Home Fix It 101

How many times have you paid hundreds of dollars to fix the kitchen sink? Or waited hours for the plumber that never shows when he says he will? It's no surprise many homeowners have wasted time and money on even the most basic home repair needs. Finding the right tool, knowing how to use it, and understanding the root of the problem are daunting tasks. Home Fix-It 101 will put an end to outrageous repair bills and your frustration. Known throughout the United States as the Super Handyman, Al Carrell teams up with his daughter, Super HandyMom Kelly Carrell, to take the mystery out of home repair. The Carrells trade the dry and dense formats of most home repair guides for a friendly, accessible approach, leading readers from the easiest jobs of a fledging handyman to the most difficult home repair jobs reserved only for a fix-it-up expert. "Teachers Tips" combine with "Homework" assignments and "Pop Quizzes" to assist the reader in her broad home repair education. Readers will learn how to fix leaking faucets, unclog drains, patch holes and cracks in wallboard, install and maintain flooring, replace a window, fix major appliances, eliminate mildew, build a deck, save energy, prevent foundation failure, install new gutters, and hundreds of other jobs for which a professional would charge thousands of dollars. Whether they have tinkered with the toilet before or have never even touched a screwdriver, this book will guide every reader in making repairs to their house and maintaining them for years.

Offers advice and answers common questions on exterior and interior repairs, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling, and choosing a contracter.

Real Skills for Real Life From keeping your home clean and in good repair to preparing your own food, self-sufficiency rocks. Having an understanding of the domestic arts gives you a sense of control over your life. These skills also help you save money, not by chasing deals, but by teaching the principle of the mantra: Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. Life skills are the essence of frugality. Whether you just moved out of your parent's basement or you cut the apron strings a while ago, you'll learn the skills you need to manage your household. Inside you?ll find: Quick, easy cleaning solutions for every room of the house, so you can get the job done and get on with life Instructions for removing stubborn stains and offensive odors from fabric Simple fixes to wardrobe malfunctions including broken zippers, missing buttons, and fallen hemlines Troubleshooting advice for common problems with home appliances A minimum home maintenance guide to prevent or catch major repair problems A basic plumbing tutorial that includes clearing and preventing clogs, stopping a running toilet and retrieving items dropped down a drain Ideas for healthy and fast meal planning so you can start cooking and stop relying on takeout or preservative-packed convenience food Definitions of common cooking terms and techniques found in recipes Plans for stocking a pantry so you can make dinner (even if you haven't been grocery shopping in a week) and be prepared when disaster strikes A complete rundown of essential kitchen equipment from knives to pans to small appliances Equip yourself with the skills you need for everyday life.

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a long-standing neighborhood icon, your home needs attention—and we can help. The Family Handyman’s Whole House Repair Guide gives readers the know-how and confidence to tackle repair jobs, save money and avoid the hassles of service calls. We cover all of the most common repairs from floors to ceilings, from paint to plumbing. Indoors or out, large or small, this is the guide you need to do the job right. This book will walk you through all projects and also provide tips and tricks that will make the jobs simpler.

Simple swaps and innovative ideas for cleaning and maintaining your home that won't cost the Earth. Learn how easy it is to make simple swaps in your cleaning and tidying methods for a more eco-friendly home. This beautifully illustrated black and white guide with 101 hints and sustainable, natural cleaning tips and hacks will help you take small steps that have a massive positive environmental impact. In Clean & Green, Nancy Birtwhistle shares the simple recipes and methods she has developed since making a conscious effort to live more sustainably, many of which are faster and easier than the go-to products and methods most of us use now. From everyday cleaning and laundry tips to zero-effort oven cleaner and guidance on removing tricky stains from clothing and furniture, these economical, practical methods are perfect for anyone looking to reduce their use of plastic and throwaway products. Nancy shares her tried-and-tested recipes for all-purpose cleaners, replacements for harmful chemicals that will keep both your home and the planet clean and green for future generations.

Popular food blogger Marisa McClellan takes you through all manner of food in jars, storing away the tastes of all seasons for later. Basics like jams and jellies are accompanied by pickles, chutneys, conserves, whole fruit, tomato sauces, salsas, marmalades, nut butters, seasonings, and more. Small batches make them easy projects for a canning novice to tackle, and the flavors of vanilla bean, sage, and pepper will keep more experienced jammers coming back for more. Sample some Apricot Jam and Rhubarb Syrup in the spring, and then try your hand at Blueberry Butter and Peach Salsa in the summer; Dilly Beans and Spicy Pickled Cauliflower ring in the fall, while Three-Citrus Marmalade and Cranberry Ketchup are the harbingers of winter. Stories of wild blackberry jam and California Meyer lemon marmalade from McClellan’s childhood make for a read as pleasurable as it is delicious; her home-canned food—learned from generations of the original “foodies”—feeds the soul as well as the body in more than 100 recipes.