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361 short guides for the jobs worth knowing yourself, from a running toilet to closing the pool. Every step is animated, and every guide says when to stop and call a pro. Handyman finds you one.
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Emergencies
8 guides![]()
Gas smellSmell gas? Get out first
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Carbon monoxideCO alarm going off: get everyone outside
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FireFire: get out and call 911
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Sparks and shocksSparks, burning smell or a hot outlet: cut that circuit
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Sparks and shocksWater near anything electrical: don't touch
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Something unsafeSomething's come loose overhead: keep clear
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Something unsafeSomeone in danger or something wrong: make it safe
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No heatNo heat in the cold: four checks, then keep the pipes safe
Water and plumbing
83 guides![]()
Main water shutoffTurn off the main water
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Sink valvesTurn off the water under the sink
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Toilet valveTurn off the water to a toilet
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FaucetClean a faucet aerator
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ShowerDescale a showerhead
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Water heaterFlush a water heater
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ShowerReplace a showerhead
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Toilet tankStop a running toilet
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Sump pumpTest a sump pump
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Sink drainUnclog a sink with a plunger
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Toilet bowlUnclog a toilet
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Outdoor faucetShut off and drain an outdoor faucet
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Main water shutoffWater you can't stop: the first minutes
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Main water shutoffA shutoff valve won't turn: don't force it
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Appliance valvesTurn off the water to a leaking appliance
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DrainsA drain is backing up: stop the water, no chemicals
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Toilet valveToilet leaking: tank, supply line or base?
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Sink valvesWater under the sink: find where it's coming from
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FaucetFix a dripping faucet
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Water service lineFind out what your water service line is made of
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What’s involvedWater heaterThe water heater's relief valve: what's involved
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Septic systemSeptic backing up: stop using water, never open the tank
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Sink valvesLook under the sinks and at the supply lines for leaks
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DrainsClear a slow tub or shower drain
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DrainsRun water into floor drains and seldom-used traps
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Sink valvesReplace the braided supply lines under sinks and toilets
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Water pressureCheck the water pressure with a hose-bib gauge
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Leak detectorsTest the water leak detectors and the automatic shut-off
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Outdoor faucetService or replace an outdoor tap and its vacuum breaker
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Outdoor faucetReopen the outdoor taps and check them for freeze damage
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Toilet tankReplace a toilet fill valve
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PipesFind and protect the pipes that can freeze
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What’s involvedShowerService the anti-scald and shower mixing valves
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What’s involvedToilet bowlReplace a toilet (what's involved)
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FaucetPull-down faucet head won't go back: check the counterweight
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What’s involvedSink valvesA cracked sink: what's involved, and what to do meanwhile
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Away from homeLeaving in winter: heat on, water off, someone checks
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Water heaterCheck the thermal expansion tank
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Water heaterInspect and replace the water heater anode rod
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Water qualityTest the drinking water
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Water qualityTop up the water softener salt
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Water qualityChange the water filter cartridges
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Leaks and dripsIt's dripping: catch it and note when it drips
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Water qualityPut the water softener on bypass
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Septic systemSewer or septic? How to tell
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Water supplyWell or city water? How to tell
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Water heaterTank, tankless or off the boiler? Identify your water heater
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PipesIdentify your water pipes
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Outdoor faucetIs the outdoor faucet frost-free? How to tell
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Water qualityIdentify what's on your water line
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Water qualityFind where the water softener drains
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Sump pumpTest the backup sump pump and its battery
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Sump pumpCheck where the sump pump empties and carry the water away
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PipesHard freeze tonight: open the sink cabinets and let a tap drip
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Backwater valveFind, inspect and clear the backwater valve
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What’s involvedEjector pumpCheck the ejector basin's float and check valve: what's involved
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Ejector pumpListen for the ejector pump and test its alarm
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Leaks and dripsRead the water meter for a hidden leak
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What’s involvedFaucetReplace a faucet (what's involved)
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Sink drainClear a blocked sink trap
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Sink valvesReplace a shutoff valve under a sink or toilet
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What’s involvedWater heaterDescale a tankless water heater: what's involved
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Water heaterClean the tankless heater's inlet screen and check its vent
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Water heaterLook the water heater over: leaks, flame, flue and draft
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Water heaterCheck the water heater's seismic straps
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Water heaterCheck the hot-water temperature at the tap
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What’s involvedWater heaterA solar hot water system's controller and gauge: what's involved
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Water qualityClean out the softener's brine tank
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Water supplyFind the well pump and check the pressure tank's air charge
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Water supplyFind the wellhead and check the cap
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What’s involvedWater supplyLook over the well pump, its seal and the foot valve: what's involved
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Water qualityReplace the UV lamp on the water line
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Water qualityTest the water hardness at a tap
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What’s involvedWater qualityCheck the iron or sulfur filter: what's involved
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Water qualityReplace the whole-house water filter unit
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What’s involvedSump pumpReplace a sump pump or its battery backup: what's involved
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Sump pumpClear the silt and debris out of the sump pit
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Sump pumpReplace the sump pump's check valve
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Septic systemCheck the septic effluent filter
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Septic systemFind and test the septic or holding-tank alarm
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What’s involvedSeptic systemFind the septic tank and walk the drain field: what's involved
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Leaks and dripsWalk the house for mould and hidden damp
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Water supplyDrilled or dug well? How to tell
Power and safety
43 guides![]()
Breaker panelReset a tripped breaker
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GFCI outletReset a GFCI outlet
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Smoke and CO alarmsTest smoke and CO alarms
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Smoke and CO alarmsReplace a smoke or CO alarm
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Smoke and CO alarmsPut smoke and CO alarms where they belong
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GFCI outletTest the GFCI outlets
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Breaker panelTest the GFCI and AFCI breakers
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GasLook over the visible gas piping
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Fire extinguisherCheck a fire extinguisher
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Fire extinguisherReplace an old fire extinguisher
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Escape planPlan two ways out
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RadonSet up a radon test kit
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What’s involvedAsbestos and leadRecognize materials that may hold asbestos
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Asbestos and leadTest old paint for lead
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Tip-over anchorsAnchor tall furniture, TVs and the range
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Lights and bulbsA light flickers: bulb, dimmer and LED checks
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Lights and bulbsChange a light bulb safely
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GeneratorGet a portable generator ready
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GasFind the gas shutoff and label it
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Breaker panelFind the main breaker
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Breaker panelFind which breaker runs what, and label the panel
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GasTurn off the gas to a range, dryer or fireplace (no gas smell)
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Breaker panelPower out in part of the house: work out how much is dead
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Breaker panelLook the panel over and photograph it (outer door only)
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Older wiringRecognize a fuse box, aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring (look only)
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Power outagesPower may go: get ready for an outage
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RadonCheck the radon fan is still running
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GeneratorUse a generator transfer switch or interlock
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EV chargerTest the EV charger's GFCI and look over the cable
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GeneratorRun the portable generator under load and change its oil
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GeneratorWatch the standby generator's exercise run and log it
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Solar powerRead the solar inverter and its app, from the ground
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Lights and bulbsAdjust a photocell or timer for outdoor lights
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Breaker panelCheck the whole-house surge protector is still live
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Lights and bulbsPut up holiday lights (single storey only)
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Building fire safetyTest the emergency lights and exit signs
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Building fire safetyCheck the fire alarm panel for trouble signals (look only)
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Building fire safetyRun the fire pump's no-flow churn test
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Building fire safetyCheck the sprinkler control valves are open and secured (look only)
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Building fire safetyKeep fire sprinkler heads unobstructed
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Building fire safetyFire doors close and latch, and are never wedged
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Building safety checksFlush the eyewash and safety shower weekly
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Building safety checksTest resident pull cords and call buttons
Heating and air
51 guides![]()
RadiatorBleed a radiator
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FurnaceReplace a furnace filter
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Ceiling fanReverse a ceiling fan for the season
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FurnaceWater coming from the furnace or AC: catch it, switch it off
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FurnaceFurnace loud or rattling: the checks from outside
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Bathroom fanBathroom fan stopped or loud: switch, breaker, then clean it
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Bathroom fanClean the bathroom fan
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FurnaceFind the furnace on-off switch
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FurnaceClear the condensate drain and trap
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ThermostatSwitch the thermostat over for the season and test a full cycle
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FurnaceClear the outside vent and intake pipes
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ThermostatChange the thermostat batteries
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AC and heat pumpShut the air conditioner down for winter
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AC and heat pumpClean the outdoor AC or heat pump and clear around it
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HumidifierChange the furnace humidifier pad and check its drain
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HumidifierSwitch the furnace humidifier over at the season change
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RadiatorRadiator still cold after bleeding
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Attic and insulationAssess the attic insulation and top it up
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Attic and insulationLook into the attic from the hatch
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Attic and insulationScreen the vents birds nest in, or fit ember mesh
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Bathroom fanCheck where the bathroom fan's duct ends up
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Bathroom fanReplace a cracked bathroom fan cover
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Heating systemWhat heats your house?
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FireplaceWood, gas or insert? Identify your fireplace
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Heat wavesHeat wave: close the sunny-side blinds and water early or late
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HRV and ERVFind and clean the HRV or ERV core and filters
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Ducts and ventsWalk the ductwork and seal loose joints
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AC and heat pumpKeep a heat pump clear of snow and ice
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Ducts and ventsVacuum the supply registers and return grilles
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HumidifierRead and manage the indoor humidity
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AC and heat pumpCheck the AC is actually cooling
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ThermostatCheck the thermostat's schedule and calibration
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Heating systemCheck the boiler pressure and look it over
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AC and heat pumpLook over the AC line-set insulation and outdoor disconnect
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ThermostatReplace a thermostat
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Ducts and ventsBalance the supply registers and dampers for the season
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FurnaceLook the furnace over before the heating season (cabinet shut)
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AC and heat pumpWash the mini-split filters
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FireplaceLook over the fireplace firebox and damper
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HumidifierClean the dehumidifier filter and check its drain
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Heating systemVacuum the electric baseboard heaters
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Wood stoveCheck the wood stove and its pipe before the first fire
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Wood stoveReplace the wood stove firebrick and baffle
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Wood stoveReplace the wood stove door and glass gaskets
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FurnaceTest the condensate pump and float switch
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AC and heat pumpRemove and store a window air conditioner
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AC and heat pumpStart up and shut down a swamp cooler; change its pads
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What’s involvedHeating systemYour district heating unit: what's involved
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Attic and insulationCheck the soffit, ridge and gable vents are open
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Attic and insulationSeal the attic hatch and ceiling air leaks
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Fuel tankFind and walk around the fuel tank
Appliances
34 guides![]()
DishwasherClean a dishwasher filter
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DryerClean the dryer lint trap and vent
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FridgeClean fridge condenser coils
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Range hoodClean range hood filters
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Garbage disposalFree a jammed garbage disposal
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Washing machineCheck and replace the washing machine hoses
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DryerClean the whole dryer duct with a brush kit
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Appliance powerAppliance dead? Check its power first
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DishwasherDishwasher leaking: what you can check
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DishwasherCheck and renew the dishwasher's hoses
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Garbage disposalClean and freshen the garbage disposal
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FridgeChange the fridge water filter
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FridgeReplace the fridge water supply line
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Stove and ovenStove burner won't light: clean and dry the cap and igniter
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Washing machineClean a front-loader's pump filter
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Washing machineRun a washing machine cleaning cycle
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DryerReplace the dryer vent ducting
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Stove and ovenClean the cooktop, burners and igniters
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Range hoodReplace the range hood's charcoal filter
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DishwasherDescale the dishwasher with a cleaning cycle
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FridgeDefrost a freezer
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What’s involvedGarbage disposalReplace a garbage disposal (what's involved)
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Range hoodReplace a range hood that plugs in
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Range hoodCheck the range hood duct and its outside damper
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What’s involvedDishwasherInstall a dishwasher (what's involved)
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Stove and ovenClean the oven, check its door seal and change its light
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DryerVacuum behind the dryer and check its exhaust connection
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Washing machineLevel the washer and check its drain hose and standpipe
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Washing machineHook up a washer and an electric dryer
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Commercial kitchenDegrease commercial kitchen hood filters
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DryerClean the lint traps on commercial dryers
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Commercial kitchenWalk-in cooler checks: gasket, temperature log, condenser clear
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What’s involvedCommercial kitchenUnder-sink grease trap: what's involved
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What’s involvedSterilizerA sterilizer spore test: what's involved
Outside and the yard
72 guides![]()
Roof and guttersLook over the roof from the ground
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Roof and guttersClear the gutters (single storey only)
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Power line to the houseLook at the power line to your house, and the branches near it
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GateMake a gate close and latch on its own
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PoolNever swim with a missing or broken drain cover
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Driveway and walksSeal the driveway's cracks
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Ground and drainageCheck the ground slopes away from the house
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What’s involvedOutside wallsRepaint or restain the outside trim: what's involved
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Deck and fenceClean and stain the deck or fence
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Ground and drainageWatch where the water goes in a heavy rain
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Mice and pestsFind and seal the gaps where mice get in
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Outside wallsCheck the weep holes at the bottom of the brick are open
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Ground and drainageMove the woodpile and pull the mulch back off the wall
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Outside wallsWash the outside walls and check the joints
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Ground and drainageBuild up the ground where water sits against the wall
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Deck and fenceLook over the deck, its stairs and landings
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Retaining wallLook along the retaining wall for lean and bulge
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Retaining wallClear the weep holes and the drain behind the retaining wall
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WildfireClear the ground around the house for wildfire
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Deck and fenceLoose deck stairs: what you can tighten, and when it's structural
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TreesTrim small branches back from the roof (from the ground)
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TreesWalk the trees: hanging deadwood and roots near the house
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BalconyRe-lay bunched balcony turf
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Outside wallsIdentify the outside walls
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WildfireWildfire smoke: close up and run the furnace fan
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StormsBefore a storm: secure the yard, unplug, close up, park inside
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Snow and iceGet ready for snow and ice
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StormsAfter a storm: walk around and look up
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StormsGet the house ready for hurricane season
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Roof and guttersReseal the gutter seams and refasten loose hangers
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Roof and guttersCheck the gutters and downspouts from the ground and send the water away
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Roof and guttersLook over the chimney from the ground
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Roof and guttersCheck the eaves for ice dams
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What’s involvedGround and drainageFlush the buried downspout line: what's involved
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Roof and guttersRake snow off the roof edge from the ground
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Lawn sprinklersShut off the sprinkler system's water
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Ground and drainageClear the window wells and yard drains
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Roof and guttersCheck the soffits and fascia for rot and loose panels
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Roof and guttersCheck the skylights for leaks
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Deck and fenceWalk the fence line and check the posts
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Mice and pestsSpot signs of animals in the roof, attic or under the deck
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Ground and drainageClear the ditch and the culvert
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Mice and pestsLook along the sills and foundation for termites and carpenter ants
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Driveway and walksWalk the driveway and walks for cracks, heave and settlement
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Driveway and walksSeal concrete floors, walks and steps
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Outside wallsLook at every place something goes through the stucco
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Driveway and walksTop up the sand between the pavers
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Driveway and walksGrade the gravel driveway and fill the potholes
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Driveway and walksPressure wash the driveway
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Lawn sprinklersStart up and test the irrigation system
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Lawn sprinklersProgram the sprinkler controller and skip a cycle when it rains
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Lawn sprinklersBlow out the sprinkler lines before the hard freeze
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Lawn sprinklersReplace the irrigation controller or a zone solenoid
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Lawn and gardenAerate the lawn
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Lawn and gardenCover or bring in plants before frost or hail
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Lawn and gardenCheck the rainwater tank or barrel and drain it before frost
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Lawn and gardenDrain the rainwater tank and scrub it out
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PoolClear the pump and skimmer baskets
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PoolOpen the pool for the season
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PoolTest and balance the pool water
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What’s involvedPoolKeep a pool heater clear: what's involved
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PoolClose the pool before the frost
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Hot tubHot tub care: test the water, rinse the filter, drain and refill
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Play structuresCheck a swing set or play structure
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CottageClose the cottage for winter
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CottageOpen the cottage for the season
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CottageWalk the road in after the thaw
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CottageDrain the water system before closing the place up
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CottageBring the water back on and look for winter damage
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Dock and shorePull the dock out before the ice and put it back in spring
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Dock and shoreLook over the dock cribs, decking and fasteners
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Dock and shoreWalk the seawall and look for undermining
Around the house
70 guides![]()
DoorFix a squeaky or sticking door
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WallPatch a small hole in drywall
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Tub and showerRe-caulk a tub or shower
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DoorDoor won't latch or lock: line up the strike plate
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Garage doorTest the garage door's safety reverse
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Photos for a proPhotograph a problem so a pro can price it
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Tile and groutClean and seal grout
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CeilingsCheck the ceilings under the bathrooms with a flashlight
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WindowsSingle, double or triple glazed? How to tell
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Working with a proRecord a short video of a noise or a fault that comes and goes
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Working with a proRead and write down an error or fault code
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Working with a proFind a machine's rating label: model, serial, age, rental sticker
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Records and planningPlan a machine replacement before it fails
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Electronics and smart homeMount a TV on the wall
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DoorRenew the weatherstripping and door sweeps
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WindowsRenew the exterior caulking at windows, doors and trim
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WindowsSwap the screens and storm windows for the season
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WindowsWash the windows and clear the tracks and weep holes
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WindowsCheck the window seals and glazing
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DoorLubricate the outside door locks and hinges
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Garage doorGarage door won't close: check the safety sensors
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Garage doorLubricate the garage door rollers, hinges and track
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DoorSliding door or window sticks: clean and wax the track
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WindowsCracked window glass: make it safe until it's replaced
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WallRepaint a room
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WallLook at the bottom of the panelling in bathrooms and basements
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WallCheck and re-stick wallpaper seams in damp rooms
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Basement and foundationInspect the foundation walls and slab for cracks, and mark them
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Basement and foundationCheck the basement for damp and signs of past water
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Basement and foundationGet the basement ready for spring melt and heavy rain
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Basement and foundationSeal the foundation cracks and failing parging
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Basement and foundationInspect the crawl space
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CountertopsOil the butcher block
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CountertopsCheck the seam at the laminate sink cutout
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CountertopsDecide what to do about the marble etching
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CountertopsTest and reseal natural stone counters and floors
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WallWash the walls in the kitchen and hallways
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FloorsCheck the felt pads under everything that slides
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Tile and groutTap along the tile and listen for hollow ones
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FloorsCheck laminate and vinyl seams for water and lifting
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FloorsFind out how thick the wood floor wear layer is
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FloorsDeep-clean the carpet: rent a machine or book it
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What’s involvedFloorsEpoxy a garage floor: what's involved
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WallInstall a closet organizer
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WindowsInstall blinds
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DoorReplace a door lockset, deadbolt or smart lock
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WindowsCheck the glazing putty and paint on single-pane windows
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DoorChange smart lock and keypad batteries
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DoorRefinish an exterior wood door
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What’s involvedDoorHang a pre-hung door: what's involved
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WindowsLubricate and check roller shutters
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Garage doorTest the garage door's balance and manual release
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Garage doorReplace the garage door rollers and hinges
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Condo and apartmentFind the equipment inside your unit
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Working with a proCheck the warranty before anyone comes out
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Records and planningGet the house paperwork together in one place
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Records and planningPlan a roof, window or gutter replacement
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Records and planningCheck whether any permits were left open
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Records and planningReport what needs fixing under the builder's warranty
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Records and planningGet ready for the rental inspection
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Records and planningCheck when the rental license needs renewing
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Electronics and smart homeRestart the modem and router in the right order
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Electronics and smart homeSecurity camera: clean the lens, charge it, re-aim it
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Electronics and smart homeInstall battery or wireless security cameras
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Electronics and smart homeVideo doorbell: recharge, reset, chime not ringing
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Electronics and smart homeInstall a video doorbell
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Electronics and smart homeClean a projector's filter and vents
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Electronics and smart homeTest the security system and change the sensor batteries
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Electronics and smart homeDrain an air compressor tank and check its safety valve
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DoorDaily safety check of an automatic door
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