Handyman & Home Repair in Chicago, IL

The median home in the city of Chicago was built in 1953, older than the U.S. median of 1980 and older than the Illinois median of 1971.¹ Older houses accumulate small defects - sticking doors, cracked caulk, settled trim - that bundle well into one visit. Winters are long: the Chicago Midway Ap station averages 106 nights a year at or below 32°F and 41 at or below 20°F.^2,3 In a long winter, pre-season checks of weatherstripping, gutters and exterior caulk prevent the water damage that follows a thaw.

Annual precipitation is about 34 inches, with 7 days a year bringing an inch or more.^2,3 Summer heat is moderate: about 20 days a year reach 90°F.^2,3 Most housing units in Chicago are not detached houses: 43% are in buildings of five or more units and only 26% are detached single-family homes.¹ In multi-unit buildings, repairs inside the unit are the owner's; anything on the envelope is usually the association's.

Chicago is about 4 miles from the Great Lakes shoreline (fresh water).^4,5 Lakeside humidity and wind mean more exterior sealing and gutter calls. Heating dominates the year: about 5,753 heating degree days against 1,111 cooling degree days (base 65°F).^2,3 In a heating-led climate, insulation and air sealing carry most of the energy-code weight for any work that opens the envelope.