Document the condition
Jot down where the problem shows up, when it started, whether weather seems to trigger it, and anything already tried—photos and a rough measurement or two go a long way on the first call.
Read the local context
Champaign's housing stock spans more than 150 years since the city's 1855 founding, and a large share of the oldest homes had heating and cooling added well after original construction, long before ductwork and insulation standards were what they are today. That mix of construction eras across the Champaign-Urbana area is why HVAC retrofits and replacements are rarely one-size-fits-all.
Ask what will be hidden
A written scope should explain the preparation and verification that will no longer be visible at completion, not just the finished appearance.
Compare complete scopes
Line up every quote against the same list: protection and access, materials, permits, testing, cleanup, and what triggers a change order.
What official local sources add
The City of Champaign requires a permit (a $70 fee) for new or modified connections to the municipal stormwater drainage system and is the permitting authority for land-disturbing activity, requiring an approved stormwater control plan for qualifying construction projects. Champaign coordinates that permitting with Champaign County, the City of Urbana, the University of Illinois, and the Village of Savoy through the Champaign County Stormwater Partnership's shared MS4 permit program. Exterior equipment pads and condensate drainage changes can intersect with Champaign's stormwater permitting requirements, worth checking before installation.
Sources were reviewed 2026-07-26. Confirm parcel-specific flood zones, historic-district status, permits, and current requirements with the relevant authority before authorizing work.