The Home Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on System Maintenance

Description

Quirk Owner's Manuals have taught readers how to "repair" and "maintain" babies, toddlers, dogs, and cats. Now we're tackling the biggest and most complicated "appliance" of all-your home! Through step-by-step instructions and techy schematic diagrams, The Home Owner's Manual explores hundreds of frequently asked questions- How can I drain the sludge out of my water heater? What makes my radiators "hiss" at night? Is there any easy way to unstop a toilet? How can I fill a crack in my wall? And when should I seek professional help? You'll also find advice on inspecting a new home, moving in, redecorating, emergency maintenance, and much more. With plenty of helpful illustrations to guide you along, The Home Owner's Manual makes household maintenance a breeze.

Dan Ramsey is a licensed building and home improvement contractor who has taught thousands of homeowners how to fix things through more than two dozen books and his Fix-It Club (www.FixItClub.com). Previously, he was a successful real estate agent. In addition, Dan has owned and maintained seven homes, including his latest at the gateway to the Redwoods in northern California. He currently is president of the National Association of Home & Workshop Writers (www.nahww.org). Dan lives and works with his wife and editor of 35 years, Judy. They have three children (Heather, Byron, and Brendon), three grandchildren, three pets, and three vehicles. Life is good! Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum are better known as the Philadelphia-based studio Headcase Design. Their work has been featured in many design and illustration publications, such as American Illustration, Communication Arts, and Print. Paul worked at Running Press Book Publishers for several years before opening Headcase in 1998. Both graduated from the Tyler School of Art, where they now teach.