Ottawa homeowners face a unique set of challenges when it comes to maintaining their properties — from ice damming on roofs after a January deep freeze to basement moisture creeping in during spring thaw. Thankfully, handyman expert Steve Maxwell has spent decades offering practical, no-nonsense advice to help Canadians keep their homes in great shape year-round.
Why Home Maintenance Matters More in Ottawa
Ottawa's climate is no joke. We swing from -30°C winters to +35°C humid summers, and that kind of temperature range puts serious stress on everything from your foundation to your window seals. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way toward avoiding costly repairs down the road — and Maxwell's tips are built with exactly that kind of climate punishment in mind.
Top Indoor Tips
One of Maxwell's go-to recommendations is checking your caulking around tubs, sinks, and windows at least once a year. In older Ottawa homes — and there are plenty of them in neighbourhoods like Centretown, Hintonburg, and Westboro — dried-out or cracked caulk is one of the sneakiest sources of water damage and drafts.
He also emphasizes the importance of cleaning your dryer vent annually. Lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires, and it's one of those tasks that's easy to forget until something goes wrong. A simple vent brush kit from any Ottawa hardware store will do the trick.
For basements prone to humidity — a common issue in Ottawa's older housing stock — Maxwell suggests running a dehumidifier through the warmer months and checking window well drainage to prevent water from pooling against the foundation.
Outdoor Improvements Worth Doing Now
With Ottawa's spring finally here, it's prime time to get outside and assess what winter left behind. Maxwell recommends walking your property perimeter and checking for any frost heave that may have shifted walkway stones or cracked concrete near the foundation.
Deck boards are another priority. Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on wood, and a loose board or popped screw can quickly become a safety hazard. A quick inspection and a bag of exterior screws can save you from a much bigger repair later in the season.
If you're thinking about painting or staining your deck, Maxwell advises waiting until temperatures are consistently above 10°C — which in Ottawa usually means late May or early June — to ensure proper adhesion and a finish that actually lasts.
Small Fixes, Big Payoff
One theme that runs through Maxwell's advice is that small, regular fixes almost always beat waiting for something to become a big problem. Whether it's tightening a loose handrail, resealing your driveway, or simply replacing worn weatherstripping on your front door, these are the kinds of tasks that pay dividends in comfort, energy savings, and resale value.
For Ottawa homeowners who tackle their own repairs, local resources like Lee Valley Tools in Nepean and various Rona and Home Depot locations across the city carry most of what you'll need for standard DIY jobs.
Getting Help When You Need It
Of course, not every fix is a DIY job. Maxwell is consistent about knowing your limits — especially for anything involving electrical, plumbing, or structural work. Ottawa has a solid network of licensed contractors, and pulling the right permits matters here just as it does anywhere in Ontario.
A well-maintained home isn't just more comfortable to live in — in Ottawa's competitive real estate market, it's also a smarter investment.
Source: Houseworks column by Steve Maxwell, Ottawa Citizen. Read the original
