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Structures & Systems

Featured Project

Appliance Maintenance: Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Appliance Maintenance: Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Keep your HVAC systems running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $40-$100 (new filter every 3 mos.)
Added to Binder
Man placing baking soda inside of a refrigerator

(New!)

Appliance Maintenance: Refrigerators

Keep your refrigerator running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $4 (box of baking soda/3 mos.)
Added to Binder
Man inspecting roof

(New!)

Hurricanes: Protect Your Roof

With Hurricane Earl buffeting the Caribbean, it’s a good time to consider protection for your roof against hurricanes. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1 day (inspect roof)
Investment Med $175 (roof inspector)
Added to Binder
Rolling shutters for hurricane protection

(New!)

Hurricanes: Protect Your Windows and Doors

With Hurricane Earl picking up steam, it’s a good reminder to make sure your doors and windows are reinforced against hurricane-strength winds. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1 wknd (plywood coverings)
Investment Low $1-$2/sq ft (DIY plywood)
Added to Binder
Man maintaining a home water heater

(New!)

Appliance Maintenance: Water Heaters

Keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $20 (new sacrificial anode rod)
Added to Binder
Serviceman checking HVAC system

(New!)

Appliance Maintenance: Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Keep your HVAC systems running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $40-$100 (new filter every 3 mos.)
Added to Binder
Inspecting washing machine hoses for tight fittings

Appliance Maintenance: Clothes Washer & Dryer

Keep your clothes washer and dryer running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $8 (new braided metal hose)
Added to Binder
Lawn furniture outside a vacation home

Opening and Closing a Vacation Home

Don’t neglect to budget time and money for opening and closing a vacation home before the season starts and after it ends. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 2 days/yr (open/close home)
Investment Low $100 (clean 3BR/2BA home)
Added to Binder
A crew replacing a home's septic system

Should You Repair or Replace Your Septic System?

Here’s how to figure out whether you can fix a problem septic system or if it’s going to have to be replaced. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2 days (repair; replant lawn)
Investment Low $600 (find and fix broken pipe)
Added to Binder
Septic system installed at a house

Understanding Your Septic System

Learn about your septic system so you can prolong its life and avoid costly breakdowns. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 3+ wks (pro install)
Investment High $5,000–$25,000 (new system)
Added to Binder
Plumber installing polyethylene tubing

Do You Need to Replace Your Plumbing?

What to look for and consider to determine if you should replace plumbing and deteriorating pipes. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 1-5 days
Investment High $4,000-$10,000 (whole house)
Added to Binder
Foundation Inspection

A simple check of your foundation prevents expensive repairs later:

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