Home repair in Naperville, IL

Naperville homes at a glance

Median year built

1990

Built before 1960

6%

Built since 2000

23%

Owner-occupied

75%

Median home value

$540,200

Main heat

Gas, 86%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates

What Naperville’s housing means for repairs

Naperville is a large suburb built mostly in the 1980s and 1990s. The median Naperville house was built in 1990, about 23% went up since 2000 and only 6% predate 1960, mostly near downtown. About 63% of homes are single-family detached and 75% are owner-occupied, one of the highest rates among large Illinois cities.

Most homes have full basements with sump pumps, gas furnaces and gas water heaters, since 86% of homes heat with gas. Houses from the 1980s and 1990s now need second-generation furnaces, water heaters and roofs. Some homes from that era have polybutylene water lines, which are prone to failure.

Weather that wears on Naperville homes

Naperville has cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Freeze-thaw cycles crack driveways, patios and concrete steps, and snow load tests roofs and gutters. Furnaces run for months without a break.

Spring and summer storms bring heavy rain, hail and occasional tornadoes, including the June 2021 tornado that damaged homes in south Naperville. The DuPage River and its tributaries flood low areas during heavy rain, and high groundwater keeps sump pumps busy. Humid summers raise basement moisture and mold risk.

Common repairs in Naperville

• Sump pump failure and basement water

  Heavy rain and high groundwater overwhelm aging sump pumps.

• Furnace repair and replacement

  Gas furnaces from the 1990s are reaching end of life.

• Water heater replacement

  Basement water heaters wear out and leak.

• Floor drain backups

  Storms push water back through basement floor drains.

• Concrete step and patio repair

  Freeze-thaw cracks concrete steps and patios.

What these repairs cost

The middle half of Runhome repair estimates nationwide for each kind of job. Your price depends on the scope of the work.

Fix guides for Naperville homeowners

• Sewage backs up into the basement floor drain

  Heavy storms in Naperville can push water back through basement floor drains.

• Furnace condensate drain pipe is broken at the neutralizer

  High-efficiency gas furnaces in Naperville basements rely on condensate drains that crack or clog.

• Water heater is leaking and you can't find the source

  Basement water heaters in Naperville's 1990s homes are reaching end of life.

• Outlet is dead or the breaker trips when you plug in an appliance

  Basement and garage GFCI outlets in Naperville homes trip and need replacing.

Seasonal checklist

Spring

Test your sump pump and battery backup before storm season.

Summer

Run a basement dehumidifier and keep window wells clear of debris.

Fall

Book a furnace tune-up in September, before contractors fill up with no-heat calls.

Winter

Keep furnace exhaust and intake pipes clear of snow and ice.

Common questions

How often should I replace my Naperville sump pump?

Sump pumps often last around 7 to 10 years, less if they run often. In Naperville, high groundwater and heavy rain keep them busy. Adding a battery backup protects your basement during power outages.

Do Naperville homes have polybutylene pipes?

Some homes built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s used gray polybutylene water lines, which can fail without warning. If you see gray plastic pipes in your basement, have a plumber check them.

What drives the cost of furnace replacement in Naperville?

System size, efficiency rating, ductwork condition and whether venting or condensate lines need changes. Replacing the AC at the same time can save on labor.

Neighborhoods served

• Downtown Naperville
• Ashbury
• Tall Grass
• Cress Creek
• Naper Carriage Hill
• Hobson Village

Other Illinois cities

• Home repair in Aurora
• Home repair in Chicago
• Home repair in Joliet
• Home repair in Rockford