Staying at home is hard for some people. It doesn’t matter what they are doing or who they are with, they just can’t stand staying at home for a long period of time. The reason why some people hate staying at home depends on a variety of factors and each case differs. For instance, some may live in a very nice neighborhood, may have their friends nearby and wouldn’t mind spending time with their family, but would hate being “chained” to a house. This might sound like a weird idea, but if you wrap your head around it, you’ll find it to be pretty true. Some people, for example, hate feeling chained or trapped in a place or environment and want to enjoy the taste of freedom.

Staying at home was seen as boring and nothing could get people to stay locked inside. However, the pandemic changed everything and the stay-at-home orders in many countries “trapped” many in their own houses. However, it wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be. Staying at home during the pandemic didn’t only protect people from the virus, but also mended many broken relationships. It was a struggle but you got the time you needed to spend with your loved ones. During that time, however, many realized that their homes needed an upgrade.

This year many have decided to make changes, starting with their home renovation. What about you?

A Fresh Coat of Paint

The COVID-19 pandemic situation has affected not only our lives but also our homes and in ways we never expected. Painting the house, for example, was an issue for many homeowners as, due to the social distancing rules, painters were not allowed inside homes.

This year, however, you are completely free to hire painters and beautify your house. According to Mark Deering, a top real estate agent, “I would say the least expensive thing that people can do to give their home a fresh touch would be paint.”

Now, for those who want to paint their house on their own, I suggest planning your approach. Most prep work, for instance, should be done a day or more before you start painting.

Here’s a step-by-step guide (including a few tips) to help you go through it smoothly:

• Start by moving all furniture out of the room or out of your way. Large furnishings can be piled in the center of the room and covered with drop cloths.
• If you intend to paint the ceiling, disconnect and remove any chandeliers.
• Next, wash the ceilings and/or walls and trim with TSP to remove dirt, dust and sheen from glossy paints.
• Fix any chips, cracks or dents in the walls before you start painting. Small imperfections can be patched with spackling or drywall compound.
• Make sure you buy and use only good-quality rollers and brushes.
• Lay drop cloths to cover the floor.
• Remember to always work from the top down when painting, as it would help you to see and correct any drips or runs as you go.
• If you plan to paint an entire room, first paint the ceiling and then the walls.

Keep Up With Maintenance Checklists

Skipping or overlooking home maintenance can lead to unnecessary expenses. Owning and caring for a home is a big responsibility but it can also create a happy and healthy environment for you and your loved ones.

So, here’s a short list of things that every homeowner should do:

• Have the HVAC system checked for efficiency. To learn more about HVAC maintenance, click here!
• Have all gas appliances checked for carbon monoxide levels.
• Check your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans for blockages.
• Check if there are any cracks or holes in your house’s foundation.
• Gutters should be cleaned.