Basic Home Repair & Maintenance: An Illustrated Problem Solver

Description

This book features: • Sizing up the problem • Tools & how to use them • Painting • Fixing scratches, squeaks, scrapes, & chips • Repairing leaks & clogs • Electrical repairs you can do • What to do about mold, mildew, moss & dry rot • Pets & pests • Yard work • Energy efficiency • Creating a year-round home-maintenance schedule Contents INTRODUCTION 1. PROBLEM SOLVING How to Avoid Problems Sizing up the Problem Water Leaks Gas Leaks Storm Damage Securing a Damaged House 2. VITAL TOOLS Tool Ergonomics & Safety Hand Tools Tools to cut, scrape, pry Know what essential sharp, tough tools are needed for cutting a job down to size Basic Small Tools Power Tools Tools You Rent 3. VITAL HARDWARE Safety Gear Screws & Bolts Nails Caulk Tapes & Glues Sandpaper & Steel Wool 4. VITAL PRODUCTS Paints & Finishes Stains Clear Finishes Recycled Paint Faux Finishes Fillers 5. SCRATCHES & CHIPS Scratched Woodwork Scratched Furniture Wood Floor Scratches Scratched counters Repairing a Chipped Tile Repairing a Chipped finish 6. INSIDE LEAKS/CLOGS Faucets Toilets Washing Machines Unclogging Sinks Unclogging Toilets Unclogging Tubs and Showers 7. OUTSIDE LEAKS/CLOGS Roofs Gutters & Downspouts Windows Unclogging Gutters Unclogging Downspouts Unclogging Outside Drains Fixing outdoor drains prevents floods and allows them to do their job properly 8. SQUEAKS/STICKY ISSUES Floors: What to Try First Floors: What to Try Next Sticking Doors Sticking Windows Sticking Furniture Drawers Sticking Keyed Door Locks 9. CRACKS & HOLES Holes in Plaster Repairing Plaster Cracks Drywall Holes Drywall Cracks Cracked Concrete Floors Cracked Glass 10. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS How Your System Works Fuses & Circuit Breakers Overloading a Circuit Saving Electricity Lamp, Cord, & Plug Repair Renewable Energy 11. FUNGI ISSUES Know Your MicroOrganisms Interior Mold & Mildew Exterior Mold Serious Mold Roof Moss Wood Rot 12. PETS & PESTS Installing a Pet Door Squirrel & Raccoon Damage Bird Damage & Repairs Bees & Wasps Termites & Wood Eaters Critter-Proofing Your Home Picking the Paint & Sheen 13. PAINTING Interior Preparation Painting Walls & Ceilings Woodwork & Trim Exterior Preparation Exterior Painting 14. VITAL STORAGE Building Shelves More Shelving Closet Fixes Garage Storage Workbench Kitchen Island 15. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Energy Primer Sealing Your House Weather Stripping Choosing new Windows Depending on your need, storm windows might do the trick and help save energy Adding Insulation Appliances & Energy Savings 16. OUTSIDE REPAIRS Fence Repairs Fence Repairs (Continued) Deck Repairs Outdoor Lighting Composting Rain Barrels 17. CHILDPROOFING Safety Gates Window Precautions Room & Cabinet Doors Electrical Precautions Plumbing Safeguards Other Child Concerns 18. APPLIANCES Refrigerator Dishwasher Clothes Dryer Gas Furnace Water Heater Vacuum Cleaner 19. MAINTENANCE TIMELINE Summer Fall Winter Spring Monthly Yearly 20. Resources Glossary Photo Credits index