Table of Contents
Introduction 6
Chapter 1 Before You Begin
Safety First 8
Tips for Successful Repairs 10
Chapter 2 Dry wall Issues
Drywall Repairs before Spackling 12
Drywall Finish Repairs 17
Chapter 3 Painting Basics
Painting Projects 21
Precision Masking Tape 27
Applying Paint with a Brush 32
Applying Paint with a Roller 34
Caulk Gun Use 37
Chapter 4 Primer and Finish Paints
Calculating Gallons of Primer and Finish Paints 39
Applying Stain-Blocking Primers 41
Applying Finish Paint to Walls and Ceilings 42
Pointing Stained Cabinets and Trim 43
Chapter 5 Interior Doors
Interior Doorstops 46
Inferior Door Locksets 48
Interior Door Prep and Paint 52
Stripped Screw Repairs 54
Chapter 6 Exterior Doors
Exterior Door Locksets 57
Door Security 60
Exterior Door Weather Stripping 62
Electric Garage Door Openers 65
Chapter 7 Windows
Window locks 70
Window Weather Stripping 72
Older Window Counterweights 72
Chapter 8 Electric
Electrical Repairs and Replacements 75
Electrical Tools 77
Electrical Connections 79
Chapter 9 Electrical Device Repairs
Duplex Receptacles 84
GFCI Receptacles 87
Single-Pole Switches 92
Three-Way Switches 94
Over/Under Switch Replacements 96
Chapter 10 Water Service
Municipal Water Line 100
Well System 101
Inline Water Filters 103
Chapter 11 Basic Plumbing
Plumbing Repairs 106
Water Valve Connections 107
Water Lines and Hoses 110
Chapter 12 Kitchen Plumbing Repairs
Kitchen Faucet 112
Kitchen Sink Strainer Basket 114
Kitchen Sink Drain P Trap 118
Garbage Disposal 121
Chapter 13 Bathrooms
Bathroom Accessories 130
Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Light 131
Chapter 14 Bathroom Plumbing Repairs
Vanity Faucet 133
Vanity Pop-Up 135
Vanity Drain P-Trap 139
Bathtub Waste and Overflow 141
Chapter 15 Toilet Repairs
Wax Seal and Flange Bolts 146
Flange 149
Flush Handle 151
Flapper Valve 152
Flush Valve 154
Flush Valve Body Gasket and Toilet Bolt Replacement 156
Toilet Seat 158
Water Line Connections 159
Chapter 16 Appliances
Range Hood 162
Dishwasher 163
Electric Hot-Water Heater 164
Hot-Air Furnace 166
Condensate Pump 167
Central Air Conditioning Unit 168
Dryer Vents 169
Chapter 17 Exterior Repairs
Blacktop and Concrete 172
Power Wash Exterior 176
Gutters and Downspouts 178
Mailboxes 184
Outdoor Lights 188
Outdoor GFCI Receptacle Covers 190
Wooden Deck Rails 192
Acknowledgments 197
Art Credits 197
About the Author 198
Index 199
