Simple, non-technical instructions, step-by-step photographic sequences, and field-tested home-improvement tips from the experts help average homeowners save time, money, and frustration in tackling common repairs and renovations inside and outside the home.

Originally published, 1998. First printing in paperback, 2008. Includes index.

About this book -- Around the house: Household emergencies -- Kitchens -- Living and dining rooms -- Bedrooms -- Bathrooms and laundries -- Home offices -- Entertainment rooms/decks -- Basements -- Garages -- Storage -- Tools -- Insect and varmint control -- Pets -- Exterior repairs and improvements: Ladders -- Roofs -- Flat roofs -- Flashing -- Chimneys -- Gutters -- Wood siding -- Aluminum siding -- Windowsills -- Caulking -- Painting -- Decks -- Garages -- Interior repairs and improvements: Molding -- Wainscoting -- Ceramic tiles -- Backsplashes -- Plaster -- Wallboard -- Vinyl flooring -- Wood flooring -- Stairs -- Basements -- Windows and doors: Windows -- Insulating windows -- Blinds and shades -- Sashes -- Screen doors -- Screens -- Weatherstripping -- Thresholds and doorways -- Window trim -- Door trim -- Door hardware -- Painting -- Painting and wallpapering: Painting -- Stenciling -- Painting techniques -- Paneling -- Wall liner -- Wallpaper -- Wallpaper borders -- Furniture repairs and refinishing: Refinishing furniture -- Veneer -- Painting -- Gluing techniques -- Cabinets -- Reupholstery -- Wicker -- Caning -- Metal furniture -- Redwood furniture -- Plumbing repairs and improvements: Faucets -- Kitchen sinks -- Water filters -- Sink and tub stoppers -- Traps -- Leaks -- Toilets -- Showers and tubs -- Drains -- Pipes -- Electrical repairs and improvements: Electrical testing -- Electrical repairs -- Surface wiring -- Track lighting -- Ceiling fixtures -- Fluorescent fixtures -- Receptacles -- Dimmers -- Lamps -- Low-voltage wiring -- Outdoor wiring -- Outdoor lighting -- Home heating and cooling: Central air conditioners -- Window air conditioners -- Ceiling fans -- Ventilation -- Insulation -- Thermostats -- Damper and deflectors -- Air filters -- Humidifiers -- Water heaters -- Wood stoves -- Fireplaces -- Appliance repairs and electronics: Washers -- Dryers -- Refrigerators -- Dishwashers -- Waste disposers -- Ovens and ranges -- Gas grills -- Vacuums -- Electric frying pans -- Mixers and blenders -- Space heaters -- VCR -- Computers -- Satellite dishes -- Stone, brick and concrete: Walks and patios -- Flagstone -- Bricks and mortar -- Masonry walls -- Working with concrete -- Concrete repairs -- Concrete patios -- Stucco -- Asphalt -- Yard and garden: Lawns -- Soil -- Annuals -- Perennials -- Bulbs -- Roses -- Mulches -- Vegetables -- Shrubs -- Trees -- Pruning -- Fertilizing -- Landscaping the yard -- Fences -- Watering -- Lawn mowers -- Outdoor power tools -- Outdoor hand tools -- Composting -- Safety and security: Home security -- When you're away -- Home alarms -- Door locks -- Auto safety -- Fire safety -- Environmental hazards -- Child safety -- Senior safety -- Pet safety -- Recycling directory -- Index.