Why winter prep matters in Calgary

Calgary winters test every part of a home. Cold snaps, chinooks, ice, and snow loads put real stress on roofs, furnaces, plumbing, and seals. A winter inspection catches risks early, but your results are even better when the home is ready for the visit. Good prep means clearer access, safer checks, and stronger notes in your report. You get more value for the same appointment.

Set the basics: clear access and good lighting

Most delays during winter inspections come from blocked doors, icy steps, and dark spaces. These are easy to fix in advance.

• Walkways and steps: shovel and add sand or ice melt. Inspectors carry gear and need safe footing.
• Exterior doors and gates: clear snow so doors can open fully. If there is a side yard gate to the utility area, make sure it moves without force.
• Garage and mechanical rooms: turn on lights, replace burnt bulbs, and keep the floor dry to prevent slips.
• Attic access: if the hatch is in a closet, move clothes and storage bins so the inspector can reach it easily.

Make space around key systems

Inspectors need working room around equipment. A few minutes of tidying saves time and helps the inspector see more detail.

• Furnace and water heater: clear 3 feet of space if possible. Move paint cans, boxes, and holiday storage.
• Electrical panel: remove obstacles and label the door if it sticks. Easy access supports a better safety check.
• Sinks and traps: under-kitchen and bathroom sinks should be free of clutter so leaks are easier to spot.
• Attic hatch and pull-down ladders: make sure they open fully without catching on shelving or storage.

Change filters and check simple maintenance items

Small tasks improve both comfort and inspection results, especially in dry, cold months.

• Furnace filter: replace it if it is dusty or past due. A clean filter improves airflow and helps the inspector read performance more accurately.
• Humidifier: if you run one, check the pad and settings. Over-humid air can cause window frost and moisture on walls.
• Range hood and bathroom fans: clean the covers and test that they move air. Ventilation matters in winter when windows stay closed.
• Dryer vent: clear lint. This is a safety and efficiency item inspectors often note in reports.

Do a quick water and heat walk-through

A short self-check a day before the inspection helps you spot things worth noting to the inspector.

• Hot and cold at taps: open each tap, watch for slow flow, listen for hammering, and note any odd smells in hot water.
• Toilets: flush and wait. If tanks keep running, tell the inspector. It might be a simple fix, but it is useful data.
• Radiators or baseboards (if applicable): feel for even heat. Cold sections can point to air in lines or control issues.
• Thermostats: verify that set points match room feel. Big gaps can hint at draft paths or sensor placement problems.

Seal drafts and note cold spots

Drafts are common in Calgary homes, especially after chinooks shift pressure and loosen seals. You do not have to fix everything before the visit, but you can help the inspector map problem areas.

• Windows and doors: stand near frames and feel for cold air. Note rooms where you always grab a sweater.
• Attic hatch: check for a dusty ring or dark line around the trim, which can show air leakage.
• Outlets on exterior walls: if they feel cold, insulation behind the box may be thin or missing.

Write down what you find. A short list gives the inspector a head start and often leads to clearer photos and notes in the report.

Look for moisture clues before they spread

Moisture is the winter wildcard. It hides in basements, window corners, and attic sheathing. Early hints are easy to miss unless you go looking.

• Windows: wipe up condensation and check the trim. Soft or stained wood means moisture has been there for a while.
• Basement walls: look for white “frosting” (efflorescence), rusty nails, or a damp line along the slab.
• Ceilings under bathrooms: spot faint rings or peeling paint—common signs of slow leaks or poor venting.
• Attic (if safe to peek): look for dark patches on the underside of the roof deck. That can signal frost melt from warm, humid air escaping.

Roof and exterior: prepare for what the weather allows

Winter limits what anyone can see on a roof. That is normal. A good inspection still records conditions and notes limits clearly.

• Photos you have: if you took pictures after a hail event or before the last snowfall, share them. They can help confirm damage patterns.
• Gutters and downspouts: confirm they are not packed with ice. Aim downspouts away from the foundation by several feet.
• Ice dams: note thick ridges of ice along eaves. Tell the inspector where you see icicles form most often.

If access is unsafe due to ice or deep snow, the report will say so. You can plan a follow-up check in spring for a full roof review.

Safety items: simple checks before the visit

Cold months raise safety risks indoors. A few quick tests help you catch issues early.

• Smoke and CO alarms: press to test, replace batteries, and note alarm age. Many units expire at 7–10 years.
• Fireplace and gas appliances: note any soot, odd smells, or pilot light issues. Do not run a gas fireplace if you suspect a fault.
• Space heaters: keep them away from curtains and cords. Unplug them before the inspection to reduce clutter and risk.

Pets, parking, and practical details

Good logistics make the visit smoother for everyone.

• Pets: secure dogs and cats in a comfortable room or arrange a short outing. Inspectors open doors and may enter crawl spaces.
• Parking: leave a spot close to the entrance if possible. Gear is heavy in winter.
• Keys and codes: have garage remotes and side door keys handy. If there is a condo room or utility cage, bring the key.

Bring your list: questions and concerns

No one knows your home like you do. If the furnace makes a noise once a week, or a window leaks only during a chinook, write it down. Share the list at the start. Inspectors can often time checks to catch patterns. You are not “leading” the inspection—you are improving it.

What to expect during the winter visit

Some tests change in cold weather. That is normal and documented in the report.

• Roof views: may be limited by snow or ice. The report will note this and suggest a fair follow-up window.
• Exterior grading: frozen ground hides slope issues. Photos still help, and spring checks can confirm.
• HVAC: furnaces can be tested under load. Cooling systems are not run in freezing temps to avoid damage.
• Moisture and drafts: winter often makes them easier to find, which is a plus for diagnosis.

After the inspection: act on clear next steps

Strong reports do not drown you in jargon. You should see photos, plain notes, and a simple list of priorities. Tackle safety items first, then plan for efficiency and comfort upgrades. In Calgary, this often means sealing air leaks, boosting attic insulation, and improving drainage away from the foundation. Keep receipts and photos of work. A tidy maintenance history helps if you sell later.

A quick pre-visit checklist you can copy

Print this and tape it to the fridge the week of your inspection.

• Shovel, sand, and light all entries.
• Clear 3 ft around furnace, water heater, and panel.
• Replace furnace filter; check humidifier setting.
• Run fans; clean covers on baths and range hood.
• Open each tap; check for slow flow or odd smells.
• Scan windows, basement walls, and ceilings for stains.
• Note drafts, cold rooms, and ice at eaves.
• Test smoke and CO alarms; note their age.
• Secure pets; set aside remotes and keys.
• Write a short list of questions for the inspector.

The payoff

A winter inspection is not only about finding problems—it is about keeping control. With simple prep, your home is safer to access, your systems are easier to assess, and your report is more complete. You get clear answers, fewer surprises, and a plan that fits Calgary’s weather. That is how you turn a cold season into a smart season for your home.