Summer Projects!

[anthonyzadeh]

Hello Experts! As winter comes to a close, I finally managed to get the rem= ainder of my Christmas lights down off the house. While doing that, I was l= ooking at the house and realized that a paint job is definitely needed this= summer. The color of the house right now is a pale green with white trim. = It has been this color for as long as I can remember, and I am tired of it!= I want to change up to a deep red with white trim and put up some shutters= , just to dress it up a bit.=20 I am also looking into changing out the soffit from plywood to perforated v= inyl. While doing that, I also want to add recessed lighting to the undersi= de of the soffit. In addition to the above I am also looking into replacing my fallen fence i= n the back yard. So as you can see, I am going to have a very busy spring and summer on my h= ands but have a few questions before starting the tasks. First, when changing the color of the house from one extreme to another, I = am concerned that it is going to take too many coats to cover. I wouldn't m= ind paying a bit more for a better paint more suited to minimizing paint co= ats and covering up imperfections.=20 I am also concerned with the shutters on one window. There is brick around = that window and I'm not sure how to attach the shutters to the brick. I don= 't want to hurt the brick to badly, but really do want to install the shutt= ers. Has anyone had any experience installing recessed lighting in the soffit? I= do have some electrical experience, but should I look into hiring an elect= rician?=20 I have included a picture of the house. I also included a picture of the ho= use during Christmas. I had a light show and this picture shows all my ligh= ts on--Just for fun! :) Thanks for any help.

[Sonny]

concerned that it is going to take too many coats to cover.

If the present paint is in bad shape, you'll need to prime before painting. Tint the primer. But don't skimp with your painting. The primary purpose of painting is not (or should not be) for coloring.

[Joe]

[anthonyzadeh]

Bob, thanks for the advice, I don't plan on selling the house anytime in th= e near future. I love the location, my neighbors are great, and frankly, I = just love the house. I am merely doing these things for my own enjoyment an= d to see the house in a different color. If I don't like it, in another 4-5= years, I'll just paint over it!=20

As for the shutters, the brick is in good shape, but the mortar, as I found= out with the chimney, may be becoming a bit soft. I may possibly need the = chimney re bricked in the next five years. This is a common problem with ho= uses in the development though. I may get an expert in to evaluate the situ= ation and see whether or not the shutters will be a good idea, or to just l= eave the brick alone.

I haven't been up in the attic in about 10 years and can't honestly remembe= r if there is good access to the eves or if it restricted. I would imagine = them to be pretty clear as they are venting for the attic space, but as the= house is pushing 50, its hard to say.=20

Sonny, would using a paint/primer in one do the trick? I was discussing it = with a carpenter and he swears by it on the interior, but he had no experie= nce with using it outside.=20 Thanks to all for the great advice!

[gregz]

I was drilling two bricks to insert hooks. Both bricks broke loose. I had to pl premium back in. The bit was fairly large, an impacted. I don't think a little drill bit would loosen the brick.

I was thinking of adding an electric awning, but you have to attach it to wood, not bricks.

Greg