The winter months have been rough on our homes’ exteriors, but with harsh, cold weather finally coming to an end, now’s your chance to work on that curb appeal. Don’t know where to start? We’ve partnered with Princess Auto to identify six simple and affordable projects to add to your spring to-do list. Princess Auto has so much to offer including auto repair, lawn and garden, recreational equipment, and more — so be sure to check out their local flyer to tackle your next outdoor DIY project without breaking the bank.

1. Pressure wash exterior walls, floors, and fences

Get rid of that dirt and grime that’s been accumulating for months. A few hours with a pressure washer or even a hose with a jet sprayer attachment will do wonders for your home’s exterior look. If you’ve got an old pressure washer that needs some updated parts, you can get a new PVC hose or spray gun on sale now — and don’t forget about hearing protection! These foam-padded earmuffs will do the trick for pressure washing and other types of loud work.

2. Kill weeds and pests

Warmer weather means the return of weeds and disease-causing organisms that can make your plants dull and sick. Take an afternoon to assess the situation and spray your plants with the appropriate products. This multi-purpose handheld sprayer can be used for insecticide and herbicide to make the job easier.

3. Redo landscaping

Moisture and warmth provide the perfect environment for gardening this time of year. However, these conditions are also optimal for the growth of weeds. We recommend creating a barrier between the ground and your beautiful plants with some landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing through. Top off your plants with some fresh mulch to create a surface barrier as well.

4. Try “foodscaping”

There’s a move to ditch the traditional lush green lawn in favour of something called “foodscaping” or edible landscaping. It’s essentially landscaping with fruits and veggies, arranged in a way that still offers curb appeal, including paths, fountains,  and retaining walls. Focus on low-growing herbs like thyme and oregano, and vegetables that don’t take up much space like carrots and peppers. Watering often is important, so consider installing a micro sprinkling system to water areas up to 30 sq. ft.

5. Re-caulk windows and doors

Inspect your windows and doors for gaps and cracks. Caulking will help keep out heat and humidity in the summer and cold drafts in the winter, saving you money on your utility bills. For exteriors, we recommend a silicone caulk, as it is waterproof and can withstand extreme temperatures. There’s also a variety of paintable caulks to fit your overall aesthetic. You will need a caulking gun to apply the product efficiently.

6. Install weather stripping on your garage doors

Garage doors have wider gaps that can let hot or cold air in and affect the rest of your home. Weatherproof your garage and keep out unfavourable weather conditions with some simple foam weather stripping that already comes with adhesive for easy installation.

Sprucing up the outside of your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With these simple projects, you’ll see a huge difference and will be ready to enjoy your outdoor space to the max. Don’t forget to visit Princess Auto, for the best seasonal deals!