Carter - The complete photo guide to homeowner basics: 100 essential projects every homeowner needs to know

For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The Publisher and Black & Decker cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided.

The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some instances, additional techniques not shown in this book may be required. Always follow manufacturers instructions included with products, since deviating from the directions may void warranties. The projects in this book vary widely as to skill levels required: some may not be appropriate for all do-it-yourselfers, and some may require professional help.

Consult your local Building Department for information on building permits, codes and other laws as they apply to your project.

OWNING A NEW HOME IS A CHALLENGING YET REWARDING EXPERIENCE. Whether the house itself is new or not, there exists an overwhelming number of remodeling and decorating options you have as a new homeowner. And it doesnt matter if youve bought your first or tenth home, its still new and brimming with potential to you.

After unpacking all the stuff, where does one start? Youll probably have a list a mile long that looks something like this: install a new toilet, repair the light fixtures, fix the doorbell, replace the exterior siding, hang new window treatments, refinish the kitchen cabinets, install a new livingroom floor or paint the existing floor or refinish the wood that may be under the existing carpet.

With The Complete Photo Guide to Homeowner Basics youll have the information to accomplish all of the most common repairs and installations homeowners face, and you do not need any previous experience because this book explains it all for you in five sections: Wiring, Plumbing, Flooring, Painting & Decorating, and Outdoor Projects. The first few pages of each section give you the background information and technical knowledge that will be helpful. Then the most common projects follow.

Each project has a detailed overview of the parts youll be working on and the terms youll need to know as well as photographs that show you all of the tools and materials youll need. Then step-by-step instructions follow. Virtually every step is photographed so youll see exactly how to do the work, and along the way youll find helpful sidebars that show you what to do if something unexpected happens, how to use tools correctly, and which safety precautions to take. Before you know it, youll be successfully completing one home repair after the next. And because you do it yourself, youll save hundreds if not thousands of dollars: all the more money to allow you to tackle that next project sooner rather than later.

THE WIRING SECTION OF THIS BOOK IS UNIQUE IN THAT YOU DONT NEED TO HAVE ANY PRIOR KNOWLEDGE TO SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTE THE WIRING REPAIRS AND INSTALLATIONS. ALMOST EVERY WIRING BOOK REQUIRES YOU TO HAVE SOME FAMILIARITY WITH THE SUBJECT MATTER BEFORE YOU BEGIN. IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE A TRUE BEGINNER, YOURE ALREADY AT A DISADVANTAGE. THIS BOOK DOESNT ASSUME YOU ALREADY KNOW A LOT ABOUT THE SUBJECT. AND ITS ALSO A BOOK THAT WONT LEAVE OUT ANY INFORMATION.

On the following pages youll find directions for solving the most universal wiring problems and projects in your home. No knowledge is assumed, and no question is left unanswered.

IN THIS CHAPTER:

Before You Begin

Before You Begin: Putting Together a Wiring Kit

Heres pretty much all youll need to complete most of the repairs and projects in this book. They are available at any home improvement center or hardware store.

UNLIKE SOME OTHER TYPES OF HOME IMPROVEMENT SKILLS, MAKING BASIC wiring repairs doesnt require very much at all in the way of tools and materials. Investing $30 to $40 puts you in a position to save hundreds of dollars on routine wiring repairs. We recommend that you keep a small toolbox with items dedicated to your wiring tools. That way, you can bring your kit to your work site, and will have the screwdrivers, pliers, and other things you need handy, and wont have to hunt for a screwdriver at the most inconvenient time. Here are the things we recommend for your wiring tool kit: