Spring always feels like a fresh start. The days get longer, the snow finally melts, and there’s a renewed energy that makes you want to open the windows, get outside, and tackle a few projects around the house.

I always tell homeowners that spring is one of the best times of year to take care of a few simple maintenance tasks. Not only does it help keep your home running smoothly, but a lot of these small jobs are proactive rather than reactive — meaning they can save you money and prevent bigger issues down the road.

Jeff Howells from Nu Level Inspections, shared some of his top spring maintenance recommendations for homeowners. Many of these tasks are quick and easy but can make a big difference in protecting your home.

Start Outside: Protecting Your Home From Spring Weather

After months of winter snow, ice, and wind, the outside of your home is usually the first place that needs attention.

One of the most important tasks is cleaning out your gutters and checking your downspouts. Over the fall and winter, leaves, debris, and ice can build up and block proper drainage. When spring rains arrive, clogged gutters can lead to water spilling over the sides and potentially causing damage to your roof, siding, or foundation.

It’s also a good idea to check your window wells and clear out any debris that may have collected during the colder months. This simple step helps prevent water from pooling around basement windows when heavy rain arrives.

While you're outside, take a moment to look up at your roof. You don’t necessarily need to climb up there — often you can spot potential issues right from the ground. Look for missing shingles, pieces that may have lifted, or areas that look worn from winter storms.

Spring is also the perfect time to inspect your deck before summer barbecue season begins. Look for loose boards, signs of rot, or railings that may need tightening. Catching these issues early helps keep your deck safe and ready for outdoor gatherings once the warmer weather arrives.

Another area homeowners sometimes overlook is grading and drainage around the house. Ideally, your yard should slope away from the foundation so that rainwater drains away rather than toward your home. If you notice any spots where water tends to pool, adding a bit of topsoil can often solve the problem.

Finally, don’t forget about your air conditioner. If you covered it for the winter, now is the time to remove the cover and make sure the unit is clear of leaves, dirt, or other debris. Taking a few minutes to check it now can help ensure it's ready to go when those hot summer days arrive.

Inside the Home: A Few Quick Seasonal Checks

Once the outside of your home is in good shape, there are a few simple tasks inside that are worth doing every spring.

After working hard all winter, your furnace will likely need a fresh filter. Changing the furnace filter every six months is a great habit to get into, and spring is the perfect reminder.

Another helpful maintenance task is flushing your hot water tank. Over time, sediment can build up inside the tank, which can reduce efficiency and shorten its lifespan. Draining part of the tank helps remove that buildup and keeps the system running smoothly.

Spring is also a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. It’s a simple step that many people forget, but it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your home and family safe.

And if you shut off your outdoor water taps for the winter, don’t forget to open those shut-off valves again so they’re ready for gardening, washing the car, or watering the lawn.

Don’t Forget These Often-Overlooked Appliances

There are also a few household systems and appliances that benefit from a little extra attention in the spring.

If your home has a furnace humidifier, it likely worked hard all winter. These units can collect calcium and mineral deposits from hard water, so giving the filter a quick clean can help keep it working efficiently. Many homeowners simply remove the component and soak it in vinegar or a cleaning solution like CLR to remove buildup.

If your home has a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), spring is a great time to clean the filters and core. Keeping the system clean helps maintain good indoor air quality and ensures the unit runs efficiently.

Gas fireplaces also benefit from a seasonal clean. The glass can develop a cloudy film over time, but it usually wipes clean easily with a simple vinegar and water solution.

And while you're in cleaning mode, don’t forget the kitchen exhaust fan. The filter can collect grease and dust over time, but a quick wash with soap and warm water can make a big difference.

Small Tasks Today Can Prevent Bigger Repairs Tomorrow

The biggest takeaway from all of these tips is that a little maintenance goes a long way.

Many of these tasks take less than an hour but can help prevent costly repairs later on. Taking the time each spring to check these items can help protect your home, improve efficiency, and give you peace of mind heading into the summer months.

As someone who works with homeowners every day, I’ve seen how much regular maintenance can impact the long-term condition and value of a property. Whether you plan to stay in your home for years or are thinking about selling down the road, keeping up with these seasonal tasks is always worth it.

And if you ever have questions about preparing your home for sale, maintaining its value, or simply taking better care of it, I’m always happy to help.

When it comes to renovating or building a home, flooring is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. It affects the look and feel of your space, the comfort of your home, how easy it is to maintain, and even the long-term value of your property.

With so many options available today — from carpet and luxury vinyl to hardwood and tile — choosing the right flooring can feel overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve seen how the right choice can completely transform a home, while the wrong one can create frustration for homeowners later on.

If you’re planning a renovation or building a new home, here are a few key things to think about before making your flooring decision.

Start by Thinking About How the Space Is Used

The first thing I always encourage homeowners to consider is how each room will actually be used.

High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and kitchens need flooring that can handle constant use. These spaces benefit from materials that are durable and easy to clean.

Other areas of the home, such as bedrooms or home offices, allow for more comfort-focused choices. Many homeowners prefer softer or warmer flooring in these spaces to create a more relaxing environment.  Often people prefer carpet in bedrooms, favouring the warmth, but if you don’t want to compromise on functionality or style, hardwood or LVP can be a great option, while adding an area rug under the bed, is a nice balance between functionality and comfort.  

Lifestyle also plays a big role. Homes with children, pets, or rental use typically benefit from more durable and low-maintenance flooring options, while quieter households may place more emphasis on aesthetics or comfort.

Understanding Your Flooring Options

Each type of flooring comes with its own advantages, and the best option often depends on where it will be installed.

Carpet is known for its warmth, comfort, and sound absorption, which makes it a popular choice for bedrooms and basements. Modern carpets are also designed with improved stain resistance and durability.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has become one of the most popular flooring options in recent years. It offers excellent durability, water resistance, and realistic wood or stone finishes. Because of this, it performs very well in kitchens, basements, and rental properties.

Hardwood and engineered hardwood remain timeless choices that add warmth and character to a home. Engineered hardwood is often preferred in modern homes because it offers better stability in environments where humidity levels fluctuate.

Tile is extremely durable and highly resistant to moisture, which makes it ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways. The trade-off is that it can feel cooler underfoot compared to other materials.

Think About Maintenance and Your Lifestyle

One of the most important questions homeowners should ask is how much maintenance they are comfortable with.

Some flooring materials require more regular care, while others are designed to be very low maintenance. If you have pets, young kids, or a busy household, materials that resist scratches and stains can make a huge difference in day-to-day life.

Another factor to consider is future repairs. Flooring systems that allow for individual plank or tile replacement can save time and money if damage ever occurs.

Don’t Forget About the Subfloor

Something homeowners don’t always think about is what lies underneath the flooring.

The condition of the subfloor plays a major role in how well flooring performs over time. If a subfloor is uneven or damaged, it can lead to issues such as squeaking, movement, or premature wear.

Proper preparation, including leveling the subfloor when necessary, helps ensure the finished flooring looks great and performs as expected for years to come.

Focus on Long-Term Value, Not Just Trends

Flooring is a long-term investment, and while design trends can be exciting, it’s important to balance style with longevity.

Neutral tones and classic finishes tend to age better and provide flexibility if you decide to change décor in the future. Flooring that feels timeless today will often continue to feel relevant years down the road.

Get Professional Advice Early

One of the best things homeowners can do when planning flooring is consult with a professional early in the process.

There are many factors that influence flooring choices, including moisture levels, heating systems, and transitions between rooms. Getting guidance from a flooring expert early on can help prevent costly changes later and ensure the product you choose is the right fit for your home.

The Right Flooring Makes a Big Difference

Flooring has a huge impact on both the appearance and functionality of a home. By thinking about how each space is used, understanding the different material options, and planning for long-term durability, homeowners can choose flooring that supports their lifestyle and enhances their home for years to come.

And if you're ever thinking about renovations with resale value in mind, flooring is one of the updates that can truly make a difference.

As we move further into 2026, Calgary’s housing market continues to show very different conditions depending on the type of property. February’s numbers highlight something we’ve been seeing more clearly over the past several months — while some segments of the market remain tight, others are seeing increased supply that is giving buyers more options.

Overall, the market is sitting in relatively balanced territory, but the experience can look quite different depending on whether you’re buying or selling a detached home, townhouse, or condo.

Across Calgary in February, there were 1,526 sales and 4,822 active listings, which resulted in about three months of supply and a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 55%. While sales were down about 11% compared to last February, much of that decline was driven by slower activity in the row and apartment segments.

At the same time, the benchmark price for all residential property types in Calgary reached $560,500, which is about 1% higher than January, but still 4% lower than last year.

What’s particularly interesting right now is how different each property type is performing.

Detached Homes Continue to Face Limited Supply

Detached homes remain one of the tightest segments of the market, particularly in more affordable price ranges.

In February there were 736 sales and 1,269 new listings, resulting in just under three months of supply. While that is considered balanced overall, many buyers are still finding limited options when looking for detached homes priced below $700,000.

Higher price ranges tend to be more balanced, while more affordable detached homes continue to see stronger competition.

The benchmark price for a detached home reached $734,300 in February, which was just over 1% higher than January, though still 3% lower than last year.

Market conditions also vary by area of the city. The West district and City Centre reported some of the strongest conditions and price growth, while the North East district is seeing more inventory and softer pricing.

Semi-Detached Homes See Some of the Tightest Conditions

Semi-detached homes actually reported the lowest months of supply of any property type in February.

There were 175 sales and 253 new listings, resulting in a 69% sales-to-new-listings ratio and just 2.4 months of supply.

While this is a smaller segment of the market, those tighter conditions helped support price growth. The benchmark price reached $682,200, which is over 2% higher than January and roughly in line with prices from last year.

Like other segments, price performance varied depending on the area, with stronger activity in the City Centre, North West, and West districts, while other areas saw slight declines.

Row Homes Remain Relatively Balanced

Row homes saw an increase in sales in February compared to January, with 270 sales recorded.

At the same time, 491 new listings came onto the market. This helped bring the sales-to-new-listings ratio to 55%, which is considered balanced.

Inventory levels remain somewhat elevated, but stronger sales helped reduce the months of supply from over four months in January to just over three months in February.

The benchmark price for row homes reached $423,600, which is typical for seasonal price increases early in the year. However, prices are still about 5% lower than last February, with some districts seeing larger adjustments than others.

Apartment Condos Continue to Favour Buyers

The most noticeable shift in the market right now is happening in the apartment condominium segment.

Even though new listings slowed slightly in February, there were still 753 new listings and only 345 sales, leaving the sales-to-new-listings ratio at just 46%.

This has led to rising inventory levels, with 1,580 condo units currently on the market and months of supply sitting well above four months.

As a result, this segment of the market continues to favour buyers.

The benchmark price for apartment condos dropped to $298,600, which is nearly 1% lower than January and over 9% lower than last year.

Supply levels vary significantly across the city. Some areas like the North East have over 11 months of supply, while others, like parts of the South district, are closer to balanced conditions.

One of the factors contributing to increased supply is the number of apartment projects currently under construction. Calgary saw record housing starts last year, with nearly 18,000 apartment units currently being built. While many of these units are intended for rentals, they still influence the broader condo ownership market.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

What we’re seeing right now is a two-speed market.

Detached and semi-detached homes — particularly in more affordable price ranges — continue to see tighter conditions and limited supply.

At the same time, condo buyers have more choice than we’ve seen in several years, which is creating more negotiating power in that segment.

For sellers, the strategy depends heavily on property type, pricing, and location. Homes that are well-priced and well-presented are still selling, but the market is more sensitive than it was during the peak of the pandemic-era market.

As always, understanding the specific conditions for your property type and neighbourhood is key.