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

26001 S Drifter Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$564,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,979 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6635749

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spectacularly remodeled 2 bdrm+Den & 2.5 bath home on HUGE corner lot w/ low maintenance yard, large covered patio, & a beautiful fountain w/new pump. New cabinets & quartz counters throughout home w/ HUGE Kitchen Island. Ample storage incl. HUGE pantry w/barn door! Large beautiful wood-burning fireplace. New AC unit on roof & new Split-System. New roof w/ transferrable warranty. Solar panels prepaid w/nearly 8 years left on FULLY prepaid solar assignable lease. All floor-level windows are new. Brand new SS appliances incl. fridge, drawer microwave, & wine/soda fridge convey. New plank tile floors throughout. New water heater. Both showers are newly tiled w/lge glass enclosure in master & separate tub for soaking. All new fixtures + ceiling fans w/remotes! Fresh paint in/ out. OWNER/AGENT

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1143 N 86th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$564,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,408 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769079

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remodeled home across from Apache Park, This home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with tall vaulted ceilings and open kitchen with new quartz counters and in both bathrooms. The home has new artificial grass in the backyard and large covered patio. This home is close to shopping and freeways in the 85257 zip code of Scottsdale. This home has new paint inside and out as well as new carpet in the family room. This home is a must see.

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10129 S 43rd Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$564,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,539 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752936

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Custom home in the gated community of Vaquero Estates with mountain views & breathtaking sunsets! Light & bright open concept floor plan features soaring ceilings, well-maintained tile flooring & carpeting in all the right places. The chef's kitchen boasts granite counters, an island with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, reverse osmosis, & opens to the family room - ideal for entertaining. Primary retreat is split from guest bedrooms for ultimate privacy. Impressive bath has dual sinks, free standing tub, & walk in shower. Enjoy the AZ heat in your incredible backyard with a large covered patio (35' x 12'), turf, & mature landscaping. Also featured, a 2-car garage. You'll love this private community with an amazing central location minutes to schools, shopping, dining, & more!

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670 Daniel Place Prescott, AZ 86303

$564,700

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,909 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745278

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this barely lived in home! Just 1.2 miles from Prescott's iconic Courthouse Square and its vibrant monthly events. Nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this well-built gem offers an elevated 'forever' view, with your backyard opening to the serene 80-acre Acker Park. Enjoy easy access to hiking trails, lush vegetation, and an amphitheater, all with the majestic Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte Mountain as your backdrop. A brand-new roof was installed in JUNE 2024, ensuring lasting quality and peace of mind. With no HOA, you'll also appreciate the convenience of an attached oversized garage ''perfect'' for extra storage or a workshop. The MASSIVE unfinished basement is a blank canvas, ready for your creative touch. Whether you seek a tranquil retreat with EXPANSIVE, PANORAMIC...... VIEWS, allowing you to OPEN all windows and doors on the multi-tied balconies to enjoy indoor/outdoor living, then this standout home is your dream home. Imagine yourself enjoying all 4 Seasons of Prescott, with starlit nights, and refreshing breezes from either of the two balconies. This home truly has it all!

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3131 N Central Avenue Unit 3013 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$564,668

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6627253

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

*Construction Completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

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7931 E Quartet Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$564,654

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,832 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6714316

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6714316 Ready Now!! The Edmonton at Hawes Crossing Discovery is a beautiful 1-story floor plan that comes standard with 1,832 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2-car garage, and 2 dining areas. The foyer takes you directly to the dining and kitchen area, which provides ample space for cooking all your favorite meals. Enjoy an open casual dining and great room area with direct access to the outdoor living area, which makes for great entertaining space. The spacious primary suite has a private bathroom with double sinks and a walk-in closet. Welcome home! Structural options include: 8' interior doors. Design upgrades include: tile throughout whole home, paver driveway, tankless water heater, soft water loop, window treatments on all window, 2 faux wood blinds.

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7835 E Lakeview Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$564,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,946 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760616

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, check; Views, check! 2 bed/2 bath golf home with 2023 roof located a short walk to the restaurant, Pro Shop and community amenities. Watch the golfers on Hole No. 1, wind down the day with views of community ponds, or sip coffee as the sun rises over the Superstition Mtns. The original owners created unique customizations including custom wood valences over several windows, built-in Mahogany china hutch in formal dining room, Mahogany shelving surrounding the family room's electric fireplace, oak plank flooring with accents, plantation shutters, unique attic feature, extended garage and many more. As you enter from the extended north-facing covered patio and through the stained-glass windowed front door, you're greeted by a vaulted living room which gives access to the central formal dining room with striking views of the golf course. The kitchen, which provides plenty of counter & cabinet space, is brightened from the south-facing golf course window. Entertain for any occasion, whether it's BBQing in the backyard, unwinding at the high-top table overlooking golf course, casual meal at the eat-in kitchen area, or a beautiful dinner in the formal dining room. The spacious primary bedroom with south-facing windows provides space for a king bed & multiple dressers including the private bathroom featuring dual sink vanity, private room with marble walk-in shower and stool as well as extra-large walk-in closet. Visiting guests will appreciate the privacy of the guest bedroom split from the primary bedroom and the guest bathroom featuring tub/shower combo is right next door. Just off the kitchen is the spacious laundry room featuring cabinets and counterspace for home office, craft or sewing room. The south-facing back covered patio features beautiful golf course views as well as the community ponds with color changing lighted water fountains. The extended double garage features cabinets and closet. Make this home your own and start enjoying the benefits of living on SVE's beautiful golf course. The saying there is something for everyone is true in this 55+ amenity-packed community. The community also has a public golf course, restaurant, pickleball courts, tennis courts, state-of-the-art gym, beautiful woodshop, library, computer club, stitcher's room, two swimming pools and a lap pool, two hot-tubs and Clubs for all interest and hobbies.

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12324 N 144th Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$564,500

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,371 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767651

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in Marley Park, Surprise, AZ! Built in 2017, this exquisite 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom residence features a free and clear solar panel system for energy efficiency. Boasting an elegant formal dining room, a vast covered patio for outdoor living, and low-maintenance artificial grass, this property blends luxury with practicality. The expansive primary bedroom comes with an en-suite and a closet that conveniently connects to the laundry room, simplifying your routine. Upstairs, a large loft offers flexible space for your family's needs. Priced under $600k, this move-in-ready home is a rare find in a sought-after neighborhood. Don't miss out on making it yours!

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4702 E Laredo Lane Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$564,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,456 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765456

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous home with a LARGE PRIVATE BACKYARD with MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Single Story 2 bedroom and OVERSIZED OFFICE/DEN. PERFECT FOR WORKING FROM HOME!! ***Space can be converted into a 3 bedroom plus a den*** Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in kitchen. Travertine flooring in kitchen, dining, living and den areas. Bedrooms are carpeted. Plantation shutters throughout the home. Tranquil back yard with flagstone, built in BBQ, fire pit, waterfall and above ground spa, view fencing. Surround sound in great room/dining area and den. COME SEE IT BEFORE IT'S GONE!

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12433 W Fieldstone Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

Open House

$564,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,519 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690591

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated Seller! Paid off owned solar! Beautifully refreshed home. A double door entry welcomes you into a space of vaulted ceilings & new luxury plank flooring. Freshly painted interior, new fans & lighting throughout. The charming kitchen features ample storage, glass-front upper cabinets, & a cozy breakfast nook. Spacious bedrooms, each adorned with generous walk-in closets. The primary suite features an en suite with double sinks, dual walk-in closets, a vanity, & private courtyard entrance. A substantial utility room caters to diverse needs. New blown-in insulation ensures maximum energy efficiency. Outside, there's a spacious front courtyard with an iron gate entrance, while the tranquil backyard has an extended patio & covered patio area. Seller is offering a free home warranty!

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36131 N Desert Tea Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$564,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,186 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758359

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

With over $140K in upgrades, this ''Lock and Leave'' home is situated in Encanterra Country Club.. The low-maintenance landscaping is fully handled, allowing you to relax outdoors by the gas firepit and enjoy the soothing sounds of the fountain. The home is light and bright w the primary suite and bedroom 2 downstairs. Custom California Closets and tons of storage space. The second floor offers a separate TV room/loft spacious office, and a third bedroom with a full bathroom. The garage is equipped with a workbench, and features a tankless water heater with a recirculation pump for instant hot water. The backyard is fully fenced and this home is steps away from both clubhouses. Book your tour today and start living the Encanterra life in 2024!

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1342 W Bartlett Way Chandler, AZ 85248

$564,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,807 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775193

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-story home in the highly sought-after Ocotillo Lakes community of Chandler. This spacious 1,800 square foot home boasts a fresh, modern feel with new interior paint, brand-new carpet, and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen and bathrooms are highlighted by elegant granite countertops, adding both style and functionality. The vaulted ceiling in the main living area enhances the open, airy feel, while new ceiling fans and light fixtures throughout provide added comfort and ambiance. Step outside to a large covered patio, which spans the width of the home and offers private access from the primary bedroom—a perfect space for outdoor relaxation or entertaining. Additional features include a cozy fireplace, central vacuum system, water softener, and a 2-car garage. Situated in a prime location within Ocotillo Lakes, this home offers a balance of modern upgrades and community charm, making it the ideal place to call home. Don't miss out on this move-in-ready gem!

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