Tools & Checklists
Printable and easy-to-follow checklists to keep your home safe, efficient, and in good repair through every season.
- Habitat Saskatchewan Home Maintenance Checklist
- RONA – Home Maintenance To Do List – Monthly and seasonal tasks for HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and more.
- Mike Holmes – Complete Home Maintenance Checklist – Seasonal maintenance guidance from one of Canada’s most trusted contractors.
Home Tips from Trusted Professionals
Authoritative advice and tools from trusted Canadian sources to help you care for your home year-round.
- CMHC – Home Care: A Guide to Repair & Maintenance – Tools, safety tips, seasonal checklists, and repair planning from Canada’s housing authority.
- CMHC – Maintain Your Home and Protect Your Investment – How to spot issues early, keep up with maintenance, and preserve your home’s value.
Home Maintenance Tip Videos
General Home Tips
- Home Maintenance and Tool Checklist for 1st-Time Homebuyers
- Top 10 Home Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners
- Seasonal Home Maintenance Guide
- Home Depot Tips
- Rona Tips
Circuit Breakers
- Understand how your home’s main electrical panel works
- Why does it trip and how to replace them
- Circuit Breaker Explained
- Recognizing a Bad Circuit Breaker – DIY Home Electrical Safety
Furnace Maintenance Tips
- Yearly Furnace Cleaning and Maintenance Pro Tips
- 10 Furnace Cleaning and Maintenance Pro Tips
- How to change your home furnace air filter (and how often)
Plumbing Problems and Tips
- Most Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them | DIY Plumbing
- How to Fix A Running Toilet
- How to use a plunger
- How To Flush A Tankless Water Heater The Easy Way
- No Hot Water: Water Heater Troubleshooting
- TANK vs TANKLESS WATER HEATER
- Common Tankless Water Heater Problems & How to Fix Them
- Your Entire Plumbing System & What You Need to Know About It
HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) Systems
- What Is an HRV System?
- Heat Recovery Ventilation Explained
- HRV Maintenance: How to use and maintain a heat recovery ventilation system
Gutters and Downspouts
Sump Pumps
- How Does a Sump Pump Work?
- Everything To Know About A Sump Pump
- How To Know If Your Sump Pump Is Working
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
House Shifting and Foundations
- House settling vs foundation problems: What’s normal and when to worry
- Why Do Foundations Shift? (and How to Fix It)
- What Kind of Foundation Cracks Are BAD?
Condo Maintenance
Home Insurance
Protect your investment with the right home insurance coverage. These guides explain what policies include, how to compare options, and the maintenance steps that can help lower your premiums and prevent claims.
Understanding Home Insurance
Protecting your home starts with understanding your coverage. These guides break down what home insurance includes, how different policy types work, and how to choose the best coverage for your needs as a homeowner in Canada.
- Government of Canada – Home Insurance Basics – Explains the main components of home insurance, including coverage for structure, contents, and liability, plus tips for comparing policies.
- Insurance Bureau of Canada – Types of Home Coverage – Outlines the main policy types in Canada: comprehensive, broad, and basic, with advice on choosing the right fit.
- YouSet – Home Insurance Guide – Beginner-friendly guide explaining coverage types, common exclusions, and how home insurance works.
- MoneySense – How to Buy Home Insurance in Canada – Step-by-step advice for comparing insurers, understanding policy limits, and getting the best value for your premiums.
Tools & Checklists
- Government of Canada – Home Insurance Basics – Covers what typical homeowner policies include (structure, contents, liability) and what to consider when choosing coverage.
- Insurance Bureau of Canada – Types of Home Coverage – Outlines the main categories of home insurance in Canada: comprehensive, broad, and basic.
- YouSet – Home Insurance Guide – Beginner-friendly guide explaining coverage types, exclusions, and how home insurance works.
- MoneySense – How to Buy Home Insurance in Canada – Step-by-step guide for comparing insurers and understanding policy limits and premiums.
Home Insurance Providers in Saskatchewan
Find trusted Saskatchewan-based insurance providers offering customizable coverage, competitive rates, and knowledgeable support.
When shopping for home insurance, remember that Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan does not set insurance prices or provide advice on whether your policy offers full protection. It’s important to compare options and speak with an insurance broker to ensure you get the right coverage for your needs.
Regina Residents: We have a discount code available for Harvard Western Insurance. If you are a current Habitat homeowner, please contact us at homeownerservices@habitatsask.ca to receive the code.
What does Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Cover?
The program follows a “1-2-10” model:
- 1 Year: Problems with how your home was built or finished (workmanship and materials).
- 2 Years: Water getting inside through the roof, windows, doors, or basement walls.
- 10 Years: Big structural problems that affect the strength of your home (load-bearing parts)
If you need more information, read the: Full Warranty Coverage Details
How do I make a warranty claim?
- Your home is signed up for the program when you move in.
- You will get 90-day and 1-year forms to tell the program about problems.
- If you have an emergency (like sparking wires, big water leaks, furnace not working, or basement flooding), call right away.
- If you and your builder cannot agree on repairs, the program can ask an independent person to help you find a fair solution.
If you need more information, read more here: How to File a Claim
Maintaining your warranty
You must take care of your home to keep your coverage. Follow your builder’s instructions and:
- Use your home’s ventilation system (HRV) to control moisture.
- Keep your sump pump plugged in and working.
- Make sure water flows away from your house and check the seals around windows and doors.
Helpful link: Maintaining Your Warranty
4 Tips to Protect Your Coverage
- Write down problems early: Use your 90-day and 1-year forms. Most small problems after the first year are your responsibility.
- Control moisture: Use your HRV and keep air moving. Water damage from condensation is not covered.
- Check drainage and seals: Do this each season to help stop water from getting in.
- Report emergencies quickly: Call the program right away.
Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Resources
Contact Information
Head Office – Saskatoon
#14-102 Cope Crescent, Saskatoon, SK S7T 0X2
Ph: 306.373.7833 | Toll Free: 1.833.213.9532
Email: general@saskhw.com
www.saskhw.com
Branch Office – Regina
#201-1801 Mackay Street, Regina, SK S4N 6E7
Ph: 306.373.7833 | Toll Free: 1.833.213.9532
Email: general@saskhw.com
www.saskhw.com
Managing Debt
- Know your debts: Track all balances, interest rates, and minimum payments.
- Follow the 15–20% rule: Try to keep non-mortgage debt payments under 15–20% of your take-home pay.
- Pay extra on high-interest debts: This saves you money over time.
- Avoid using credit for essentials: If you need credit for everyday expenses, check your budget for changes you can make.
- Save for emergencies: Even a small fund can help you avoid using credit in a crisis.
Managing Debt Tools
Family Legacy & Estate Planning
Planning what happens to your home and other belongings after you pass away is an important part of protecting your family. Having a will and an estate plan ensures your wishes are followed and makes things easier for your loved ones. These resources explain the basics and offer affordable options to get started.
Understanding Wills & Estate Planning
Why It Matters
Your home is often your most valuable asset. Planning ahead ensures it’s protected and passed on according to your wishes. Without a clear will or estate plan, your property may be divided by law in ways you did not intend, creating stress and confusion for your family.
About Wills
A will is a legal document that says who gets your belongings — including your home — after you die.
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Keep it up to date: Update your will when you buy a home, add a co-owner, refinance, or pay off your mortgage.
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If you don’t have one: In Saskatchewan, your property is divided according to The Intestate Succession Act, which may not match your wishes.
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Important steps for homeowners:
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List your home and any other properties clearly in your will.
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Choose a trusted executor to handle the sale or transfer of your home if needed.
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Consider joint ownership options, like joint tenancy, to make transfer to a spouse or partner easier.
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Plan for mortgage payments by having insurance or savings in place.
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Keep your will, deed, mortgage papers, and insurance documents together in a safe place.
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Learn more here: Making a Will in Saskatchewan – PLEA
Estate Planning
An estate plan is bigger than just a will. It’s a set of documents that guides how your property, money, and personal care are handled.
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Avoids family disputes: Provides clarity and peace of mind by making your wishes known.
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Saves money: Can reduce probate fees and minimize taxes on your estate.
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Includes powers of attorney: Lets trusted people act on your behalf if you’re ever unable to.
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For everyone: Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly. Life events like buying a home, starting a family, or experiencing illness or accident make it important at any age.
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Stay current: Review your plan regularly to reflect changes in family, property ownership, or finances.
Will Services & Advice
Will Services
Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA)
Free, plain-language guides and resources for making a will in Saskatchewan.
Visit PLEA
Law Society of Saskatchewan – Find a Lawyer Tool
Search for lawyers in your area who specialize in wills and estates.
Find a Lawyer
Legal Aid Saskatchewan
Help for low-income residents, including guidance on wills and estate planning.
Visit Legal Aid Saskatchewan
LawDepot
Free, customizable will template valid in Saskatchewan if properly signed and witnessed.
Get the Template
Will & Estate Planning Advice
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- Willful – The Definitive Guide to Estate Planning in Canada
Covers essentials like wills, beneficiaries, power of attorney, and funeral wishes. - TD Canada Trust – Estate Planning & Settlement Advice
Offers step-by-step guidance on planning and settling estates, including terminology and the executor checklist. - RBC Wealth Management Study – “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way”
Explores perceptions, barriers, and digital trends in estate planning across Canadian demographics.
- Willful – The Definitive Guide to Estate Planning in Canada
Video Explanations
Estate Planning 101 in Canada (Full Guide): A clear and approachable overview covering who needs estate planning in Canada, the risks of procrastination, and how to get started.
Estate Planning in Canada | Full Guide Avoid Common Pitfalls: Walks through key estate documents (like wills and powers of attorney), how they work, and by example outlines pitfalls to avoid.
How Condos are Managed
When you own a condo, you automatically join the Condominium Association, which oversees the property. A Board of Directors, elected by owners, manages finances, rules, and maintenance. The board may hire a Property Management Company to handle daily operations like collecting fees, organizing repairs, and enforcing by-laws. Owners vote at Annual General Meetings (AGMs), where budgets, repairs, and board elections are discussed.
Managing Agent vs Condo Board – What’s the Difference?
What is Condominium Management?
What do Property Managers do?
Property managers work on behalf of the condo board (a group of elected owners who represent the community). Their job is to:
- Oversee maintenance and repairs for shared spaces (e.g., snow removal, landscaping, roofing, playgrounds).
- Manage finances such as collecting condo fees, paying bills, and preparing budgets.
- Coordinate vendors and contractors for services like garbage removal, lawn care, or security systems.
- Communicate with homeowners by sending notices, updates, and reminders about rules or maintenance schedules.
- Support the condo board in enforcing bylaws and helping resolve issues.
How Property Managers Work with the Condo Board
- The condo board makes decisions about how the community is run.
- The property manager carries out those decisions by handling day-to-day operations.
- Property managers are not decision-makers — they follow the direction of the condo board and ensure rules are applied fairly.
Responsibilities, Fees, and Insurance
Condo fees are mandatory and cover shared spaces such as roofs, parking lots, and landscaping, as well as insurance, utilities, and contributions to the reserve fund for future repairs. While the condo corporation’s insurance covers the building and common areas, owners need their own condo insurance for personal belongings, liability, and private outdoor spaces. Unit owners are also responsible for maintaining the inside of their unit.
Living in Shared Community
Condo living means being mindful of neighbours and shared spaces. Respecting by-laws and policies on parking, pets, garbage, noise, and maintenance helps everyone live peacefully. Owners should know when to contact Habitat Saskatchewan (e.g., mortgage or program questions) versus property management (e.g., fees, common property, or by-law enforcement). Building positive relationships with neighbours and understanding community rules makes condo living smoother.
General Safety Tips
Seasonal & Weather Safety
- Winter ice & snow: Keep walkways clear and salted to prevent slips. Check furnaces, HRV systems, and carbon monoxide detectors before the cold sets in.
- Storm prep: Saskatchewan storms can be sudden. Secure outdoor items (trampolines, patio furniture, tools) to prevent damage.
- Summer fire safety: Keep barbecues, firepits, and propane tanks at safe distances from the house.
Home Security Basics
- Always lock doors and windows—even in smaller towns or when you’re just out in the yard.
- Use good exterior lighting, especially near doors and garages. Motion-sensor lights are effective in deterring intruders.
- Trim hedges and trees so entry points are visible from the street.
- Teach kids to never open the door to strangers.
Smart & Affordable Technology
- Video doorbells or basic security cameras can provide peace of mind. Even signage (like “Security system in use”) helps deter crime.
- Smart light timers help your home look lived-in while you’re away.
Community Connection
- Introduce yourself to neighbors. In close-knit Saskatchewan communities, neighbors often act as the first line of defense.
- Many cities and towns offer Neighbourhood Watch programs. Check with your local police service
Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
- Government of Canada Fire Safety Tips
- Canadian Red Cross Home Fire Safety Tips
- Government of Canada Carbon Monoxide Safety
- Creating a Fire Escape Plan:
Community Safety & Home Security
- Notice suspicious activity in your neighbourhood? Report it to SCAN and remain safe and anonymous. Learn more here.
- If you feel the activity should be reported to the police, but is still non-emergent, contact your local police department:
- TD Insurance, Tips for protecting your home while on vacation
- Canada Safety Council Keeping your Home Safe: Tips for vacations or work trips.
- Toronto Police Home Security Tips
Home Emergency and Preparedness
Buy Back Program
When you become a Habitat homeowner, your mortgage agreement includes an Option to Purchase legal document that will outline the terms and conditions of this policy. This means that if you wish to sell your home within the first 18 years of ownership, you must first give Habitat Saskatchewan the opportunity to buy back your home.
Our goal is to ensure affordable homeownership continues to serve families in our community. Below is an overview of how the process works.
The Buy Back Process
Steps of the Buy Back Program:
- Homeowner informs Habitat
You notify Habitat Saskatchewan in writing that you wish to sell your home. - Home inspection
Habitat conducts a home inspection to determine if any repairs (beyond normal wear-and-tear) are required. - Equity calculation
After accounting for the cost of repairs that are the homeowner’s responsibility, Habitat calculates the equity (the value you’ve built up in your home). - Decision by Habitat
Habitat’s CEO makes a case-by-case decision on whether Habitat will buy back the home. Habitat then communicates the decision and the equity calculation to you.
Note: Habitat exercises the option by giving you written notice, and possession of the home typically transfers within 60 days.
Purchase Price & Equity Calculator
- If the house sold in the first 6 years, you receive: the total of all principal payments you’ve made up to the date of sale, minus the cost of any repairs required.
- If the house sold between years 7 and 18, you receive:
- The total of all principal payments made, plus
- For each year between the 7th and 18th year, 5% of any increase in the home’s Fair Market Value, minus the cost of repairs required.
- After 18 years: The Option to Purchase no longer applies. Beginning in the 19th year of homeownership, you are free to sell your home on the open market with a realtor if you wish.
Example: Buy Back & Equity Share
- Original Sale Price: $200,000
Current Outstanding Mortgage: $100,000
Equity Earned Through Payments: $100,000
Increase in Fair Market Value: $20,000
Years Owned: 10
At 10 years, the homeowner receives 20% of the $20,000 increase = $4,000, plus their mortgage equity (minus repair costs if applicable).
Equity Share by Year (if the home increases in value):
| Years Owned | Equity Share % | Example Share on $20,000 Increase |
| 1–6 years | 0% | $0 |
| 7 years | 5% | $1,000 |
| 8 years | 10% | $2,000 |
| 9 years | 15% | $3,000 |
| 10 years | 20% | $4,000 |
| 11 years | 25% | $5,000 |
| 12 years | 30% | $6,000 |
| 13 years | 35% | $7,000 |
| 14 years | 40% | $8,000 |
| 15 years | 45% | $9,000 |
| 16 years | 50% | $10,000 |
| 17 years | 55% | $11,000 |
| 18 years | 60% (cap) | $12,000 |
Note: At year 18, the maximum equity share is capped at 60%.
Important Notes
- Habitat Saskatchewan is not obligated to buy back the home.
- If Habitat chooses not to exercise the buy-back option, you are free to sell your home on the private market at any time during the first 18 years.
- An appraisal will always be used to determine the current Fair Market Value of your home.
