Your 2025 Guide to Big-Ticket Home Repairs in Ottawa

Jun 23

What every homeowner should know before a major repair.

Owning a home in Ottawa means dealing with all four seasons—and that means some big repairs eventually come your way. Whether you're living in a Kanata townhouse or a detached home in Alta Vista, it’s smart to plan ahead. This guide breaks down the most common big-ticket home repairs in Ottawa for 2025, what they cost, and what to keep in mind.

Furnace and A/C Replacement

In Ottawa’s climate, heating and cooling systems are crucial. For a townhouse under 2,000 square feet, expect to pay between $8,000 and $11,000 to replace both the furnace and A/C. Detached homes in the 2,000 to 3,000+ square foot range typically see prices between $11,000 and $16,000. The size of your home and the system's efficiency rating will drive the cost, and higher-tonnage units are needed for larger homes.

High-efficiency units might qualify for rebates or energy incentives, so be sure to ask your contractor what’s available.

Roof Replacement

Replacing a roof is one of the most important and expensive maintenance tasks a homeowner will face. A roof replacement for a townhouse generally falls in the $6,500 to $9,500 range due to reduced surface area from shared walls. For a detached home, especially one around 2,500 square feet, prices can range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on slope, complexity, and accessibility.

Always ask what kind of shingles are included and confirm the warranty. Longer-lasting shingles might cost more upfront but save money long-term.

Hot Water Tank Replacement

Whether you're buying out a rental or replacing an old unit, hot water tank costs vary. A conventional tank (typically 40 to 60 gallons) costs between $1,200 and $2,200, with electric models at the lower end and gas models on the higher end. High-efficiency tankless systems are more expensive, often landing between $2,800 and $4,500. Keep in mind, tankless options may require upgrades to your gas or electrical systems.

Fence Replacement

Fences add curb appeal, privacy, and security—but they’re not cheap to replace. Townhouses often share fencing with neighbours, which can reduce total cost. On average, fence replacement costs between $45 to $60 per linear foot for townhouses and $50 to $75 per foot for detached homes. For a typical 60 to 100 foot yard, that works out to between $3,000 and $7,500.

Neighbour cost-sharing is common—just be sure to get the agreement in writing.

Gutters and Downspouts

Proper gutter systems prevent foundation problems and costly water damage. Replacing gutters and downspouts on a townhouse costs about $1,500 to $2,500, while detached homes range from $2,500 to $4,000 due to increased roof edge surface. Materials like aluminum and steel are standard, and some quotes may include soffit and fascia replacement.

Leaf guards are often worth the upgrade if you’re tired of cleaning your eaves every fall.

Attic Insulation

Topping up or redoing your attic insulation helps regulate indoor temperature and can cut your energy bills significantly. For homes under 2,000 square feet, expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,800. Larger homes between 2,000 and 3,000+ square feet can cost $2,800 to $4,500. The final cost depends on how deep the insulation needs to be and the material used—blown-in cellulose and fiberglass are most common, while spray foam is more expensive but offers better performance.

Rebates and efficiency programs may help offset the cost, so ask your installer what's available in 2025.

Attic Mold Remediation

Mold in your attic can go unnoticed for years and lead to serious health and structural issues. Light, localized mold remediation starts around $1,500 and can go up to $3,000. More severe cases, especially those that involve sheathing replacement and ventilation upgrades, can reach $6,500 or more.

Ventilation is often the root cause—check your soffit vents and attic airflow regularly.

Window Replacement

Replacing old windows improves energy efficiency, curb appeal, and resale value. For townhomes, each window typically costs between $700 and $1,000. For detached homes, the price per window climbs to $800 to $1,300. A full replacement for a home with 10 to 20 windows generally ranges from $8,000 to $22,000, depending on the size, style, and material.

Triple-pane windows offer the best insulation, especially in older Ottawa neighbourhoods with colder drafts.

Tips to Keep Costs Down

Always get multiple quotes. Prices vary widely in Ottawa, and comparing at least three bids can save you thousands.
Negotiate. Many companies are open to working with your budget or offering off-season discounts.
Don’t default to builder-grade replacements. These might seem cheaper upfront but usually come with shorter warranties and lower energy efficiency.
Plan repairs in advance when possible. Emergency replacements often cost more due to rush labour and limited availability.

Final Thoughts

Home repairs aren’t cheap—but they’re a necessary part of protecting your investment. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, strategic upgrades like a new roof, windows, or HVAC system can boost your resale value. And if you're buying, being aware of these costs helps you assess whether a home is truly move-in ready.

Thinking about selling or buying in 2025? The New Purveyors team is here to help. We offer professional photography, videography, and custom marketing on every listing—and we’re happy to help you understand what repairs matter most before you list.