Old wood siding, fast becoming a dinosaur in new construction, regularly needs the protection of a new coat of paint.
A professional will charge you between $4,000 and $6,000 to paint a 2,000-square foot, two-story house. But you can do it yourself in a few weekends for the cost of paint and supplies.
A good paint job can last 10 years. The key is proper preparation. Here are 10 steps to take to make sure your exterior paint job looks great, adds value to your home, and lasts a long time.
Step 1: Get the lead out
Do-it-yourselfers are not obligated to follow EPA regulations for lead-safe practices, as professional paint contractors must. But if your home was built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use, you should protect yourself and your neighbors from airborne lead particles.
The first step is to test for lead paint: Kits are available for $10 to $35 online, and at paint and hardware stores. If tests prove positive for lead, keep paint dust to a minimum by taking the following precautions.
- Lay plastic drop cloths and collect scrapings.
- Clean area with a HEPA vacuum.
- Wear masks and Tyvek suits.
- Dispose of all materials at an approved hazardous materials site.
Before the sun goes away here in Seattle do your exterior painting the right way. Hopefully you have a few more weeks if you decided to do a big job like this one.
Posted via Seattle Real Estate-Seattle Homes For Sale
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