Detroit Through the Seasons: Home Maintenance Tips

If you own a home in Detroit—or plan to—you need a maintenance routine that works year-round. Our city’s weather isn’t subtle. We’ve got cold, snowy winters, hot summers, and everything in between.

I work with clients all over Detroit, and one of the most common things I help with (after buying or selling) is figuring out what to do to keep a home in top shape through every season. I’ve walked through properties in Palmer Woods where historic features need extra attention, and helped clients in Midtown prep newer homes for sudden temperature swings. Let’s walk through what you should be doing each quarter to protect your investment, stay comfortable, and avoid unnecessary repair costs.

• Stay ahead of seasonal damage with timely maintenance
• Protect energy efficiency throughout the year
• Focus on age- and climate-sensitive systems
• Preserve long-term home value through consistency

Detroit’s spring can bring relief from the cold—but also rain, wind, and thaw-related wear. It’s a critical season to inspect, clean, and prepare your home for more active months ahead. This is also the ideal time to recover from winter damage and get ahead of summer heat.

• Check gutters and downspouts – Clear winter debris to prevent water pooling near your foundation
• Inspect roof shingles and flashing – Look for damage from ice dams or wind gusts
• Service your HVAC system – Replace filters, clean vents, and book a professional tune-up
• Inspect basement and crawl spaces – Especially important in homes near the Detroit River or low-lying areas in Jefferson Chalmers
• Clean windows and screens – Increase daylight and prep for open-air ventilation
• Repair driveway cracks – Freeze-thaw cycles cause concrete to shift, so fix small cracks before they spread

Summers in Detroit can be hot, humid, and stormy. Heatwaves and thunderstorms can test both your cooling systems and your home’s exterior. Whether you're living in a mid-century ranch in Green Acres or a renovated loft in Brush Park, summer maintenance should focus on comfort, efficiency, and storm readiness.

• Inspect and seal windows – Prevent air leaks that can drive up cooling costs
• Test ceiling fans and thermostats – Make sure all controls respond accurately
• Check siding and exterior paint – Especially on south-facing walls that see the most sun exposure
• Trim trees and landscaping – Keep limbs away from the house to prevent storm damage
• Power wash decks and driveways – Maintain curb appeal and prevent algae or mildew build-up
• Clean dryer vents – Summer heat adds fire risk, so reduce lint buildup in vents and ducts

Fall is when smart homeowners in Detroit get proactive. From Rosedale Park to East English Village, properties that are properly prepped before the first frost tend to avoid costly emergencies during winter.

• Clean and inspect the chimney – Especially in older homes with wood-burning fireplaces
• Seal gaps and cracks – Use caulk or foam to seal around doors, windows, and utility openings
• Flush outdoor faucets and hoses – Disconnect and drain to prevent frozen plumbing
• Check attic insulation – Ensure proper airflow and insulation to prevent ice dams
• Inspect the furnace – Book a professional checkup and change filters before regular use
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – With windows closed and heat on, indoor air quality becomes a top concern

Detroit winters are long and harsh. Even newer construction can suffer without the right precautions. This is the season for monitoring interior systems, preventing drafts, and staying prepared for heavy snow or freezing rain.

• Inspect for ice dams and icicles – Common on steep or older roofs, especially in neighborhoods like Palmer Woods
• Monitor indoor humidity – Use humidifiers to protect wood trim, floors, and furniture from drying out
• Test your sump pump – Rising groundwater from snow melt can lead to basement flooding
• Stock winter essentials – Rock salt, shovels, emergency kits, and flashlights should be ready
• Watch for drafts – Use door sweeps, thermal curtains, or weather stripping to reduce heat loss
• Check backup heat sources – If you use space heaters or fireplaces, make sure they’re safe and clean

Detroit homes aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some are 100-year-old colonials with plaster walls and radiant heat. Others are modern builds in redeveloped neighborhoods. No matter the style, weather extremes and infrastructure realities make seasonal care a necessity—not just a nice-to-have.

• Preserve your home’s condition – Regular upkeep reduces wear and extends the life of systems
• Improve energy efficiency – Avoid waste and reduce utility bills across every season
• Maintain market value – Well-maintained homes photograph better and attract more buyer interest
• Avoid expensive repairs – Minor fixes now prevent major costs later (especially roofing and plumbing)
• Feel confident in your space – A well-cared-for home feels more stable and less stressful to live in

Yes. The freeze-thaw cycle, older architecture, and Midwest humidity create unique maintenance demands—especially for roofing, plumbing, and insulation systems.

If you feel drafts, have uneven room temperatures, or see ice forming on your roof, it may be time to assess insulation levels in the attic or walls.

Twice a year—once in spring before you use air conditioning, and once in fall before the heating season begins. That’s the best way to prevent sudden breakdowns.

Whether you’ve just moved into your first Detroit home or you’ve owned for years, keeping up with seasonal maintenance is one of the smartest things you can do. It protects your investment, improves your daily comfort, and makes sure you’re always one step ahead.

Reach out to me, Gustaf Andreasen, and I’ll connect you with trusted local pros, provide property-specific guidance, or help you plan your next real estate move. As your real estate agent in Detroit, I’m here to support you year-round—whether you're buying, selling, or just making sure your home stays in excellent condition.

_{*Header photo by Gustaf Andreasen}