Part V—Your Community

Chapter 19—Schools
Volunteer
Is there a choice?
Public schools
For the elementary school level
High school students
Charter schools
Private schools
Religious schools
Get Program of Studies
Sports programs
Meet with the guidance office
Registering your children
How do the kids get there?
Bus Information
Get involved with the PTO/PTA
PTA
PTO
Home schooling
Resources for home schooling
Get the local paper

Chapter 20 —Part of A Community
Sign up at the Library
Take a class
Take a walk, go hiking, go biking.
Join the theater!
Church organizations
School groups
Chambers of Commerce
Volunteering
The Rural Life
Driving
Dress up?
Local Hangouts
Secrets, what secrets?
Join the ambulance service

Chapter 21—Part of a Neighborhood
Safe Houses for children
Neighborhood Watches
Curb appeal and fitting in
Yard maintenance
What is yours, what is mine
Fences—Keep them on your side
Property Lines—Where are they?
Zoning Ordinances—How they affect you
Easements and Rights-of-Way
Pets are neighbors too
Leash laws
Poop Laws
Barking 

Part VI—Growing Your Home

Chapter 22—Planning Is Everything
Ordinances, zoning and licenses
Discuss it, plan it, measure for it
Talk to your Realtor® first
Working out projected costs
Be reasonable and flexible
Consider structural integrity
Materials
Get your permits

Chapter 23—Finding a Contractor
Choose your contractor wisely
Big job, little job
Finding a contractor
Check with the Better Business Bureau
Check with lumber and supply stores
How can you compare?
You and the Contractor
Follow the Building and Safety Codes
Insurance
Getting bids: cheaper isn’t always better
Judging bids
Planning and Dates
Contracts
On the Job
Oops!
Help keep the workflow flowing
Cleaning up
Subcontractors
Payments
Do It List