Thankful for a Safe Home: The Thanksgiving Inspection Tips Every Lakeland Family Should Know
Thanksgiving in Lakeland means two things: incredible food and a full house. Whether you’re hosting family, deep-frying a turkey in the driveway, or preparing for out-of-town guests, the last thing you want is a preventable home disaster right before everyone sits down to eat.
As a family-owned inspection company that’s served Lakeland for over 31 years, we’ve seen exactly what can go wrong this time of year — and how quickly a small issue can turn into a Thanksgiving-sized headache. This guide breaks down the most important home checks you can make before the holiday rush, helping you stay safe, avoid expensive repairs, and keep your celebration stress-free.
1. Kitchen Safety: The Holiday Hot Zone
Thanksgiving is the single busiest day of the year for kitchen-related house fires. With ovens running, multiple dishes cooking at once, and people moving in and out of the kitchen, small hazards turn into major risks fast.
What to check before Thanksgiving:
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Ensure your oven and stovetop are clean and free of grease buildup.
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Inspect GFCI outlets around kitchen counters — they should reset properly.
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Verify your range hood is working and venting correctly.
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Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible and fully charged.
If your kitchen outlets trip randomly or breakers buzz under heavy load, that’s a sign you’ll want an electrical inspection before the big day.
2. Plumbing Problems That Love to Appear During the Holidays
Extra guests mean extra water use. Lakeland homes — especially older ones — often experience sudden plumbing issues when demand spikes.
Watch out for:
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Slow drains in the kitchen or bathrooms
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Gurgling toilets
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Leaks under sinks
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Weak water pressure
Cold weather is rare, but it can hit during November. If temperatures dip, uninsulated pipes in crawl spaces or exterior walls may be vulnerable.
A quick plumbing check now can save you from a clogged sink right when you’re trying to clean up after the feast.
3. HVAC Prep for a House Full of Guests
With the oven heating the kitchen and extra bodies filling the living room, your HVAC system is about to work overtime.
Before the holiday, check:
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Clean or replace your air filter
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Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture
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Test your thermostat for accurate readings
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Listen for rattling, grinding, or inconsistent cycling
Lakeland humidity doesn’t disappear in November — moisture buildup in the system can still affect your home’s comfort and air quality.
If your home feels stuffy or muggy, consider adding an indoor air quality test alongside your next inspection.
4. Electrical Strain: Don’t Overload the System
From extra lights to countertop appliances, holiday energy use can push an outdated electrical system too far.
Common electrical issues we see around Thanksgiving:
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Breakers tripping during big cooking days
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Outlets that feel warm to the touch
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Flickering lights (especially when appliances power on)
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Extension cords powering half the kitchen
Lakeland has plenty of older homes, and many still have outdated wiring or overloaded panels. An annual electrical check is one of the easiest ways to prevent power issues during the holidays.
5. Walkways, Steps & Outdoor Areas: Guest Safety 101
If family is coming over, the outside of your home is just as important as the inside.
Quick exterior safety checks:
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Make sure outdoor lights work
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Check steps and walkways for cracks or shifting
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Look for uneven concrete, loose handrails, or slippery areas
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Confirm your turkey fryer (if you’re using one) is placed far from structures or overhangs
The Thanksgiving ER rush is real — and most injuries are totally preventable with simple checks.
6. When a Holiday Inspection Is Actually Worth It
A full home inspection isn’t just for buyers.
Many Lakeland homeowners schedule:
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Annual inspections to catch issues early
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Seasonal inspections before heavy guest traffic
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Roof, electrical, and plumbing checkups after storms
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Air quality and mold testing, especially when humidity hasn’t fully dropped
With Florida’s unpredictable fall weather, minor issues often go unnoticed until your home is suddenly under stress — like Thanksgiving week.
Our team has inspected over 35,000 homes in Lakeland, and we’ve seen how early detection saves families from expensive repairs, emergencies, and last-minute chaos during the holidays.
A Safe Home Is Something to Be Thankful For
Thanksgiving is about slowing down, enjoying your family, and making memories. A quick walkthrough or seasonal inspection can make sure your home is ready — from the kitchen to the crawl space.
If you’d like to schedule a pre-holiday inspection or air quality test, our team is here to help. We’ve served Lakeland families for over three decades, and we know exactly what problems Florida homes face this time of year.
