8 winning home projects to tackle before the big game.

1. Kick off with a clean house.

Getting your home spotless for game night might seem like a waste of time. After all, your friends are looking forward to sitting back, snacking and letting loose. But a good cleanup before the guests arrive is important for making your friends feel welcome, keeping them healthy and safe — and of course showing off your house at its best. 

If you’re scrambling to get your home pristine before the game, you can hire a house cleaner to take care of it for you. Be sure to bookmark their profile, because you'll probably want to have them back when your guests go home.

Related: How much does professional house cleaning cost?

2. Your dream team deserves a dream home theater.

The biggest game of the year demands the biggest screen with the best audio. If you've been eyeballing a new 4k Ultra HD TV and surround sound system, maybe this is the excuse you need to make your move.

Keep a few things in mind as you're hanging your own in-house jumbotron. First, learn how to safely and securely mount your TV — and make sure it’s installed at the optimal viewing angle for your guests. You could even go the extra 120 yards and install a brand new home theater system for a truly memorable game day experience. Reach out to a TV mount installation service in your area for help. 

Related: How much do pros charge to mount a TV?

3. Turn your game room into your own personal stadium.

Arrange your game room seating so all your guests have a great view. Create more space by repositioning your sofa and chairs against the walls facing the TV. Bring out some extra camping or folding chairs so everyone can sit comfortably and focus on what’s important — rooting for the winning team.

As crucial as ample seating may be, it's also important to leave corridors and pathways clear so your pals don't trip over your furniture — or each other — on the way to grab more snacks from the kitchen.

4. Come up with a game plan to keep things neat(ish).

Before the game kicks off, have a place for your company to hang their coats and park their shoes. Set out a bin for hats and gloves, and add a key rack or catchall tray on your entryway console for a nice touch. This will keep your house a little neater and your fellow fans a bit more organized.

Keeping your refreshments flowing throughout the day is no small feat, so start out with a plan. Set up a dedicated table or counter for food and drinks, and have cleaning supplies on hand for inevitable spills. Be sure to provide your guests with coasters to protect your nice wood tables.

5. Who’s hungry? (Spoiler: everyone.)

If there's one thing you need plenty of on game day, it's finger-foods and cold beers. Consider making your party a potluck so each guest can bring their favorite snacks. Just to be safe, stock up on chips, dips, pretzels and even a few sweets to avoid a mid-game trip to the store. Who wants to miss halftime?

If you want to plan a proper meal in addition to snacks, you can never go wrong with chili or stew, which are relatively easy to make. Pizza and wings are always a hit — just make sure you stockpile napkins and paper plates. If you really want to take game day cuisine to the next level, hire a caterer to deliver sliders, barbecue, desserts and cocktails.

Related: How much does it cost to hire a caterer?

6. Let no fan go thirsty.

Football fans are a famously thirsty bunch, so make sure you have plenty of suds to go around. Include some non-alcoholic options like sports drinks and sodas — and stock up on bottled water no matter what. The players on the field need to stay hydrated, and so should you.

Chances are, some of your guests will bring drinks too. Have a cooler with ice on hand so you can stow cold ones within easy reach and avoid rearranging your fridge during kickoff. You may find it handy to fill a bay of your sink with ice to chill drinks — just make sure you clean your sink first. 

7. Spare the TP, spoil the party.

If you've done your job and provided ample hydration for your fellow football fans, they'll eventually need your more private facilities. You probably don't want guests tromping through your bedroom to get to the master bath, so if you have a guest bathroom or half bath, make sure it's ready and fully stocked with supplies. 

If you only have one bathroom, that's cool too. Just make sure it's ready to receive visitors. Put out fresh hand towels, paper towels and an empty, lined trash bin. Make sure there's soap in the soap dispenser. And pick up some extra toilet paper.

8. Decorate like a champion.

Still up for decorating? Some well-placed streamers, centerpieces and themed decorations can make a huge difference. Deck out the den with all your favorite football memorabilia — and think about your team's colors when you're buying plates, cups and napkins for your game day soirée. Remind your guests to show up wearing team colors as well.

If you’re too exhausted to decorate after your other preparations, you can always turn to an expert. Consider enlisting the services of a themed party planner to take your football celebration all the way across the goal line.

Now you’re ready to sit back and enjoy the game with your fellow fans. May the best team win! And by that, we mean yours. 

Budgeting tips when hosting the big game.

• Prepare your outdoor space for hosting: If you’re lucky enough to be enjoying warm sun instead of snow drifts, servicing or assembling your BBQ grill is essential before hosting guests. It costs about $100 on average to install a gas line for an outdoor grill, and getting your grill assembled can save you a headache. Items that need to be connected to utilities, such as a fire pit or a BBQ grill, should be handled by professionals who have experience with gas lines.
• Get your home theater system in top shape: Whether you're a film buff or an NFL enthusiast, building a home theater is the best way to elevate your home viewing experience. The cost of a home theater ranges vastly, from $2,000 to $33,000 based on the complexity of the system and location. This includes the price of your home theater system (sound system, TV, wiring, etc.), seating, and lighting, plus installation from a qualified professional. On a smaller scale, the national average for mounting a TV is $125, and repairs to your TV can cost an average of $80 — repairing your existing TV will usually cost you less than replacing it.
• Plan ahead for pre- and post-party clean up: On average, house cleaning can cost around $180. Be sure to plan ahead and hire a professional to help get your space party-ready, clean up the aftermath, or both. A full post-party cleanup can include cleaning dirty dishes, living space cleanup, and taking out the trash. It can also help you avoid an argument — in fact, 86% of couples would be willing to spend up to $300 on home chores to avoid fighting with their significant other.
• Leave the cooking to someone else: Feeding a crowd can be stressful — especially when half the guests are Team Wings and half are Team Pizza. Keep everyone fed and happy by booking a caterer. Food for a group of less than 20 will cost roughly $540. If you really want to level up your party, you can even book bartenders to keep the drinks flowing (and help with cleanup). 

A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.