1
Front Matter
6 chapters2
Part 1: The Anatomy of a House
6 chapters- Part 1: The Anatomy of a House
- Chapter 1: How a House Is Built — Structure, Systems, and What Holds It All Together
- Chapter 2: Foundations — Slab, Crawlspace, and Basement: What's Underneath You
- Chapter 3: Framing — Wood, Steel, and How Walls and Floors Carry Load
- Chapter 4: Insulation and the Building Envelope: Keeping Heat Where You Want It
- Chapter 5: Windows and Doors: Sealing Against Weather, Noise, and Energy Loss
3
Part 2: Plumbing — Water In, Water Out
7 chapters- Part 2: Plumbing — Water In, Water Out
- Chapter 6: Your Home's Water Supply: From Main Line to Faucet
- Chapter 7: Hot Water Systems: Tanks, Tankless, and Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Chapter 8: The Drain-Waste-Vent System: Where It All Goes
- Chapter 9: Toilets, Sinks, and Fixtures — What's Actually Inside and How to Fix It
- Chapter 10: Common Plumbing Problems — Leaks, Clogs, Pressure, and Frozen Pipes
- Chapter 11: Sewer Lines and Septic Systems — The Underground Truth
4
Part 3: Electrical Systems
7 chapters- Part 3: Electrical Systems
- Chapter 12: How Electricity Works in Your Home: Basics Every Homeowner Needs
- Chapter 13: The Electrical Panel: Breakers, Fuses, Circuits, and Load
- Chapter 14: Wiring, Outlets, and Switches: What's Behind the Wall
- Chapter 15: Lighting: Efficiency, Controls, and Common Problems
- Chapter 16: Electrical Safety and Common Problems: GFCI, AFCI, and When to Call
- Chapter 17: Solar, EV Chargers, and Whole-Home Generators: Modern Electrical Additions
5
Part 4: HVAC — Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
7 chapters- Part 4: HVAC — Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
- Chapter 18: How Heating Systems Work: Furnaces, Boilers, and Heat Pumps
- Chapter 19: Air Conditioning and Cooling Systems: How They Work and What Fails
- Chapter 20: Ductwork, Airflow, and Ventilation: Moving Air Through Your Home
- Chapter 21: Thermostats, Zoning, and Smart Controls
- Chapter 22: Air Quality, Filters, and Humidity: What Your HVAC Is (and Isn't) Doing
- Chapter 23: HVAC Efficiency Ratings, Energy Bills, and When to Replace
6
Part 5: The Roof and Building Exterior
5 chapters- Part 5: The Roof and Building Exterior
- Chapter 24: Roofing Systems: Shingles, Metal, Tile, and Flat Roofs
- Chapter 25: Gutters, Downspouts, and Drainage: Moving Water Away from Your Foundation
- Chapter 26: Siding and Exterior Cladding: What Protects Your Walls
- Chapter 27: Foundation Exterior — Waterproofing, Grading, and Keeping Water Out
7
Part 6: Interior Systems and Finishes
6 chapters- Part 6: Interior Systems and Finishes
- Chapter 28: Drywall, Plaster, and Interior Walls — What They Are and How to Fix Them
- Chapter 29: Flooring Systems — Wood, Tile, Vinyl, Carpet — What's Under Your Feet
- Chapter 30: The Kitchen — Appliances, Ventilation, and Plumbing
- Chapter 31: Bathrooms — Waterproofing, Tile, Ventilation, and What Goes Wrong
- Chapter 32: Basements and Crawlspaces — Moisture, Finishing, and Problem-Solving
8
Part 7: Safety, Codes, and the Unexpected
5 chapters- Part 7: Safety, Codes, and the Unexpected
- Chapter 33: Building Codes, Permits, and Inspections: Why They Exist and How They Protect You
- Chapter 34: Hazardous Materials: Lead, Asbestos, Radon, and Mold
- Chapter 35: Fire Safety: Detection, Suppression, and Egress
- Chapter 36: Disasters and Emergency Prep — Flooding, Earthquakes, Storms, and Power Outages
9
Part 8: Working with Contractors and Managing Your Home
5 chapters- Part 8: Working with Contractors and Managing Your Home
- Chapter 37: Finding and Vetting Contractors — Hiring Well Is the Foundation of Every Successful Project
- Chapter 38: Quotes, Contracts, and Permits — Protecting Yourself Legally and Financially
- Chapter 39: Home Inspections — What They Cover, What They Miss, and How to Read One
- Chapter 40: Preventive Maintenance — Your Year-Round Home Care Schedule
10
Part 9: Capstone Projects
4 chapters11
Appendices
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