New Year Paint and Repair Checklist: Interior Refresh That Lasts | 2026 Guide

January is the perfect time to reset your home. Winter light has a way of spotlighting scuffs, nail pops, and tired trim, and most of us are spending more time indoors across the Front Range. This 2026 guide from Jacobsen Brothers Painting outlines a smart, room-by-room interior painting and repair plan that fits winter schedules, maximizes value, and keeps your spaces looking polished long after the New Year.

Prioritize high-impact rooms first

A thoughtful sequence lowers disruption and speeds results. We recommend:

• Entry and hallways: High-traffic zones show the most wear; fresh walls and baseboards boost first impressions.
• Living room and dining areas: Refresh before hosting ski weekends and game nights.
• Kitchen and baths: Durable, wipeable finishes stand up to moisture and daily use.
• Primary bedroom: Improve rest with a calm color and clean ceiling.
• Kids’ rooms and home office: Schedule last to minimize downtime and manage school/work needs.
• Trim and doors throughout: Semi-gloss on casings and doors brightens the entire interior.

How long does it take to paint a room or house?

Our two- to four-person crews complete most single rooms in a day and whole-home interiors in one to two days, depending on prep and trim scope. New zero-VOC paints dry quickly and are usable within hours, so bedrooms and living spaces return to service fast—even during cold snaps in Boulder, Louisville, or Lafayette.

Prep that makes paint last longer in Colorado

Longevity starts with meticulous preparation, especially in our dry, high-altitude climate:

• Wash oils and residue near switches, vanities, and kitchen backsplashes.
• Repair drywall (nail pops, settling cracks, corner bead dings) and feather sand patches.
• Scuff sand glossy areas; spot-prime patches and stains for uniform sheen.
• Caulk gaps at trim to seal drafts and create crisp lines.
• Protect floors and furnishings with clean containment and HEPA dust control.

Can I paint over old paint, or do I need to remove it?

If existing paint is sound—no peeling or cracking—you can paint over it after a clean and scuff sand. Homes built before 1978 should be checked for lead; if present, let a professional encapsulate or remove it safely. Bonding primers help new topcoats adhere and level out sheen differences for a flawless finish.

Choose the right interior paint and sheen

Homeowners often ask what type of paint to use. For walls, eggshell or satin balances cleanability with a soft, flattering glow; for trim and doors, semi-gloss holds up to fingerprints and holiday traffic. Flat or matte ceilings disguise imperfections under bright winter light and snow glare reflecting through windows. Premium, low- or zero-VOC paints save money over time by resisting scuffs and maintaining color—especially helpful in busy Longmont, Broomfield, and Erie households.

How long does interior paint last?

With premium products and proper prep, living areas typically look great for five to seven years, while high-touch spaces (kids’ rooms, hallways) may need earlier refreshes. Maintain finishes by wiping scuffs with a damp microfiber cloth, using exhaust fans to manage humidity, and addressing minor drywall movement before it becomes visible cracking.

Quick repairs that deliver pro-level results

Small fixes dramatically elevate a refresh. Jacobsen Brothers Painting integrates:

• Drywall services: Texture matching (knockdown, orange peel), patching, and smooth finishes
• Carpentry: Baseboard and trim replacement, casing repairs, and gap-free miters
• Stain and woodwork: Mantel touch-ups and custom shelving refinishing for a cohesive look
• Floor painting: Durable garage or basement floors to handle winter boots and gear

Budget and timing tips for January projects

How much does it cost to paint a house—or a set of rooms—depends on prep, paint quality, ceiling height, and trim scope. Premium paints ($30–$90 per gallon) last longer, and an additional coat can extend coating life and even out color. Winter often offers more flexible scheduling in Superior, Lyons, Nederland, Jamestown, and Ward. We provide transparent, line-item estimates so you can prioritize spaces now and plan others for spring if desired.

Color ideas that feel fresh all year

Lean into bright Colorado light with warm whites, soft greige, and nature-inspired greens and blues. Accent a fireplace wall or entry niche to add depth without repainting entire rooms. For resale-conscious updates, coordinate with current collections from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams; light colors make rooms feel larger, while deeper hues help larger spaces feel cozy.

Start your year strong with a home that looks and feels new. Jacobsen Brothers Painting delivers interior painting, drywall repair, and carpentry with clean setups and efficient timelines across Boulder and surrounding communities. Schedule your free, no-obligation New Year consultation at www.jacobsenbros.com and get an interior refresh that truly lasts.