During this challenging time, it’s reasonable to put off interior repairs, perhaps indefinitely. But exterior improvements, that’s another story. Of course, financial considerations notwithstanding, this might be a perfect time to consider sprucing up your home’s curb appeal. There are many good reasons for choosing to do some exterior enhancements. This summer, more than ever, any entertaining you will do is going to be outdoors. Backyard parties, barbeques, and other outdoor gatherings will be the safest way to gather with friends and family until a vaccine arrives. You know how, when company comes, you usually run around your home and clean up, maybe even fix that old water stain on the kitchen ceiling or replace that leaky faucet in the bathroom? Now that more entertaining will take place outside, doing the same thing on the exterior could make a big difference to you and your guests. If you really should get your leader and gutters cleaned, could use some minor roof repair, or cement work around your home’s perimeter, it’s typically not easy to find a really good professional to do small jobs. Right now, in many cases, contractors and professional building managers/supers have been out of work due to the city’s shutdown. Many of them would only be too happy to do small jobs now, just to make ends meet and use their skills to feel useful.
It’s been hard for me too. I have never taken longer than a two-week vacation in my entire 33 plus year career. I will never again complain about not having enough time off, I have had enough time “off ” for a lifetime, and I bet there are more than a few of you that feel the same way. Two weeks ago, I decided that for my mental health, I needed to see beauty. I needed color, and I needed something new, other than navigating ZOOM, that I could learn and enjoy. I weighed the financial investment against the emotional benefit and decided to increase my budget for landscaping my home this season. In the summer, I decided that when I hope to at least be in the next-normal phase of work, I would be willing to give up some flowers and colorful landscaping to obtain more joy now. JOY, it’s something we need right now. And my landscaper needs work. With so many losing their jobs and uncertain about their future, they lost some accounts and need to keep their workers employed. I am happy I did. Never in my life have I appreciated the little things, like tulips, daffodils, and more potted plants than I do now. I recommend you consider doing this. It will keep your spirits high, and providing work for others is another thing that should do us some good as we work together to re-fuel our economy.
Stay safe, and I hope to see you in the neighborhood.