Your First 90 Days
A week-by-week checklist for new Ontario homeowners. What to check, when to check it, and which verified contractors to call if something needs attention.
Week 1: Secure & Safety
The non-negotiables before you unpack
Change all exterior locks and garage codes
A locksmith can rekey all locks to one key for $150–$250.
Locate and label your main water shutoff valve
Usually in the basement near the front wall. Turn it off and on to make sure it works.
Find a Trusted Plumber \u2192Locate your electrical panel and label all breakers
Run each breaker one at a time and label what it controls.
Find a Trusted Electrician \u2192Locate your gas shutoff valve (if applicable)
Usually near the gas meter on the exterior wall. Know how to turn it off.
Find a Trusted HVAC Pro \u2192Test all smoke detectors and CO detectors
Replace batteries even if they test fine. Replace units older than 10 years (smoke) or 7 years (CO).
Check that all doors and windows lock properly
Note any that stick or don’t latch — fix before winter.
Month 1: Systems Check
Get your major systems inspected before they surprise you
Schedule an HVAC inspection and filter change
A tune-up costs $100–$200 and can prevent a $5,000 emergency repair. Change filters every 3 months.
Find a Trusted HVAC Pro \u2192Have a licensed electrician inspect the panel
Especially important for homes 25+ years old. Look for Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels — both are fire risks.
Find a Trusted Electrician \u2192Check water heater age and condition
Average lifespan is 8–12 years. The age is on the serial number sticker. If it’s over 10, budget for replacement.
Find a Trusted Plumber \u2192Test all GFCI outlets (kitchen, bathrooms, exterior)
Press the TEST button — it should click and cut power. Press RESET to restore. Replace any that don’t trip.
Find a Trusted Electrician \u2192Run water in all taps and flush all toilets
Look for slow drains, running toilets, or low pressure — signs of issues the inspection may have missed.
Find a Trusted Plumber \u2192Check for signs of water damage in basement
Look for white mineral deposits on walls, musty smell, or staining. Address before it becomes mold.
Month 2: Exterior & Envelope
Protect what keeps the weather out
Inspect roof from ground level (binoculars)
Look for missing/curled shingles, sagging, or dark patches. If you see issues, get a professional inspection ($200–$400).
Find a Trusted Roofer \u2192Clean gutters and check downspout drainage
Downspouts should direct water at least 6 feet from the foundation. Extensions cost $10–$15 each.
Inspect caulking around windows and doors
Cracked or missing caulking lets in cold air and moisture. A tube of exterior caulk is $8 and takes 30 minutes.
Check driveway and walkways for cracks
Water enters cracks, freezes, and makes them bigger. Seal small cracks before winter.
Find a Trusted GC \u2192Trim branches within 6 feet of the roof
Overhanging branches drop debris into gutters and can damage shingles in storms.
Find Tree Service \u2192Check grading — ground should slope away from foundation
Poor grading is the #1 cause of basement water problems. Soil should slope 1 inch per foot for 6 feet.
Find a Landscaper \u2192Month 3: Prevention & Maintenance
Set up the habits that protect your investment
Schedule a pest inspection
Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or entry points in the basement and attic. Prevention is 10x cheaper than treatment.
Find Pest Control \u2192Create a home maintenance calendar
Furnace filter every 3 months. Gutters twice a year. HVAC tune-up annually. Water heater flush annually.
Set up a relationship with a trusted general contractor
Having a go-to contractor before an emergency means you won’t hire in panic. Check their ProScore score.
Find a Trusted GC \u2192Document everything with photos
Photograph every room, every system, every exterior side. Store in cloud. This is your baseline for insurance claims.
Review your home insurance coverage
Confirm replacement cost (not market value), water/sewer backup coverage, and liability limits. Many default policies have gaps.
Check if your contractors have WSIB clearance
WSIB clearance protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. ProScore verifies this automatically.
What These Tasks Typically Cost
Budget for these common first-year expenses. Prices are typical Ontario ranges as of 2026.
Red Flags When Hiring Contractors
As a new homeowner, you are a target for unlicensed and predatory contractors. Watch for these warning signs.
No written estimate before starting work
A legitimate contractor provides a detailed written quote. Verbal agreements leave you unprotected when the final bill arrives.
Demands cash or full payment upfront
Standard practice is 10–30% deposit, with the balance on completion. Anyone demanding full payment before starting is a risk.
Cannot show proof of WSIB coverage
Without WSIB clearance, you are personally liable if a worker is injured on your property. ProScore verifies this automatically.
Refuses to show a license when required
Electricians (ESA), gas fitters (TSSA), and home builders (HCRA) are required to hold provincial licenses in Ontario. No license = illegal work.
Pressure to decide immediately or lose the price
Legitimate professionals stand behind their pricing. High-pressure tactics are a sign of desperation or deception.
Need a contractor for any of these tasks?
ProScore rates 18,000+ Ontario contractors with government-verified licenses and ProScore scores. Know before you hire.