If you are one who likes to really decorate for Christmas or any holiday, you might want to consider some things if you are in the design stages of building that dream home. Even if you already have a home and want to make some changes, you might want to consider these ideas.
Starting on the outside of your home, let’s review some options you might want to include. If you are one who likes lots of lights, this is a must for you. On the home design, you will want to add electrical outlets all around the outside. If you have porches, have several outlets all down it. Be sure they have covers to close when not in use. These plugs are usually located toward the bottom of the home. If you like to hang lights on the rooftop, then include outlets on the eaves of your home. Here again, it is suggested that you have the outlets all around the house. These outlets will save on those dangerous extension cords; plus, it is so much easier to run the lights and connect them all.
Don’t forget the yard when planning either. You can have the electrician run protected connections with outlets to your trees - very easy to plug in those lights or those animated objects with these connections. The connections can then be used for electric blowers or regular lights any time.
So what do you do to have these included? During your design stages, have your builder include them on the plans. When the electricians comes to do their part, they will see the additional outlets on the porches, eaves and in your yard around those trees. Easy…Easy…Easy, and you will be so happy when setting up those decorations. The electrician will also know how to gauge the electrical panel to accommodate all your lights or animated objects for Christmas or whatever occasion you are planning during this stage.
Moving indoors, there is some planning that might help here too. Around that fireplace, you might want a lighted wreath above the mantel; include an electrical outlet in that area too. You might want to have a mantel large enough to hold grandma’s little lighted church collection. Check the depth and add those outlets when designing the mantel. If you like to have a lot of animated items around, again you might want a few more outlets, and your electrician can adjust the load for the electrical panel.
If you like to hold parties for the holidays, you might want to design your home with a party type flow. Open concepts are great for this, meaning kitchens and living/family areas are combined, normally with island-style kitchens separating them. Another popular design to consider could be a kitchen with two doors to access it from the dining room, family room, or living room. This concept is like a circle for people to flow through. These are just a few things to keep in mind when you are designing that home for the holidays and parties.
For all Your Real Estate and Building needs or questions, call Debbie at 830-833-4249 or 713-818-6658.
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