Chicago’s extreme climate — brutal winters, humid summers, and freeze-thaw cycles in between — makes home maintenance more demanding than almost anywhere in the country. This seasonal checklist is tailored for Chicago homeowners to help you stay ahead of the repairs before they become expensive emergencies.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist (March–May)

After a Chicago winter, spring is the most important inspection season. Ice, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles cause more damage than any other factor.

• ☐ Inspect roof and gutters — Look for missing shingles, ice dam damage, and clogged gutters from winter debris
• ☐ Check foundation and basement — Look for new cracks, water stains, or efflorescence that appeared over winter
• ☐ Inspect exterior caulking — Reapply around windows, doors, and where siding meets trim (freezing destroys caulk)
• ☐ Service A/C before summer — Replace filter, clean condenser coils, confirm system works before first hot day
• ☐ Check deck and fencing — Inspect boards, posts, and fasteners for freeze-thaw damage; restain if needed
• ☐ Clean dryer vent — Annual cleaning prevents fire risk; spring is ideal timing
• ☐ Test sump pump — Pour water into pit to confirm float triggers pump; spring rains are peak flooding season
• ☐ Check weatherstripping on all exterior doors — Replace any that are cracked or compressed flat
• ☐ Inspect attic for ice dam damage — Look for staining on rafters or insulation that indicate winter leaks

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist (June–August)

• ☐ Power wash exterior — Siding, driveway, deck, and front walk; removes mold and mildew buildup
• ☐ Inspect window screens — Repair or replace torn screens before mosquito season peaks
• ☐ Check outdoor faucets and hose bibs — Confirm no freeze damage from winter; look for drips
• ☐ Caulk around bathtubs, showers, and sinks — Recaulk anywhere the existing caulk shows gaps or mold
• ☐ Touch up exterior paint — Address any peeling or chalking before it leads to wood rot
• ☐ Check garage door operation and springs — Lubricate hinges, rollers, and tracks; test auto-reverse safety feature
• ☐ Clean range hood filter and exhaust fan — Grease-clogged filters are a fire risk

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (September–November)

Fall prep is critical in Chicago. Everything you do now determines how well your home survives the winter.

• ☐ Service furnace and replace filter — Have HVAC inspected before first cold day; replace filter
• ☐ Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs — Frozen outdoor faucets burst pipes; drain and cover before first freeze
• ☐ Clean gutters after leaf fall — Clogged gutters cause ice dams; clean in late November after leaves drop
• ☐ Check chimney and fireplace — Inspect damper, look for animal nests, consider annual cleaning if wood-burning
• ☐ Caulk and seal exterior penetrations — Mice and insects enter through gaps; seal around utility entries, pipes, and vents
• ☐ Winterize irrigation system — Blow out sprinkler lines before first freeze (typically mid-October in Chicago)
• ☐ Check attic insulation and ventilation — Proper insulation prevents ice dams; ensure soffit vents are not blocked
• ☐ Test smoke and CO detectors — Replace batteries; heating season brings higher CO risk

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist (December–February)

• ☐ Know how to shut off water main — In a burst pipe emergency, seconds matter; confirm everyone in household knows location
• ☐ Keep heat above 55°F even when away — Pipes in exterior walls freeze when interior temp drops
• ☐ Monitor roof for ice dams — Heavy snow load + warm attic = ice dams; use roof rake to remove snow from eaves after major storms
• ☐ Check for drafts around windows and doors — Use draft snakes or add temporary weatherstripping for winter
• ☐ Clear snow from HVAC exhaust vents — Blocked furnace exhaust vents cause dangerous CO buildup inside

Annual Tasks (Any Season)

• ☐ Drain water heater sediment (extends lifespan significantly)
• ☐ Check and tighten deck railing (code requires railings withstand 200 lb lateral load)
• ☐ Inspect and lubricate garage door springs and hardware
• ☐ Check all GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and exterior
• ☐ Clean refrigerator coils (behind or under unit)
• ☐ Flush and inspect water heater anode rod every 3–5 years

Chicago Handyman Services for Your Maintenance List

Found items on this checklist you need help with? Here are the Chicago Handyman services most commonly booked for seasonal maintenance:

• Dryer Vent Cleaning and Repair — Annual cleaning prevents fire risk
• Deck Staining and Sealing — Spring and fall treatment extends deck life significantly
• Fence Repair — Post repair, board replacement, and gate adjustment
• Attic Ladder Installation — Safe attic access for storage and inspections
• Security Camera Installation — Monitor your home year-round
• Sump Pump Installation and Replacement — Essential protection for Chicago basements
• Interior Painting — Refresh rooms during any season