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

Need a DIY Summer Project? How to Paint Your Home's Exterior in a Weekend or TwoIf 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.

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19063 N 265th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$595,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,864 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6707112
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ASSUMABLE 3% FHA MORTGAGE WITH $285,000 DOWNPAYMENT, or fund a second! Get a pool, owned solar, golf and mountain views at a great price. This highly upgraded Sanctuary model with approximately 1,864 sf. has two suites, a half-bath, and a den. The home has a 2-ft. rear extension and 2-ft. extended garage which is air-conditioned. Upgraded Taupe cabinets, dark granite counters and a stainless-steel gas cooktop create contrast and brighten up the living space. An electric fireplace with a framed and tiled mantle, and accent wall paint, complements the hardwood floors in the gathering room. From the pool you can enjoy a view of the White Tank Mountains & the green at the 9th hole on the Mountain Course at Sun City Festival, Arizona's premier 55+ community.

2177 E Alameda Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$595,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,884 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6710147
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Newly remodelled Tempe beauty at a exceptional price way below market! Such a great layout too! 3 bedroom, 2 bath, oversized 2 car with a bonus room in garage. The spacious vaulted ceilings w/ great room has pre-wired surround sound, tile flooring, a beautiful tile fireplace, and plantation shutters throughout. Remodelled kitchen has lots of white cabinets, newer stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, tile backsplash, and a convenient breakfast bar. Large primary bedroom offers bay window, direct outdoor access, a walk-in closet, and a remodelled ensuite. On the other side of the home is 2 more bedrooms & bath. Large laundry room with ample storage. Conveniently located just minutes away from golfing, ASU, shopping, restaurants, and easy access to the freeway. Great rental

2542 S Canfield -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$595,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,435 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6712560
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Meticulously maintained, original owners pride of ownership shows in this fabulous single level apacious home in the highly sought-after Mulberry planned community in Mesa, Arizona. The home features 3 bathrooms, 5 bedrooms with the owner suite split from the rest of the bedrooms. An open great room concept featuring crown molding at the ceilings here plus in hallways & primary bedroom/bath, 20x20 tile set on the diagnal all but 4 bedrooms which have wood flooring, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops plus custom full height backsplash, gas range, SS appliances, center island & walk in pantry. The outdoor space includes patio with extended pavers which include a walkway to side of home, 2 pergolas & retractable privacy screens, a custom art painted landscape scenery on rear MORE.. a custom art painted landscape scenery on rear block wall 50 ft in length. Oversized 2 car garage with 4 layer max chip floor by Epoxyology Garage Floor Coating plus four 4 ft x 8ft hanging storage racks,

9409 E Nacoma Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$595,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,443 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6713360
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Pride of ownership is apparent in this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home in the gated active adult community of Oakwood CC. The casita with separate entrance provides flexibility for guests, a home office or exercise studio. Entertain in the great room or family room with adjacent kitchen and breakfast nook. Granite counters, SS appliances, newer paint and hardware with loads of cupboard space. Retire to the primary suite with patio access, walk in closet, dual split sinks and separate shower and tub. Guests will appreciate the spacious bedroom with walk in closet and nearby bath. New AC in 2021. Newer wood look tile flooring with some carpeted areas. You'll love the large picture windows and slider leading to the backyard with expanded covered patio and lush landscaping. See upgrade list.

1357 W Port A Sail Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$595,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,797 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741454
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning waterfront home in gated community offers breathtaking views with three bedrooms, third bedroom converted to an office, and three full baths. Freshly painted, this two-story residence exudes modern elegance and charm. The gourmet kitchen boasts granite countertops, newer appliances, and opens to a sunlit dining area, perfect for entertaining. The living room, featuring water views and a wood-burning fireplace. Each bedroom serves as a private haven, with the primary suite offering a luxurious en-suite bath. Outside, the beautifully landscaped yard, complete with turf and mature trees, provides the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying the waterfront lifestyle. 2 A/C units 2020, water heater 2021, kitchen appliances 2021, lighting and house painted 20

17983 E Vista Desierto -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$595,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,370 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724151
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spectacular 2 bedroom 2 bath home with $100,000 in upgrades in Trilogy at Verde River. Chef's kitchen features stainless steel Monogram appliances including built-in refrigerator/freezer, gas cooktop, dishwasher microwave and wall oven. Granite and quartz countertops. Magnificent glass tile backsplash. Very open great room floor plan is ideal for entertaining. Primary suite offers luxurious bath room with double sinks, built-in vanity, oversized shower. and custom walk-in closet. Private back yard with large covered patio, desert landscaping and artificial turf. Trilogy at Verde River offers an array of activities. Please visit their website for details.

3212 S Marryvale Lane Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$595,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,410 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728129
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
RARE OPPORTUNITY for a SINGLE LEVEL in Pinnacle Pines - and it even includes A/C! Come take a look at this nicely appointed 2 bedroom home with a great layout and use of space. The split floor plan design provides privacy for each of the two bedrooms while the great room combines the Living/Kitchen/Dining into an open and comfortable gathering space. A modest sized covered deck overlooking the backyard is great for spending a relaxing afternoon enjoying the outdoors. Other wonderful features include a flat, SW facing driveway, separate laundry room, lots of extra storage in the large crawl space, and did I mention A/C? Come take a look at this great home located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Pinnacle Pines!

415 W Monterosa Street Phoenix, AZ 85013

$595,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,380 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6732264
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
REMODELED! $15,000 towards buyer's closing costs with acceptable offer!! Great opportunity for this beautiful home that's had a HUGE makeover including plumbing, electrical, roof and hvac. Be prepared to fall in love with the classy, modern colors and big backyard with artificial turf. The paved sitting area is perfect for outdoor dining or lounging. There's even a 300 sq ft casita with it's own entrance.! You can make it your primary home, or income property, but don't wait to make it your own! Located in the heart of Phoenix surrounded by schools, parks and amazing restaurants and shopping.

8814 E Sunnyside Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$595,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,385 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739588
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Quiet neighborhood in a fantastic North Scottsdale location with easy access to Loop 101. This 3 bedroom home offers a 2 car garage with a Brand New epoxy floor, a newer tankless water heater (2023), and spacious living. Welcoming courtyard & private backyard. The sizeable living room has newer ceiling fans and plantation shutters. Breakfast area in the kitchen, large primary bedroom with walk-in closet & open vanity area, ceiling fans in every room, and all appliances are included. Very well maintained community with heated pool, spa, & tennis/pickleball. HOA maintains the front yard too!

1357 N Nebraska Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$595,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,971 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740805
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your dream home in Chandler! Situtated on a cul-de-sac lot, this main house is 1,971 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, PLUS 356 sq ft detached guest house with a full bath and kitchenette. Enjoy no HOA restrictions and a 9ft RV gate with a slab for boats, campers, and other toys. The backyard features a Pebble Tec pool with a rock water feature and slide (updated in 2017), a ramada, and an extended covered patio. The main house, guest house, and storage shed received new roofs in 2021. Main & guest house exterior paint in 2022 with 20 year warranty. Stay comfortable with two new HVAC systems installed in 2020 and a solar water heater added in 2023. This home is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience in Chandler! Be sure to ask about the energy audit & solar savings!

8314 W Berridge Lane Glendale, AZ 85305

$595,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,696 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6752281
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home is spacious with 4 bedrooms, office and an extra flex space. The open concept is light and bright, and the home has recently had some nice cosmetic updates with new quartz countertops throughout, new light fixtures, new plumbing fixtures, freshy painted inside and out, new carpet in the bedrooms, new door hardware, new slider, and nice backyard. This open floor plan has a large, updated kitchen with all new stainless-steel appliances, island that seats 4, and opens to an inviting family room. The home has a split floorplan, and the primary bedroom is large with ample space and a walk in closet. Home is in a great location less than a mile from all the amenities at Westgate Mall. Seller willing to offer a rate buy down. The home has a split floorplan, and the primary bedroom has a beautiful new shower and walk in closet. Landscaping has been updated and there is a large, covered patio and 3 car garage with new openers. See documents tab for all upgrades.

2136 W Village Drive Phoenix, AZ 85023

$595,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,757 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751243
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This inviting 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence is the one you've been searching for! Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully remodeled, offering 2,750 square feet of stylish interior living space. The spacious family room features exposed beams, an inviting stone fireplace, and double sliding doors that open to the recently updated backyard. The sleek kitchen boasts quartz counters, abundant shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a convenient breakfast bar. The main bedroom includes a modern ensuite bathroom. Step outside to the welcoming backyard, perfect for outdoor entertaining. It includes a 10' x 20' pergola, lighted cornhole, and spaces devoted to both dining and a firepit all surrounded by low-maintenance artificial turf. Additionally, a 560 sq ft air-conditioned and heated detached bonus building awaits, ready to serve as a home office, gym, or hobby space. Make this gem yours today!