[dlubarov]

I think it's safe to say you're in the minority. Empirically, "fast and cheap" cosmetic upgrades like repainting usually more than pay for themselves.

> I'd rather the outlet covers be original and clean than the new, usually oversized covers (with a slight color mismatch) I often find.

Any task can be screwed up if someone is careless enough, but this is extremely easy to get right. If a standard cover plate fit before, it's trivial to buy a replacement of the standard size and appropriate color.

Cleaning works too, I personally just wouldn't bother cleaning a part that costs ~$0.50.

> When I see sloppy caulk I first think of the time I'll need to spend to dig it all out.

Would you really rather see cracked caulk, which means (a) the original contractor probably used whatever cheap rigid caulk he found in his van, (b) it's been letting water through instead of sealing, and (c) noone cared enough to fix it?