A Home Inspector’s Holiday Survival Guide:
Tips to Keep Your Home Safe (and Your Elf on the Shelf Out of Trouble)
Ah, December… that magical time of year when homeowners string questionable amounts of electricity across our homes, drag flammable trees into their living rooms, and balance on ladders that “were fine last year.”
As home inspectors, this is our Super Bowl. This is when we admire the festive glow of holiday lights, right before we discover the extension-cord octopus living behind your inflatable Santa.
So, grab some cocoa, put on your coziest slippers, and let’s talk about how to keep your home jolly and hazard-free this season.
The Great Christmas Light Power Grid Strain of 2025
If your house looks like it could be seen from space, congratulations, you’re keeping the astronauts entertained.
But let’s talk safety:
- Avoid plugging 47 light strands into the same outlet.
- Use outdoor-rated extension cords outside (yes, it matters).
- If your lights flicker like a haunted house, that’s a clue. Stop decorating and call someone.
Bonus Tip: If your neighbor’s lights dim every time you plug something in, you may have achieved being “too festive”.
The Christmas Tree: Gorgeous, but Also a Large Indoor Twig
Whether you buy a real tree or assemble a plastic one with 400 “easy” steps, keep it safe:
- Real tree? Water it regularly. A crispy pine is not a decorative touch.
- Fake tree? Check for flame-resistant labeling, not “surprise fireworks included”. There may be counterfeits out there that can be hazardous.
- Keep all trees away from heat sources like fireplaces, candles, or that space-heater you swear you only use “on low”.
Remember: If your tree sheds more needles than your dog sheds hair, it’s a problem.
Candle Season: The Month Everyone Pretends Open Flames Are Cozy
Candle enthusiasts, gather around, but not too close.
- Never leave lit candles unattended unless you’re auditioning for a new insurance commercial.
- Keep them away from flammable décor like curtains, garlands, and Aunt Linda’s puffy jacket.
- Consider switching to flameless candles. They look real enough to fool guests and won’t summon the local fire department.
The Annual Ladder Olympics
Hanging decorations? Great. Falling off the roof? Less great. (Ask me, I know from personal experience!)
- Always maintain three points of contact. Two feet + one hand. Not two feet + one hot cocoa.
- Avoid climbing ladders in flip-flops. (Yes, we’ve seen it. No, it didn’t end well.)
- Have someone spot you, preferably someone who has not been partying.
If you hear, “Hold my eggnog, I’ve got this”, that’s your sign to stop immediately.
Inflatable Yard Decoration Stampede
Frosty, Santa, you’re Skelly dressed as an Elf- your yard looks fantastic!
But:
- Anchor your yard art properly unless you want Santa tumbling down the street like a jolly tumbleweed.
- Keep blowers and cords away from puddles. (Electricity + water = holiday fireworks no one asked for.)
- Do not, repeat do not, use your home’s dryer vent as a power source. (Yes, someone tried.)
Wrapping Paper Isn’t Decorative Kindling
Once the gifts are opened:
- Don’t burn wrapping paper in a fireplace, firepit, or another burning device.
- Keep boxes, ribbons, and packaging away from heat sources.
- Recycle what you can—but don’t burn it unless you want a chimney fire hotter than Rudolph’s nose.
Your HVAC System Has Feelings Too
It may be working overtime in December.
- Replace your filter. (You were supposed to anyway, just saying.)
- Don’t block vents with trees, gifts, or that giant plush reindeer that looks like it’s judging you.
- If you hear jingling inside your ducts, it’s probably not elves. Get it checked.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Festive, Keep It Safe
The holidays are about joy, family, and making memories, not emergency repairs, surprise outages, or airborne yard decor. A little attention now keeps your home merry, bright, and not on fire.
Stay safe, laugh often, and if you need a home inspector before, during, or after the holiday chaos… well, let’s just say our elves inspectors come equipped with tools and a sense of humor.
From our family to yours, we wish you a warm, joyful, and SAFE holiday season. Happy Holidays from the entire 4 Wahl team!
~ Mark Wahl, Founder