Homebuyer Recourses

Canadian Homebuyer Resources

We know you have questions. Home buying is a big deal, you should have questions. In order to help you with your fact-finding, we have scoured the internet for you to find some of today’s best guides and helpful resources – specific to Canadian home buyers.
A Place to Call Home
Learn more about the Government of Canada’s plan to give more Canadians a place to call home, including homebuyer incentives.
Canada Flood Ready Website
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Canada, but damage can be mitigated by taking a few simple steps to protect your home and property against potential damage.
Canadian Homebuilders Association
Find information on how to buy a new home or improve their existing one. Learn more about new home warranties and the process of buying or renovating.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Explore home buying calculators, buying and renting guides, mortgage and maintenance tips and more.
Homebuying Step by Step Checklist
Compiled by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation designed for new home buyers, filled with thoughtful considerations.
Insurance Bureau of Canada
Discover home buying tips from an insurance perspective and understand the factors that affect your insurance premiums.
Modular Construction Council
Learn more about the modular construction process, building codes, certifications, and trends in factory built housing. This is a great resource for developers, municipal planners, and other industry stakeholders that could benefit from learning more.
Natural Resources Canada Energy Efficiency Guide
Find information about how to assess and improve the energy efficiency of new and older homes. Learn about grants and incentives for Canadians to consume less energy and save money.
Realtor.ca
Canada’s most trusted and popular real estate listing platform. Search through listings for vacant land across Canada.

Barrier Free and Accessible Building

Accessible buildings are about so much more than just eliminating stairs. When we say “barrier free”, we are describing housing designed to be accessible to all, regardless of age, size and ability. Modular homes are easily adaptable and lend themselves well to flexible designs.

Even if you have no immediate need for barrier free housing, consider your loved ones, friends and family that might visit who would benefit from some more thoughtful features. Inclusive and thoughtful design choices promote dignity, independence, and quality of life for people living with disabilities.

Building a house considering some of the principals of universal design will also ensure that you can live in your home even if you encounter some barriers later in life. It is a good best practice to consider these things proactively.
Information on the basics from the Rick Hanson Foundation. – Universal Design 101

Accessibility is the most obvious consideration, building a home that is accessible to all without encountering obstacles to get into it and around it. General access to spaces – eliminating common barriers such as steps, narrow doorways, and uneven flooring; providing ramps, lifts and even elevators when required.

Some Other Items for Consideration

In general, there are some specifics you will want to consider when purchasing a pre-owned home.

Entrance and Exits

Bathrooms

Kitchen

Flooring Surfaces

Technology and Smart Home Features

Creating barrier-free and universally designed spaces involves thoughtful consideration that promotes accessibility, safety and inclusiveness.