Before you move into a house or condo in Canada, check the structure, windows, ventilation, plumbing, electrical system, and heating. These areas affect your comfort, safety, and future expenses. A good inspection helps new homeowners avoid costly repairs in the first year.

Many expats arrive excited for a fresh start: a new country, a new job, and finally a new home to rent or buy. But when the first winter comes, the heating runs constantly, condensation appears on windows, and a small basement crack becomes a moisture problem. That is when people notice how different Canadian homes can be.

Canada has one of the longest heating seasons in the world. In many areas, homes need heating for six to eight months each year. Energy efficiency, good ventilation, and insulation are more important than many renters or home buyers expect.

This guide breaks down the key areas that you should check before signing a lease or buying a home. It is not about paint colour or finishes, but about the key systems that affect your comfort, health, and monthly costs. Moving is already stressful. You should not have to deal with hidden repairs on top of everything else.

1. The Building Envelope: Structure, Roof, and Foundation

The building envelope keeps everything inside safe. If it fails, comfort and safety are at risk. Canada’s freeze-thaw cycles are hard on homes. Water can seep into small cracks, freeze, and expand, widening them over time.

Begin by checking the foundation. Even small cracks should be noticed. Hairline cracks are common, but wide, horizontal, or stair-step cracks can mean the structure is shifting. Uneven floors or doors that do not close properly are also warning signs.

Next, check the roof. In Canada, roofs usually last 15 to 25 years, depending on the material and maintenance. If you see curling shingles or granules in the gutters, the roof may need to be replaced soon, which can be expensive.

What to check carefully:

• Visible foundation cracks wider than 3 mm
• Water stains or a musty smell in the basement
• Poor exterior drainage around the house
• Sagging rooflines or missing shingles

These problems can quietly become major expenses that cost an arm and a leg to fix.

2. Windows and Doors: Comfort and Energy Costs

Windows do more than provide a view. In older Canadian homes, they can account for 25 to 30 percent of heat loss. Over a six-month heating season, this leads to higher utility bills.

According to Ecoline, a trusted windows provider, most homes built in the last several decades still have double-pane windows or even single-pane models that provide no energy efficiency and drain your pockets when energy bills arrive.  Look for homes equipped with modern triple-pane windows, which offer better insulation and are in high demand in colder areas.

Doors are important as well. If the entry door is warped or the weatherstripping is worn out, cold air can get in, making your heating system work harder. Pay attention to:

• Fog or moisture between glass panes
• Drafts around frames
• Difficulty opening or locking
• Soft or rotting wood frames

In Canada, heating bills for inefficient homes can go over $200 to $300 per month in winter. This often surprises newcomers after they see their first utility bill.

3. Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

Canadian homes are built more tightly than many homes in other countries. This helps with energy efficiency, but it also makes good ventilation very important.

Modern homes often have HRV or ERV systems, which swap stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air and recover heat. Without these systems, or if they are not maintained, humidity goes up, windows get wet, and mould can form in bathrooms or basements.

Healthy indoor humidity should stay between 30% and 50%. Above that, condensation becomes common during winter. Inspect bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. Do they vent outside or simply into the attic? Is there visible mould around window frames or in corners? A musty smell is never harmless.

For families with children or anyone sensitive to air quality, this is important. It is about comfort and health, not just how the house works.

4. Plumbing and Bathrooms: Small Leaks, Big Damage

Water damage is a common reason for insurance claims in Canada. Pipes can freeze, valves can fail, and slow leaks may go unnoticed for months.

Turn on every tap. Test water pressure. Flush toilets. Watch how quickly the drains clear. Look under sinks and inside cabinets. Soft drywall, warped baseboards, or peeling paint may indicate past leakage.

Water heaters usually last 8 to 12 years, so check the manufacturing date. Replacing a water heater is manageable, but fixing floors and drywall after a hidden leak is harder. Key signs to examine:

• Rusted or corroded shut-off valves
• Inconsistent hot water
• Mildew smell in bathrooms
• Water stains around tubs or toilets

5. Kitchen Condition and Appliance Efficiency

The kitchen is used daily. It should function smoothly. Cosmetic updates are optional. Infrastructure is not. Check whether the ventilation hood ducts are outside. Recirculating fans are less effective. Inspect cabinets near the sink for swelling. Moisture damage here often indicates previous plumbing issues.

The age of appliances matters. ENERGY STAR-rated appliances use less electricity. Replacing all the appliances can cost several thousand dollars, which affects your move-in budget.

Open and close drawers. Check countertop edges. Look behind appliances if possible. Small details show overall care.

6. Electrical and Heating Systems

Finally, check the systems that keep your home safe and running well. Most Canadian homes use forced-air furnaces, electric baseboards, or heat pumps. Furnaces usually last 15 to 20 years. Ask for maintenance records. An old unit is not always a problem, but a neglected one can be costly.

For example, a well-tuned furnace can run at 90 percent efficiency, while a neglected unit might slip to 70 percent or lower. That gap means you could be spending hundreds of dollars more each year for the same level of comfort. Regular maintenance is not just about safety. It directly affects your monthly expenses.

Modern homes should have 200-amp electrical panels. Older 100-amp panels can limit future upgrades. Also, check for old wiring or overloaded breaker boxes. Ask for the actual monthly heating costs, not just estimates. Request real past bills if possible. Comfort in winter is essential.

7. Condo-Specific Checks

If you are buying or renting a condo, remember that the inspection should cover more than just your unit. Review the building’s reserve fund. A healthy reserve fund means fewer surprise special assessments. Ask who is responsible for window replacement. In some buildings, owners pay. In others, the condo management board covers it.

Listen for sound transfer between units. Check hallway ventilation. Confirm what is included in the monthly fees. Living in a shared building means shared responsibility. Being clear about these details helps prevent problems later.

Before you sign anything, think about hiring a certified home inspector. Ask clear questions, look over maintenance records, and do not rush your decision. Your home should feel safe and efficient from your first winter and beyond.