Overview: a comprehensive guide to home maintenance in Toronto, including its benefits, in-depth advice, seasonal checklists, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Toronto Home Maintenance: An Introduction
Upkeep is important to making your home look good, feel comfortable and preserving its financial value.
But Toronto homeowners face their own unique challenges—the biggest being climate.
With the city experiencing more frequent and severe storms, homeowners have to adapt to the seasons in order to protect their properties.
This guide will show you how to safeguard your home all year long, offering expert advice, checklists, a FAQs and more.
What Are The Benefits Of Routine Home Maintenance?
The perks of a well-maintained home include:
- Higher property value: buyers are willing to pay more for a well-maintained home
- Bigger savings: detecting problems early can save homeowners thousands in emergency repairs
- Improved marketability: a beautiful home can attract more buyers through photos, videos and virtual tours
- Increased safety: preemptively identifying and fixing issues can prevent accidents (e.g. loose railings)
- Greater livability: homes are more comfortable when everything works (e.g. the AC)
- Lower bills: an energy-efficient home can save owners thousands in utility payments
Not all of the above requires spending a lot of money or hiring professionals.
For example, homeowners can make their properties more energy-efficient by sealing windows with simple tools from their local hardware store.
Home Maintenance In Toronto By Season
Toronto home maintenance varies by season, with each presenting unique challenges.
That’s why this guide breaks down home maintenance tasks by the four seasons, starting with winter.
Toronto Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a checklist to ensure your home is winter-ready:
Interior Tasks
- Seal drafty windows to retain warm air
- Flush and insulate hot water tank to reduce heat loss
- Clean sink, shower and other drains to improve hot water flow
- Vacuum bathroom fan to prevent mold, mildew and humidity
- Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils to improve energy-efficiency
- Run ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air and save on heating
- Use humidifiers to protect hardwood floors and plants
- Clean fireplace and chimney to prevent creosote buildup
- Check basement for leaks and moisture during thaws
- Ensure furnace, HVAC and backup generators are working
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in case of fire or gas leak
- Stock up on essentials and prepare a winter storm emergency kit
Exterior Tasks
- Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing
- Stow away or cover patio furniture and plants
- Inspect outdoor lighting to prevent slip and falls
- Stock up on salt, ice melt and sand to use after snowfall
- Check if snowblower has sufficient battery charge or oil
- Cover air-conditioner with tarp to protect from ice and snow
- Inspect roof, downspouts and gutters after storms for damage
- Shovel sidewalks within 12 hours of snowfall (required by law)
Toronto Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a checklist to help get your Toronto home ready for spring:
Interior Tasks
- Drain or flush water heater to improve energy-efficiency
- Clean windows and door screens to remove winter grime
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Inspect chimney for damage and creosote buildup
- Check basement for leaks and cracks caused by cold temperatures
Exterior Tasks
- Repair, refinish and repaint deck
- Reseed lawn, prune trees and uncover potted plants
- Power-wash exterior walls and siding to remove residue
- Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage
- Check exterior caulking around windows and doors for drafts
- Inspect roof for missing, loose or damaged shingles and leaks
- Seal gaps to prevent insects and rodents from getting inside
- Remove insulation from outdoor pipes and check sprinkler heads
- Hire a professional to inspect and pump septic tank to avoid sewage backups
Toronto Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Use this checklist to keep your home cool and comfortable:
Interior Tasks
- Wash windows and replace window screens
- Check washing machine for leaks and replace old hoses
- Clean dryer vents and kitchen exhaust fan to reduce fire risk
- Re-grout kitchen and bathroom tiles to prevent humidity damage
- Run ceiling fans counter-clockwise to circulate cool air and save energy
- Ensure proper attic ventilation and insulation to improve HVAC efficiency
Exterior Tasks
- Lubricate garage door chain and all door hinges
- Change air-conditioner filter to improve airflow and quality
- Take patio furniture out of storage and clean for use
- Clean and prepare grill for backyard barbecues
- Test outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses
- Trim trees, shrubs and lawn to increase curb appeal
- Re-seal driveway asphalt to prevent cracks from heat
- Prevent pests by removing standing water and installing mesh screens
Toronto Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Be prepared for the colder months ahead by finishing these tasks in autumn:
Interior Tasks
- Replace frayed cords and wires
- Buy fire extinguisher (December sees a surge in fires)
- Use entrance mats with extra grip to prevent slip and falls
- Schedule a professional furnace tune-up and HVAC inspection
- Inspect attic insulation and ventilation to ensure energy efficiency
- Sweep chimney and check fireplace damper to minimize creosote buildup
Exterior Tasks
- Put away patio furniture and cover outdoor plants
- Caulk or weatherstrip windows and doors to keep out cold air
- Seal cracks in driveway and walkways to prevent salt damage
- Rake leaves and aerate lawn to prepare yard for winter
- Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent snow buildup
- Inspect roof for missing, loose or damaged shingles
- Insulate garage pipes and outdoor faucets to prevent freezing
- Drain and store hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems
Tips For Home Maintenance In Toronto
Follow these tips to make home maintenance easier:
- Set an annual budget for routine repairs and upgrades
- Keep a maintenance log to track repairs and replacements
- Keep receipts and records of repairs (to use when selling your home)
- Use humidifiers in winter to prevent hardwood floors from contracting
- Buy a generator to prevent blackouts in both summer and winter
- Ensure every floor has a working smoke alarm (required by law)
- Get approval from the city before removing mature trees (even on private land)
The Importance Of Curb Appeal
Did you know curb appeal can add up to 7% to a home’s sale price?
Here’s how you can use curb appeal to make your home look beautiful and increase its resale value:
- Paint your front door, garage door and mailbox
- Replace your old welcome mat and door knocker
- Update your house numbers to a more modern look
- Repair and repaint leaning or damaged fences
- Sand, stain or weather-proof decks and porches
- Regularly mow, prune and reseed your lawn and garden
- Plant native perennials for easier maintenance (e.g. winter roses)
- Put up privacy hedges if your home faces a busy street
- Keep your front yard neat by stowing away toys and gardening equipment
- Add motion-sensors and decorative lighting to improve safety and visual appeal
Home Maintenance In Toronto: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most common Toronto home maintenance issues?
The most common issues for Toronto homeowners include:
- Flooded basements
- Drafty windows and doors
- Aging HVACs and furnaces
- Missing, loose or damaged shingles
- Clogged eavestroughs and downspouts
- Salt damage to driveways and walkways
- Intrusive pests, such as raccoons, squirrels and rodents
What maintenance tasks add the most value to a Toronto home?
Homeowners should focus on the following:
- An attractive exterior and durable roof
- Curb appeal and landscaping
- Up-to-date HVAC, electrical and plumbing
- Walls and ceilings painted in neutral tones
- New or refinished floors
- Clean bathrooms and kitchens
- Basements with waterproofing
How do I prevent basement flooding?
Clear your gutters of leaves, extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation, and consider installing a sump pump.
How often should I service my furnace and air conditioner?
At least once a year.
Service your furnace in the fall so it’s ready for winter, and your AC in the spring so it’s ready for summer.
How can I lower my energy bills?
Seal drafts, vacuum vents for better air flow, upgrade to LED lights, and install a smart thermostat.
Do I need to hire an expert for home maintenance in Toronto?
Only if the task is too technical or potentially dangerous (e.g. a furnace inspection or shingle replacement).
You can take a DIY approach for smaller tasks, such as sealing drafts, unclogging drains or installing a wire mesh to keep out raccoons.
I live in a condo or a townhouse. What are my maintenance responsibilities as a homeowner?
Because condos and townhouses are multi-unit dwellings with shared common areas, they have different rules when it comes to maintenance.
Toronto condo and townhouse owners are responsible for the interiors of their units, including appliances, plumbing, light fixtures and indoor HVAC systems.
However, the condo corporation is responsible for the building’s exterior and common areas, such as roofs, public sidewalks and amenity spaces like gyms.
What rebates are available for Toronto homeowners?
Here’s a list of rebates and incentives available for home maintenance in Toronto:
Provincial (Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program)
- Up to 30% on eligible energy-efficient upgrades
- e.g. windows, insulation, smart thermostats, heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage
City of Toronto Rebates & Incentives
- Water Heaters: $500
- Air Sealing: up to $250
- Insulation: up to $8,900
- Heat Pumps: up to $12,000
- Basement Flooding Protection: up to $3,400
- Rooftop Solar Panels and Battery Storage: up to $10,000
- Green and Cool Roofs: grants of up to $50,000 for a cool roof or $100,000 for a green roof
- Home Assistance Program: free LED light bulbs, power bars, showerheads and aerators
- Home Energy Loan Program (HELP): low-interest loan of up to $125,000 for energy-efficient upgrades
Federal & Business Programs
- Canada Greener Homes Loan: up to $40,000 in interest-free financing for energy-efficient upgrades
- Home Winterproofing Program: free insulation, draft proofing and thermostat (for eligible Enbridge customers)
How Can A Real Estate Agent Help With My Home Maintenance Needs?
Here’s how a real estate agent can help Toronto home sellers:
- Create a maintenance schedule to save you time
- Help you set a budget so you don’t overspend
- Identify which repairs are essential (and which are irrelevant) to save you money
- Connect you with vetted contractors (e.g. plumbers, home stagers and landscapers)
- Compile receipts, warranties and service records to show buyers during negotiations
- Provide information on rebates and incentives and how to apply for them
Here’s how a real estate agent can help Toronto home buyers:
- Spot red flags so you can avoid costly repairs post-purchase
- Identify neighbourhood-specific risks (e.g. sewer backups)
- Explain maintenance requirements by property type (e.g. condos vs houses)
- Connect you to professional home inspectors and contractors
- Use inspection findings to negotiate a lower asking price and repairs
- Educate new buyers on how and when to perform home maintenance
Conclusion: The Importance Of Home Maintenance In Toronto
Owning a home requires just as much investment in time and energy—but it’s worth it.
That’s because a well-maintained home not only looks great, but it can significantly increase your property’s value.
However, with so much to do it can sometimes feel overwhelming…
That’s why this guide breaks down Toronto home maintenance by season, helping you identify what needs fixing and when.
A professional real estate agent can also help, offering advice, connecting you to trusted professionals, saving you money with rebates, and more.
Have questions about home maintenance in Toronto? Contact me below for answers.
Wins Lai
Real Estate Broker
Re/Max Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage
m: 416.903.7032 p: 416-530-1080
f: 416-530-4733
a: 836 Dundas St W Toronto, ON M6J 1V5
w: www.winslai.com e: wins@winslai.com