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.
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2663 W Kilarea Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85202
$565,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,638
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6764485
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to PRIME Dobson Ranch living! Nestled in one of Mesa's most desirable master-planned communities, this charming home offers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Step inside to be greeted by an open, sun-drenched layout, where natural light pours through every corner. The updated kitchen is a chef's oasis, featuring sleek white quartz countertops, stylish herringbone subway tile backsplash, modern cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Newer wood floors flow throughout the home, providing a warm and inviting touch to go along with the newly painted to perfection interior walls and split master bedroom design. Relax in your private courtyard or take advantage of the oversized driveway and 2-car garage. The backyard is an entertainer's paradise with a sparkling diving pool, freshly refinished pool deck and a shaded pergola ideal for Arizona evenings. Dobson Ranch amenities include community pools, parks, pickleball courts, and so much more. With easy access to Hwy 101, Hwy 60, and just minutes from ASU, Tempe Town Lake, South Scottsdale, and the thriving Chandler tech corridor, you're never far from the best of the East Valley. This home is a rare find! Don't miss this opportunity - Come see your new home today!
2235 W Aston Drive
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$565,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,553
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6711865
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautiful property with a natural color palette that creates a serene atmosphere throughout the home. The kitchen features a center island for extra counter space, while the primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet for ample storage. The primary bathroom offers a separate tub and shower, double sinks, and good under sink storage. Step outside to the fenced backyard, complete with a private in-ground pool and covered sitting area. Fresh interior paint and partial flooring replacement in some areas make this home move-in ready. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
7524 S Lone Pine Place
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
$564,999
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,913
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6750439
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The sellers are relocating out of state, so this move-in-ready home is available for a quick closing! Featuring a unique and sought-after split-floorplan, this property offers ample privacy and personal space. The backyard is a standout, showcasing stunning desert and mountain views that stretch as far as the eye can see. This is one of the few homes in Peralta Canyon with a pool, spa, and waterfall feature, all on a tranquil west-facing mountain view lot. Designed for entertaining, the spacious layout includes an open great room that seamlessly extends through wide glass patio doors to a large, pergola-covered extended patio. Built just 5 years ago, the home boasts numerous modern upgrades, including abundant canned lighting, stylish pendant lights above the oversized kitchen island, neutral ceramic and wood tile flooring, granite countertops, a generous pantry, and stainless-steel appliances. The pool and spa are less than a year old, and the home features a super-efficient tankless water heater and an owned water softener. With ample storage throughout, the property is also conveniently located within walking distance to the local elementary school and less than 10 miles from highly-rated public charter schools.Peralta Canyon is known for its proximity to hiking trails, world-class golf courses, and lakes for kayaking and boating. Nearby amenities include dining options, medical and urgent care facilities, grocery stores, and more. This home offers the perfect blend of serene, picturesque living with easy access to city conveniences.
11934 W Parkway Lane
Avondale, AZ 85323
$564,995
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,370
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6741556
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Explore this dynamic Raleigh home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive guest suite; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a double oven, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; an expansive great room with center-meet doors leading onto a charming covered patio; a beautiful primary suite showcasing an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a mudroom and a 3-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.
16400 W Avenida Del Sol --
Surprise, AZ 85387
$564,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,570
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6686225
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
4 bed 3 bath Elev B 2570 SQ FT 2 Car Garage. Has Gourmet Kitchen, Deluxe Master bath with walk in shower. Garage service door, 10ft ceilings at entry. Gas cooktop/range, Gas stub at Patio, 42'' White upper cabinets with 2-1/2'' molding. Wood looing tile through out and carpet in bedrooms.
16380 W Avenida Del Sol --
Surprise, AZ 85387
$564,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6701706
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The gorgeous Cassandra floor plan offers 10-foot ceilings with a tray at entry, gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops and 42 inch cabinets, a huge walk-in pantry, a multi-slide door at great room and a slider at Nook, walk-in Shower with rain shower, and pavers at driveway/walkway, the lot is nearly 8000 square feet and it is North/South exposure.
16355 W Avenida Del Sol --
Surprise, AZ 85387
$564,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,480
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6718951
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home features a lovely Guest Suite as well as dramatic 10' ceilings throughout and a tray ceiling at entry; a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a spacious open great room with a multi-slide door; a beautiful primary suite with a generous walk-in closet. The master bath features a drop-in tub and a shower. This home offers stylish pavers at driveway/walkway.
16348 W Avenida Del Sol --
Surprise, AZ 85387
$564,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,480
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6727605
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home features a lovely Guest Suite as well as dramatic 10' ceilings throughout and a tray ceiling at entry; a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a spacious open great room with a multi-slide door; a beautiful primary suite with a generous walk-in closet. The walk-in shower features a rain shower head. This home offers stylish pavers at driveway/walkway.
11937 W Parkway Lane
Avondale, AZ 85323
$564,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,400
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760074
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Explore this eye-catching Celeste home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a double oven, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; a large great room boasting center-meet doors leading onto a tranquil covered patio; an elegant primary suite showcasing an expansive walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a mudroom and a 3-car tandem garage. This home also offers additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.
20724 W Kaibab Road
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$564,995
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,132
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774935
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this expansive 1-acre horse property on a coveted corner lot! You're greeted by a side-entry 2-car garage, a natural desert landscape, & a circular driveway. Discover an inviting great room with high ceilings, an earth-tone palette, recessed lighting, blinds, & wood-look flooring. The gourmet kitchen comes with granite counters, ample wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, & a peninsula with a breakfast bar. The main bedroom offers plush carpeting, an ensuite with double sinks, & a walk-in closet. Outdoors, you'll find a lovely backyard featuring a covered patio, a warm fire pit, an outdoor fireplace for evenings under the stars, & a refreshing pool. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, you can create your dream oasis or establish equestrian facilities. Make it yours!
17585 W Superior Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$564,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,647
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774463
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Special Financing Available!!!!!!!!!! This single-level home showcases Lennar's signature Next Gen® suite ideal for multigenerational living. The suite includes a one-car garage, separate entrance, living space, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. In the main home, an open floorplan allows for effortless transition between the Great Room, kitchen and dining room, with access to the covered patio through sliding glass doors. The luxe owner's suite is situated at the back of the home, while two secondary bedrooms are comfortable and private retreats. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home.
20240 W Catalina Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$564,990
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,456
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6655730
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Amethyst floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3 car garage. This home is stunning and has has plenty of storage space including all bedrooms have walk in closets. Multi slide door at the extended covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Gas appliance package in stainless steel, 30'' cooktop, microwave and canopy hood. Tahoe Maple Painted Boulder ''Gray'' cabinets throughout. Bianco Typhoon Polished granite tops in kitchen and owner's bath. Stainless steel under mount single bowl kitchen sink. Flooring includes EMS Riverside Yaris 20x24 in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets. 5'' base boards/door casings. Dual sinks at bath 2. Gas stub for future BBQ. Garage service door, 8' tall garage doors with with two remotes. Estimated completion April.