If you want something hands-on to do this summer, look no further than the outside of your house. There are many reasons to refresh the paint job on your house, including increased protection against weathering, and increased curb appeal. Whatever your reason, read on to learn just what you’ll need, and need to do, to paint your home’s exterior.
What You’ll Need: Materials, Tools, Protection
A DIY paint job is easily doable, and costs only as much as the materials, tools and protection you need. Those materials include the paint itself, the primer and the caulking (to seal cracks and joints). For tools, look for paintbrushes and rollers, sanders, and scrapers. You’ll also need drop cloths (to protect your lawn/garden), masks/respirators (to protect yourself), and a HEPA vacuum/suit if you’re stripping lead-based paint.
What You’ll Do: Step One
Essentially, house-painting boils down to three steps. First, prep the surface. You’ll need to wash the house, scrape loose paint off and sand it smooth to make it an ideal surface to which the new paint can adhere. Note, if your house was built before 1978, test for lead-based paint (which will just require a little more protection while you’re scraping it off). Lead-testing kits can be purchased online.
What You’ll Do: Step Two
Next, patch and prime. Fill in smaller imperfections with something like epoxy. Bigger gaps and joints will need caulking but do this only after the primer is applied. Take this patching time to fix any rot or potential rot problems signaled by improper water drainage. Then prime the whole exterior this seals the wood and makes it even easier for paint to adhere to the walls.
What You’ll Do: Step Three
Finally, the paint. Water-based latex (or acrylic) paint is more flexible, easier to clean and more environmentally friendly than oil-based paints. Read the paint can they contain tips and instructions on using the paint that can come in handy. With DIY, brushes and rollers are better to use than a paint-sprayer, which can be hard to control. Three tips: always start at the top of the house and paint down, it’s always better to do two coats, and stay in the shade while you’re working painting in direct sunlight causes the paint to dry too fast and flake.
What You’ll Do After: How To Maintain An Exterior
Once your exterior has dried, keep it looking fresh with consistent caulking, touch ups for peeling paint and removing mold and mildew whenever you spot it.
For more tips or advice on improving your home’s value in your neighborhood, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth
848 W Flatiron Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
$633,990
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,664
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750683
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. This elegant single-story Parklane floor plan features four bedrooms and a spacious flex area, perfect for use as an office, TV room, or study. The home includes front yard landscaping and will be move-in ready by October. Conveniently located near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.
4931 W Weeping Willow Way
Laveen, AZ 85339
$633,935
5
Beds
4
Baths
3,475
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772638
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This amazing 5 Bedroom, 4 bath home with a 3-car garage home is on a large lot with a large, covered patio and plenty room for a wonderful pool and more. It has a highly sought-after full bedroom & bath downstairs, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths & a loft upstairs & a 3 car garage. Wonderful Kitchen has a beautiful large island with Quartz countertops and a custom backsplash, walk in pantry & butler's pantry, This open kitchen is perfect for entertaining. All bedrooms are spacious and have walk in closets and connected with a wonderful upstairs loft. Master suite has his & her closets, separate tub & shower along with separate vanities. This beautiful home is under construction and will be ready in December. SELLER IS OFFERING CLOSING COST OR RATE BUY DOWN ASSISTANCE.
4946 W Weeping Willow Way
Laveen, AZ 85339
$633,892
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,300
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763282
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
NEW HOME WITH AN RV GARAGE ON AN OVERSIZED LOT. This new home has 3 bedrooms + a den. Gourmet Kitchen has a wonderful island that opens to the large great room. Kitchen has Staggered,' upgraded painted cabinets, quartz countertops & stainless-steel appliances with double ovens, gas cooktop and designer hood. The den is perfect for that home office, work out room or kids play area. Home has beautiful wood plank tile throughout except the bedrooms. Master suite is split from the other secondary rooms. Don't miss the amazing over 40' RV Garage along with the 2-car garage. Perfect for all your toys. This community is surrounded with mountain views. This lot is 10' deeper than the standard lots and 5' wider. Come make this one yours. Completion date early 2025.
1901 E Woodsman Place
Chandler, AZ 85286
$633,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,164
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750755
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this charming and spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, thoughtfully designed to offer both privacy and comfort. From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the inviting atmosphere and well-planned layout. The split floor plan ensures everyone has their own space to unwind, while the cozy office/den provides a quiet retreat for work or study. A standout feature is the eat-in kitchen, perfect for meals or gatherings, connecting to the living area. Outside, discover a private oasis with a covered patio and a refreshing pool. A new A/C unit installed in September 2024 ensures year-round comfort. The home also offers a handicap sink and a roll-in shower for added accessibility. Spacious 3-car garage.
10029 E Lakeview Circle
Mesa, AZ 85209
$633,000
6
Beds
3
Baths
3,435
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774588
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Wonderful move-in ready home in The Villages of Eastridge. Upon entering you will notice the well-designed floorplan featuring a separate living area, elegant dining room, spacious family room, and large eat-in kitchen. One bedroom and full bath are conveniently located on the first floor, while the second level has an additional 5 bedrooms and a versatile loft. Huge 6th bedroom offers endless possibilities - a game room, bonus living space, theater room, etc. Large primary bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, and the primary bathroom features a separate tub and shower with dual raised vanities. Recent updates include exterior paint, interior paint, new carpet, washer/dryer and dishwasher. Solar has been paid off so you can enjoy significant savings on your electric bills for years to come. The backyard has a great pool with a waterfall and the patio is wired for outdoor speakers - ideal for entertaining. The community contains many parks and playgrounds, basketball court and picnic areas. Easy access to Loop 202& 60 freeways. Great neighbors!
22437 E Cattle Drive
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$632,999
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,096
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6701362
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
THIS HOME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. POPULAR GREAT ROOM-4 BEDROOM , 3 BATH, INCLUDES WINDOW COVERINGS , CEILING FANS, PAVER DRIVEWAY AND WALKWAY, GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER, ETC.! BUYER TO SELECT CABINETS, FLOORING, COUNTERS, SINKS ETC.. ALL THIS IN THE NEW PREMIER MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY IN QUEEN CREEK, FEATURING A 22 ACRE LAKE. THIS IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE COMMUNITY. KAYAKING, CANOEING, AQUATIC CENTER WITH LAP WITH LAP AND SPORT POOL, SPLASH PAD, BOCCE BALL, PICKLE BALL. BOARDWALKS AND RAMADAS THROUGHOUT AND MUCH MORE...KATHERINE MECHAM BARNEY SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY.
21042 E Camina Buena Vista
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$632,482
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,222
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760268
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Don't Miss Out on this CLOSE OUT & FINAL OPPORTUNITY for this beautiful inventory home located in desirable Hastings Farms. Plus Builder/Lender Financing Incentive Available when financing with builder's preferred lender(s) of up to $25K towards closing costs or interest rate buydown. Located close to Queen Creek Marketplace Shopping, Dining & Entertainment, this Community has Parks, Soccer Field, Basketball Courts, & 8-Mile Walking Trail. This Beautiful home backs to common area with no homes directly behind and is also adjacent to the park/common area. Beautiful upgrades include Smoke cabinets, Gourmet Stainless Gas Cooktop, Double Wall Ovens w/Microwave, Quartz Kitchen Countertop, Tiled Kitchen Backsplash, Plank Tile Flooring, & Window Blinds. Don't Wait, Come See This Home Today!
5462 W Geronimo Street
Chandler, AZ 85226
$632,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,248
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775164
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunning single-story home in a highly desirable Chandler neighborhood, previously a model home! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence boasts a split floor plan, featuring a luxurious master suite with French doors opening to a large covered patio and backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling heated pool and spa, resurfaced in 2020. The master bath has been beautifully remodeled with a jetted jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Enjoy newer amenities, including a Trane AC, roof underlayment, appliances, and water heater. The 3rd car tandem garage has been converted to a versatile additional room, perfect for a den, office, or game room, w/ easy conversion back to a garage. Fresh exterior paint in 2022 adds to the home's curb appeal. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity.
5704 W Larkspur Drive
Glendale, AZ 85304
$632,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
4,052
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6712194
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
****HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT**** POOL INCLUDED*** Absolute charmer on a LARGE corner lot w/ a spacious 3-car garage! You will be impressed w/ the 5 bed, 3 bath 4052 sf home, harmonious interior offering gleaming wood-look floors, a designer color palette, plantation shutters, a convenient media niche, & a delightful fireplace. The impeccable kitchen boasts white cabinetry, mosaic backsplash, recessed lighting, large walk-in pantry, SS appliances, & a center island w/a breakfast bar. Double doors open to the oversized main suite, soft carpet throughout, private bathroom w/dual sinks, a large walk-in closet, & a generously sized sitting area adorned w/a two-way fireplace. The amazing backyard is perfect for entertaining guests, with a sparkling swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, covered pati & swaying palm trees, this is a gem you cant miss and i promise you wont be disappointed!
21050 E Camina Buena Vista
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$631,608
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,222
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760428
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Don't Miss Out on this CLOSE OUT & FINAL OPPORTUNITY for this beautiful inventory home located in desirable Hastings Farms. Plus Builder/Lender Financing Incentive Available when financing with builder's preferred lender(s) of up to $25K towards closing costs or interest rate buydown. Located close to Queen Creek Marketplace Shopping, Dining & Entertainment, this Community has Parks, Soccer Field, Basketball Courts, & 8-Mile Walking Trail. This Beautiful home backs to common area with no homes directly behind and is also near the park/common area. Beautiful upgrades include Natural Maple Cabinets, Gourmet Stainless Gas Cooktop, Double Wall Ovens w/Microwave, Quartz Kitchen Countertop, Tiled Kitchen Backsplash, Plank Tile Flooring, & Window Blinds. Don't Wait, Come See This Home Today!
2121 W Sonoran Desert Drive Unit 45
Phoenix, AZ 85085
$630,995
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,854
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6728641
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This beautifully crafted villa offers 1,854 square feet, 2 primary suites, and 2.5 baths. Tall windows in the great room allow for an abundance of natural light. Designer-appointed features throughout. Contemporary neutral paint colors throughout makes this home ready for you to add your personal touches. Explore everything this exceptional villa has to offer
921 N 297 Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$630,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,896
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748283
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Home on over an acre of land, built in 2022 4bedrooms 2bathrooms split floor plan, with a two car garage. NO HOA