Need a DIY Summer Project? How to Paint Your Home’s Exterior in a Weekend or Two

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

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820 N 8th Avenue Unit 22 Phoenix, AZ 85007

$610,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,476 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772690

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Step into a former model home in a gated community, just blocks from Roosevelt Row District. Urban convenience meets a quieter atmosphere. Walk to downtown Phoenix. • Diverse Dining • Lively Concerts • ASU Downtown Campus • Sports & Concert Stadiums A 10-min drive to Sky Harbor or hop on the light rail for easy city living. The Home:Built in 2017, with upgraded finishes: quartz counters, glass tile, designer lighting, 9-ft ceilings, 2-car garage. Private courtyard with pavers, turf perfect for relaxing. Versatile flex room for office or more.Second floor: open living area, kitchen with pull-out shelving, sliding doors to deck with skyline views. Top floor: two ensuite bedrooms. Primary suite: glass-doored shower, dual sinks, walk-in closet. Guest ensuite shower tub combo Community: Gazebo, grill, ample street parking, top construction. Don't miss this exceptional home!

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36601 N Mule Train Road Carefree, AZ 85377

$610,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

1,970 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751091

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

AVIATION LOVERS! This stunning property offers a unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious living within a Gated Community in Carefree, Arizona! Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the serene desert landscape. 1970 sq ft of living space, 2 master suites and a flex room! Spacious balconies allow for you to sit outside to enjoy sunset views over Black Mountain. Nestled in the heart of Carefree, you'll have easy access to the town's charming shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Within the community you'll have opportunities to socialize with your neighbors at the clubhouse/pool area. There is currently a hangar available at Sky Ranch Airport. Inquire with us for more information! Welcome home!

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7177 W Pontiac Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*** OVER $100k in UPGRADES! *** Welcome to your Beautiful Home in the HIGHLY desirable Lake Community of Sierra Verde in Arrowhead Ranch! This MOVE IN READY, NEWLY REMODELED 4-bed, 3-bath Beauty offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Features Include New Wood Tile Flooring, New 6-inch Baseboards, Newly Upgraded Bathrooms with Travertine Tile Floors, Showers w/Granite Counters & Custom Finishes. New Pool Equipment, Pebble Sheen Finish & Removable Pool Fence. Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counters, Tile Backsplash, Stainless Steel Appliances, and a Convenient Coffee Bar. Freshly Painted in Neutral Tones Inside and Out! Ring Doorbell! Newer Hot Water Heater! The second floor boasts Engineered Wood Flooring & Designer Built Walk-in Closets Large yard with grass area and no homes directly behind for open feel and privacy! The epoxy-coated garage includes built-in cabinets, a workbench, and a new smart garage door opener. Refrigerator, washer, and dryer are included for your convenience. The community offers ample walking and biking paths, parks, and gorgeous lake views, while A+ Sierra Verde School is just a short walk away. Enjoy easy access to Thunderbird Conservation Park, Arrowhead Mall, P-83 shopping, dining, entertainment, and freeways for effortless commuting. With so many upgrades and a prime location, this home is an absolute must-see! Don't miss your chance to make it yours!

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1004 E Desert Hills Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$609,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,932 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747246

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience the Ultimate in Country Living! Escape to the serene beauty of Desert Hills with this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, perfectly positioned on a generous 1.25-acre lot. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or just seeking wide-open spaces, this property offers endless possibilities. The expansive front yard is ready to accommodate your equestrian dreams, or it can be transformed into a custom detached garage or workshop. Step inside to find a welcoming interior that perfectly complements the natural surroundings. The 3 spacious bedrooms provide plenty of room for relaxation, while the 2 well-appointed bathrooms offer comfort and convenience for everyday living. The home itself boasts a modern, low-maintenance metal roof and a recently upgraded Trane AC, ensuring comfort and efficiency throughout the year. Outside, you'll find two matching storage sheds, ideal for all your tools and outdoor gear, as well as a spacious 3-car carport providing ample covered parking. With a 2-part shared well, you'll have reliable water access, while the wide-open spaces invite you to take in the natural beauty and stunning northeast views. This is truly a place where you can breathe easy and live the country lifestyle you've always dreamed of, all without the constraints of an HOA. This gem is a rare find in Desert Hills, offering both privacy and potential.

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9938 E Timpani Lane Mesa, AZ 85212

$609,999

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,188 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770763

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home. This home has it all. This beautiful kitchen with white shaker cabinets, granite counters, gas stove/cooktop, walk in pantry, split floor plan, 3 bedrooms plus den with 3 full bathrooms, super master bedrooms with dual vanity bathroom and massive walk-in closet, rich wood-look tile plan floors, 9 foot flat ceilings, eight foot tall doors, private outdoor lanai trimmed with travertine pavers forming a walkway to the covered back patio and extended travertine patio out to the always-perfect artificial turf lawn in back. Talk about location, this Cadence community offers a huge play pool, two waterslides, dedicated lap pool, movie room, community center and more. Hurry on over as this home will not last!

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22889 E Marsh Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$609,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719211

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BUYER COULD NOT PERFORM. ASSUMABLE VA LOAN WITH 2.7% INTEREST RATE - $2063 monthly payment. 3 bedroom PLUS two additional office/dens which could be converted into additional bedrooms - enjoy the space of a FIVE bedroom home for the price of a THREE bedroom. Open-plan kitchen with formal dining area, quartz countertops, gas stovetop and built-in microwave and smart oven. Split floor plan means you'll enjoy privacy in the primary bedroom, which also includes a large walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom. Outside, skip the mess and time to build your own pool, and jump right into your new private pool on closing day! Your new back yard is complete with turf and pavers. The neighborhood of Harvest, Queen Creek was thoughtfully designed to incorporate the agricultural history of the area while still being close to the comforts of town. Just minutes from Queen Creek's best shopping and dining, and across the road from Schnepf Farms (family farm offering seasonal events, a pick your own veggies patch, concerts, farm tours, train rides, petting zoo, peach picking and bakery,) and Queen Creek Olive Mill (olive mill with gourmet market and restaurant.) Just down the street, find the brand-new Pecan Lake Entertainment facility, with rope courses, putting courses, axe throwing, escape rooms, AND a surf pool coming in 2025. Within Harvest, enjoy exceptional amenities - a lake with catch and release fishing, two heated community pools, a splash pad, neighborhood trails, play areas, fire pits and catch and release lake fishing. This is more than just a home; it's a gateway to a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle - the Harvest community has been meticulously crafted in a shared pursuit of purposeful living.

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17643 W Middlebury Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$609,995

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,468 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785015

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Professionally decorated, this home is for sale and loaded with designer extras and upgrades. Tucked within a 55+ neighborhood, this Cranston floorplan has everything you need. The inviting entry features vaulted ceilings that immediately makes you feel at home. Located just off the foyer, the pocket office extends the possibilities of this home, creating plenty of space for personalization. The open-concept great room is the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with connectivity to the expansive views of the outdoor living space. Overlooking the great room and accompanied by a casual dining area, the well-designed kitchen boasts Kitchen Aide appliances, sprawling upgraded cabinets and a stunning kitchen island that ties the home together.

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10430 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704814

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, and Shaker cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with seperate drop in tub bathroom and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

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4817 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684076

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Dominic plan offers an open, inviting layout and ample living space. At the heart of the home is a spacious great room that flows into an impressive gourmet kitchen with a center island, quartz counter tops, dual pantries and a generous breakfast nook. A luxurious primary suite showcases an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with Deluxe walk-in shower, a covered patio invites relaxation, a study and a teen room, and a third side turn garage bay.

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4816 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691847

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home offers a study.. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and deluxe tub and shower. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included.

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10434 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719435

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive Gourmet Kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, matte black fixtures throughout, a walk-in pantry, center island, and 10' ceilings. There is stone tile throughout, with carpeted bedrooms. This home will be built with a study. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet, private bath #2 w/double sinks, deluxe walk-in shower with rain. A convenient laundry room, tankless water heater, covered patio, and 8' garage doors, are also included.

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4829 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720292

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters and shaker style cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access including a center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with oversized walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

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