June 15, 2026
Your First Year of Homeownership: A Maintenance Calendar
Monthly and seasonal tasks that protect your warranty, your insurance, and your resale value.
A new home is a maintenance project disguised as a milestone. The owners who avoid expensive surprises follow a calendar — most tasks are 15-minute jobs that prevent four-figure problems. Here's the Ottawa-tuned version.
January. Check for ice damming along the roof eaves after major snowfalls. Inspect attic insulation depth (R-60 is current Ontario code for new homes; older homes often have R-20 or less and benefit from a top-up). Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down. Test sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit.
February. Mid-winter humidity check — buy a $15 hygrometer and aim for 30%–40% indoor humidity. Too low and you'll see drywall cracks and split trim; too high and you'll see condensation on windows and eventual mould risk. Adjust HRV or humidifier settings accordingly.
March. Book a furnace tune-up before the spring rush rates. Replace furnace filter. Check basement floor joists and rim joist for any signs of winter moisture. Order a chimney sweep if you used the fireplace.
April. As snow melts, walk the property and check for any settling around the foundation. Confirm downspouts extend at least 6 feet from the house and discharge away from the foundation. Inspect roof from the ground or with binoculars for missing or curled shingles after winter. Test outdoor taps once frost is reliably done.
May. Book AC tune-up. Clean dryer vent ductwork (a lint blockage in the duct, not the trap, is one of the most common Ottawa house fire causes). Replace smoke and CO detector batteries on a memorable date.
June. Inspect deck and outdoor structures. Re-seal any wood that needs it. Trim shrubs back 12+ inches from the house. Check window screens.
July–August. Clean gutters mid-summer if you have overhanging trees. Power-wash the deck, siding, and front walkway. Check exterior caulking at windows and doors; touch up any cracks before fall.
September. Furnace filter swap. Have the furnace serviced if you didn't in spring. Drain and shut off outdoor taps before first frost (typically mid-to-late October in Ottawa). Reverse ceiling fans for winter.
October. Clean gutters thoroughly after most leaves drop. Inspect roof one more time. Move snow shovels, salt, and a roof rake to accessible storage.
November. Pressure-test windows by walking the interior with a candle on a windy day — flicker indicates a draft worth caulking. Wrap exposed pipes in unheated spaces.
December. Walk the home with a contractor's eye before the holidays. Save receipts for the year — any work over $500 belongs in a home-improvement folder for future resale and any insurance claims.
Set the recurring tasks (filters, batteries, taps) on a phone calendar. The rest is rhythm, and after one full year, the home will feel familiar.
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