If Your Attitude Is Rotten, Then So May Be Your Home.

Does this quality of work (see insert), or lack thereof, remind you of some you've done?  Afterall, it will save you time and money to leave it as is.  Besides bushes are in front of it.  Nobody will see it anyway.  If I were interested in buying a home and I saw this, it would make me suspect as to the care and quality the homeowner put into his house.

In short don't take short cuts--even if on your own home.  It's a bad habit to get into.  Especially when it comes to painting your house.  A good exterior paint job is essential for your home's well being.  Would you allow your roof to leak or have moisture seep through unsealed windows?  Unlikely I would hope. 

Painting your home correctly the first time you do it can save even more time and effort, and especially money, in the long run.  You will learn to do it properly.  You will not accept inferior quality of work either.  Not once you get the hang of it.  So don't start off on the wrong foot and get sloppy or cut corners.  You will simply be wasting your valuable time.

In the case above, replace the shutters as they rot or simply fail.  It's the same with all other wood on your home.  Would you leave a rotten facia or soffet piece in place?  That will only allow rotting to become worse and eventually invade the walls or attic.  So after getting your home all spruced up with a good cleaning, check for damage to the home in the form of rotting, insects and broken pieces of siding or trim. 

If you dont' feel comfortable doing the carpentry aspect of your prep work then hire someone.  It's essential that these issues be taken care of before you can apply a really great paint job to your home... Something to ensure that you are protected from the elements for the next several years.