Terry Meany - Basic Home Repair & Maintenance: An Illustrated Problem Solver

Its the authors name that shows up on the books cover, but there are editors, proofreaders, and more unseen professionals in the background who bring the writers musings to life. I want to thank Maureen Graney at Globe Pequot Press for offering me the opportunity to write this book, knowing she had any number of other authors from which to choose. I also want to thank Katie Benoit for her editorial prodding towards producing a finished manuscript. Finally, thank you to whoever created the delete, cut, and paste computer features without which I never, ever would have finished this book.

Schedule regular maintenance check-ups to avoid any problems in the first place

A stitch in time saves nine is an American proverb that harks back to the times when we still repaired torn clothes instead of tossing them, but the sentiment remains true. Catch a problem early, and it usually stays manageable. Ignore it, and it becomes a bigger problem at a bigger cost. Most of the systems and parts that make up your home are reliable, at least when theyre new. Time passes, and malfunctions show up. Theyre to be expected. You can run a dryer or turn a key in a lock only so many times before something gives way. You cant prevent every problem, but you can slow some up, head others off, and be prepared when they happen.

Open Toolbox

• Tools are one of the best investments you can make.

• For the most part, good hand tools will last a lifetime or certainly many years, far more than just about anything else we buy.

• You dont need one of every tool made, just enough of the basics to do most jobsthe rest you can get as needed.

• You also dont need the very best toolsdecent quality for normal maintenance is more than adequate.

Measuring the Job

• Accurately measuring can simplify a job, and not measuring can complicate a jobsimplify is much better.

• Estimating the size needed for a repair task is fine as a rough guideline, but measuring means fewer trips to the store, a closer cost estimate, and less wasted material.

• If you measure twice and still arent comfortable cutting or drilling, then measure again until you are comfortable.

• Dont depend on eyeballing anythinguse a measuring tape.

Preventative maintenance isnt exactly fun, but it beats the alternatives, such as a leaking roof during a rain storm or nonfunctioning furnace in the dead of winter. Scheduling regular furnace inspections, replacing missing roof shingles, touching up peeling paint, and knowing when to replace a dying dishwasher helps you to control your home environment and keep it safe and inviting. Its best to stay informed and aware and do the work on your terms, knowing it has to be done anyway, rather than having the circumstances dictate when you least expect them to.

Replacing a Light Fixture

• Be prepared for a few surprises when you tear open a wall or ceiling or snoop around an attic, especially in an older home that has been previously worked on.

• Code changes over the years will turn a simple job such as replacing a light fixture into a more complicated job.

• When some of your work involves concealed areas, figure on spending more time than you expected to; an assistant is always helpful, too.

GREENLIGHT

From an energy and resource standpoint, doing your own repairs from materials at hand defers a contractors trip to your house and your missed work time waiting to meet this contractor. You become more capable and have conserved your money. And if you have kids, you can pass these skills down to them.

Home Repairing Is a Learning Process

• Be flexible when approaching your repairsyour one trip to the store might turn into several.

• For some jobs, have a contingency plan in case water or heat has to stay off overnight or your painting is taking longer to dry than you expected.

• Know when to walk away from a frustrating repairit really will look different after a meal or some sleep.

• If youre getting in too deep and need expertise, back out and hire some help.

Determine which problems need your attention and which ones can wait for professional help

Whether you own a home or rent, problems arise: Drains and roofs leak, often at bad times (is there ever a good time?), the power goes out, the front door wont lock. A slow dripping faucet you can live withforever, if you wantbut rain pouring in through a hole in the roof from a now-detached tree branch cant wait at all. Solving a repair problem is no different than figuring out a math problem. First, read and assess the situation. Then try some quick solutions and reassess everything. Try the solutions you thought you could avoid, and if everything fails, do damage control to stabilize the problem until you have the tools, materials, or help to fix it.

Categorizing a Problem

• Categorize each home-related problem to determine how and when youll resolve it.

• A life-threatening or severe house problem calls for a more critical response than one that doesnt pose any danger.

• Some situations call for expertise beyond your owndont hesitate to call a contractor, but understand contractors can be expensive.

• If you cannot completely solve the problem, try a temporary fixsuch as shutting off water to a leaking pipeuntil expert help arrives.

Basement Flooding

• If the flooding is due to extreme rain, block off any leaking windows and doors as best as possible and monitor the situation until the rain stops.

• Broken or backed-up sewer lines are unsanitary and unhealthy; call a plumber for repairs and for a clean-up contractor recommendation.

• If a plumbing pipe breaks, turn off the main water shut-off and call your plumber.

• Know where all your water shutoffs are located and confirm theyre in good working order before you need them.

You will run into new problems, but you can apply your problem-solving skills to them and often come up with a reasonable solution. It might not be the fastest or most elegant, but thats not important. Speed and elegance will come later. For now, you took care of it, even if it meant calling someone else to do it. Thats a perfectly legitimate solution if youve tried everything you could think of. And remember, online searching dramatically produces more solutions than any one of us can think of.

Power Out

• If your neighbors are also without power, the outage isnt isolated to your house but can be weather-related or due to faulty utility equipment.

• If just your house has lost all its power, there is probably a problem with your main power lines.