DIY Home Projects To Tackle While Sheltering in Place
Chelsea O'Donnell
This week’s cascade of COVID-19 developments might have you staying home a little bit more than planned this weekend. While many of us are feeling healthy, if you’re like me, you can’t help but take social distancing seriously for the sake of others. So if you’re cooped up with not much to do and if you’re feeling well, here are a few around the house projects that you can get out of the way this weekend.
Painting
This weekend is looking cool, which means it’s a great time to give the rooms inside your home an instant facelift with a coat of fresh paint. This job is perfect for this kind of weather because you can open up the windows to let the paint dry quickly and evenly. If you’re wondering what’s on-trend this year, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year is a very pale pink called First Light 2102-70 while Sherwin-Williams has opted for a deep navy called Naval SW 6244.
Yard Pick Up
Raking leaves is a rotten task but with a little early spring maintenance, you’ll be able to pick up winter debris and give the lawn a good thatching. Invest in an ergonomic rake so you don’t hurt your back and shoulders and consider composting to enjoy beautiful soil for flower and vegetable planting.
Mulching
My daughter had me hard at work all week helping her mulch the front beds in her yard. While it’s still a little early, it looks like winter weather is behind us so there is no reason to get started now. Be sure to rake your beds first and consider a weed treatment of your choice before you pick up your mulch. If you need some delivered, just give me a call.
Wood Floor Treatment
If your floors are looking a bit dull, brighten them up by giving them a light sanding and a few coats of polyurethane. Wood can be tough to maintain because it’s used and abused so often, but if you have a maintenance schedule that you stick to every few years, you’ll not only keep them looking great, you’ll also lengthen their lifecycle. Keep those floors shining by putting felt pads on furniture legs and avoid any cleaners with ammonia, vinegar or harsh chemicals.
Deck Staining
Make sure no rain is in the forecast, as you’ll want a few sunny days to ensure your stain dries properly. Sweep or blow any leaves and pesky whirlybirds from the surface, cracks, and crevasses of the deck. Apply a cleaner or use a power washer to get rid of any mold and mildew and replace missing nails or screws to ensure no one nicks their toes. Always apply stain on a dry surface in thin coats to get the best result.
Do you have a weekend project that you’re tackling while stuck around the house? I’d love to hear about it. Send me a message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros.
Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.