Chapter 9 —Preparing for Repairs

Finding the right repair professional
Replacing Appliances
When to fix it yourself
When to call for help
Before you call
Life expectancy
Life Expectancies of appliances in years
Replace cheap or otherwise
Dented and bashed
Buy used
How to choose?
Preparing for Big Ticket Items
Roofs
Septic Systems (rural situations)
Heating/Cooling Systems
Dealing with the little repairs
Minimal Set of Tools
Tools and items to have on hand
The Basics:
Getting more into this
Electrical specific extras
Plumbing specific extras
Wood-related extras (power tools)
Yard tools

Chapter 10—Seasonal To-Do List

Summer
Order firewood—snow country
Check the outside structures for repairs
Arrange the seasonal (snow-country)

Fall
Insulation
Check windows and doors
Faucets—outside (snow states)
Clean chimneys, fireplaces, and woodstoves
Handy for the heating season
Heating systems checked and cleaned
Check fuel supplies
Order firewood—if not already done
Covering shrubs
Clean the gutters

Winter
Clean or at least have chimney checked
Check smoke, carbon monoxide detectors
Check roof for leaks, ice dams

Spring
Undo winterizing

Chapter 11—Yearly Check-up

Basements and Foundations
Cracks and Leaks
Collapsing Walls
Crawlspaces
Chimneys and Fireplaces
Cracks
Spalling
Loose Bricks or Mortar
Chimney Flashing (leaks)
Dampers — Fireplaces
Drafts
Roofs
Asphalt Shingles
Wood Shakes
Tile
Metal
Gutters
Ridge Vents
Siding
Blistering Paint
Rotting
Cracks, Buckling and Dents
Nail Popping
Shriveling Wood Siding
Cracks in Brick Veneer
Water Penetration
Laundry Room
Check Pipes
Water Heater
Check Furnace
Check Vents and Clear
Clean Dryer Vents and Hoses
Check Carbon Monoxide Detector
Attics
Check outside venting and clear
Check insulation and repair
Check for Water Damage on Roof Decking

Chapter 12—Energy Efficiency

Chapter 13—Going Green, Going Healthy

Chapter 14—Dealing with Pesky Things

Preventive Measures
Sealing entrances
Losing contact
Multi-legged variety
Ants
Roaches
Termites and other wood-chomping bugs
Here are the pointers
Good Bugs