Table of Contents
Introduction viii
Chapter 1 Problem Solving
How to Avoid Problems xii
Sizing Up the Problem 2
Water Leaks 4
Gas Leaks 6
Storm Damage 8
Securing a Damaged House 10
Chapter 2 Vital Tools
Tool Ergonomics & Safety 12
Hand Tools 14
Tools to Cut, Scrape, Pry 16
Basic Small Tools 18
Power Tools 20
Tools You Rent 22
Chapter 3 Vital Hardware
Safety Gear 24
Screws & Bolts 26
Nails 28
Caulk 30
Tapes & Glues 32
Sandpaper Steel Wool 34
Chapter 4 Vital Products
Paints & Finishes 36
Stains 38
Clear Finishes 40
Recycled Paint 42
Faux Finishes 44
Fillers 46
Chapter 5 Scratches & Chips
Scratched Woodwork 48
Scratched Furniture 50
Wood Floor Scratches 52
Scratched Counters 54
Repairing a Chipped Tile 56
Repairing a Chipped Finish 58
Chapter 6 Inside Leaks/Clogs
Faucets 60
Toilets 62
Washing Machines 64
Unclogging Sinks 66
Unclogging Toilets 68
Unclogging Tubs & Showers 70
Chapter 7 Outside Leaks/Clogs
Roofs 72
Gutters & Downspouts 74
Windows 76
Unclogging Gutters 78
Unclogging Downspouts 80
Unclogging Outside Drains 82
Chapter 8 Squeaks/Sticky Issues
Floors: What to Try First 84
Floors: What to Try Next 86
Sticking Doors 88
Sticking Windows 90
Sticking Furniture Drawers 92
Sticking Keyed Door Locks 94
Chapter 9 Cracks & Holes
Holes in Plaster 96
Repairing Plaster Cracks 98
Drywall Holes 100
Drywall Cracks 102
Cracked Concrete Floors 104
Cracked Glass 106
Chapter 10 Electrical Systems
How Your System Works 108
Fuses & Circuit Breakers 110
Overloading a Circuit 112
Saving Electricity 114
Lamp, Cord, & Plug Repair 116
Renewable Energy 118
Chapter 11 Fungi issues
Know Your Microorganisms 120
Interior Mold & Mildew 122
Exterior Mold 124
Serious Mold 126
Roof Moss 128
Wood Rot 130
Chapter 12 Pets & Pests
Installing a Pet Door 132
Squirrel & Raccoon Damage 134
Bird Damage & Repairs 136
Bees & Wasps 138
Termites & Wood Eaters 140
Critter-Proofing Your Home 140
Chapter 13 Painting
Picking the Paint & Sheen 144
Interior Preparation 146
Painting Walls & Ceilings 148
Woodwork & Trim 150
Exterior Preparation 152
Exterior Painting 154
Chapter 14 Vital Storage
Building Shelves 156
More Shelving 158
Closet Fixes 160
Garage Storage 162
Workbench 164
Kitchen Island 166
Chapter 15 Energy Efficiency
Energy Primer 168
Sealing Your House 170
Weather Stripping 172
Choosing New Windows 174
Adding Insulation 176
Appliances & Energy Savings 178
Chapter 16 Outside Repairs
Fence Repairs 180
Fence Repairs (Continued) 182
Deck Repairs 184
Outdoor Lighting 186
Composting 188
Rain Barrels 190
Chapter 17 Childproofing
Safety Gates 192
Window Precautions 194
Room & Cabinet Doors 196
Electrical Precautions 198
Plumbing Safeguards 200
Other Child Concerns 202
Refrigerator 204
Dishwasher 206
Clothes Dryer 208
Chapter 18 Appliances
Gas Furnace 211
Water Heater 212
Vacuum Cleaner 214
Chapter 19 Maintenance Timeline
Summer 216
Fall 218
Winter 220
Spring 222
Monthly 224
Yearly 226
Chapter 20 Resources
Websites 228
Glossary 234
Photo Credits 238
Index 242
