Holiday Decorations and HOA Construction Guidelines: How to Avoid Hazards Before They Happen

The holidays are a special time in every community. Lights go up, wreaths appear, and residents celebrate with festive displays. But when construction overlaps with the season, decorations can turn from cheerful to hazardous. Blocked access, overloaded circuits, or trip hazards near work zones create liability for the board. With a bit of foresight, you can keep projects moving and residents celebrating safely.

Why decorations and construction clash

• Blocked pathways. Inflatable decorations, extension cords, or garlands can restrict access around scaffolding or equipment.
• Electrical hazards. Contractors may need to shut off or reroute circuits, making holiday lights unsafe or inoperable.
• Trip hazards. Cords across sidewalks or décor near active work areas increase injury risk.
• Delays. Crews lose time working around resident-installed decorations.
• Insurance complications. If a worker is injured because of a display, liability may fall on the HOA.

Top 5 hazards to watch for

1) Extension cords across walkways

Easily overlooked but a major trip hazard. Require cords to be secured, covered, or rerouted away from paths.

2) Blocked access points

Decorations near scaffolding, ladders, or staging areas delay work and put crews at risk.

3) Overloaded circuits

Holiday lights plus construction equipment can overload breakers and create fire hazards.

4) Obstructed emergency routes

Keep stairwells, garages, and fire lanes clear at all times.

5) Liability gaps

If an accident occurs due to a homeowner’s display, the HOA may still face claims if common areas weren’t properly regulated.

How to communicate with residents

Send a holiday-season construction notice well before work begins. (Always confirm with legal before sending to homeowners.)

Vendor & contractor coordination

• Include holiday restrictions in RFPs and contracts if work overlaps with December–January.
• Require contractors to flag any resident decorations that pose hazards.
• Set a clear chain of responsibility: the HOA enforces policy; contractors maintain safe work zones.

Insurance & legal considerations

• Verify your policy addresses accidents related to resident decorations.
• Document policies in meeting minutes or homeowner communications.
• Consult counsel to update community rules on décor during construction.

Real-world example

In a Henderson, NV community, roofing work coincided with December displays. One resident’s extension cord crossed a walkway near scaffolding. A worker tripped and the project paused while liability was sorted out. Afterward, the board added holiday decoration guidelines to its construction communication plan—preventing future issues.

Safe decoration guidelines (board checklist)

• No decorations within 10 feet of active work zones.
• Extension cords prohibited across sidewalks or common walkways.
• Electrical loads limited to manufacturer specs; no shared circuits with construction equipment.
• Emergency routes (stairs, fire lanes, garages) kept clear at all times.
• Board sends annual “Holiday + Construction Safety Notice.”
• Vendor contract includes right to flag/remove unsafe displays.

We’re here to help

Build clear, enforceable holiday guidelines

We’ll align contractors and residents, keep access clear, and protect your schedule and liability during the season.

Schedule a call with Paul