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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

2122 E Radcliffe Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,647 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757158

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully remodeled 3 BD/2 BA in the heart of Tempe! This residence offers abundant natural light throughout, enhancing each newly renovated space. The master suite boasts a spacious walk-in closet, while the backyard has been completely redone, providing a perfect outdoor retreat. With thoughtful modern updates, this home blends style and comfort, ideal for those looking to settle into a vibrant Tempe neighborhood Large lot has room for toys & entertaining. Two car garage has a new door opener. Great location! Close to an Orbit line, freeway access, MCC, ASU, fabulous dining and shopping. No HOA.

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13215 N 30th Place Phoenix, AZ 85032

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,017 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741305

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful updated single level with diving pool is ready for a new owner. Nice open floorplan with formal living room, formal dining room, large great room with wood burning fireplace and a chefs delight for a kitchen. Newer rich wood grain cabinets, granite counters, center island,self closing drawers, and stainless appliances. The primary suite features remodeled bath and separate entrance to the pool out back. good size bedrooms- *3rd bedroom was designed to be two separate bedrooms, so double the size. AC was replaced in 2016, and a complete new roof (tear-off and extra sheathing) in July of 2024, newer double pane windows with blinds. Great location to Hwy 51/101 and shops/theaters close by.

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20971 N 80th Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$569,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,512 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6742265

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your future home in the desirable Fletcher Heights neighborhood! This spacious family residence offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage. The master bathroom is a dream with deep tub, make up vanity, separate shower, leading in to a huge walk in closet. Updated by previous owners in 2022, this house has been further enhanced with fresh paint, a new hot water heater, new stainless steel appliances, and OWNED SOLAR for energy efficiency. Situated on an oversized cul-de-sac lot, this prime location provides easy access to the 101 freeway, shopping, and dining options. Don't miss the opportunity to make this modern, well-appointed home yours!

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2409 W Acoma Drive Phoenix, AZ 85023

$569,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,557 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6746657

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully maintained, energy-efficient home features owned solar panels, RV gate + parking, a charming front yard & inviting entry to start. Step inside to travertine & wood floors stretching across an open layout w/ vaulted ceilings. Additional upgrades include plantation shutters throughout, an open & spacious kitchen equipped w/ stainless steel appliances, granite counters, tile backsplash, breakfast bar & a whole house water filtration system. The spacious main suite boasts its own fireplace, sitting/office area, direct backyard access, & a private bathroom featuring dual sinks + a walk-in closet. The large laundry room has built-in cabinets & a utility sink. This is one of the largest single stories in the neighborhood that has 2 en suites. Pool has motorized safety cover. Outside, the sizable backyard boasts a covered patio, two sheds, a spa, refreshing pool, and ample space for lively barbecues. Don't miss this delightful haven!

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2639 E Hillery Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$569,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,538 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6747267

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Recently remodeled with so many upgrades including new AC, gourmet kitchen, stunning master bath, entertainers backyard complete with gas firepit and travertine seating, Bocce ball court and more! On top of all this, this home has SOLAR for low energy bills. This home is close to everything with hiking trails less than a quarter mile away, Paradise Valley or Desert Ridge shopping a less than a 10 minute drive and easy access to the 51! Owner/Agent

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3055 N 33rd Place Phoenix, AZ 85018

$569,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,108 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6725209

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Beautiful newer townhome in a quiet gated community centrally located near Biltmore and Arcadia - close to restaurants, shopping, entertainment and just 10 minutes to downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport. First floor has an open floorplan with high ceilings and wood plank tile flooring, Kitchen has a large island with bar seating, granite counters, large pantry, and bay window dining area. It is open to the family room, which has an oversized triple sliding glass door leading out to a covered patio and pavered backyard. Oversized garage has separate side yard exit. Upstairs you enter a huge loft space with vaulted ceiling. 4 bedrooms are split from each other for added privacy - Master at one end, two bedrooms at the other end and the fourth halfway between.

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2460 S Apache Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$569,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,975 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6727216

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new roof, new HVAC, new stove/oven/microwave! This charming 4 bedroom and 2.5 bathrooms, is nestled in the heart of Chandler, a community celebrated for its parks, top-rated schools, and great dining. The kitchen offers access to each room on the main floor and the living areas are perfect for cozy family gatherings! The master suite offers a bright ensuite bathroom and a walk-in closet. Outside offering a covered patio ideal for al fresco dining, low-maintenance landscaping, and a refreshing pool! Close to major freeways, conveniently located near shopping, dining, and Chandler Fashion Center.

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5720 S Wildrose -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$569,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,818 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731718

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover elevated living in the stunning 55+ Encore community. This Manhattan model home is nestled on a desirable corner lot beside a tranquil park. From the moment you arrive, curb appeal captivates with lush surroundings. Inside, soaring ceilings and an extended great room create a sense of openness, while the private study offers a perfect space to unwind or work. The gourmet kitchen boasts a massive island and walk-in pantry, ideal for any culinary endeavor. Outside, relax on your extended porch or covered patio adorned with travertine, or challenge yourself on the 4-hole putting green. The 2.5 car garage, with epoxy floors and built-in cabinets, completes this thoughtfully designed retreat.

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1904 S Dexter -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,233 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW ROOF SEPT 2024! Amazing floor plan with great flow, 3 huge bedrooms plus over-sized den can easily convert and 2 full baths. Immense primary suite and all secondary bedrooms and den are much larger than the norm. No carpet in the home. Washer/Dryer &Refrigerator convey. Storage galore, neutral interior walls, and large lot with producing Citrus trees. Access to the Community Pool and Tennis Courts is exclusive to Sierra Ranch II residents. Home has been lightly updated and is priced to reflect. New Exterior Paint 2021, Patio Resealed 2021, Carrier R410a Refrigerant HVAC regularly maintained, Newer Water Heater and Soft Water System. Well Maintained Home in a highly desirable community with easy access to the 202 and US 60. Great schools and plenty of shopping just around the corner.

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2527 W Brookhart Way Phoenix, AZ 85085

$569,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,446 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736947

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wake up to beautiful mountain views from the primary suite of your new home, where convenience meets natural beauty! There are 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs and an office conveniently located downstairs—perfect for work-from-home days or a hobby space. Don't forget the fantastic pool out back complete with a calming water feature. There's easy access to the AZ Canal Trail System, Deem Hills Rec Area, and the Sonoran Nature Preserve. On the filp-side you're close to shopping and entertainment with the Norterra Entertainment District just two miles away. Dive in, relax, and enjoy the sunny side of life in this wonderful home!

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17656 E Chevelon Canyon Circle Rio Verde, AZ 85263

Open House

$569,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,343 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748886

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Come join the resort lifestyle living of Trilogy at Verde River in this upgraded Muros plan home! This two bed/2bath/2 car garage boasts an easy flowing and open floor plan for amazing indoor /outdoor living. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac street with stunning back yard views of the Mazatzal Mountain range of Tonto National Forest. A wide open desert arroyo with sounds of native song birds, provides even more back yard privacy. Enjoy this Trilogy community lifestyle complete with beach entry resort pool , separate lap pool, private adult hot tub area, Eddies bar by the pool, Alvea an onsite full service spa, Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap, offering delicious entrees and views to wow and so much more! check out online, Trilogy at Verde River to discover more good reasons to live here!

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2332 W Arroyo Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

Open House

$569,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,976 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737790

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Grand 4-bed, 2.5-bath home with a brand-new POOL. ''appx $50k Backyard Oasis '' Enjoy the extended Paved driveway that leads to the RV gate. Downstairs features low maintenance tile flooring, den/office space, the formal dining room & a desirable great room! The kitchen boasts built-in appliances, granite counters, mosaic tile backsplash, a walk-in pantry, recessed lighting, staggered cabinetry, and an island w/breakfast bar. For added functionality, this gem offers an upstairs loft! Main bedroom has an ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the large backyard, featuring an extended paver-covered patio, Ramada, putting green, & a sparkling pool w/travertine decking and water feature

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