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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

1308 W Macaw Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$588,890
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,531 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750328
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ready September!! Near all the amenities and park area. 3 Bedrooms 2.5 bath plus loft, Beautiful cabinets with granite Counter tops, wood look tile and two-tone paint throughout!! Great sized backyard with covered patio to enjoy. Just steps away from all the amazing Amenities North Creek has to offer.

1114 N Velma Court Gilbert, AZ 85233

$588,500 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Kaufman And Broad At Cooper Ranch, Gilbert
Open House
$588,500
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,942 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769960
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this exceptional ADA-accessible 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Cooper Ranch, Gilbert, perfectly designed for comfortable living and entertaining. Enjoy the inviting atmosphere with fresh interior and exterior paint, solid wood doors, and brand new tile flooring throughout. The spacious, brand new extended porch is ideal for relaxing by the pool, while two charming barn doors add a unique touch to the open layout. The home boasts a well-maintained AC system (only 4 years old) and a brand new roof and fascia boards (2021). Outdoor spaces feature stunning travertine pavers, pet-friendly artificial turf, and a professional putting and chipping area designed by Celebrity Greens. With recent upgrades including a new power panel box (2022), water heater for the hot tub (2021)... and a modern kitchen remodel (2020) with new appliances (2022), this home blends style and functionality. Amazing solar powered pool lift for easy access to enjoy the sparkling pool. A 220 outlet in the garage is perfect for EV charging, while an accent wall installed in 2021 adds a stylish flair. This beautifully updated home is ready for you to make lasting memories!

1521 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$587,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750824
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.

3752 E Terrel Street San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$587,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,649 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776075
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Popular Trillium plan features a full guest suite with own private entrance. This home is situated in the amenity rich community of Bella Vista Farms. Residents enjoy an amenity-rich lifestyle with exclusive access to an onsite swimming pool, picnic area, splash park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court and greenbelt. The local area is host to the San Tan Regional Park, where locals enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding and more.

375 E Citrus Hollow Way Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$587,979
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,678 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6629644
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
This brand new Valletta model is move-in ready! It features a spacious layout with plenty of natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. It has a gourmet kitchen, gas cooktop and will be the perfect place to entertain your guests. Both bathrooms are highly upgraded with tile surround and upgraded fixtures. The resort collection at Encanterra offers you the perfect balance if you are a seasonal owner or full time. Book your tour today and start living the good life at Encanterra now!

10206 W Piccadilly Road Avondale, AZ 85392

$587,843
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,815 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772257
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6772257 January 2025 Completion! Discover modern living at Parkside Los Cielos with our 40-RM4 floorplan, a spacious two-story home featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The open-concept layout effortlessly blends the dining room, kitchen, and great room, creating an ideal space for daily living and entertaining. A private bedroom and bathroom are conveniently located at the front of the home, offering a quiet retreat. Upstairs, the primary bedroom awaits with a large walk-in closet and shower, accompanied by two more bedrooms. Experience the perfect balance of comfort and style in this thoughtfully designed home. Structural options include: 4th bedroom and full bath on 1st floor, paver driveway, loft in lieu of upstairs bedroom, large tandem garage, large mud room, vaulted ceilings.

3109 E Larkspur Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$587,700
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,550 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747596
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the epitome of versatile luxury with this stunning property, ideal for use as an income generating investment, or a personal residence. Imagine unwinding by your heated pool, grilling up a feast under your covered patio or perfecting your putt on your very own backyard green. This exceptional & fully renovated home boasts 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, & a host of premium features including granite countertops, stylish laminate wood flooring, an upgraded garage floor & ceiling fans in every room! Enjoy the added benefits of solar panels on a new roof, and the convenience of an option to purchase fully furnished for a seamless transition. With no HOA & easy access to freeways, plus a mere 15-minute drive to PHX Airport, this property offers both luxury and convenience.

6073 W Caribe Lane Glendale, AZ 85306

$587,500
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,996 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6713341
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous family home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, no HOA, pool, and an RV gate. Currently used a short term rental and can be purchased fully furnished. Home has open layout and was completely remodeled in 2022.. Great location in Glendale family neighborhood.

3570 E Meadowview Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$587,500
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,536 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742594
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
***SELLER WILLING TO CONTRIBUTE $10,000 TOWARD BUYER CLOSING COSTS AND/OR RATE BUY DOWN w/ accepted offer & successful COE* Great GILBERT location! 4 beds, 3 baths, a 2-car garage. Tons of natural light, neutral paint, archways, and tile & wood-look flooring in all the right places. Discover a welcoming living & dining room combo adorned with a high ceiling that makes a grand impression! The inviting family room, with a media center, seamlessly flows onto the kitchen. SS appliances, recessed lighting, ample cabinetry, a center island, and a cozy nook make up the culinary space. The den can be an office or play area. One bedroom & one bathroom downstairs. Upstairs, the large main bedroom awaits you! It is a true retreat with a double-door entry, a sitting room, and an attached balcony. The ensuite boasts a separate tub/shower, dual sinks, & a walk-in closet. Check out the spacious backyard with a full-length covered patio, a huge storage shed, and a play area! NO neighbors behind as it backs to a common area! Enjoy the Community amenities, including playgrounds, greenbelts, a golf course, sports courts, pools, spas, and much more. Conveniently located close to schools, shopping, restaurants, and freeway access. What a rare find!

13330 W Milton Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$587,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,760 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700963
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LIKE NEW! 2021-built 'Vibrant' with 9.25 kW SOLAR LEASE for huge savings, PLANTATION SHUTTERS & NO CARPET! 2BR/2BA with large multi-use den. Beautiful curb appeal enhanced w/PAVERS on driveway & front porch. Many outstanding upgrades/features - GRANITE SLAB on kitchen counters & large island, stainless GE PROFILE appls. w/5-burner GAS cooktop & GE French-door refrigerator, walk-in pantry. NEW 2024 LUXURY VINYL PLANK FLOORING in bedrooms & den; tile flooring in main areas. Inviting private backyard ideal for alfresco dining or entertaining has HUGE PAVER PATIO, faux grass, attractive landscaping w/lighting & is FENCED including a wall behind. The 2-car garage w/EPOXY FLOOR has overhead storage racks & pedestrian door to an EXTERIOR TRASH ENCLOSURE. SHORT DISTANCE to DOG PARK & MITA CLUB. Additionally, the primary suite has a large bedroom with no carpeting, double sinks, shower, toilet room & large walk-in closet. Guest bedroom with no carpeting & bath are split from primary suite providing privacy for you and your guests. POST TENSION SLAB. Gutters & downspouts. Extra area in garage can be used for storage, motorcycle, or golf cart. $2.40 IS THE AVERAGE FOR APS BILLS THE PAST 12 MONTHS! Gas line was installed for use in backyard. This home is located in award-winning gated, 55+ Trilogy at Vistancia with 5-star-resort style amenities at the 35,000 SF Kiva Club with indoor & outdoor pools, fitness center, day spa, cafe, billiards, meeting rooms, library, tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, events & a plethora of activities to choose from. Outstanding Gary Panks-designed golf course is woven throughout the original part of the neighborhood. The Mita Club has additional outstanding community amenities. Easy access from Trilogy to the 303, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Lake Pleasant & Paloma Park, Peoria's huge community park loaded with amenities.

2831 S Perkinsville Road Williams, AZ 86046

$586,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,198 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676334
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --

4320 Sawbuck Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$586,671
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,648 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770325
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the Dream Floor Plan, thoughtfully personalized in the Shea design studio. This 1,648 sq ft residence offers 2 beds & 2 baths, featuring GE built-in stainless steel appliances, including a gas cooktop, & brushed nickel accents throughout. The primary bath boasts a heavy glass shower enclosure & upgraded granite countertops in both the kitchen & baths. Enjoy custom mosaic tile details, 42'' kitchen cabinets with pullouts, soft-close cabinets & drawers, under-cabinet lighting, & a 15ft sliding glass wall in the living room. Additional highlights include prewired fans in the den & patio, upgraded electrical, smart home features, an extended covered patio, & a 250-gallon underground propane tank. Visit the Shea sales office for current incentives.