Homeowner guides
Fifteen practical guides for US homes. Each one lists what to check, when to do it, the mistake people most often miss, and when to call a licensed professional instead.
Outside the house
Roof, siding, yard and the things that keep water and pests out.
- Exterior checks
A seasonal walk around the outside of your house, and what to look for on each side.
- Roof, gutters and drainage
Keeping water off the roof, out of the gutters, and away from the foundation.
- Yard, trees and landscaping
How plants, trees and irrigation affect the house itself.
- Pest prevention
Closing the gaps, removing the food and water, and spotting signs early.
Inside the house
Systems, appliances and safety equipment that need regular attention.
- Home maintenance
The routine jobs that keep systems running and small problems small.
- Plumbing and water damage prevention
Finding leaks early, knowing your shutoff, and protecting pipes in cold weather.
- HVAC and indoor air
Filters, airflow, humidity and the yearly tune-up.
- Household systems
Appliances, cleaning routines and the everyday habits that keep a house running.
- Energy efficiency
Air sealing, insulation and the small changes that lower monthly bills.
- Fire and carbon monoxide safety
Alarms, extinguishers, escape plans and the habits that prevent fires.
Protect and plan
Security, emergencies, insurance and planning for the years ahead.
- Home security
Practical, layered protection: locks, light, visibility and habits.
- Away from home
Getting a house ready for a vacation, a long trip or a seasonal absence.
- Storm and emergency preparedness
Getting your house and household ready for the hazards in your region.
- Property planning
Budgeting for repairs, planning replacements, and thinking ahead about projects.
- Home records and insurance
Inventories, receipts and policy reviews that pay off when something goes wrong.