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

2044 W Trotter Trail Phoenix, AZ 85085

$569,900 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Union Park At Norterra, Phoenix
New
$569,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,942 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770717
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Modern home located in the highly sought after north Phoenix community of Union Park At Norterra. Home is only 5 years old w/ desirable open floor plan & great room feel. Upgraded gourmet kitchen has breakfast island, gas cook top & walk-in pantry. Large primary suite features dual vanities, oversized shower and spacious walk-in closet w/access to laundry room located on 2nd floor and the low maintenance yard has artificial turf & water fall. Conveniently located near DVUSD K-8, shopping & dining at Shops at Norterra, close to TSMC and has easy access east to Scottsdale or north to Sedona/Flagstaff via nearby I-17 & 101 Hwys. Friendly community w/resort-style heated pool & kids play pool, playgrounds, dog park, pickle ball & basketball courts too.

2349 W Gloria Lane Phoenix, AZ 85085

$569,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,026 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772823
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
RARE FIND! Fully UPGRADED Home in the prestigious '24 NORTH' Gated Community. Modern construction with HUGE ceilings, luxury finishes, and resort style community amenities. Home features Chef's Kitchen - GE Dual Ovens, Extended XL Center Island w/Quartz Countertops, Upgraded Oak Crafted Kitchen Cabinets, Bosch Chimney Hood, Farmhouse Sink, NEW Range Cooktop & Plumbed for Gas, 5-Stage Water Filtration System, NEW Ceiling Fans, NEW Modern Lighting & Fixtures, NEW Water Heater, OWNED Water Softener, UPGRADED 16 SEER HVAC, Add'l Recessed Lighting, Custom Barn Doors, Smooth Coat Drywall, NEW Balcony Decking, Home Theater Pre-Wire for Surround Sound Speakers, CUSTOM BLACK OUT Blinds in Primary Bedroom, & ALL Upgraded Appliances Included. Community features Dog Park, Ramada/BBQ, Pool, & Spa!!

5414 N Scottsdale Road Eloy, AZ 85131

$569,900
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,709 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6653533
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Updated home with Guest Casita, private bath & entrance. This home is spacious and comfortable with an updated courtyard at front entrance. The house has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den and a mud room off the laundry/garage entrance. Entertainers and chef's dream kitchen, open floor plan, tons of granite counter and Maple cabinet space, full wall natural gas fireplace and upgraded tile. Newer stainless-steel appliances. Matching granite back splash. Garage has epoxy floors, AC and a custom golf cart space hidden inside (can easily park 2 golf carts in this space) with golf cart charger for easy use & extended garage. Outside on the oversized Patio you will find a built-in fire pit with seating & pavers. The patio has open views with stunning western sunsets. Patio has gas hook up for BBQ. New extended patio tile. All new PVC in front & back. Water feature is included. Patio/yard lights on a timer. Fridge in mudroom stays. Casita has its own heating/cooling system. Utility sink in the laundry room. Garage cabinets are negotiable as well as all furnishings. Garage has a utility door. New 8' doors added to the den for privacy. All new lights on the exterior. New mirrors and shower floor in the primary bath. Exterior and interior recently painted. All furnishings available for purchase on a separate bill of sale.

744 E Laddoos Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$569,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,855 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772857
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fabulous Alexandria model on large corner lot! Welcome to this beautifully designed home featuring an open and functional floor plan, 10' ceilings perfect for modern living. The expansive great room seamlessly integrates a gourmet kitchen with a large island, a cozy breakfast nook, and a dining area, ideal for both casual meals and formal gatherings. The spacious living room offers ample room for relaxation, while an additional flexible space can serve as a home office, library, or den. The home boasts two generously sized BRs, including a luxurious primary suite complete with double sinks w/new fixtures, and walk-in closet. Cozy rear patio with fireplace, ideal for those cool AZ evenings, allows for outdoor living! All of this plus solar and a 4' extended garage, new paint in and out!

17334 E San Marcus Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$569,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,354 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769056
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WOW! Don't miss out on this gorgeous, remodeled 3 bed 2 bath home steps away from Four Peaks Park in Fountain Hills. Walking in, you will be greeted by a fully renovated kitchen & a beautiful open floor plan. Enjoy all new flooring throughout the entire home that creates a perfect flow. Additional updates include; NEW AC, NEW water softener, NEW RO water system, NEW exterior and interior paint, raised ceilings and so much more! In addition to all the interior updates, you will love spending time outside on this oversized private lot that backs to a wash giving added privacy. This backyard has new artificial turf & pavers that allow for a year-round beautiful look, that is conveniently low maintenance. Another amazing feature of the backyard is the RV gate and RV parking with NO HOA

4196 E Bonanza Road Gilbert, AZ 85297

$569,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,257 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772058
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is it folks very well maintained lovely two story home in Popular Power Ranch. Formal Living and Dining with a Family room kitchen area. Kitchen has stainless appliances with beautiful dark cabinets. 4 bedrooms plus a loft area, 2.5 bathrooms. Primary Bedroom ensuite with a separate tub and shower, double sinks and walk in closet. Low maintenance front and back yards with auto drip system. Power Ranch offers Elementary School across the street from subdivision, Tennis courts, pickle ball, heated pool, spa, 2 catch and release lakes, two club houses, playgrounds and walking trails and so much more. SO MANY COMMUNITY AMMENITIES.......

13442 W Blackstone Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$569,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,827 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6624856
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Like NEW 2021 Built '' Vibrant Situated on an OVERSIZED Lot with N/S Exposure in Award Winning Trilogy at Vistancia. TREMENDOUS Curb Appeal with Mature Lush Desert Landscape, Stone Accent and PAVER Driveway. Backyard with Putting Green .Inside includes Neutral Palette , ALL Tile Flooring along with 9FT Ceilings and Window Treatments T/0. Beautiful Kitchen with Large Granite Island , Designer Backsplash. and Rich Dark Cabinetry. Primary BR with LARGE Closet . BR 2 is Split with South Exposure . Bath 2 with Soaking Tub. Gorgeous Den with Built Ins and French Doors - Would make a Great 3rd BR. Backyard with Expanded Covered Patio , Travertine & Putting Green . Smart Space for extra storage or Office. This Home is in Terrific Condition . Sellers are MOTIVATED . Home is available TURNKEY

6713 W Valley View Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$569,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,048 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6670796
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Highly desired Jubilee floorplan on the LARGEST LOT w/resort style backyard can now be yours! Built in 2022, this gorgeous single story offers 4 bedrooms, teen/bonus room, 3 bathrooms, spacious open floorplan, ceramic wood plank flooring, Chef's kitchen w/granite countertops, apron sink, huge island, 5 burner gas stove, W/I pantry, fan/blinds throughout, designer light fixtures & window treatments, oversized bedrooms, & epoxy flooring in garage. Then step outside to the serene mountain views & your resort style backyard featuring extended covered patio w/pavers, travertine tiling around the gorgeous pebbletec pool w/Baja shelf, water feature, & lights. You will also enjoy the mutliple paved areas for seating, turf & grassy areas, and the luscious grapefruit, lemon, lime, & orange trees. Owners have put in well over $130K in upgrades after the home was built. You cannot get a new build with this large of a lot & mountain views, completed backyard w/pool, AND all the high-end interior finishings for under $600K. This is a once in a lifetime deal, hurry before it's gone!

8304 E Posada Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$569,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,487 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6678957
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
4 spacious bedrooms plus a loft, each equipped with its own walk-in closet for unparalleled storage. Enjoy awesome upgrades throughout, exquisite bathroom vanities and countertops, sleek faucets, a beautifully remodeled master shower, and the added convenience of comfort-height toilets. We continue with the addition of meticulously chosen light fixtures and five stylish ceiling fans, perfectly complementing the tiled flooring and upgraded upstairs baseboards. The kitchen, features refinished cabinets with new hardware, striking granite countertops, and a charming farm sink. Step outside to your own private Pebble Tec pool for endless hours of relaxation and enjoyment. Every room is spacious, separate living room and family room, 2 areas for dining + breakfast bar, granite counter tops and white cabinets, gas cook top, SS appliances. Charming light and bright bay window breakfast nook Amazing walk -in pantry seems endless, with additional storage area. Handy sink in laundry room. So much storage everywhere in this home, with closet after closet, including in loft, and large nicely finished expanded storage closet with light, under the stairs. Sparkling pool makes for at home entertainment and relaxing, easy maintenance back yard with grapefruit and orange trees, and recently replaced drip lines. solar panels for energy savings! So much more!

27413 N 23rd Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085

$569,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,313 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719855
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! This single story home is located in the most sought ever popular Norterra Dynamite Mountain Ranch! Move in ready 3 bedrooms with a sizeable den, 2 bath and 2 car garage. Cozy front porch. Impressive entrance with Vaulted ceiling. Updated wood tile like flooring and newly installed carpet and paint. Center Kitchen island. Freestanding Stainless steel stove, so is the microwave. Neutral kitchen Backsplash to include the tech area. Spacious pantry. Master's bedroom with wide walk-in closet. Large Covered patio. Close to Shopping, Restaurants and Entertainment, and TSMC. Minutes to I-17. A MUST SEE!!!

14510 N 91st Place Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$569,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,192 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741714
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! GORGEOUS SINGLE STORY (NO INTERIOR STEPS) 3 BED 2 BATH, 2 CAR GARAGE PATIO HOME LOCATED IN THE HIGHLY DESIRED SCOTTSDALE VISTA NORTH TOWNHOME COMMUNITY. SITUATED ON A PRIME LOT WITH LUSH LANDSCAPE AND BACKING TO THE COMMUNITY POOL. FEATURES INCLUDE A BRAND NEW ROOF WITH A 5 YEAR WARRANTY, TILE FLOORING, CEILING FANS T/O NEW CABINETS, GRANITE COUNTERS, STAINLESS APPLIANCES, CEILING FANS THROUGHOUT, ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED, EPOXY GARAGE FLOORS AND A WONDERFUL PRIVATE BACK YARD & PATIO AREA. MASTER BATHROOM IS ADA COMPLIANT. IDEALLY LOCATED TO SCOTTSDALE'S FINEST SHOPPING, DINING, SCHOOLS AND THE 101 FREEWAY.

3422 E Powell Way Gilbert, AZ 85298

$569,900
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,528 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743650
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
5 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a loft*2 bedrooms are split downstairs, 1 with an attached bath*Upstairs bedrooms with Jack & Jill bath, Tech center hallway*Oversized master bedroom w/separate garden tub & shower, dual sinks, & walk in closet*Upgraded kitchen with white cabinets, Quartz countertops, pantry, & island open to the family room w/surround sound*Freshly painted interior w/neutral color*Recessed lighting, new carpet & new luxury vinyl t/o*Covered back patio, grass and mature landscaping*Excelling A+ rated schools Casteel Junior High & Casteel High School*Seville Golf & Country Club features pools, water-slides, private restaurant, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, a state of the art gym, child care & more for a separate monthly payment*Close to fine dining, high end shopping... & easy access to 60 & 202 FWYS*