Like most American households, if you’re under a stay-at-home order in response to the coronavirus, you may have a little more time on your hands than you normally would. While no one should give you too hard of a time for indulging in a little Netflix binging during these strange times, perhaps you’re craving something more productive. Maybe you’ve realized it’s the perfect time to tackle some of those home projects you’ve been thinking about for the past few years.
Here are some of the best DIY projects to take on while you’re quarantined because of COVID-19.
Putting in a Generator
Every home should have a backup generator. If a storm, natural disaster, or any other event causes your home to lose power, a generator will kick in and provide you with electricity, light, and heat while you’re waiting for the power to come back on. Look for a portable generator that will meet your needs, which you can get for $300 to $1,200. That way, you don’t have to hire a pro to come install a unit during the pandemic.
Building a Home Gym
This project can come with tons of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Whether you like running, lifting weights, doing HIIT, yoga, or a mixture of exercise routines, a home gym can benefit you both now and after the pandemic is over. Choose a space in your home, make sure you get all the right equipment, and add any accessories or other items that will make the space your own.
Adding A Backyard Oasis
These are uncertain times, and travel is the last thing on most of our minds. Because of this, it also makes sense to create a backyard oasis so that you and your family can enjoy your own personal retreat. And, if you have taken advantage of refinancing interest rates at historic lows, you can pull equity from your home to add improvements like an outdoor kitchen and bar or a custom patio cover for your existing outdoor space.
Deep Cleaning
This project also comes with a slew of health benefits, and there has never been a more important time to live in a clean and sanitary home. Start your deep-cleaning project by getting rid of all the clutter in your home. Go room by room, and sort all your belongings into one of four piles: keep, donate, sell, or recycle/trash. Be realistic about whether you need each item; otherwise, you might talk yourself into keeping everything.
After you’ve decluttered your belongings, clean each space from top to bottom. For example, start by dusting and wiping down ceiling fans, bookcases, and light fixtures before moving on to the furniture, floors, and so on. Make the most of your cleaning by using green cleaning products that will help to reduce the number of chemicals circulating through your home.
Painting
There isn’t really a more practical way to transform the appeal of a room than by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Determine which rooms and/or spaces need a refresh, pick out your colors, and get the supplies you need (e.g., paint, brushes/rollers, pans). If you want a more-involved job and you have hardwood floors, consider refinishing them yourself.
Sprucing Up the Landscaping
Finally, doing work in your yard and/or garden will give you the opportunity to spend time outside, which comes with a plethora of benefits for your health and well-being. You can make this project as simple or as complex as you wish. For example, you could mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and plant a few flowers. Or, you could go all out by creating a garden or building an outdoor living area. If you have kids, you might want to consider making space for some fun outdoor family games.
If you’re stuck at home right now, you might as well make the most of it. Consider taking on some of these home projects, and look for other ideas to improve your home and stay productive. And remember that the improvements you make now could last much longer than this pandemic.