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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32508 N 133rd Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$592,500
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,249 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749403
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience the allure of this beautiful home in Vistancia Village! Offering 4 beds + den, 3 baths, desert landscape, and a 2-car garage w/paver driveway. Home exudes refined style with layered crown molding, neutral paint, tons of natural light, & wood-look tile floors w/carpet in bedrooms. Enjoy the seamless design of an open layout paired with surround sound, making entertaining a bliss! The gourmet kitchen boasts SS appliances, a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, white shaker cabinetry, mosaic tile backsplash, and an island w/breakfast bar. The den provides versatility! Main bedroom has a barn door that opens to the ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Outback, you have artificial turf and a travertine-covered patio w/ceiling fan! You'll surely love the mountain views! Just WOW!!

966 E Mulberry Place -- Chandler, AZ 85286

$592,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,273 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6638729
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Charming 3 bedroom and 2 bath home in new Chandler community. Hamilton Landing includes 36 single level homes each with their own front porch, private driveway for 2 vehicles and a single car garage and a small, pet friendly rear yard. Each home has 10' flat ceilings, white cabinets, luxury vinyl plank flooring in every room, two tone paint, beautiful wood trim around windows and doors and granite/quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths. The community includes a dog park with a covered ramada. These homes will be ready for occupancy between March and June of 2024. All photos are of a similar home completed in a previous community.

1473 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$591,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750810
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. The Avelino floor plan offers a refined single-story design with four bedrooms, including an AllGen suite, and a spacious flex area ideal for an office, TV room, or study. Featuring front yard landscaping, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Conveniently situated near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.

1424 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$591,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750822
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. The Avelino floor plan offers a refined single-story design with four bedrooms, including an AllGen suite, and a spacious flex area ideal for an office, TV room, or study. Featuring front yard landscaping, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Conveniently situated near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.

10018 W Verde Lane Avondale, AZ 85392

$591,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,485 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752684
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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35658 N Lodestone Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$590,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,129 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6729118
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This designer appointed contemporary home design has no backing neighbors and is available for a quick move-in! This home offers a fully upgraded Kitchen Aid appliance package, marble slate shaker cabinets throughout, quartz countertops in the kitchen and primary bathroom, striking hexagon backsplash, floor to ceiling tiling in the primary shower, and even more. You won't want to miss these mountain views from the 9' multi-panel pocket sliding door accessible from the great room. Move into your dream home with the entire home designed by our professional designer team!

4106 W Eli Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$590,005
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,762 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748793
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Pacific plan offers space for the entire family. This home features 4 bedrooms upstairs with a guest bedroom downstairs. A perfect retreat for long-term guests. The spacious kitchen offers ample counter space and opens to the great room for ideal entertaining. Custom interior finishes include: matte granite countertops, shaker cabinets, custom kitchen backsplash, and natural wood-look tile flooring in all the right places.

1047 W Elna Rae Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$590,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769188
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NO HOA!! Remodeled 5 bd/3 bath located in the heart of Tempe features open and bright layout with new flooring throughout, new granite countertops, new light fixtures, and new paint. Located near ASU, Tempe Beach Park, the Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Botanical Gardens, Sky Harbor International Airport - and easy to get to!

17934 W Porter Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$590,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,328 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742016
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your tranquil cul-de-sac sanctuary, where every detail is designed for your utmost comfort & enjoyment. Step into the oversized backyard, a verdant oasis complete w/ a sparkling pool, lush landscaping, & vibrant fruit trees. Picture yourself lounging in the pool or entertaining guests under the Arizona sky w/ the inviting above-ground spa & built-in BBQ. Inside, the heart of the home awaits w/ a kitchen that has undergone a dramatic transformation. Refaced cabinets, exquisite granite countertops, a stylish backsplash, and a stunning granite waterfall island set the stage for culinary excellence, while upgraded appliances ensure a top-notch cooking experience. The kitchen seamlessly flows into the family rm, where a cozy fireplace awaits for gatherings w/ loved ones. This home has seen a wave of enhancements, from wood porcelain tile flooring throughout the downstairs to a new water softener and fresh exterior paint. A new roof and the addition of a saltwater hot tub further elevate the property's allure. Upstairs, the primary bedroom retreat offers breathtaking views of the Estrella Mountains from your private deck. The primary bathroom is a haven of luxury with a freestanding bathtub and spacious walk-in shower, ensuring both relaxation and practicality. Routine maintenance on HVAC systems and landscaping has been diligently performed, ensuring your home remains a haven of comfort and beauty. And with access to the incredible amenities of Estrella Mountain Ranch, including lakes, parks, trails, and golf courses, a lifestyle of leisure and adventure awaits you and your family. Don't miss the opportunity to make this dream home yours today!

8789 W Frier Drive Glendale, AZ 85305

$590,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,693 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759762
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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1365 W Laguna Azul Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$590,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,074 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765770
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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640 N Nevada Way Gilbert, AZ 85233

$590,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,847 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768547
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Cayman Square neighborhood of Gilbert. This home has some appealing features, including owned solar 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances white washer and dryer included. Master bedroom with an exit door to the backyard, master bathroom with an expanded shower, oversized second and third bedrooms. Separate formal dining, living room and family room. Whole house anti-scale water system, a fantastic feature for protecting plumbing and appliances from hard water buildup. 3-car garage with cabinets and oversized driveway. Backyard oasis a perfect space for relaxation, featuring an extended covered patio, artificial turf a gated private PebbleTec pool, palm trees giving you that tropical feeling! Convenient location: Close to freeways entertainment, and shopping, adding to the convenience of the property. This home will bring the new owner years of happiness and enjoyment!