The cheapest home repair is the one you prevent. This checklist is tuned to Chicago, where brick two-flats, garden units, and brutal freeze-thaw winters shape the calendar.
Winter-Ready Checklist
- Service the furnace in fall, before the first freeze.
- Have gutters cleared to prevent ice dams.
- Shut off and drain exterior spigots.
- Seal drafts and check attic insulation to cut heating bills.
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 $95-$190 inspection is cheaper than the repair it prevents.
Post your maintenance job free on Handiro and compare quotes from vetted Chicago pros.