Document it before calling anyone
Location, timing, weather relationship, how it's changed, and any prior work — photos and rough measurements make the first conversation more productive.
Why Troy's context matters here
Troy's housing spans the 1960s-70s ranch-subdivision boom that followed its 1955 incorporation and the office and retail construction that followed the Somerset Mall's 1969 opening. Both eras have to answer to Michigan's humid continental climate -- winter lows near 18°F, summer highs near 80°F, and winter relative humidity near 85 percent -- which sets a wide load range for any comfort system.
Ask what gets buried at the end
Equipment condition, duct leakage, airflow, humidity, insulation, electrical capacity, and comfort room by room should all come up — the scope should say what gets verified before it's no longer visible.
Weigh full scopes against each other
Look for protection, access, materials, permits, testing, cleanup, restoration, exclusions, warranties, and change-order rules.
What official local sources add
The City of Troy's Building Department handles permits for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building work, and flags that many exterior projects also need homeowner-association review; its Engineering Department separately manages floodplain and stormwater permitting. Confirm which permits apply before scheduling HVAC work.
Sources were reviewed 2026-07-26. Confirm which permits and HOA rules apply to the specific parcel with the city and any homeowner association before scheduling work.