Buying a Home in St. John's Before Winter: 10 Checks
Buying
Buying a Home in St. John's Before Winter: 10 Things to Check
Buying a home in St. John's before winter? Discover 10 important checks for roofs, heating, basements, drainage, parking and home inspections.
By Felix OyelekeREALTOR · eXp Realty · Newfoundland & Labrador
October 27, 2026 · 6 min read
Buying a Home in St. John's Before Winter: 10 Things to Check
Buying a home in St. John's is exciting, whether you're a first-time buyer, relocating to Newfoundland, or looking for an investment property.
But buying a house in the fall or winter requires a little extra attention.
Newfoundland's cold temperatures, wind, rain, snow and freeze-thaw cycles can expose weaknesses in a property that might not be obvious during a summer viewing.
Before making an offer, here are 10 things worth checking.
1. Check the Roof and Gutters
A roof is one of the first things I recommend paying attention to during a home viewing.
Look for:
Missing, damaged or curling shingles
Visible sagging or uneven rooflines
Damaged or disconnected gutters
Water stains on ceilings or attic surfaces
Signs of previous leaks or repairs
Ask the seller when the roof was last replaced and whether they have receipts or warranty information.
A roof that looks fine from the street may still have problems that require professional evaluation.
Tip: If snow or ice prevents a proper inspection, discuss those limitations with your home inspector before removing your inspection condition.
Basements deserve particular attention in St. John's, especially in homes built on sloping lots or properties with finished lower levels.
During a viewing, check for:
Musty smells
Water staining along basement walls
Damp flooring or peeling paint
Visible cracks in foundation walls
Signs of recently repaired water damage
Sump pumps or drainage systems
Not every crack indicates a structural problem, but it is worth having a qualified professional assess anything concerning.
Ask whether the basement has ever experienced flooding, seepage or drainage problems.
If you're considering a two-apartment property, understanding the condition of the lower level is especially important.
3. Understand the Heating System
Heating costs should be part of your home-buying budget, not an afterthought.
Homes in the St. John's area can have different heating arrangements, including electric baseboards, heat pumps and oil-fired systems.
Before buying, find out:
What type of heating system is installed?
How old is the equipment?
When was it last serviced?
Are there maintenance records?
What have the utility costs been over the past 12 months?
Keep in mind that a previous owner's heating bills may not reflect your own usage.
For heat pumps, ask about the system's cold-weather performance, maintenance history and backup heating arrangements.
4. Inspect Windows and Exterior Doors
Older or poorly installed windows can affect comfort and energy consumption.
Look for condensation between panes, damaged seals, water staining, noticeable drafts and windows that are difficult to open or close.
Pay particular attention to basement windows and exterior doors near ground level.
Ask when the windows were installed and whether there have been recurring leaks.
Replacing multiple windows can become a significant expense, so their condition should factor into your overall assessment of the property.
5. Check Drainage Around the House
Water management is important in any climate, but it deserves special attention in a place that experiences rain, snow and changing temperatures.
Walk around the property and observe:
Whether the ground slopes toward or away from the foundation
Where downspouts discharge water
Whether water could collect beside basement walls
Whether exterior drains appear blocked
Whether neighbouring lots direct water toward the property
A dry basement on viewing day does not necessarily mean the property has never had water problems.
Consider asking the seller about the property's drainage history and any waterproofing work completed.
6. Think About Winter Parking and Access
Parking is something buyers can overlook when focusing on bedrooms, kitchens and interior finishes.
In St. John's, winter access can make a meaningful difference to everyday life.
Before making an offer, ask yourself:
Is the driveway large enough for your vehicles?
Is there a practical place to put snow after clearing the driveway?
Is the driveway steep or difficult to access?
Does the property depend on street parking?
Are there municipal winter parking restrictions affecting the street?
A property that is easy to access in October might require more planning during winter.
Review the applicable municipality's parking and snow-clearing information before buying, particularly if off-street parking is limited.
7. Look for Signs of Moisture and Poor Ventilation
Moisture problems are not always obvious.
During your viewing, pay attention to bathrooms, kitchens, attics, laundry areas and exterior walls.
Look for staining, unusual odours, excessive condensation or signs of inadequate ventilation.
Ask whether bathroom fans vent outdoors and whether the attic has been inspected for moisture issues.
Fresh paint is not automatically suspicious, but unexplained repairs or staining are reasonable things to investigate.
If you notice potential mould or persistent moisture, consider obtaining an appropriate professional assessment.
8. Ask About Plumbing and Electrical Systems
A beautiful renovation does not necessarily mean everything behind the walls has been upgraded.
Check the water pressure at accessible fixtures, inspect under sinks for signs of leakage, and ask about the age of the water heater.
For electrical systems, ask whether significant upgrades were completed and whether documentation is available.
Consider the household's electrical needs, especially if you plan to add an EV charger, heat pump or other high-demand equipment.
A home inspector can identify visible concerns, while licensed tradespeople may be needed for more detailed evaluations.
9. Consider Radon Testing
Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that can enter homes through openings in contact with the ground.
Health Canada recommends testing homes for radon because its concentration cannot be reliably determined by appearance or location alone.
A long-term test should run for at least three months, ideally during the heating season.
If you're buying a property without a recent reliable radon test, plan to test it after taking possession and discuss any relevant concerns during your due diligence.
Even if a property appears to be in excellent condition, a professional home inspection can provide valuable information before you commit to the purchase.
An inspector can assess accessible components such as the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, insulation and visible moisture conditions.
However, an inspection is generally visual and non-invasive.
The Government of Canada's home inspection guidance explains that inaccessible areas can limit what an inspector can evaluate.
For example, a roof covered in snow may not be fully inspectable.
Discuss appropriate inspection conditions with your REALTOR® and legal adviser when preparing an offer.
Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer
Before deciding whether a home is right for you, consider asking these questions:
Have there been any previous water or foundation problems?
When were the roof, windows and heating system last replaced?
Are permits or records available for major renovations?
What repairs does the seller know are needed?
What equipment or appliances are included in the sale?
Are there any known issues that may affect insurance or financing?
What additional inspections would be appropriate for this property?
The answers can help you make a more informed decision and understand potential costs after possession.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home in St. John's before winter does not have to be stressful.
The key is to look beyond the finishes and understand the condition of the property, its major systems and how it will function throughout the year.
A well-maintained home is not necessarily the newest or most expensive house on the street. It's a property whose condition, location and ongoing costs make sense for your needs and budget.
Comments
Loading comments…