How we calculate estimates
CanadaHomeCosts.ca provides practical calculators designed to help Canadian homeowners reason about costs. These tools are built to inform decisions, not to predict markets or replace professional advice.
Every calculator is designed around a simple principle:
Clear assumptions + transparent math + user control.
We aim to make complex housing costs understandable without hiding the inputs that drive the results.
All outputs are estimates. Real-world costs vary by location, contracts, and personal usage. Whenever possible, confirm important figures with official sources or licensed professionals.
Core modelling principles
Our calculators follow a consistent framework:
- User inputs always come first
We prioritize values entered by the user over hidden defaults. - Assumptions are visible
Every calculator exposes its major assumptions so results are explainable. - Regional differences matter
Rates, taxes, and energy costs are modelled by province or region where data exists. - Explainable math over black boxes
We use transparent formulas instead of opaque predictive models. - Conservative rounding
Outputs are rounded in a way that avoids overstating savings or underestimating costs. - No hidden optimization
We do not tune results to make any product or upgrade look artificially attractive.
The goal is clarity, not precision theatre.
Mortgage calculator methodology
Mortgage calculators use standard Canadian amortization math consistent with public lender tools.
This includes:
- Canadian semi-annual compounding conventions
- Payment frequency conversions
- Standard amortization formulas
- Simplified penalty estimation rules
We intentionally model common scenarios rather than edge-case contract clauses. Actual mortgage contracts may contain additional terms that change outcomes.
These tools are best used for planning and comparison, not final legal or lending decisions.
Energy calculator methodology
Energy tools estimate usage and operating costs using engineering-style assumptions.
Models may incorporate:
- Regional electricity or fuel baselines
- Climate adjustments
- Average household consumption estimates
- Manufacturer performance ranges
- Simplified return-on-investment modelling
These calculators are not energy audits.
They are designed to provide order-of-magnitude guidance and help compare options, not to predict exact utility bills.
Users are encouraged to adjust inputs to match their home and usage patterns.
Property and ownership methodology
Ownership calculators estimate recurring housing costs using public tax data and long-term maintenance heuristics.
These tools may include:
- Municipal tax rate modelling
- Maintenance cost forecasting
- Seasonal heating assumptions
- Cottage or secondary property scenarios
Maintenance and ownership costs are inherently variable. We favour adjustable assumptions so users can tailor estimates to their own situation.
Data sources
We reference publicly available information whenever possible.
Typical sources include:
- Provincial utility regulators
- Municipal tax publications
- Government energy agencies
- Public housing statistics
- Manufacturer performance documentation
- Official rate schedules and policy releases
Because policies, rebates, and tax rules change, figures should always be confirmed with the relevant authority before making financial decisions.
Our goal is to summarize and model public information in a usable way, not replace official sources.
Limitations
No calculator can model every real-world variable.
These tools intentionally simplify:
- Mortgage contracts vary by lender
- Energy programs change frequently
- Local tax policies evolve
- Installation quality affects efficiency
- Individual usage patterns differ widely
Results should be interpreted as planning estimates, not guarantees.
When decisions involve large financial commitments, consult licensed professionals and official documentation.
Maintenance and updates
Calculators are actively maintained.
Assumptions and data sources are reviewed periodically and updated when material changes occur. We prioritize updates that meaningfully affect homeowner decisions.
Because housing policies evolve, some lag between public changes and calculator updates is unavoidable. When in doubt, treat estimates as directional guidance.
Our goal
Our goal is simple:
Make housing costs easier to understand.
Clear tools help people make better decisions. That is the entire purpose of this project.
If you notice outdated assumptions or missing regional data, contact us. Contributions help improve the shared resource for everyone.