Ever wonder how easy it is to fix common household problems by yourself? Well here is the perfect solution to fixing basic household loose ends, regardless of experience. No-Fear Home Improvement: 100 Projects Anyone Can Do is designed to provide instruction and give confidence to the first-time homebuyer and novice do-it-yourselfer. Readers will learn projects that cover simple repairs, such as squeaky doors all the way to electrical problems without having to spend a fortune on labor costs. Each chapter contains a guide to selecting the right tools and materials for the job, problem solving Smart Tips¨, information packed sidebars, and step-by-step photo sequences to thoroughly make it clear how to remedy each problem. Empowerment is the theme of this book, and No Fear Home Improvements: 100 Projects Anyone Can Do seeks to provide homeowners with just that.
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Table of Contents for No-Fear Home Improvement: 100 Projects Anyone Can Do

No-Fear Home Improvement: 100 Projects Anyone Can Do

About this Book 6

1. Understanding Your House 10
• Explaining Plumbing 12
• The Secrets of Electricity 14
• Healing with Home Emergencies 16

2. Basic Tools & Fasteners 18
• The Basic Tool Kit 20
• Nails & Nailing 22
• Screws 24
• Other Fasteners 26

3. Painting Projects 28
• Before You Paint 30
• Preparing Walls for Painting 32
• Dealing with Wallcoverings 35
• Painting Walls 36
• Finishing Trimwork 38
• Applying Wallcoverings 40

4. Repairs & Maintenance 42
• Repairing Windows 44
• Repairing Screens 46
• Maintaining Heating Systems 48
• Maintaining Central Air 50
• Sealing Surfaces 52
• Repairing Damaged Floors 54
• Unsticking Cabinet Doors& Drawers 56
• Fixing Locks 58
• Repairing Wooden Furniture 60

5. Plumbing Projects 64
• Fixing a Leaking Faucet 66
• Fixing Washerless Faucets 68
• Replacing a Faucet 74
• Unclogging Drains 76
• Fixing Common Toilet Problems 80
• Working with Plastic Pipe 86
• Working with Copper Pipe 88
• Dealing with Plumbing Emergencies 90

6. Electrical Projects 92
• Charting Electrical Circuits 94
• Working with Wires & Cable 96
• Replacing an Outlet Receptacle 98
• GFCI Receptacles 100
• Replacing a Single-Pole Switch 102
• Low-Voltage Lighting 104
• Surface Wiring 106
• Repairing Plugs 108
• Repairing Lamps 110
• Wiring Safety Detectors 112
• Specialty Wiring 114
• Telephone Wiring 116
• The Basics of Home Networking 118

7. Making Improvements 120
• Improving Home Security 122
• Improving Home Safety 124
• Saving Energy 128
• Adding Shelving 134
• Installing a Window Air Conditioner 136
• Adding Molding 138
• Trimwork for Windows & Doors 140
• Cornice & Ceiling Molding 142
• Wainscoting & Paneling
• Vinyl Floor Tile 146
• Laminate Flooring 148
• Kit Furniture 150
• Refinishing Furniture 152

8. Taking Stuff Apart 157
• A-Head 158
• A-Head 160
• A-Head 162
• A-Head 164

Resource Guide 166
Glossary 170
Index 172
Photo Credits 175
Metric Equivalents 175

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