Wondering whether to paint the outside of your house yourself? Here's what's involved:

Think Safety

Painting the outside of a house can be dangerous, particularly if it's a two-story house. You'll need to climb on tall ladders and perhaps walk on the roof. If you plan to tackle this job, make sure you have the right equipment and, ideally, someone to help out.

Time and Materials

It is important to understand what you'll need to spend in time, labor and equipment. Do you have the proper equipment or will you need to rent it? A home improvement or paint store can provide guidance, but here are the main supplies you'll need:

·           A ladder

·           A hose or power washer for washing the exterior

·           Scrub brushes for cleaning the exterior

·           A bucket

·           Scrapers

·           Caulk/caulk gun

·           brushes and rollers

·           Primer and paint

Examine Your House
Before tackling this project, consider:

·           The type of exterior -- brick, siding, stucco, cedar

·           The condition of the exterior -- when was it last painted? Are repairs needed? Is the paint chipping?

The Prep Work
Preparation is important when painting. Otherwise all your efforts will be wasted a year or two down the road when the paint chips. Plan at least a week to wash down the exterior, scrape cracking paint, caulk around doors and windows, and repair or replace any loose boards or pieces of siding.

Other Tips:

·           Rent a power washer instead of relying on the garden hose to wash the exterior. The small investment will be well worth the expense. Power washing also will help loosen chipped paint.

·           If your house was build before 1978, it likely contains lead paint. Before scraping, sanding or using a power washer, find out if there is lead-based paint on the house. If there is, contact your state health department for advice or consider hiring a professional to remove the paint.

·           Apply a coat of primer before painting to help seal the wood against moisture and provide a smooth surface for painting.