'homeowner's Manual

= 0) {slash = '\\';} else {slash = '/';}openLoc = figLoc.substring(0, figLoc.lastIndexOf(slash) + 1);while (pPage.substring(0,3) == '../') {openLoc = openLoc.substring(0, openLoc.lastIndexOf(slash, openLoc.length - 2)+ 1);pPage = pPage.substring(3, pPage.length + 1);}popUpWin =window.open('','popWin','resizable=1,scrollbars=1,location=0,toolbar=0,width=525,height=394');figDoc = popUpWin.document;zhtm= ' ' + pPage + ' ';zhtm += ' ';zhtm += ' ';zhtm += ' ';zhtm += '' + pPage.substring(pPage.lastIndexOf('/') + 1, pPage.length) + '';zhtm += ' ';figDoc.write(zhtm);figDoc.close();}// modified 3.1.99 RWE v4.1 --> Introduction Introduction The Homeowner's Manualfulfills a similar function to the manual for your car. This manual is not a "how-to" book to repair your home. Rather, it is a book designed to give you a roadmap of the materials used in your home along with terms associated with various materials, conditions, and systems. Like everything on this planet, the materials used to build your home have a lifespan, but with proper maintenance you can increase their longevity.The Homeowner's Manualhelps you prevent and troubleshoot common house problems and determine when you need to call in the experts. All homeowners are first-time buyers at one time in their lives, and most usually experience the insecurity of feeling inadequate about knowing how a home operates properly and the maintenance needed to keep it in good working order. You will learn quickly that the moment you own a home, you have plenty to do on your weekends and time off. This is the nature of owning a home. There is always something on the to-do list that needs to be fixed, a renovation that has been gnawing at you, or maybe even an add-on that needs to be completed. No matter what it is, I will help you understand the proper materials to use for your situation and whether you can tackle the project yourself or need to pick up the phone and call a pro. This book is designed to equip you with some overall knowledge on how the various systems work and integrate with each other. Some troubleshooting tips and repairs are addressed along with some design theories; however, I would suggest buying specialty books for home repair, design, landscaping, and so on if you plan on doing the work yourself. You will make some mistakes along the way, but let's face it, our mistakes are our best teachers. At least, they have been mine. Congratulations on investing your money in a home. That is a wise investment, so be sure you protect its value.The Homeowner's Manualshould help you with the big picture of owning a home, teach you about yearly and seasonal maintenance, and let you sound like a well-informed homeowneLyday, Lynda is the author of ''homeowner's Manual ', published 2005 under ISBN 9780789734518 and ISBN 0789734516.