October in Chicago brings falling leaves, cooler nights and a reminder that winter isn’t far behind. Take care of small repairs now, make room for cold-weather gear and plan improvements that will help you enjoy your home all season long.
1. Turn your bathroom into a personal retreat
Take your bathroom from “meh” to “me time.” A functional bathroom can also feel like a private retreat. Spa-like showers, natural materials, improved lighting, heated floors, specialty toilets and aging-in-place features can make the space more comfortable and easier to use.
Explore Get Dwell’s bathroom remodeling ideas for inspiration.
Ready to start planning? Read What to Ask Before Hiring a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Chicago before choosing your contractor.
2. Dress up your home for Halloween
Nothing says “welcome” quite like a skeleton doing yard work. Halloween isn’t just for kids — give your home a little personality with pumpkins, lights and spooky decorations.
Your neighborhood family-owned hardware store is a great place to find decorations, supplies and advice on hanging everything without damaging your home.
Find your local hardware store
And speaking of Halloween…
Q: Why did the ghost get promoted at the hardware store?
A: Because he was great at raising everyone’s spirits!
3. Seal out drafts before winter arrives
Chicago winters put your home to the test. Cold air and moisture can sneak through gaps around windows, doors and other exterior openings, making rooms uncomfortable and driving up heating costs.
October is a good time to check caulking and weatherstripping and take care of exterior repairs before temperatures drop.
Download our Fall Weatherization Checklist to get started.
Need a hand? Schedule your weatherization projects with Get Dwell.
4. Keep heat inside with an attic assessment
Is your attic wearing a tank top in a blizzard? Insufficient insulation and gaps that let air escape can leave rooms chilly and your heating system working harder.
An attic assessment can help identify inadequate insulation, air leaks and signs of moisture or animal intrusion. Get Dwell can evaluate these often-overlooked areas and recommend improvements for your home.
Schedule an attic and insulation assessment
Take a moment to enjoy autumn’s beauty. Get cozy, slow down and appreciate the place you call home.
5. Catch small problems with a whole home checkup
Preventive care is good for your home, too. A regular checkup can uncover small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
For more than 20 years, Get Dwell has helped homeowners keep their homes maintained through Chicago’s changing seasons. Our Whole Home Assessment examines common trouble spots, including areas where water, insects and animals could get inside. We review the findings with you and help prioritize recommended repairs and maintenance.
Protect your investment — schedule a Whole Home Assessment
6. Set up a flashlight station
When the power goes out, your phone shouldn’t be your only flashlight — especially when you’re trying to conserve its battery.
Keep flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and spare batteries in one easy-to-find location. Make sure everyone in the household knows where they are, test the lights periodically and keep rechargeable models charged.
Visit your neighborhood family-owned hardware store for help choosing the right lights and batteries.
7. Make room for winter gear
Give your entryway a reset before boots, coats, gloves and scarves arrive in full force. Empty baskets, cubbies and bins, put away out-of-season items and make space for everyday essentials.
If your entryway or mudroom never seems to have enough storage, custom benches, cabinets and built-ins can help keep everything organized and within reach.
Request a custom carpentry estimate
8. Track down basement leaks before winter
That damp corner in your basement deserves attention. Water problems rarely resolve themselves, and repeated freezing and thawing can worsen existing cracks and exterior damage.
After a heavy rain, check for damp areas, staining, foundation cracks and water around basement windows. Outside, look for clogged gutters, downspouts that discharge too close to the house, blocked window wells and ground that slopes toward the foundation.
Patching one spot may leave the underlying drainage problem unresolved. Get Dwell can evaluate the issue and recommend a more complete solution.
Schedule a basement water evaluation
9. Put your garage to better use
Make your garage work for you. Start by clearing clutter, then consider improvements such as floor repairs and coatings, better lighting, added storage, garage door upgrades or an EV charger.
Whether you want an organized workshop, room to park or a convenient charging space, Get Dwell can help plan and complete the upgrades.
Tell us what you’d like to improve in your garage
10. Check your ladder before you climb
A wobbly ladder is an accident waiting to happen. Before tackling fall projects, check yours for damage, loose parts and worn feet. Make sure it’s the right type and height for the job.
Your neighborhood family-owned hardware store can help you choose a suitable step stool, stepladder or extension ladder.
For jobs that feel beyond your reach, let Get Dwell help.
A little attention in October can help prevent unwelcome surprises when temperatures plunge. Get Dwell can help you tackle repairs, weatherize your home and get ready for a Chicago winter. Schedule your fall projects today.
October is the month for painted leaves… October is its sunset sky;
Henry David Thoreau