It’s taken forever for spring to arrive in Toronto (it’s almost summer!), but it’s finally warm enough to get outside and get the exterior of your home in shape to enjoy it while you can.

The biggest problem may not be the actual jobs you need to do, but choosing which one to start with. It’s always daunting when you head outside in springtime and see just how much work needs to be done.

Your first job is simply to clean up the yard of debris and make sure your plants, shrubs and lawns are in good shape and get the attention they need for a solid season of growth.

After those basics are in order, it’s time to look at your home and give it the loving care and maintenance it’s starving for.  Here are a few ways to do that:

1. Power Washing

Whether it’s rain splattering mud from gardens onto the sides of your home, or just dirt that’s built-up on your siding over the winter, giving everything a good power washing will either make it look as good as new, or get it ready for a coat of paint that will.

2. Paint Wood, Vinyl and Aluminum Siding

For the ultimate in looking “springtime fresh” there’s nothing like a good coat of paint. It’s easier and a lot less expensive than you might think. And your home will look great.

3. Re-Stain Your Deck & Wooden Fences

With the constant barrage of sunlight, it doesn’t take long for your deck and fences to look weather beaten. Re-staining both of them will not only make them look much better,it will help protect them against more sun and water damage.

When you look at all these jobs at once, it’s tempting to give up. But if you pick one, like painting your siding, and then break that job down further, maybe by starting only with the siding in the back, suddenly you turned the job into doable parts and it’s easier to get them – and the whole project – done .