There’s a huge number of different options, this isn’t the only solution. If you look for ‘Home Assistant’ videos on YouTube, you’ll get an idea of the sort of components that are out there and how easy they are to install.

I think the fan was wired this way because the installer didn’t want to have to run a new switch line

You can get smart switches as well as smart bulbs. You swap the cables from the light straight into a little box (Or split them into two individual boxes), then you have a number of switch lines that can go to whatever you want. The advantage of this is that you stand a good chance of tucking all of this away in the ceiling, without having to do any major re-wiring. Replace the old switch with a smart switch and you can control things as you please. The components aren’t expensive. $50 job.

You’ll need to mask(block off) your holes first. I’d suggest a robust putty like Rodico that doesn’t break apart easily.

For the microphone, forget the putty. Lightly press a toothpick against the microphone hole and paint around it. Make sure that you dont break the end of your toothpick in the hole.

A job like this is all about the prep work. The actual painting should be easy