One holiday down, more to come! With December around the corner, let’s get ahead of the game. As a home inspector, I’m sharing my proactive December preparation guide so your historic New Orleans home is ready for whatever the season brings.
Main Content:
1. December Weather Preparations New Orleans December Reality:
- Temperature swings from 40°F to 75°F possible
- Rain, occasional cold fronts
- Rare but possible freezing temperatures
Action Items:
- Locate and test pipe insulation for cold snaps
- Know how to shut off outdoor water
- Check weather stripping on doors/windows
- Inspect attic insulation
- Prepare heating system for variable use
2. Holiday Lighting Safety Electrical Load Planning:
- Historic homes + modern Christmas lights = careful planning needed
- Calculate total wattage before decorating
- Use LED lights (90% less electricity)
- Don’t daisy-chain extension cords
- Use outdoor-rated equipment outside
- Install timers to reduce electrical load
Inspector’s Tip: If you’re using the same outlets your grandparents used, modern light displays may overwhelm circuits designed for much less.
3. Ladder Safety for Decorating
- Use proper ladder for height needed
- Historic homes often have tall ceilings and rooflines
- Three points of contact always
- Have someone spot you
- Don’t overreach—move the ladder
- Check ladder condition before use
4. Fireplace and Chimney If You Have a Working Fireplace:
- Schedule chimney inspection/cleaning NOW (busy season)
- Test damper operation
- Check for bird nests or debris
- Inspect firebox for cracks
- Stock up on seasoned firewood
- Carbon monoxide detector essential
Historic Home Note: Many New Orleans homes have decorative fireplaces no longer safe for use. Know which you have!
5. Guest Room Preparation
- Inspect guest spaces thoroughly
- Test heating in rooms not regularly used
- Check for moisture or pest issues
- Fresh batteries in smoke detectors
- Ensure windows lock properly
- Provide emergency information
6. Energy Efficiency Before High Bills
- Seal air leaks around windows/doors
- Add insulation where possible
- Program thermostat for efficiency
- Weatherstrip exterior doors
- Consider plastic film for drafty windows
- Reverse ceiling fans (clockwise for winter)
Solar Panel Owners:
- Clean panels for maximum winter production
- Trim back tree branches for better sun exposure
- Check inverter for error codes
- Review production data
- Ensure monitoring system works
7. Insurance and Documentation
- Review homeowner’s insurance coverage
- Document valuables with photos
- Update home inventory
- Store important documents safely
- Have contractor contacts handy
- Emergency fund for unexpected repairs
8. December Maintenance Schedule Week 1:
- Clean gutters completely
- Test all holiday light circuits
- Deep clean HVAC system
Week 2:
- Chimney inspection/cleaning
- Window and door weatherization
- Attic inspection for moisture/pests
Week 3:
- Final outdoor preparations
- Test emergency equipment
- Stock emergency supplies
Week 4:
- Final safety checks before travel
- Set up home monitoring if leaving
- Prepare for potential freezing temps
9. If You’re Buying a Home in December Advantages:
- Motivated sellers before year-end
- Tax benefits may apply
- Less competition
- See home in winter conditions
- Holiday decorations show personality
Inspection Priorities:
- Heating system performance
- Insulation and energy efficiency
- Roof condition before spring storms
- Drainage and flooding risk
- Electrical capacity for modern living
10. Historic Preservation During Holidays
- Avoid damaging original features when decorating
- Use proper hanging methods (not nails in plaster)
- Protect wood floors from heavy traffic
- Be careful with moisture from real trees
- Remove decorations promptly to prevent damage
Planning Ahead: January Preparation
- Schedule annual HVAC service
- Plan for spring maintenance projects
- Budget for repairs discovered during holidays
- Research contractors during slow season
- Get quotes for major projects
Conclusion: December is magical in New Orleans—King Cake season is nearly here! With proper preparation, you can enjoy the season without home emergencies. Start these tasks now, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Need a pre-holiday home inspection? Now’s the time! I’m scheduling December appointments for homeowners and buyers. Contact me to ensure your historic New Orleans home is ready for the season ahead.
