The cheapest home repair is the one you prevent. This checklist is tuned to Austin, where a tech-fueled building boom and long, hot summers shape the calendar.
Beat-the-Heat Summer Checklist
- Service the AC in spring, not July.
- Check attic insulation and seal duct leaks, you are cooling the attic otherwise.
- Clear gutters before storm season.
- Watch for foundation cracks after a dry spell.
Year-round basics
- Test smoke and CO detectors twice a year.
- Change HVAC filters every 1-3 months.
- Check under sinks and around the water heater for leaks.
- Walk the exterior each season for cracks, gaps, and worn caulk.
When to call a pro
Roof, electrical panel, gas, and anything structural. A $90-$185 inspection is cheaper than the repair it prevents.
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