Home Improvement/ Home Repair
(Diy, How - to, Do Handyman Things Yourself)
Volume 1. Home Improvement/ Home Repair
Home Resources
All these places offer information, some for free, some for a fee. Contact them for more info.
American Home Owners Foundation
1724 S. Quincy St.
Arlington, Va 22204
800-489-7776
americanhomeowners.org
American Institute of Architects
1735 New York Ave. Nw
Washington, Dc 20006
202-626-7300
aia.org
aiaaaccess.com
aiaonline.com
American Lighting Assn.
Pob 420288
Dallas, Tx 75342
800-274-4484
americanlightingassoc.com
American Society of Home Inspectors
85 West Algonquin Rd.
#360
Arlington Heights, Il 60005
800-743-2744
ashi.com
ashireporter.org
Referrals about local home inspectors.
American Society of
Interior Designers
200 Lexington Ave.
Nyc 10016
212-685-3480
800-775-Asid
asid.com
Asphalt Institute
College Park, Md 20740
301-927-0422
asphaltinstitute.org
Information.
Assn. of Home Appliance
Manufacturers
Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel (Macap)
20 North Wacker Drive
#1500
Chicago, Il 60606
312-984-5858
800-621-0477
aham.org
ahamcanada.ca
Free info plus complaints about appliances.
Brick Institute
1750 Old Meadow Rd.
Mclean, Va 22102
703-893-4010
gobrick.com
masonryinstitute.org
Building Research Council
U. of Illinois
1 E. St. Mary's Rd.
Champaign, Il 61820
800-336-0616
brc.arch.uiuc.edu
Home improvement info.
Ceramic Tile Institute
12061 Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City, Ca 90230
310-574-7800
ctioa.org
Consumer Product Safety Commission
800-638-2772
cpsc.gov
Cosanti Foundation
6433 Doubletree Rd.
Scottsdale, Az 85253
602-948-6145
cosanti.com
arcosanti.org
They sell wind chimes and sculptures but more importantly, they work on advanced home ideas like underground dome houses. Ask for information.
Council of American Homeowners
thehousingcouncil.org
Craftsmen Books
Pob 6500
Carlsbad, Ca 92018
800-829-8123
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M St. Nw
Washington, Dc 20460
800-368-5888
epa.gov
Epa Safe Drinking Water Hotline
800-426-4791
epa.gov
Glen-Gery Corp.
Pob 1542
Reading, Pa 19603
215-374-4011
glengerybrick.com
Makers of over 400 types of bricks, they offer technical information though you can't buy directly from them. Go to the hardware store.
Groundwater Newsletter
thewaterclinic.com
water.ca
Hardwood Manufacturers
hmamembers.org, Hardwood Manufacturers Association
nwfa.org, flooring
hardwoodinfo.com
woodcomponents.org
hpva.org, hardwood plywood, veneer and laminated wood flooring industries.
wpma.org, wood product
cwc.ca, The Canadian Wood Council
www.appalachianwood.org
Heritage Foundation
Pob 1850
Healdsburg, Ca 95448
707-431-8453
heritage.org
heritagefoundation.ca
Home Furnishings Council
National Home Furnishings Assn.
Pob 2396
High Pt., Nc 27261
800-521-Home
homefurnishingscouncil.com
Home Owners Warranty Corp.
Pob 152087
Irving, Tx 75015
800-4333-7657
howcorp.com
Home warranties.
Home Ventilating Institute
30 W. University Dr.
Arlington Hts., Il 60004-1893
847-392-6009
hvi.org
hud.gov
800-733-Home
You could be eligible for up to a $25,000 home improvement loan.
Interior Design Institute
Purdue U.
W. Lafayette, In 47907
317-494-9762
.cla.purdue.edu/ad/interior
International Masonry Institute
823 15th St. Nw
#1001
Washington, Dc 20005
202-783-3908
imiweb.org
Information about the use of stone in building.
Italian Tile Center
italianceramictile.net
Kasmar Books
41-905 Boardwalk
Palm Desert, Ca 92211
800-253-9992
Home improvement books.
Kitchen Cabinet Mfg. Assn.
ckca.ca
kitchenandbathindustrydirectory.com
Manufactured Housing Institute
1745 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Arlington, Va 22202
703-979-6620
manufacturedhousing.org
Free booklets.
National Asphalt Pavement Assn.
6811 Kenilworth Ave.
Riverside, Md 20840
301-779-4880
asphaltpavement.org
Booklets about asphalt.
National Assn. of Home Builders
1201 15th St. Nw
Washington, Dc 20005
800-368-5242
202-822-0200
remodelingresource.com
nahb.org
Free booklet, How To Select A Contractor. Will help you resolve a remodeling dispute. Annual catalog of new products in the field.
National Assn. of Home Builders
Research Center
400 Prince George Blvd.
Upper Marlboro, Md 20774
800-638-8556
Info on products.
National Assn. of Home Inspectors
4248 Park Glen Rd.
Minn., Mn 55416
800-448-3942
nahi.org
National Assn. of The Remodeling Industry
Homeowner Hotline
4301 N. Fairfax Dr.
#310
Arlington, Va 22203
800-440-NARI
nari.org
Free pamphlets, Select A Professional Remodelling Contractor, Master Plan For Professional Home Building and a list of NARI remodeler members in your area.
National Fire Protection Assn.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, Ma 02269
617-328-9230
nfpa.org
Free publications.
National Ground Water Assn.
601 Dempsey Rd.
Westerville, Oh 43081
800-551-7379
National Institute of Building Sciences
1201 L St. Nw
Washington, Dc 20005
202-289-7800
Organization created by the government to help with certain aspects of home building.
National Kitchen & Bath Assn.
687 Willow Grove St.
Hackettstown, Nj 07840
800-367-6522
908-852-0033
nkba.org
Free booklets.
National Roofing Contractors Assn.
10255 W. Higgins Rd.
#600
Rosemont, Il 60018
nrca.net
National Sanitation Foundation
3475 Plymouth Rd.
Ann Arbor, Mi 48105
800-673-6275
National Self Help Center
University Center
33 W. 42nd St.
#1206
Ny, Ny 10036
212-840-7606
Many self help publications and newsletter.
Radon Hotline
800-Sos-Rado
Rockport Books
146 Granite St.
Rockport, Ma 01966
800-284-8232
Home type books.
Storey Communications
Schoolhouse Rd.
Pob 445
Pownal, Vt 05261
802-823-5811
storeybooks.com
80 page catalog full of country living books.
Home Info Websites
about.com
ahamembership.com, american homeowners association.
ahrc.com, homeowners associations
allabouthome.com
allaboutthehome.info
allproinspections.com, safety info.
americanwallpaper.com
aoa.gov/eldfam/housing/home_remodeling/home_remodeling.asp, home modification and repair for older folk.
apartment-gardening-homes.com
apartmenttherapy.com
architecture.about.com/od/software/tp/paintsoftware.htm, try paints for your house.
armstrong.com
art-living.ca, décor.
askville.amazon.com
bhg.com, better homes and gardens
bhg.com/home
bizrate.com/savetime-savemoney
blog.homerenovationguide.com
bobvila.com
boma.org, building owners & managers association
careandrepairscotland.co.uk, advice and assistance to help homeowners.
centrawindows.com/services/home_renovation.php
conservatorytv.com
construction-index.com
creativehomebuilder.com, books.
creativeprofessional.net
decorate-redecorate.com
desertlivingmag.com
divainterior.com
diynetwork.com
diyonline.com
doibuild.com
doityourself.com
ehow.com, how to do just about everything
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/at_home
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/home
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/home_repair
envisioneerexpress.com, envisioneer express, home design.
eplans.com
e-referencedesk.com/home-garden
fineliving.com
firstsourceonl.com/codes/index.asp, linking to building codes for all 50 states, major cities, and some counties.
fixmyhometoday.com
fmctechnologies.com
grannysstore.com/do-it-yourself/
greenhomebuilding.com/
handymanusa.com
hcmcny.com, home care maintenance, new york.
heathertonneighbors.com
hgtv.com
hgtvpro.com
hirecontractors.com
hollowtop.com/cls_html/home_building_classes.htm
home.com
homecare.bz
homeconnections.com
home-decorating-made-easy.com
homedesign.com
homegiant.com
home-ideas.org
homemadesimplesquad.ca
homeperformancematters.com/learn/what-is-home-performance
homerenovationguide.com
homerenovations.about.com
homerepair.about.com
homerepairandcare.com
homes.net
homeshowevent.com
hometime.com
hometips.com
houseinprogress.net
housenet.com
houseoffaux.com, forum. poughkeepsiejournal.com/projects
houserepairtalk.com
housewares.about.com
housingcare.org
ideacompanies.com
insidewoodworking.com
instructables.com/tag/type-id/category-workshop/channel-home-renovation/rss.xml
instructables.com/workshop/home-renovation/
interiordec.about.com lakeorionroofing.com/work_myself.html, roofing is a serious business and is not for "do-it-yourselfers".
intheworkshop.com
ivillage.com
jsonline.com/homes/remodel
just-about-your-home.com
kitchencabinetsanddesignsonline.com
kitchens.com
kitchenunitscentral.com
knowledgehound.com/topics/homecare.htm
learn.builddirect.com
lifestylermag.com
marthastewart.com
maryeaudet.hubpages.com
michaelholigan.com, home repair site.
michaelholigan.com, your new house
movingcost.com
mwithersrealtor.com/hr.asp, home improvement and renovation resources.
mycornerstonehomes.com/
myhomeideas.com
myhomeideas.com
naturalhandyman.com
naturalhomeandgarden.com
naturalhomes.org/
newyankee.com
newyankee.com, new yankee workshop
nhla.com, hardwood lumber assn.
nicehomelive.com
notjustthekitchen.com homeadditionplus.com blog.whitefence.com, guide to making the smart decisions about your home: money saving tips, moving and relocation tips, buyers guides, etc.
nrma.com.au/pub
oldhouseweb.com
parodipalace.com/pop.htm, parodi on paperhanging.
pbs.org/aboutyourhouse
pbs.org/wttw/handymaamtv/index.htm, handy ma'am
ppc.au.com/leathers.htm, leathercare.
professionalhome.com
qualifiedremodeler.com
realestate.com/learning-center
remodelingmagazine.com
remodelthehome.com
sayimprove.com
servicemagic.com, find a contractor.
simpleliving.net
southernaccents.com
styleathome.com
thehousedesigners.com
thenewhomeshow.com
thisoldhouse.com
tinyhouseliving.com/
todayshomecare.com
totalcarerenovations.com, get ideas.
tradetricks.org
vtliving.com, vermont living
wallpaperwholesaler.com
wconline.com, walls and ceilings magazine.
wifetalks.com
wise4living.com
wliw.org/momentofluxury
Home Magazine Websites
Home type magazines, although glossy with many ads, sometimes contain good information and lots of resource addresses on where to go for more information plus they contain listings of many companies offering good products.
Some magazines like This Old House, thisoldhouse.com, have a response card where you can check off up to 80 company names, send it to them and for free then all those companies will send you their information.
Your best bet is to go to your local library, find the home type magazines in the magazine stacks and look through them.
For addresses of specific home type magazines, refer to a periodical directory at the library.
aafcs.org/resources, family and consumer sciences.
accentmagazine.com
accessorymerchandising.net
accmagazine.com.au
acp.com.au
acpmagazines.com.au, house and garden.
afmahp.org, furniture manufacturers.
agm.co.nz
aham.org, home appliance manufacturers.
ahs.org, gardening.
ahs.org, horticulture.
almanac.com/ofa, go to the home owner's companion.
americanlightingassoc.com
archdigest.com
archmedia.com.au
athome-ar.com, arkansas.
atlantahandl.com
atlantahomesmag.com
atlantahomesmag.com
augusthome.com
austinhomeandliving.com
awinet.org, architectural woodwork.
azuremagazine.com
backhomemagazine.com
backhomemagazine.com
barrieadvance.com/homescapes
bbcmagazines.com/goodhomes
bhg.com
bhg.com, better homes & gardens.
bhg.com, betterhomesandgardens.com meredith.com
bhglive.com, better homes and gardening.
bigbearmagazine.com
birdsandblooms.com, yard.
bnp.com
building.ca
burkesbackyard.com.au
cabalcomm.com
calhomesmagazine.com
calhomesmagazine.com, california.
calmags.co.uk
canadianhouseandhome.com
canadianinteriors.com
canadianworkshop.ca
capecodlife.com/cch
carolinahomes.net
carpetcushion.org
casualliving.com
chartcomm.com
chea-acef.ca, canadian home econmics assn.
chesapeakehome.com
chipstone.org
closetsmagazine.com
cm1st.com/cabinetmaker
cmpinformation.com
coastalliving.com
coastalliving.com
coastalliving.com
coastlivingmag.com
cog.ca, canadian organic growers
coloradohandl.com
coloradohomesmag.com
coloradohomesmag.com
completecraft.com.au
concretehomesmagazine.com
condenast.com
contractflooringjournal.co.uk
contractmagazine.com
cottagelife.com
cottageliving.com
countryalmanacmag.com
countryalmanacmag.com
countrycollector.com
countrydecoratingideas.com
countryfolkart.com
countryhomemagazine.com
countryhomes.com.tr
countryliving.com
countryliving.com
countrysampler.com
countrysbestloghomesmag.com
cplnz.com, taiwan furniture.
craftsmanbook.com
datateams.co.uk/businesspublications/bathroomkitchenupdate
ddimagazine.com, display and design.
deco-echoes.com
decorandstyle.com
decoratingideas.com
decormag.com
decormagazine.com
decostyle.ro
designdiffusion.com
design-nj.com
designtimes.com
distinctiveapts.com
dohhc.com, hhcus.com, do.
donnahay.com.au
dwcdesignnet.com
ealonline.com, early american living.
earlyamericanlife.com
elle.com, elle décor.
emmis.com
essentialhomes.com
estateswest.com
etothetrade.com
executivemansions.com
fainet.com, futons.
fairchildpub.com
familycircle.com
fdmmag.com
fengshuimagazine.com
ffimagazine.com, fine furnishings.
ffmarket.com, first for women. finegardening.com
finegardening.com
finehomebuilding.com
floorcoveringnews.com
floorcoveringweekly.com
floordaily.net
flooringmagazine.com
floridahomesandlifestyles.com
fpc.com.au
freeteachingaids.com
furinfo.com, furniture.
furniturestyle.com
furnituretoday.com
futonlife.com, bed on the floor.
futurenet.com/futureonline
fwpubs.com
garden.org
gardencompass.com
goodhousekeeping.com
goodhousekeeping.com, good houskeeping.
goodmanmediagroup.com
guild.com
gwmcnamara.com
hammerville.co.uk
hanleywood.com
hanleywood.com
harpers.org
harrispub.com
hdmag.com
hearstcorp.com
hearstspecials.com
hfia.com, furniture.
hfmmag.com
hfmus.com
hhc.co.uk
hhc.co.uk/fireplace
hhc.co.uk/home
hhc.co.uk/inside
hhc.co.uk/inspirations
hhmedia.com
homeaccentstoday.com
homeanddesign.com
homeandoutdoor.com
homebeautiful.com.au
homebuyerpubs.com
home-digest.com, canada.
homefurnish.com
homeideas.com
homeimprovementmag.com
homeimprover.com
homelighting.com
homemag.com
homemaker.org
homemakers.com
homesandcottages.com
homesandcottages.com
homesandcottages.com, canada.
homesofcolor.net, hocmag.com
homestyles.com
homesweethomemagazine.com
homeworkshop.com
homeworldbusiness.com, housewares.
hortmag.com
hotnews.co.uk, fireplace.
houseandgarden.acp.com.au
houseandgarden.co.uk
house-and-garden.com
houseandhome.ie
houseandmore.de
housebeautiful.com
housebeautiful.com
housebeautiful.com
housebeautiful.com
hoytpub.com
icon20.com/resources/magazine
icsmag.com, cleaning.
idec.org, interior design.
idmag.com, international design.
ikea.com
ikea-usa.com
instituteconsumersciences.co.uk
instyle.com
interiordesign.net
intradesign.com
ipc.co.uk/pubs/hgardens
ipcmedia.com
isdesignet.com
kansascityhomedesign.com
kasmarpub.com, kasmarpublications.com
keynote.co.uk
lakestyle.com, life on the water.
ldbinteriortextiles.com
lightingmag.com
livinghome.com
loghomeliving.com
loopreports.com
lrc.rpi.edu, lighting.
magstore.com.au
marthastewart.com
marthastewart.com
marthastewart.com
mediapartnerspublishing.com
meredith.com
metropolitanhome.com
midwesthomemag.com
midwestliving.com
midwestliving.com, midwest living.
mm.com.au
mnmo.com, midwest.
modernwoodworking.com
mountainhouseandhome.com
mountainliving.com
mountainliving.com
mtnliving.com
naild.org, lighting.
natmags.co.uk
naturalhome.com
nestmagazine.com
niche.com.au
nytimes.com, The New York Times
ocrmagazines.com
oldhouseinteriors.com
oldhousejournal.com
ondesignmagazine.com
pacpubs.com.au
pbs.org/thisoldhouse
pdra.org, painting and decorating.
plazamagazine.com
polygonmedia.co.uk
popwood.com
probuilder.com
prorefinishing.com
readymademag.com
realsimple.com
reedbusiness.com
renovatorssupply.com
residentiallighting.com
rodale.com
romantichomes.com
romantichomesmag.com
romantichomesmag.com
sagepub.com
saltlakemagazine.com/ustyle1
sampler.com
sampler.com, country living.
sampler.com/decoatewithpaint
sapfm.org, period furniture.
scandinaviandesign.com
sdhg.com, san diego home.
sdhg.com, san diego homes and garden.
seattlehomesmag.com
seattlehomesmag.com
simplicity.com
sleepproducts.org
solidsurfacemagazine.com
southernaccents.com
southernaccents.com
southernaccents.com
southernhomedesigns.com
southernliving.com
southernliving.com
specialtybed.com
stldesignmagazine.com
styleathome.com
sucasamagazine.com, southern home.
sunset.com
talcott.com
taunton.com
texasgardener.com
texashomeandliving.com
thealmanac.com
theenglishhome.co.uk
thefurnitureweb.com
theprospectshop.co.uk
thisoldhouse.com
thisoldhouse.com
todayslivng.com
traditionalhome.com
traditionalhome.com
trendsbooks.com
trendsmag.com
trendsmarketing.com
udmonline.com
uniquehomes.com
universalmagazines.com.au
universalmagazines.com.au
vancepublishing.com
veranda.com
victorianhomesmag.com
victorianhomesmag.com
victorianhomesmag.com
visualstore.com
vnubusinessmedia.com
wallpaper.com
westernid.com
wfca.org, floor covering.
whatsnewmag.com
whitebirches.com, crafts.
wiesnerpublishinng.com
windowfashions.com
Architectural Digest
Conde Nest Pub.
6300 Wilshire Blvd.
#1100
La, Ca 90048
800-365-8032
archdigest.com
Backwoods Home
1257 Siskiyou Blvd.
#213
Ashland, Or 97520
800-835-8418
backwoodshome.com
Better Homes & Gardens
1716 Locust St.
Des Moines, Ia 50306
515-284-2330
Fax: 515-284-3343
800-678-8091
800-374-4244
bhg.com
Several magazines.
Family Handyman
28 West 23rd St.
New York, Ny 10010
800-925-8903
familyhandyman.com
Fine Homebuilding
Taunton Press
730 River Rd.
New Milford, Nj 07646
800-888-8286
800-477-8727
finehomebuilding.com
Home Magazine
1633 Broadway
44th Fl.
Ny, Ny 10019
212-682-4040
home-xpress.com
House & Garden
Conde Nest
Pob 56145
Boulder, Co 80328-6145
800-234-1520
housegarden.com
House Beautiful
1700 Broadway
28th Fl.
New York, Ny 10019
212-903-5114
housebeautiful.com
Log Home Living
4200 Lafayette Center
Chantilly, Va 20151
703-222-9411
loghomeliving.com
Log Homes Illustrated
Timber Homes Illustrated
Goodman Media
1700 Broadway
Nyc 10019
212-541-7100
Metropolitan Home
1633 Broadway
Ny, Ny 10009
303-604-1464
metropolitanhome.com
Old House Journal
3275 Ina Rd.
#110
Tucson, Az 85741
888-690-1116
800-931-2931
oldhousejournal.com
Popular Mechanics
Pob 7170
Red Oak, Ia 51591
800-333-4948
popularmechanics.com
Taunton Books
63 S. Main St.
Newtown, Ct 06470
800-888-8286
tauntonplus.com
Home type books.
This Old House
1185 Ave. of The Americas
Nyc 10036
212-522-9465
thisoldhouse.com
Today's Homeowner
2 Park Ave.
9th Fl.
Nyc 10016
800-456-6369
todayshomeowner.com
British Home Lifestyle Websites
construction-index.com, abacus construction index, recommended uk sites.
cafeshops.com/frugaluk, frugal living in the uk shop
bbcgoodhomes.com
buildit-online.co.uk, home improvement.
britishgas.co.uk, gas and electricity supplier, boiler service.
thehouseplanner.co.uk
easylivingmagazine.com
goodhousekeeping.co.uk
harpersandqueen.co.uk, style.
saynoto0870.com, gives geographical phone numbers.
letslinkuk.org/, barter for services locally.
ealthy.co.uk, competitions.
haynes.co.uk, car manuals.
animalaid.org.uk
veganvillage.co.uk
freebieholics.co.uk/freebiesites, uk based free stuff and frugal sites
freeukstuff.com
mattsfreestuff.co.uk
stocking-fillers.co.uk, suppliers to christmas
creditexpert.co.uk
houseandgarden.co.uk
smartlifeint.com, high-end lifestyle.
tatler.co.uk, upscale.
thecountryman.co.uk
worldofinteriors.co.uk
Chapter 2. Home Improvement Basics
Home Improvement Basics
My opinion is that if it ain't broke, don't fix it but most women and some men have this idea of being creative and improving their home. Sometimes it's better to give your wife or husband this little bit of freedom to do what they want without hassling them about it.
A home improvement job generally costs a good chunk of change. If you hire someone to do it, make sure they're professionally qualified and honest. There are plenty of rip-offs out there. Just watch shows hosted by contractors who go around fixing inferior jobs by other contractors. Check the contractor out by typing his company name or personal name into bbb.org.
Write up an exact plan of what you want done. Use pictures or draw pictures if you want so others know exactly the way you want it. If you have drawing software, you can draw your house plans on a computer.
Some things are not very practical to do. You can't just put a toilet anywhere because you have to hook it into the sewer pipe and put a vent in to go outside either through a wall or through the roof.
You can't sacrifice function for style. Wire, pipes and stuff have to be in a certain place in the house. It's tough to move walls but it's possible. You can't move the chimney though. Other than that, your home improvement ideas can go wherever your imagination wants.
If you want ideas, look at some of the home magazines and books at the library. Try #670 to #699.
You can hire an architect, design firm or a remodeling company to review your plans and offer their input on your plan and ideas. They have computer-aided design/ CAD which enables them to create house renovation plans very quickly.
If you're planning a big project, you might want to hire an architet to plan it out. This way your builder knows exactly what to do otherwise it's up to him.
You can even get the architect to interview contractors and hire the best one. You can get him to oversee the whole project and sign off at each stage of the work. The contractor might not like it but it's quality control at its best as long as the architect and the contractor aren't buddies conspiring to rip you off.
I'm so cynical of contractors because of all the investigative journalism stories I've seen about them.
For the cheapest way to go, buy your own lumber and materials because if the contractor buys them, he'll always pad the price he charges you.
Ask him for a list of materials then go to the cheapest place they sell them, usually building supply stores on the outskirts of town near the country. Most of them will deliver what you buy from them.
You can take your plans to a building supply store and ask them to sell you the materials to build it.
Have as much detail as possible already down on paper. Pick the model of the new stove you want, the pattern of tiles on your floor, the type of window, etc. Look on websites and find the exact models in advance. Take a day to walk around showrooms, lumberyards, building-supply stores to see what they have.
Hire a specialist for kitchen and bath projects and doors and windows.
You can buy solariums and sunrooms prefab packages.
Renovation firms and contractors often don't do the whole job by themselves. They have subcontractors and craftspeople who they hire to do some of the work.
Get at least two or three estimates from different contractors.
The contractor is responsible to clean up his own trash. Any leftover lumber or other supplies are yours, not his.
I repeat, specify the materials and brand names of the products and appliances you want installed. The best thing is to buy them yourself.
The contractor has to follow the building codes and get the building permits but many don't. They build it in any way they want then you're screwed if the building inspector comes around and sees it's not up to code. They can tell you to tear it down and if you don't, they'll do it, charge you for it and if you don't pay, they'll put a lien on your house.
Don't pay full price upfront. Pay in stages over the course of the work. In some areas it's illegal to ask for large deposits. Because kitchen cabinets are so expensive, they want the upfront money before they build them because if you don't pay them, they could end up building your custom cabinets then you decide you don't want then and they're stuck.
If you have a problem, tell the contractor right away so he can fix it before you pay him. Withhold the last 10 percent for a few days after he's done to check it out. Don't make the final payment until all subcontractors and suppliers have given you a signed waiver (receipts) stating that they were paid. If you don't, the contractor could take off and the subcontractors will sue you.
If you're a hands on person like I am, you might want to do the job yourself. Most handyman jobs aren't all that hard. There's pllenty of knowledge at the library and on the internet.
If you need specialized tools, buy them. Don't do a half-assed job. Take the time to put some craftsmanship into it. You can easily hire a student or a senior citizen to help you with the grunt work.
Home Maintenance Basics
You have to shovel the sidewalk and keep the area clean to avoid getting cited for unsightly premises.
Mow the lawn.
Cut branches if they're over your car where birds sit and poop.
Close off vents to birds building a nest by either stuffing it with a rag or putting a screen over it.
Replace your furnace air filter every year.
Check your ventilation system for holes. Seal them up. You can insulate them.
Drain off some water from the drain-off valve of your hot water water.
Consider insulation hose around your hot water pipes.
Clean your humidifier. Too much moisture could cause bacteria to grow on the walls.
Vacuum radiator and fruidge grills, vacuum dusty areas like the back of the fridge.
Empty and clean the drip tray of your fridge.
Clean the dust from your smoke and fire detector.
Check your basement to see if the drainage pit is uncluttered.
Check all your faucets. Replace the washers if they're leaky.
Buy a fire extinguisher.
Have a window on the top floor that you can easily open and jump out of either onto a roof, a tree or build a top floor patio.
Clean the drains in all your water containers like the sinks and bathtub.
Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working and to prevent them from seizing.
A lot of home maintenance is home insulation and winterization discussed elsewhere.
Block vents with a rag for the winter.
Check electric cords for fraying.
If your basement smells like sewage, it could be that the sewage pipe the government uses is so full that it backs up into your outgoing sewer pipe. This is called sewer back-up. Your home insurance or the government might cover it. Install a backwater valve if city bylaws allow it. This will stop the sewage from flowing back in.
Watch what you pour down your sink or toilet. It could clog your water pipes.
Before digging in your yard, call the municipal government and ask if there are gas pipes or sewer pipes beneath your property.
Try #684 and #690-#699 at the library.
avivacanada.com, home maintenance tips.
hgtv.ca
makeitright.ca
Home Improvement Ideas/ Home Improvement One-Liners
These are the major home improvement jobs people do.
Basement Remodel
Bathroom Addition
Bathroom Remodel
Family Room Addition
Major Kitchen Remodel
Master Suite
Roof Replacement
Siding Replacement
Do landscaping.
Build a garage for bicycles, toys, tools, and machinery.
Plant flowers.
Install a manual doorknocker.
Put up a solar address sign.
Repair and/or paint window shutters.
Keep steps in good condition.
Build a cement/ brick walkway or patio.
Put up solar exterior lighting.
Get rid of all unused stuff. Donate it or have a garage sale.
Install ceiling fans.
Tighten any loose doorknobs, switch plates, or cabinet hinges.
Replace carpeting.
Advantium ovens
air baths
air conditioning
aluminum siding
Lighting
Safety stuff
appliances
basement remodel
bathroom addition
cabinets
carpeting
caulking
cedar or redwood siding
ceilings
cement board siding
central vacuum systems
ceramic tile
closet additions
computer area
concrete flooring
cooktops and ranges
cooling systems
cork flooring
countertops
decks
dishwashers
doors
drainage
ductwork
electrical wiring
energy efficiency
environmental
family room addition
fans
faucet and fixtures
fiberboard
fiberboard siding
filter systems
fire prevention
fireplaces
flooring and floors
Formica
gas pipes
granite countertops
gun safety
heat pumps
heated floors
heating and cooling systems
kitchen
laminate flooring
landscaping
lead-based paint
light tubes
linoleum
low ceilings
master suite addition
master bath
media room
mold control
mosquito control
outdoor rooms
outdoor furniture
ovens
patios
plumbing
porches
pressure-treated lumber
radon gas
resilient flooring
roof replacement
screens and screening
shower stalls
skylights and light tubes
stone flooring
stone pavers
storage areas
sunrooms
television viewing area
tile
tile floors
toilets
tub/shower
two-story addition
vacuum cleaner systems
vanity/sink
ventilation
vinyl siding
water heaters
waterproofing the home
weather-stripping
whirlpool bathtubs
wicker outdoor furniture
wind damage prevention
windows
wine chillers
wiring
wood flooring
DIY Projects for Tech-Types/ Tech Geeks
wired.com/wired/archive/14.01/upgrades.html
engadget.com
extremetech.com
oreilly.com/catalog/homehpfg, o'reilly media home hacking projects for geeks presents a wide range of projects from automating of light switches to building home theaters
DIY Books/ Books For Builders
craftsman-book.com
qualitybooks.com
AAA Construction School
7402 Atlantic Blvd. #3
Jacksonville, FL 32204
(800) 741- PASS
ABC Booksellers
110 W. A St., Suite 123
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-4222
American Construction School
2418 Sheridan St.
Hollywood, FL 33020
(800) 451-4974
acontractors.com
Berlands House Of Tools
600 Oak Creek Drive
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 620-0026
thetoolman.com
Brown Bookshop
1517 San Jacinto
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 652-3937
brownbookshop.com
Builder's Book Depot
1033 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 252-4050
buildersbookdepot.com
Builder's Book Barn and
Building Trades Education Service
2136 Cattlemen Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34232
(800) 832-2496
buildingtradeeducation.com
Builder's Booksource
1817 4th St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-6874
buildersbooksite.com
Builder's Book Inc.
8001 Canoga Ave.
Canoga Park, CA 91304
(818) 887-7828
buildersbook.com
Building Tech Bookstore
8020 SW Cirrus Dr.
Beaverton, OR 97008
(800) 275-2665
buildingtechbooks.com
Building News
1612 S. Clementine St.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 517-0970
bni-books.com
CamTech School Of Construction
16114 N. Florida Ave.
Lutz, FL 33549
(813) 960-0100
camtechschool.com
Construction Estimating Institute
5011 Ocean Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34242
(800) 423-7058
estimating.org
Construction Industry Associates of America
P.O. Box 4669
Archdale, N.C. 27263
(336) 431-7788
ciaaacademy.com
Contractor's Book Service
141 Stricker Rd.
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 757-9630
Contractor's School & Bookstore
779 SW 13 Court
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
(954) 785-9626
Contractors Bookstore
2424-A North Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
(800) 327-EXAM
contractorsbookstore.com
Engineer's Bookstore
748 Marietta St., N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 221-1669
engrbookstore.com
Florida Exam Bookstore
6750 Pembroke Rd.
Hollywood, FL 33023
(800) 277- 8877
contractorsexamschool.com
Holman's
6201 Jefferson St., N.E.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
(505) 343-0007
holmans.com
Home Builder Bookstore
1201 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
(800) 368-5242
builderbooks.com
Horizon Books, Inc.
243 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(616) 946-7290
horizonbooks.com
How To Do It Bookshop
608 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-1516
how2doit.net
Kennell Bookstore
CSUS Fresno, 5284 N. Jackson
Fresno, CA 93740
(209) 278-4062
Koning Contractor's Library
8301 Joliet St.
Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 863-5147
contractorslibrary.com
Old Post Bookstore
1101 N. 2nd St.
Vincennes, IN 47591
(800) 642-2665
vinu.edu/
Opamp Technical Books
1033 N. Sycamore Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 464-4322
opamp.com
Palm Construction School Bookstore
7440 Republic Dr.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-0096
palm-school.com
Piedmont Lumber & Mill Co.
2860 N. Main St.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 935-8400
Powell's Bookstore
1005 W. Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97209
(800) 878-7323
powells.com
Prairie Ave. Bookshop
418 S. Wabash
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-8311
pabook.com
Professional Equipment
130 Dale St.
West Babylon, NY 11704
(516) 752-8440
professionalequipment.com
Professional Book Sellers
220 21st Ave. S.
Nashville, TN 37212
(800) 572-8878
pro-book.com
Roberts Bookstore
330 S. 10th Street
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 286-0930
SBI Lou's Books
5647 Atlantic Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90805
(562) 423-1403
majors.com
Southern Engineers Bookstore
1011 S. Marietta Pkwy.
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 499-8434
Tattered Cover Bookstore
1628 16th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(800) 833-9327
tatteredcover.com
That Technical Bookstore, Inc.
8909-A Complex Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 614-4323
thattechnicalbookstore.com/
The Bookmark, Inc.
14643 W. 95th St.
Lenexa, KS 66215
(800) 642-1288
Western New Mexico
University Bookstore
1000 W. College Ave.
Silver City, NM 88062
(505) 538-6123
wnmu.bkstr.com
Major Home Improvement Websites
At the library, men's type projects for around the house go from #670 to #699, specifically #680, 681 and 684. Other sections are #603 and #643.00-99 (home repairs) or TH4811-TH4835 of the Library of Congress system.
690. Building Houses, Etc.
691. Materials.
692. Construction practices.
693. Systems of construction.
694. Wood construction.
695. Roofing and auxiliary structures.
696. Plumbing, heating, ventilating.
697. Heating, Solar.
698. Detail finishing.
acehardware.com/infodept/index.jsp?categoryid=1261836, interactive project library to access detailed guides for a wide range of home repair/improvement projects.
acehardware.com/infohome/index.jsp, ace projects and solutions.
apartmenttherapy.com
avivacanada.com, home maintenance tips.
bejane.com, website for women
bhg.com/bhg/category.jhtml?catref=cat10002, home improvement encyclopedia
bhg.com/home-improvement
bhg.com/home-improvement, home improvement encyclopedia; this website, maintained by "better homes & gardens.
cheapremodeling.com
deckindustry.org, deck industry assn.
design.ncsu.edu/cud, center for universal design
diynetwork.com, diy network; step-by-step instructions for 15,000 projects related to home improvement
doityourself.com, do it yourself; information sources and service providers for do-it-yourselfers.
hgtv.ca
hgtv.com
home.about.com
home.howstuffworks.com
home-performance.org, building performance contractors assn.
homerepairforums.org
homestore.com
hometime.com, step-by-step instructions for all sorts of projects and repairs.
howtoadvice.com
ideas.reliableremodeler.com, home improvement ideas
improve.net
improvenet.com
ineed2know.org, some practical articles and ads.
kitchens.com
makeitright.ca
nahb.com
nari.org, national association of the remodeling industry
nleindex.com, big book that tells you where to find any particular how-to project you might be interested in. Indexes the major how-to magazines by article and topic.
remodeling.hw.net
remodelista.com
servicemagic.com, list of contractors.
thisoldhouse.com/toh, this old house; this companion website to the pbs home improvement/ remodeling magazine and tv show.
uha.org, united homeowners assn.
alt.building.construction
alt.home
alt.home.repair
alt.locksmithing
misc.consumers.house
Home Improvement Websites/ Home Ideas Websites/ Home Tip Websites
610cktb.com, look for home improvement and garden show.
aaatoday.com/helpful-information-home-care-tips.html
aaatoday.com/helpful-information-video-tips-library.html
aarp.org/universalhome
aarp.org/universalhome, plans and information for a universal home designed for people of all ages.
abathroomguide.com
abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome
abouthehouse.blogspot.com
abouthehouse.com
abracadata.com, software for home planning.
acehardware.com/infodept/index.jsp
achilles.net/~cco, cottage info.
acmehowto.com
addhomevalue.com
ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/flood/repairs.htm, making temporary structural repairs
aham.org, association of home appliance manufacturers
allabouthome.com
allofhome.com
allofhome.com/houseconstruction/
alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement
americanlightingassoc.com
anla.org, the american nursery & landscape association
anythingicando.com
appliance411.com
applianceadvisor.com
arkansaspreservation.org
articlecentral.org/home-improvement.html
articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles
asaonline.com, subcontractors assn.
ask.com
askbuild.com
askbuilder.com
askthebuilder.com
autodesk.com, pro-remodeler software.
bathandkitchencreations.com
bcsgroup.com, several magazines.
begin.com/fixit
betterlivingthroughdesign.com
bhg.com, better homes & gardens home improvement articles archive.
bhg.com, better homes and gardens
bhg.com/bhg/stepbystep/index, most home projects.
bhglive.com
bhglive.com/homeimp
bhglive.com/homeimp/docs
bhglive.com/homeimp/docs/index.htm, home improvement encyclopedia
birdhousendine.com
blackanddecker.com
blockbuilders.com, bethesda, md.
boardroom.com
bobvila.com
bobvila.com/howto_library
bottomlinepersonal.com
bottomlinesecrets.com
brickinfo.org
bsmithwithstyle.com
btw.com, books that work.
build.com
buildandremodel.com
buildeazy.com
builderonline.com
buildingarticles.co.uk
buildingonline.com
building-projects.com
buildingprojects101.com
builditfixit.com
cabnet.com, cabinets.
callforhelptv.com
canadianhomeworkshop.com
capitalonline.com/homeofweek
capitalonline.com/homeofweek/rooneymain.html
cast.net/~readiness/avs/rainy_day_ideas.htm
catalogs.com/info/home-improvements
channels.netscape.com/ns/living/improve_repair.jsp
cheapremodeling.com
chestofbooks.com/home-improvement
chiefarch.com, 800-482-4433, software.
choicetrust.com, buy a clue report on a home you own to see past insurance claims paid on it.
cimprovements.com, allen, tx.
coloradohomesmag.com
commpro.com/burglar, alarm stickers and burglary proofing tips.
completehome.com.au
concretenetwork.com, everything you want to know about concrete.
contractorsforms.com.
contractors-license.org
corian.com/corianpublic/corian/documents/pdf/corandgran.pdf, kitchen stuff.
cornerhardware.com
cottagelife.com
countrymanpress.com
craftsman-book.com
creativehomeowner.com
creativespaceonline.com
csz.com/hih, home improvement.
csz.com/hih/index.html, home improvement highway
cw15.com/guides/home/guide.aspx
cyberhome.com
cyberhomes.com
deckplans.com
decoratingchallenge.com
decorframing.com cityline.ca/homeandgarden/projects/index.asp
designviews.com
designwave.com
digitalremodeling.com
diyanswers.com
diybanter.com
diyfixit.co.uk
diynet.com
diynet.com/diy/home_improvement
diynetwork.com
diyonline.com
doitforless.com
doityourself.com
doityourself.com/appliance
downhomeradio.com
dreammaker-remodel.com, minnesota.
drywalltextures.com, drywall texturing
eartheasy.com, environmentally friendly home and lifestyle ideas
easy2diy.com
ebuild.co.uk
eere.energy.gov/erec/factsheets/landscape.html, a government website about landscaping for energy efficiency.
ehow.com
electricalonline.com
electricaltoolbox.com
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/home_improvement
energystar.gov,a government web site that helps you decide how to build improvements with energy efficiency in mind.
epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html
experthomeadvice.com
extremehowto.com
ezinearticles.com
factsfacts.com/myhomerepair
factsfacts.com/myhomerepair/
familyhandyman.com
familyhomeplans.com
faucet.com
fema.gov/fema/hazhomef.html, hazardous materials in the home.
fixer.com
fixit.co.nz
fixitboard.com
fixitnow.com
fixitright.com
fixthehome.com
floorsanding.com
floorsearch.com
flylady.net, cleaning tips.
fmb.org.uk, uk federation of master builders
foam-tech.com, air barrier installation
freediytutorials.com
free-ed.net/fr02/books/conmas, concrete-masonry.
furnaceductwork.info
furniture.com/magazine/glossaries
fwmedia.com
garden.com
garfieldlibraries.org/gcld/info/buildingupdates.aspx
goodhousekeeping.com/home/
gp.com/build, georgia-pacific building products
greatideasinteriors.com
gsa.gov/staff/pa/cic/housing.htm
hackaday.com
hadd.com, homeowners against deficient dwellings; nonprofit group was founded to promote better building standards and practices, to educate the general public deltafaucet.com/oncat/byof.html remodeling.hw.net
hammerzone.com
handymanusa.com
handymanwire.com
hanley-wood.com, books.
hardwood.org
hbrnet.com, home-building and remodeling network.
hearth.com
heloise.com
hgtv.com, home and garden television.
hgtv.com/home-improvement
holmesonhomes.com
home.com
home.eznet.net
home.ivillage.com/decorating
homeadditionplus.com/home-articles-info pointclickhome.com
homeandfamilynetwork.com/homeimprovement/plumbing.html
homearts.com
homearts.com
homearts.com
homebiztools.com
homebuildingclub.com
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