Contents Acknowledgments Contents Introduction 1. Foundations, Basements, Crawlspaces Foundations for New Houses and Additions Foundation Repair Water and Moisture Problems in Foundations Mold, Mildew, and Musty Smells Cellars with Dirt Floors Crawl Spaces 2. Roofs and Siding Venting Asphalt and Fiberglass Shingles Cedar Shingles and Shakes Roof Vegetation Metal Roofing Flat Roof Coverings Eaves Gutters Miscellaneous Roof Problems Siding Wood Siding Vinyl Siding Aluminum Siding Asbestos Siding Brick Houses Stone Houses Log Houses Stucco Miscellaneous Types of Siding Miscellaneous Issues 3. Windows and Doors New and Replacement Windows and Doors Warranties Comfort and Energy Efficiency Overheating and UV Damage Cleaning and Polishing Window Components Repairing Damaged Windows and Doors Paint, Varnish, and Other Finish Work Moisture Problems Miscellaneous Issues 4. Plumbing, Electricity, HVAC Plumbing Hot Water Water Color and Quality Bad Smells Noisy Plumbing Toilets Faucets, Sinks, Tubs Water Supply, Pipes, Connections Septic Systems Drains Plumbing Vents Exhaust VentsElectrical Systems Wiring Issues Lighting Miscellaneous Electrical QuestionsHeating and Cooling Health and Safety Noisy Heating Systems Problems Caused by Modern Upgrades Keeping Temperatures Even Throughout the House Options for Upgrading Heating Systems Heating and AC-Related Repairs System Maintenance Closing Down a House for the Winter Cold-Weather Problems Saving Energy Aesthetic Issues Chimneys Fireplaces 5. Kitchens and Baths Fixtures Tubs, Showers, and Surrounds Sinks Toilets Built-Ins Counters Cabinets Appliances Refrigerators Cookstoves Dishwashers Moisture Problems Mold and Mildew Protection from water damage Grout and Caulk 6. Interior Surfaces: Floors, Ceilings, and Walls Miscellaneous Kitchen & Bathroom Issues Squeaky Floors Wood Floors, Maintenance and Repair Vinyl Flooring, Maintenance and Repair Carpets and Rugs Ceramic and Quarry Tile Brick, Stone, and Related Materials Basement Floors and WallsWalls: Plaster, Drywall, Wood, and Related Materials Ceilings: Cracks, Sags, Dirt and Streaks Paint and Other Finishes Wallpaper Structural Issues 7. Insulation Insulating the Foundation Foundation Insulation and Vapor Retarders Insulating a Finished Basement Other Ways to Improve Foundation Insulation Roof Insulation Insulation and Ceilings Improving Insulation in Existing Homes Unintended Effects of Improved Insulation 8.

Critters, Pests and other Nuisances Ants and Termites Wasps and Bees Mice Moths and Carpet Beetles Squirrels and Chipmunks Flies of Various Types Miscellaneous Pests Beneficial Creatures Birds Pets Health and Safety Issues 9. Outside the House Driveways Walkways Porches Decks Patios Garages, Carports, and Sheds Fences, Walls, and Railings Outdoor Stoops and Stairs Outdoor Furniture and Equipment Lawns Landscaping Issues Septic and Drainage Pools and Ponds Resources Index About the Author.