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Home Maintenance For Dummies
This is the hardcover format of Home Maintenance For Dummies, 2nd Edition. A hands-on, step-by-step guide to properly maintaining your home Your home requires regular maintenance to operate safely and efficiently. The expert advice in this second edition of Home Maintenance For Dummies can help you save literally thousands of dollars each year by showing you how to perform home maintenance yourself! This new edition provides the latest tips on how to tune up your home and make repairs to every room of the house, from basement to attic. By combining step-by-step instructions and expert information, this practical guide gives you the skills to tackle everything from furnace tune-ups to leaky roofs. You'll also learn how to conduct routine inspections, keep major appliances running efficiently, and increase energy efficiency. Shows how to keep your home in tip-top shape, preserve its value, and avoid costly repairs Covers all rooms of the house, in addition to the roof, foundation, and exterior Explains how to keep all home systems and major appliances running smoothly Includes a seasonal maintenance schedule Provides the latest green maintenance options to help lower your utility bills James Carey and Morris Carey have a radio show, a newspaper column, and a Web site, all called On the House, and appear regularly on CBS News Saturday Morning. They are also the authors of Home Remodeling For Dummies If you've always wanted to tackle home repairs like a pro, Home Maintenance For Dummies, 2nd Edition is your ideal resource!
614 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2000
118 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 5, 2018
Probably intended more for dipping into as issues arise, so of course I read it straight through and am now scared of home ownership (IT'S TOO LATE FOR ME BUT YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELVES) but intrigued that you can use Tang to clean your dishwasher.
May 21, 2019
Decent home maintenance book. The authors are clearly experienced. They say so many things are important that I don't know what truly is. Maybe they really all are! I don't know enough to know. There are very few illustrations, which is unfortunate, because DIY home maintenance instructions are easier to follow with images, or, better yet, video.
Reading this made me long for the days of renting. I rate myself a 0 on the handiness scale. There are several things I didn't even note because I know I'll never do them. I mostly read this just to be aware of what should be done, so that I can figure out how to do it myself, or have enough basic knowledge to hire someone to do it.
Notes
Putting Together Your Home Maintenance Plan
Shoulds: Reducing costs and preventing problems
• Insulate water heater and hot-water pipes.
• Schedule yearly HVAC service.
• Replace bathtub caulk as necessary.
Annually
• Install or check termite flashing on decks.
• Check water heater anode and dip tube.
• Check and clean water-heater burner, tank, flue.
• Clean toilet siphon jets.
• Check and adjust oven temp.
• Clean fridge door gaskets.
• Vacuum fridge condenser coils.
• Have home inspected for termites and other structural pests.
Each spring
• Check crawlspace for efflorescence (white powdery residue), fungus, mold.
• Clean and preserve or paint wood deck.
• Clean and degrease exterior concrete.
• Clean faucet aerators.
• Clean AC compressor fins and have AC serviced.
• Clean lint from dryer duct and from interior of dryer housing.
• Inspect washing-machine water supply houses and clean filters.
Each fall
• Check crawlspace for efflorescence (white powdery residue), fungus, mold.
• Check insulation on heat ducts and water pipes.
• Clean and degrease exterior concrete.
• Seal and protect concrete.
• Test furnace, clean burners, lubricate pulleys.
• Clean lint from dryer duct and from interior of dryer housing.
• Inspect washing-machine water supply houses and clean filters.
Monthly
• Test water-heater temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve.
• Degrease and freshen disposal with vinegar ice cubes.
• Check air intakes for blockage, debris.
• Clean range-hood filter.
• Clean appliances.
• Wash and rinse dryer lint screen.
• Inspect, clean, lubricate at least 1 major appliance.
• Deep-clean all floors.
• Test fire extinguisher pressure gauges.
• Test smoke detectors.
• Test CO2 detectors.
Before leaving house for extended period
• Close water-main valve.
• Open all faucets (outdoor ones too).
• Set thermostat max temp to 85.
Periodically
• If fridge is over 10 yrs old, defrost and clean every 2 months.
• Put 1 tsp of acid crystals, Tang, or lemonade mixes that contain Vitamin C in dishwasher soap dispenser weekly to keep clean.
Roofing and Siding
Most roof leaks are actually flashing leaks.
If you have a gutter protection system, you still need to clean gutters every 2 yrs or so.
Windows, Exterior Doors, and Insulation
Insulation is rated with R-values; the higher, the more insulative.
At least annually, go under house and check insulation under floor. Look for sagging and other problems.
Use a smoky incense stick to check house for air leaks.
Seal large gaps with polyurethane spray, and small gaps with caulk. Seal leaks in outlets and light switches with precut gaskets.
Most walls are R-13. Typical windows are R-2 or -3. Energy-efficient windows are R-5 to -13.
Seal air and water leaks in windows with caulk, replacing weatherstripping, or spray foam between window frame and house.
To clean screens, lay them on smooth, cloth-covered surface and gently scrub with soft nylon brush, then rinse with hose.
Patch screens with screen patch kits.
Metal screens are tighter and last longer than fiberglass ones.
Window frames, best to worst: clad wood, composite and fiberglass, metal.
Buy as many panes as you can afford, and get UV-inhibiting coating. Get low-E (emissivity) coating/layer.
When replacing windows, replace frames too, to avoid leaks.
Consider fiberglass or steel for exterior doors (they look better longer, are easier to maintain, and are more secure).
Regularly caulk doorframe-to-door trim and door trim to exterior wallcovering.
Seal air leaks in door frame with expanding spray foam.
Get weatherstripping that's a rubber bead attached lengthwise to a strip of metal.
Plumbing, Part I: Pipes, Water Heaters, Water Softeners, and More
Prevent frozen pipes
• Insulate above-ground pipes (crawlspace, attic, exterior).
• Leave faucets dripping.
• Open cabinets under sinks.
Water heater
Insulate water heater with heavy blanket (R-11 or better).
Clean sediment out of water heater with citric acid-based cleaning product (Mag-Erad).
Twice per year check cathodic/sacrificial anode and replace if rusted.
Periodically check burner flame (should be blue). If orange, adjust shutter until blue. Clean burner by vacuuming burner chamber and using wire brush to clean burner ports.
Plumbing, Part II: Fixtures
Clean faucet aerators with toothbrush, toothpick, vinegar.
Annually re-caulk showers and tubs. Remove old caulk first, using caulk remover (Caulk-Be-Gone, Adhesive & Caulk Remover).
Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems
It can be 10x more expensive in fuel costs than the ~$90 to have furnace professionally serviced each year.
Don't bother with ultra-efficient furnace filters; they won't block significantly more allergens than plain pleated ones.
Clean furnace blower twice yearly. Power off furnace, then vacuum blower compartment.
Programmable thermostats save money.
Periodically hose off fins of condensing unit (outdoor AC unit).
Every spring, have HVAC pro inspect and maintain AC.
Pay attention to SEER of AC units, not marketing terms.
Walls and Ceilings
Clean walls and ceilings with soapy water and damp cloth/sponge. For what it can't remove, use a synthetic TSP solution (e.g., Spic And Span) and rinse thoroughly with water.
Fill small drywall cracks with flexible silicone caulk.
Floors and Interior Doors
Best way to prolong life of carpet is regular vacuuming (3+ times/week; daily in high-traffic areas).
Blot spills with small amount of water, drop of vinegar or club soda, and clean, white, dry cloth.
Remove odor by putting baking soda or grated potato on spot for several hours, then vacuuming. Or use commercial deodorizer.
To lubricate sticking key locks, rub pencil onto key and push into lock.
Appliances
Clean dishwasher interior by filling main soap cup with pure citric-acid crystals and running empty dishwasher on complete cycle.
Clean fridge coils by unplugging fridge and vacuuming them (at bottom of fridge behind removable grille).
Clean garbage disposal and sharpen blades by pouring entire tray of vinegar ice cubes down disposal. To make cubes, fill ice cube tray with 1 cup of vinegar and rest with water.
Clean was machine by putting in 1 cup of citric acid instead of detergent and running empty washer on complete cycle.
Periodically vacuum dryer exhaust hose.
Decks, Fences, and Retaining Walls
Protect wood deck with high-quality oil-based wood preservative with UV inhibitors, or semi-transparent oil-based stain meant for horizontal surfaces, or clear finish with UV inhibitors.
Keep debris off wood surfaces. Leaves, needles, dirt hold water and accelerate rot.
And Then There Was Rust
Remove rust with sandpaper, sanding tape, flexible sanding sponges, steel wool, nylon scouring pads, or sanding cord. If those won't work, use a chemical rust remover or dissolver. Those with gelled phosphoric acid (e.g., Naval Jelly) work best.
Ten Maintenance Skills You Need
Caulk types in order of preference: polyurethane, silicone, latex.
Reading this made me long for the days of renting. I rate myself a 0 on the handiness scale. There are several things I didn't even note because I know I'll never do them. I mostly read this just to be aware of what should be done, so that I can figure out how to do it myself, or have enough basic knowledge to hire someone to do it.
Notes
Putting Together Your Home Maintenance Plan
Shoulds: Reducing costs and preventing problems
• Insulate water heater and hot-water pipes.
• Schedule yearly HVAC service.
• Replace bathtub caulk as necessary.
Annually
• Install or check termite flashing on decks.
• Check water heater anode and dip tube.
• Check and clean water-heater burner, tank, flue.
• Clean toilet siphon jets.
• Check and adjust oven temp.
• Clean fridge door gaskets.
• Vacuum fridge condenser coils.
• Have home inspected for termites and other structural pests.
Each spring
• Check crawlspace for efflorescence (white powdery residue), fungus, mold.
• Clean and preserve or paint wood deck.
• Clean and degrease exterior concrete.
• Clean faucet aerators.
• Clean AC compressor fins and have AC serviced.
• Clean lint from dryer duct and from interior of dryer housing.
• Inspect washing-machine water supply houses and clean filters.
Each fall
• Check crawlspace for efflorescence (white powdery residue), fungus, mold.
• Check insulation on heat ducts and water pipes.
• Clean and degrease exterior concrete.
• Seal and protect concrete.
• Test furnace, clean burners, lubricate pulleys.
• Clean lint from dryer duct and from interior of dryer housing.
• Inspect washing-machine water supply houses and clean filters.
Monthly
• Test water-heater temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve.
• Degrease and freshen disposal with vinegar ice cubes.
• Check air intakes for blockage, debris.
• Clean range-hood filter.
• Clean appliances.
• Wash and rinse dryer lint screen.
• Inspect, clean, lubricate at least 1 major appliance.
• Deep-clean all floors.
• Test fire extinguisher pressure gauges.
• Test smoke detectors.
• Test CO2 detectors.
Before leaving house for extended period
• Close water-main valve.
• Open all faucets (outdoor ones too).
• Set thermostat max temp to 85.
Periodically
• If fridge is over 10 yrs old, defrost and clean every 2 months.
• Put 1 tsp of acid crystals, Tang, or lemonade mixes that contain Vitamin C in dishwasher soap dispenser weekly to keep clean.
Roofing and Siding
Most roof leaks are actually flashing leaks.
If you have a gutter protection system, you still need to clean gutters every 2 yrs or so.
Windows, Exterior Doors, and Insulation
Insulation is rated with R-values; the higher, the more insulative.
At least annually, go under house and check insulation under floor. Look for sagging and other problems.
Use a smoky incense stick to check house for air leaks.
Seal large gaps with polyurethane spray, and small gaps with caulk. Seal leaks in outlets and light switches with precut gaskets.
Most walls are R-13. Typical windows are R-2 or -3. Energy-efficient windows are R-5 to -13.
Seal air and water leaks in windows with caulk, replacing weatherstripping, or spray foam between window frame and house.
To clean screens, lay them on smooth, cloth-covered surface and gently scrub with soft nylon brush, then rinse with hose.
Patch screens with screen patch kits.
Metal screens are tighter and last longer than fiberglass ones.
Window frames, best to worst: clad wood, composite and fiberglass, metal.
Buy as many panes as you can afford, and get UV-inhibiting coating. Get low-E (emissivity) coating/layer.
When replacing windows, replace frames too, to avoid leaks.
Consider fiberglass or steel for exterior doors (they look better longer, are easier to maintain, and are more secure).
Regularly caulk doorframe-to-door trim and door trim to exterior wallcovering.
Seal air leaks in door frame with expanding spray foam.
Get weatherstripping that's a rubber bead attached lengthwise to a strip of metal.
Plumbing, Part I: Pipes, Water Heaters, Water Softeners, and More
Prevent frozen pipes
• Insulate above-ground pipes (crawlspace, attic, exterior).
• Leave faucets dripping.
• Open cabinets under sinks.
Water heater
Insulate water heater with heavy blanket (R-11 or better).
Clean sediment out of water heater with citric acid-based cleaning product (Mag-Erad).
Twice per year check cathodic/sacrificial anode and replace if rusted.
Periodically check burner flame (should be blue). If orange, adjust shutter until blue. Clean burner by vacuuming burner chamber and using wire brush to clean burner ports.
Plumbing, Part II: Fixtures
Clean faucet aerators with toothbrush, toothpick, vinegar.
Annually re-caulk showers and tubs. Remove old caulk first, using caulk remover (Caulk-Be-Gone, Adhesive & Caulk Remover).
Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems
It can be 10x more expensive in fuel costs than the ~$90 to have furnace professionally serviced each year.
Don't bother with ultra-efficient furnace filters; they won't block significantly more allergens than plain pleated ones.
Clean furnace blower twice yearly. Power off furnace, then vacuum blower compartment.
Programmable thermostats save money.
Periodically hose off fins of condensing unit (outdoor AC unit).
Every spring, have HVAC pro inspect and maintain AC.
Pay attention to SEER of AC units, not marketing terms.
Walls and Ceilings
Clean walls and ceilings with soapy water and damp cloth/sponge. For what it can't remove, use a synthetic TSP solution (e.g., Spic And Span) and rinse thoroughly with water.
Fill small drywall cracks with flexible silicone caulk.
Floors and Interior Doors
Best way to prolong life of carpet is regular vacuuming (3+ times/week; daily in high-traffic areas).
Blot spills with small amount of water, drop of vinegar or club soda, and clean, white, dry cloth.
Remove odor by putting baking soda or grated potato on spot for several hours, then vacuuming. Or use commercial deodorizer.
To lubricate sticking key locks, rub pencil onto key and push into lock.
Appliances
Clean dishwasher interior by filling main soap cup with pure citric-acid crystals and running empty dishwasher on complete cycle.
Clean fridge coils by unplugging fridge and vacuuming them (at bottom of fridge behind removable grille).
Clean garbage disposal and sharpen blades by pouring entire tray of vinegar ice cubes down disposal. To make cubes, fill ice cube tray with 1 cup of vinegar and rest with water.
Clean was machine by putting in 1 cup of citric acid instead of detergent and running empty washer on complete cycle.
Periodically vacuum dryer exhaust hose.
Decks, Fences, and Retaining Walls
Protect wood deck with high-quality oil-based wood preservative with UV inhibitors, or semi-transparent oil-based stain meant for horizontal surfaces, or clear finish with UV inhibitors.
Keep debris off wood surfaces. Leaves, needles, dirt hold water and accelerate rot.
And Then There Was Rust
Remove rust with sandpaper, sanding tape, flexible sanding sponges, steel wool, nylon scouring pads, or sanding cord. If those won't work, use a chemical rust remover or dissolver. Those with gelled phosphoric acid (e.g., Naval Jelly) work best.
Ten Maintenance Skills You Need
Caulk types in order of preference: polyurethane, silicone, latex.
February 12, 2017
I'm looking to buy a house, and so I decided to read a few books about home repair and maintenance to get me ready for this incredible responsibility. Well, in addition to learning how destructive water is (seriously, it's bad, and basically ever rain gutter I've ever seen sucks), I've also discovered how much can go utterly disastrously--yay!
With a combination of basic maintenance that everyone [i]should[/i] already be doing and feature exploration of less common problems, this book really hits the nail on the head. I learned a lot and may refer again to it in the future.
With a combination of basic maintenance that everyone [i]should[/i] already be doing and feature exploration of less common problems, this book really hits the nail on the head. I learned a lot and may refer again to it in the future.
April 24, 2013
The book I read to research this post was Home Maintenance For Dummies by James & Morris Carey which is a very good book which I bought from kindle. This book covers all the little DIY jobs you are likely to do around the house. It's reasonably easy to understand & they explain the jobs in steps. In old houses sometimes the cement between the bricks gets washed away and this needs repairing as it can allow damp. If you are assessing which bricks need re pointing use a crayon to mark the bricks. If you use chalk it can smudge making it difficult to see. If you are cleaning a fireplace use 1 part muriatic acid to 9 parts water. The acid is normally used for cleaning swimming pools & should be added to the water not the other way around. If you want to burn logs you should use hard wood as this won't create creosote and your chimney is less likely to catch fire. Fortunately practically nowhere sells soft wood as fire wood. Another issue is wood taken from young trees or that is fresh will contain moisture and will hiss and crackle. Always allow the wood to dry out. You can clean stainless with baking soda mixed with water or with vinegar mixed with water in equal measures. If you have a blocked toilet or drain you need to use an augur or snake to clear it, if it doesn't do the trick you need to call a plumber.
May 13, 2017
This is the third home maintenance book I checked out of the library and skimmed through. I liked it better than "The Idiot's Guide to Home Repair and Maintenance." They both sacrifice a bit of clarity for cuteness when it comes to navigating the book and finding answers to specific questions. However, I found the directions easier to understand and follow in the Dummies book.
This book just covers maintaining your home. It doesn't cover how to repair common household issues. That said, it seems a useful reference for a new home owner, with explanations of what you should be doing and when/how often to keep your house in good shape. There are checklists at the end with references.
Of the three books I looked at, I found "The Home Problem Solver" by Don Vandervort to be the most helpful in terms of home repairs. It's well structured, simple and easy to navigate, and concise but clear in its solutions. Only downside is it's a bit dated.
This book just covers maintaining your home. It doesn't cover how to repair common household issues. That said, it seems a useful reference for a new home owner, with explanations of what you should be doing and when/how often to keep your house in good shape. There are checklists at the end with references.
Of the three books I looked at, I found "The Home Problem Solver" by Don Vandervort to be the most helpful in terms of home repairs. It's well structured, simple and easy to navigate, and concise but clear in its solutions. Only downside is it's a bit dated.
February 2, 2023
Not a bad place to start when suddenly finding yourself responsible for maintaining a large house by yourself after living there for over 20 years.
February 12, 2012
This book is everything it promises – an introduction to the maintenance required on a house, with recommendations about what can be done by the do-it-yourselfer and when it’s time to call in the professionals. In addition to seasonal maintenance recommendations, there are step-by-step guides to the most frequent repairs, maintenance, and cleaning that should be done to the various elements of your home as well as major appliances.
In conjunction with The Virgin Homeowner and a pictorial guide like Black & Dekker’s Complete Guide to Home Repair, any homeowner should be able to handle every major situation they are likely to run into during the time they own their property. Recommended!
In conjunction with The Virgin Homeowner and a pictorial guide like Black & Dekker’s Complete Guide to Home Repair, any homeowner should be able to handle every major situation they are likely to run into during the time they own their property. Recommended!
October 6, 2008
The most useful part of this book to me were pages 344-354 at the end of the book. There I found lists of maintenance that the authors deemed necessary for each season. Very helpful. Everything else is fairly basic, though would be good for someone with no maintenance experience at all.
January 18, 2010
Very interesting and very easy to read! This book provides lots of tips and directions for getting your home in tip-top shape and how to avoid costly repairs. Many of the repairs or fixes are do-it-yourself.
Read
April 27, 2008(Housewarming gift from Lupe White)
Read
January 26, 2014I am a "for Dummies" virgin but I am taking the plunge because when it comes to our new house I truly am a Dummy. Duh duh duh blather blather .
Want to read
September 13, 2013Good reference.
Ch. 3: foundations
Ch. 3: foundations
October 3, 2013
Despite my dislike of the word "dummies" in the series title, this is an excellent and thorough reference guide for maintaining your home.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews