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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23393 W Winslow Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$491,213
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,624
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6638299
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Perfect Layout!! Finished 5 Bedroom 3 bathroom + HUGE loft upstairs! Large Kitchen With covered patio! Stop by and ask about our whole house air purification system incorporated into the architecture of this home, or home automation that saves money on utility bills, bringing you peace of mind and unlimited freedom.
16027 W Silver Breeze Drive
Surprise, AZ 85374
$491,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,298
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6648850
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Immaculate residence with a well-maintained exterior requiring minimal landscaping effort both in the front and back. Step into a welcoming ambiance with tall vaulted ceilings and a tasteful two-tone color palette. Revel in the elegance of tile and wood-like flooring in common areas, complemented by carpets in select rooms. The home is adorned with beautiful white shutters, recessed canned lighting, and ceiling fans for optimal temperature control. The kitchen is designed for entertaining, offering an eat-in area seamlessly connected to the living space, or choose to host formal dinners in the dining room. The kitchen boasts a striking Spanish tile backsplash, an island, and sleek all-black stainless appliances. The primary suite is generously sized, featuring a spacious bathroom with a double sink vanity, walk-in shower, and an expansive walk-in closet. Discover a bonus linen room/closet/pantry, versatile for various needs, even as a potential desk area. The garage includes an extra storage room catering to all your organizational requirements. Unwind in the backyard, where a pergola provides a perfect setting to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, accompanied by ample space for entertaining. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this captivating home - Must See Today!
3133 N Medallion Court
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
$491,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,555
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6692083
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunning 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence in the highly sought-after Villago neighborhood! As you step inside, you'll be greeted by soaring high ceilings and vibrant colors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The spacious floor plan boasts plenty of natural light, and the elegant staircase with dual entries makes a striking first impression. The extra-wide 2 car garage provides ample space for parking and storage. The picturesque property is surrounded by lush trees and features grass front and back yard, perfect for outdoor entertaining or relaxation. Additionally, the cozy loft area offers a quiet nook for reading, studying, or other small activities. With its prime location and desirable features, this home is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience.
40274 W Michaels Drive
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$490,995
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,570
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6681266
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The heart of this ranch floor plan is an open layout with a great room, a breakfast nook and a gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry and a center island. The owner's suite is adjacent, and showcases a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with double sinks and deluxe shower with separate tub. 4 additional bedrooms and two baths round out the residence. A 3-car garage and a covered patio are also included!
22871 E Watford Drive
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$490,993
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,775
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6632666
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is a brand new Quick Start Home under construction in Queen Creek, with a Spanish elevation. 3 bed, 2 bath, plus den. Stainless Steel Whirlpool kitchen appliances include gas range, microwave, and dishwasher. Move in anticipated for May. Homesite has desirable north/south orientation. Please ask about our special financing incentives!
4134 W Nora Drive
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$490,610
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,232
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6688554
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful Ranch elevation with Gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances. 3 bedroom plus flex room and 8' interior doors.
11011 N Zephyr Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$490,500
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,460
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6685647
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
**STUNNING CONDO WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS** Discover the allure of Fountain Hills living in this inviting condo boasting breathtaking Four Peaks Mountain views from its spacious back patio. Enjoy cozy evenings by the propane fireplace and grill, or retreat to the master bedroom featuring wood tile floors, patio access, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom featuring a duvet. The open floor plan encompasses a modern kitchen with a brand new dishwasher and an electric fireplace in the living room. Community amenities include a pool and hot tub. Don't miss out on this Fountain Hills gem
17706 W Hatcher Road
Waddell, AZ 85355
$490,010
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,052
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6674723
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Gorgeous sprawling floor plan has 2052 SF , w/3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 3 car tandem garage! Almost ready for you! Est COE in Jun/Jul 2024. This home features a fresh, neutral color palette, offering 36'' white shaker cabinetry, a large kitchen island, white quartz countertops, 9' ceilings and tile flooring. It also includes features you'll love like a soft water loop, under cabinet lighting in the kitchen, dual pane low-E windows, multi-zone thermostat, and a smart home system. The exterior features front yard landscaping, a covered patio and private backyard. Conveniently located off the 303, this gated community is near Costco, Walmart, and shopping. **Finishes may vary from sample photos and virtual tour.
889 W Old Stewart Road
Willcox, AZ 85643
$490,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,202
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6385022
Property Type
Manufactured Home
Price Type
--
Begin your homestead/farm today! House has a private well, there is also an irrigation well. Property is fully fenced, and cross fenced for animals. Use the acreage for grazing cattle, or to grow crops. Bordered on 3 sides by paved roads. Enjoy beautiful views in all directions and wide open spaces. Property is a total of 4 parcels being sold together, totaling 266 acres.
6438 W Mercer Lane
Glendale, AZ 85304
$490,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,570
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6628488
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home is the absolute definition of ''turn-key''. From solar panels and a brand-new roof to new carpet, paint and appliances the list of improvements are too long to list in this description (ask for the list)! With over 90k worth of improvements this home sits ready to go on a corner lot and with NO HOA. With one of the larger lots in the Montara community, you will find yourself walking distance to a fantastic neighborhood green belt and community parks. Welcome home!
40637 W Hopper Drive
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$490,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,288
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6644751
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Incredible single level home on a huge lot with a pebble-tec pool! This home has been meticulously cared for and boasts a split floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, den, formal living, dining room, huge great room and oversized 3 car garage! The kitchen features granite countertops, a new stainless steel stove, new microwave, new dishwasher, and a new RO system that feeds into the refrigerator and the sink! And there's more...the HVAC is only 4 months old and the tile floors were recently stripped and resealed! The sparkling pool was drained and media blasted last summer, and the new 6x8 shed will convey with the sale! The desert landscaping is not only beautiful but low maintenance. Come see this home today because this one won't last!
20813 W Minnezona Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$490,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,771
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6653557
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home has an Energy Star rating for energy efficiency. Located within the award winning community of Verrado & the active adult neighborhood of Victory, this well kept 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 3 car garage home has nice views of both the Whitetank & Estrella mountains. The 3rd bedroom has double doors that allow it to be an office or den. It is one level home, tile floors, beautiful cabinets & just a few years old. Landscaping is low maintenance & the driveway is pavers. Come look at this wonderful home that is ready for you to move in now. Washer, Dryer & refrigerator are included. Verrado has medical services, eateries, CVS pharmacy, multiple grocery stores, over 60 parks, established hiking trails, vet services & more. The Victory HOA also has a gym for active adult residents
