is ready to help get your house holiday ready for your guests. You provide the lights and decorations, we’ll put them where you want. Stay off that ladder and leave it to the professionals. Don’t stress out — contact us today.
3. Good grief, Charlie Brown! Clogged gutters!
If you haven’t cleared the autumn leaves and debris from your gutters, it’s too cold to be climbing a ladder now. It’s a dangerous job best left to the professionals. Why not eliminate worrisome gutter cleaning for life while protecting your home with our time-tested and proven gutter guards? We use guards that are tough, attractive and the ones we think work best for Chicago’s weather extremes. Increase the value of your home, cut down on its maintenance and kick the ladder habit with our dependable gutter guards. Get Dwell can provide a free estimate for gutter guards. Schedule gutter guard installation here
4. Check outdoor lights
Shorter days means that outdoor lighting is illuminated more hours. Make sure all your outdoor lights are working properly and providing adequate coverage of your property. Installing lighting along your footpaths now will help guests and delivery drivers to navigate icy and snowy surfaces and avoid falls. Schedule Get Dwell electrical services today
5. Clean your chimney and fireplace
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends yearly chimney cleaning. Contact us to schedule a professional chimney sweep or pick up chimney cleaning brushes from your local family-owned hardware store.
6. Keep Santa safe! Check out your chimney
An exterior chimney check can detect early signs of needed repairs. Masonry issues only get worse over time. Be on the lookout for a cracked chimney cap, signs of efflorescence (white powder) on the bricks, mortar missing between the bricks, or spalling (face of the brick has broken off). If you notice any of these issues, contact us to ensure that Santa can get safely down your chimney this year.
7. Install grab bars for family and visiting guests
Installing grab bars inside your shower and next to the bathtub and toilet is an easy way to provide stability and safety for those you love. Pick up grab bars at your favorite family-owned hardware store and do it yourself or schedule an installation here.
8. Sharpen your knives
Kitchen knives get lots of use during the holidays. Little-known fact: using a dull knife is more dangerous than using a sharp knife. A sharp knife enables you to cut food easily, reducing the chances of slippage and injury to hands or fingers. Prepare for holiday gatherings this month by taking your knives to your local, family-owned hardware store. They also offer many do-it-yourself knife sharpener options in store.
9. Get out the snow rake!
Melting snow can cause an ice dam, a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of your roof that prevents melting snow (water) from draining off. You can remove the snow with a snow roof rake before it melts and refreezes. If an ice dam has already formed, a snow rake can be used to prevent further damage. Now’s the time to purchase a snow rake at your local, family-owned hardware store — before they’re all gone!
10. Danger may be lurking in your attic
Knowing is better than not knowing. Attics can host a variety of issues, from your house being drafty to you losing money unnecessarily through lack of insulation. If you have an HVAC system, check the humidity level. Most systems recommend maintaining a humidity level between 30-40% during winter months. Too much humidity can cause condensation in your attic that can lead to mold. Get a Get Dwell attic assessment to make sure you are doing everything you can to save the planet and keep your family safe.
When it comes to home repairs and maintenance, it’s the wise person who knows their limitations. You may think you can do everything around your home yourself. But maybe you’re not as handy as you think. Sometimes it’s best to call a professional. Get Dwell is here to help! We wish you and your family a very happy—and safe—holiday season!