Home Maintenance
Comprehensive guides on maintaining and improving various aspects of home life.
Filter down by subcategories:
Energy Efficiency
Resources for making your home more energy-efficient and sustainable.
Indoor Repairs
Step-by-step guides on common indoor repairs like plumbing and electrical fixes.
Outdoor and Garden Maintenance
Tips and tricks for maintaining gardens and outdoor spaces.
Smart Home Technologies
Information on integrating and utilizing smart home devices.
All playbooks for this category:
Baseboard Damage Repair
This playbook outlines the steps for repairing scratches, dents, or gouges in wooden baseboards. The procedure involves the use of wood filler and paint to restore the damaged area.
Basic Treehouse Construction
This playbook outlines the steps necessary to build a simple treehouse safely and securely. Ideal for providing a fun space for kids, the process includes selecting a suitable tree, gathering materials, and following construction best practices.
Bleeding Radiators
This playbook describes the step-by-step process for bleeding radiators to remove trapped air, thereby improving the overall heating efficiency within a home.
Budget Home Office Setup
This playbook outlines the steps for creating a functional home office by utilizing cost-effective purchases and repurposing existing items while adhering to a budget.
Building a Backyard Fire Pit
This playbook guides you through the process of safely constructing a durable and aesthetically pleasing fire pit in your backyard. Follow these structured steps to ensure proper build and safety.
Building a Basic Workbench
This playbook provides detailed steps for constructing a sturdy workbench suitable for a garage or workshop. It outlines the materials needed, the build process, and safety precautions to follow during construction.
Building a Chicken Coop
This playbook outlines the process for designing and constructing a chicken coop. It ensures a secure and comfortable environment for backyard chickens.
Building a Simple Bookshelf
A step-by-step guide to constructing a sturdy and functional wooden bookshelf suitable for beginners. This playbook will cover the essential stages of planning, preparation, assembly, and finishing.
Building Raised Garden Beds
This guide provides a step-by-step process to construct raised garden beds, which are beneficial for enhancing drainage and potentially increasing garden yields.
Cabinet Hinge Repair
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide on how to identify various types of cabinet hinges and outlines methods to fix or replace broken cabinet hinges for home maintenance.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Maintenance
A comprehensive guide on maintaining and testing carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly for home safety. Regular maintenance and testing are crucial for the effective operation of these devices.
Ceiling Fan Installation
This playbook describes the sequential steps to install a ceiling fan in place of an existing light fixture. It covers electrical safety precautions, assembly, and mounting of the ceiling fan.
Changing HVAC Filters
This playbook provides step-by-step instructions for locating, evaluating, and replacing air filters in an HVAC system. This is to ensure the maintenance of air quality and the efficiency of the system.
Childproofing Your Home
This playbook outlines step-by-step actions needed to childproof a home. It covers various methods and tips to reduce potential hazards and prevent accidents involving children, such as anchoring furniture and installing safety gates.
Choosing Efficient Roofing
This playbook provides a guide to exploring different types of roofing materials and selecting the most energy-efficient option suitable for your home. It includes steps to assess energy ratings and other considerations for effective decision-making.
Compost System Management
This playbook outlines the steps for building a compost bin, identifying compostable materials, and managing the composting process to create nutrient-rich soil for gardening purposes.
Creating a Vertical Garden
This playbook describes the steps to convert a small space into a lush vertical garden with the use of hanging planters. It guides through selecting an appropriate location, choosing plants, and maintaining the garden.
Customizing Light Fixtures
A guide to personalizing and enhancing light fixtures. It provides steps on how to modify existing fixtures or create new ones to add a unique touch to any space.
Deck Maintenance Guide
This playbook provides a detailed process for maintaining a deck through cleaning, repairing, and sealing. The goal is to prolong the deck's lifespan and improve its aesthetic appeal.
Deep Bathroom Cleaning
A comprehensive guide outlining steps to deep clean and sanitize every area of your bathroom, ensuring a clean, fresh, and germ-free space.
Digital Space Organization
This playbook describes the process of decluttering and organizing various digital assets such as files, emails, and photos to enhance ease of access and management. It aims to streamline the user's digital environment for improved productivity and order.
DIY Home Energy Audit
This playbook provides a structured approach to performing a do-it-yourself energy audit for your home. It will guide you through the necessary steps to identify potential areas for improving energy efficiency.
DIY Home Insulation Guide
This guide provides beginners with a step-by-step approach to insulating their home. It covers selecting the right materials, applying insulation techniques, and ensuring energy efficiency is maximized.
DIY Pallet Furniture
This playbook describes the process of creating furniture from recycled wooden pallets. It outlines the steps involved in sourcing pallets, preparing the materials, and constructing the furniture pieces.
DIY Rainwater Harvesting
This playbook outlines the steps required to create a DIY rainwater harvesting system for garden irrigation and other non-potable uses. It details the process from collecting rainwater to effectively storing it for later use.
DIY Under-Bed Storage
This playbook provides a guide on how to create under-bed storage solutions. It includes steps for planning, creating, and installing DIY storage units that fit beneath a bed, maximizing space utilization.
Doorbell Troubleshooting Guide
A sequence of steps dedicated to identifying and solving common problems associated with doorbells. This guide covers wiring issues and defective button problems.
Door Lock Upgrade
This playbook describes the procedure for upgrading door locks to enhance security by installing better locks and deadbolts.
Downsizing Belongings Guide
This playbook provides a structured approach to downsizing possessions, catering to individuals aiming for a minimalistic lifestyle or preparing for a move. It is designed to facilitate the process of selecting what to keep, discard, or donate through deliberate decision-making.
Drawer Organization Guide
This guide provides a structured approach to organizing drawers across the house for maximized space efficiency and ease of locating items.
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
This playbook describes the process for designing and maintaining a landscape that conserves water. It includes steps for plant selection, soil preparation, and strategic irrigation to create an aesthetically pleasing environment that is resilient to drought conditions.
Drywall Hole Repair
This playbook outlines the steps to effectively repair small to medium-sized holes in drywall. The procedure involves patching the affected area, followed by spackling, sanding, and finishing touches for a seamless repair.
Earthquake Proofing Home
This playbook outlines necessary steps to secure furniture and appliances and implement modifications in your home to reduce the potential damage from earthquakes.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Recipes
This guide provides recipes for creating natural cleaning products at home. These homemade solutions promote environmental safety and personal health.
Eco-Friendly Flooring Installation
This playbook details the steps for selecting and installing eco-friendly flooring materials. It covers the benefits and the process of installation for cork, bamboo, and recycled flooring products.
Eco-Friendly Insulation Comparison
This playbook outlines the process for exploring and comparing different eco-friendly insulation materials. It focuses on assessing their effectiveness, cost, and environmental impact to make an informed decision for sustainable building practices.
Efficient Laundry Management
This playbook outlines a sequence of steps for streamlining the laundry process. It covers sorting, washing, drying, folding, and storing to ensure efficient management of laundry tasks.
Electrical Circuit Troubleshooting
This playbook outlines the steps for identifying and rectifying faults in electrical circuits. It covers common issues such as tripped circuit breakers and loose wire connections.
Electrical Outlet Replacement
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide on how to safely remove and replace a non-functioning electrical outlet. It details the precautions and the sequential actions necessary to perform the replacement.
Emergency Contact Sheet Creation
This playbook outlines the steps required to create an emergency contact sheet. The process involves gathering necessary information, formatting the document, and ensuring it is accessible for when an emergency arises.
Emergency Supply Kit Preparation
This playbook outlines the necessary steps to assemble an emergency supply kit. It includes gathering essential items such as water, food, and first aid supplies to prepare for various emergency situations.
Energy Bill Analysis
This playbook outlines the steps to effectively read and understand your energy bill. It guides you through the process of analyzing the various charges and tracking your usage patterns to identify potential savings.
Energy-Efficient Doors Installation
This playbook outlines the steps for selecting and installing energy-efficient exterior doors. The goal is to minimize drafts and reduce overall energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Management
A guide for homeowners to select, install, and maintain energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The goal is to optimize home comfort while minimizing energy usage and costs.
Energy-Efficient Landscaping
This playbook guides you through the process of designing a landscape that enhances energy efficiency. By using strategic planting and shading, you can naturally reduce your home's energy consumption.
Energy-Saving Window Treatments
This playbook describes various window treatments designed to enhance energy efficiency in a home by reducing heat loss and gain. The treatments covered include blinds, curtains, and window films.
Energy Star Appliance Guide
This playbook provides a structured approach for buyers interested in selecting Energy Star-rated appliances. It guides them through the benefits, comparison techniques, and potential long-term savings associated with these energy-efficient products.
Enhancing Natural Light
This playbook describes a series of measures to maximize the amount of natural light in a home. Steps include interior design choices, structural modifications, and the optimization of window treatments to amplify sunlight exposure.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide to diagnose the cause of a faucet leak and details the procedures for repairing it, which mainly involves replacing washers and o-rings.
Fixing a Stuck Door
This playbook describes methods to resolve issues with doors that stick or fail to close correctly. The procedure involves adjusting hinges and, if necessary, sanding the edges of the door.
Fixing Squeaky Floors
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide to fix squeaky floors whether they are carpeted or hardwood. It covers methods for addressing the problem from both above and below the flooring.
Floating Shelves Installation
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide for selecting, measuring, and installing floating shelves to improve space utilization and aesthetics in your home or office.
Front Door Peephole Installation
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide on selecting the appropriate peephole and installing it into your front door. It aims to enhance security by allowing occupants to screen visitors before opening the door.
Garage Door Security Enhancement
This playbook describes the sequential steps to improve the security of a garage door, helping to prevent unauthorized entry and enhance home safety.
Garage Organization
This playbook provides a detailed process for organizing a garage space. It involves various strategies and storage solutions aimed at creating a tidy and functional area.
Green Building Certification Guide
This guide provides a structured approach to obtaining various green building certifications. It covers an overview of notable certifications like LEED and Passive House, detailing the process for certification and the associated benefits.
Handmade Candle Crafting
This playbook outlines the step-by-step procedure for making scented candles at home. It includes the necessary materials required for the process and provides guidance on personalizing your candle creations.
Hardwood Floor Maintenance
This playbook provides detailed steps for properly cleaning and maintaining hardwood floors to ensure their longevity and preserve their natural shine, while also preventing damage.
Holiday Decoration Storage
This playbook outlines the steps for storing and organizing holiday decorations to ensure their safety, maintain organization, and improve the efficiency of decoration setup and takedown processes.
Home Air Leak Sealing
This playbook outlines the steps to identify and seal air leaks around doors, windows, and ductwork, improving your home's energy efficiency and comfort.
Home Cleaning Schedule
This playbook describes how to create a cleaning schedule to maintain a tidy home without feeling inundated with chores. It outlines the steps to categorize cleaning tasks by frequency and allocate them throughout the week for balanced workload.
Home Decluttering Guide
A comprehensive guide that provides step-by-step instructions for sorting through personal belongings. It helps decide what items to keep, donate, or dispose of in order to achieve and maintain a clutter-free living space.
Home Electrical Safety
This playbook outlines the steps to identify and rectify potential electrical hazards in your home. It serves as a guide to educate homeowners on how to maintain a safe environment by preventing electrical risks.
Home Energy Management
This playbook provides an outline for understanding and implementing home energy management systems (HEMS). It covers the basics of HEMS, their functionality, and the benefits of using them for real-time energy monitoring and saving.
Home Fire Escape Planning
The playbook describes the process of creating a fire escape plan for a home. It encompasses mapping safe escape routes from all rooms, accounting for the needs of children and the elderly, and designating an external meeting place for all occupants.
Home Insulation Guide
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to insulating your home. It will cover different insulation materials and installation techniques to improve your home's energy efficiency.
Homemade Natural Cleaners
This playbook provides step-by-step instructions for creating environmentally-friendly cleaning products using common household ingredients. It outlines recipes and methods to make natural cleaners that are both effective and safe for home use.
Homemade Quilt Crafting
This playbook outlines the basic steps for creating a personalized quilt. It covers the process from piecing together squares to the final stitching of the layers.
Home Office Organization
This playbook describes the steps to set up an organized and productive workspace at home. It covers the organization of physical items, cable management, and the implementation of a paper filing system.
Home Recycling System Setup
This playbook outlines the steps to set up an efficient recycling system in your home. It aims to help you sort and manage recyclables effectively to minimize waste.
Home Safety Checklist Development
This playbook describes the steps necessary to create a thorough Home Safety Checklist. The goal is to ensure regular review and maintenance of safety measures in the home.
Home Security Camera Setup
This playbook describes the sequential steps for selecting, placing, and installing a security camera system for home surveillance. It guides through the process of choosing the right equipment and ensuring its proper deployment to enhance home security.
Home Water Safety Protocol
This playbook provides a sequence of steps to enhance water safety in the home, aimed at preventing drowning and water-related injuries. It is particularly focused on homes with swimming pools.
Household Fabric Stain Removal
A concise guide for removing various common stains from fabrics found in clothing, upholstery, and other household items. It covers the essential steps to treat and clean different kinds of stains effectively.
Household Pest Prevention & Management
This playbook outlines strategies for preventing common household pests by maintaining cleanliness and sealing the home. It also provides guidance on how to manage pests if they do infiltrate the home.
Household Waste Reduction
A guide to minimizing waste generation at home. This playbook provides steps that involve mindful shopping, creating compost, and repurposing items to foster a more sustainable living environment.
Implementing Neighborhood Watch
This playbook describes the sequential steps necessary to establish a Neighborhood Watch Program aimed at enhancing local security through community vigilance and cooperation.
Installing Cool Roofs
This guide outlines the steps for selecting and installing cool roofing materials that reflect sunlight and absorb less heat, promoting energy efficiency and cooler home interiors.
Installing Low-Flow Fixtures
This playbook outlines the steps to select and install low-flow water fixtures such as toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators, to conserve water and energy.
Integrating Renewable Energy
This playbook outlines the process of integrating renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and geothermal, into a home energy system. It provides steps to assess, install, and maintain renewable energy solutions.
Kid-Friendly Organization System
This playbook outlines steps to create an organization system within your home that is easy for children to understand and maintain. The goal is to foster independence and responsibility in children when it comes to keeping their spaces tidy.
Kitchen Cleanliness and Organization
This playbook outlines the best practices for maintaining clean kitchen appliances and provides tips for organizing the cooking space efficiently. It includes periodic cleaning routines and organizational strategies to ensure a hygienic and clutter-free kitchen environment.
Laminate Flooring Installation
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide to installing laminate flooring. It is designed to assist home improvers with the process of enhancing their home's interior by laying new laminate floors.
Laminate Flooring Repair
This playbook describes the steps to fix common issues with laminate flooring such as scratches, peeling, or warping. Replacement pieces are used to restore the damaged areas and maintain the flooring's appearance.
Light Switch Replacement
This playbook outlines the steps required to safely replace an old or faulty light switch. It includes instructions on how to handle wiring and secure new connections.
Macramé Wall Hanging DIY
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide to create a macramé wall hanging. It outlines the basic materials needed, the selection of pattern options, and describes the various knotting techniques to complete the project.
Making a Compost Bin
This playbook outlines the steps necessary to create a compost bin for recycling household organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for gardening.
Mason Jar Herb Garden
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide to creating a compact, low-maintenance herb garden using mason jars. It covers the essential tasks from selecting appropriate jars and herbs to the maintenance required to sustain a healthy garden.
Maximizing Closet Storage
This playbook outlines strategies to efficiently organize a closet to optimize storage space. It includes methods for arranging clothes, folding garments, and handling accessories to achieve an organized and accessible closet.
Minimalist Living Essentials
This playbook outlines a methodical approach to decluttering personal spaces and adopting minimalist living principles. The goal is to reduce clutter, streamline possessions, and maintain a serene living environment.
Mosaic Patio Table Creation
This playbook outlines the step-by-step process for crafting a mosaic tabletop suitable for outdoor use. It covers all necessary stages, from material selection to grouting and sealing, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.
Organizing Your Bookshelves
This playbook outlines the steps to efficiently sort, store, and display books in a way that enriches the aesthetics and feel of your living space. It is designed to help you create an organized and visually appealing bookshelf.
Pantry Organization
This playbook describes a methodical approach to arranging a pantry. The process ensures that food items are visible, easily accessible, and stored in an orderly fashion.
Pet-Friendly Cleaning Guide
This playbook provides steps for maintaining a clean home that is safe for pets. It covers fur management and the use of pet-safe cleaning products and practices.
Plaster Wall Crack Repair
This playbook describes the sequential steps required to fill and repair cracks in plaster walls. The process aims to prevent further damage by securely mending the affected area.
Preventing Home Invasion
This procedure outlines steps to understand the risks associated with home invasions and provides strategies to effectively deter them. The goal is to enhance home security and ensure residents' safety.
Pruning Shrubs and Trees
This playbook provides detailed steps on properly pruning shrubs and trees to enhance their growth and health. It covers the selection of appropriate tools, assessment of plants, actual cutting techniques, and post-pruning care.
Re-caulking a Bathtub
This procedure provides a step-by-step guide on how to remove old caulk from around a bathtub and apply a fresh, waterproof seal using new caulk.
Reducing Standby Power Usage
A guide detailing strategies to effectively minimize standby power consumption, also known as phantom loads, from household electronics and appliances.
Refinishing a Wooden Table
This playbook outlines the process to refinish a wooden table by sanding, staining, and sealing it. The goal is to provide clear instructions on how to give an old wooden table a renewed appearance.
Room Painting Guide
This playbook describes the complete process of painting a room, from the initial preparation phases to the execution and finishing touches. It is designed to help ensure a professional-quality result.
Safe Hazardous Materials Storage
This playbook outlines a series of steps needed to store hazardous materials safely in a home setting. It is intended to prevent accidents, ensure personal safety, and comply with legal storage requirements for chemicals and dangerous substances.
Seasonal Home Organization
This playbook outlines the steps for organizing and deep cleaning your home throughout the different seasons of the year. It includes specific checklists for tasks to tackle in spring, summer, autumn, and winter to maintain a well-organized and clean living space.
Selecting Energy-Efficient Windows
This playbook outlines the step-by-step process to choose energy-efficient windows. It aims to guide you through various criteria and considerations to enhance your home's comfort while reducing energy loss.
Shower Diverter Repair
This playbook provides detailed instructions for repairing a shower diverter. It aims to restore the proper function of switching water flow between the tub faucet and the showerhead.
Sliding Glass Door Security
This playbook outlines a series of steps to enhance the security of sliding glass doors. It includes the installation of bars, additional locks, and alarm systems to deter unauthorized entry.
Smart Home Automation Setup
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide on creating routines to automate smart home devices. These routines can be customized to respond to certain triggers or follow specific schedules.
Smart Home Hub Setup
This playbook provides a structured approach to choosing and installing a smart home hub for centralized control of smart devices. It is designed to walk beginners through the essential steps to integrate and manage their smart technology.
Smart Home Security
This playbook provides a sequential guide to securing your smart home devices. It outlines the steps necessary to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Smart Lighting Integration
This playbook provides a comprehensive guide on how to install and configure smart light bulbs and switches. It aims to optimize energy use and increase convenience in a residential or commercial setting.
Smart Lock Home Security
This playbook outlines the benefits of smart locks, explains their functionality, and provides a detailed guide to installing smart locks to secure a home. The objective is to enhance home security by leveraging modern technology.
Smart Thermostat Installation
This playbook guides you through the process of understanding how smart thermostats can save energy, choosing the right one, and installing it in your home to improve energy efficiency.
Smoke Alarm Installation
A step-by-step playbook to guide individuals through the process of selecting the right smoke alarms for their home and illustrating the proper installation techniques to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Solar Panel Installation
This playbook outlines the procedure for assessing a home for solar panel installation, understanding associated costs, and details the sequential steps needed for installing solar panels.
Speed-Cleaning for Busy People
This playbook provides a series of time-efficient cleaning techniques designed for individuals with busy lifestyles. It focuses on maintaining cleanliness and organization in the home with minimal effort.
Starting a Vegetable Garden
This playbook outlines the sequential steps for creating and maintaining a basic vegetable garden. It covers soil preparation, planting appropriate seasonal vegetables, and implementing organic pest control methods.
Switching to Energy-Efficient Lighting
This playbook guides you through the process of switching to energy-efficient lighting. It covers selecting LED and CFL bulbs, understanding their benefits, and the expected impact on energy bills.
Tankless Water Heater Upgrade
This playbook describes the process of upgrading from a traditional water heater to a tankless water heater, detailing the operational benefits and the sequential steps to complete the installation.
Thermostat Programming Guide
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up and program your thermostat. The aim is to optimize energy savings by scheduling temperature changes according to your daily routine.
Thermostat Replacement
This playbook describes the steps required to safely replace an outdated or malfunctioning thermostat with a new programmable one. It includes procedures for removing the old unit and installing the new device.
Tightening Loose Door Handles
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide to identify and tighten setscrews and mechanisms on various types of door handles, ensuring they are secure and functional.
Tile Backsplash Installation
This playbook provides a detailed guide for selecting, cutting, and installing a tiled backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom, outlining the tools needed and steps to follow for a successful installation.
Tile Replacement Guide
This playbook provides a step-by-step guide on how to replace broken tiles. It walks through the process of removing the old tiles, preparing the surface, and installing new tiles to ensure a seamless and restored surface.
Toilet Repair Guide
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to diagnose and fix common issues causing a toilet to run continuously. It focuses on adjustments to the flapper valve and floating mechanism.
Tornado Safety Preparation
This playbook provides a comprehensive guide for homeowners to prepare their home and family for a tornado. It includes steps for securing the property, developing a safety plan, and identifying appropriate sheltering methods.
Unclog a Drain
This playbook describes the steps for unclogging a drain using a plunger, a plumber's snake, and natural cleaning methods. It provides a structured approach to effectively clear blockages in various types of drains.
Unclogging Garbage Disposal
This playbook outlines the steps required to unclog a garbage disposal unit. It guides through the process of safely handling the situation and resetting the unit without the need for professional assistance.
Upcycling Old Furniture
This playbook provides a step-by step guide for transforming old, out-of-style, or worn out furniture into chic, stylish home decor items. These techniques focus on revamping items to give them a new life and aesthetic.
Voice Assistant Setup
This playbook provides a comprehensive guide for setting up and customizing voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, to enable smart home control and create a personalized user experience.
Water-Damaged Furniture Restoration
This playbook outlines the process for restoring furniture that has sustained water damage. The procedure includes steps for drying, cleaning, and refinishing to bring the furniture back to its original condition or better.
Water Heater Efficiency Maintenance
This playbook aims to guide individuals through the process of maintaining and optimizing water heaters for the best efficiency. It outlines the understanding of different water heater types, maintenance for optimal performance, and deciding the right time to upgrade.
Window Blinds Installation
This playbook outlines the steps for selecting the appropriate window blinds and the process for measuring and installing them. It guides you through ensuring privacy and light control for your spaces.
Window Draft Sealing
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to identify and seal drafty windows. The aim is to improve home insulation and energy efficiency by using simple sealing techniques.
Windows Security Enhancement
This playbook guides through a step-by-step process aimed at enhancing the security of windows in a building to prevent unauthorized access. It includes the installation of locks, security film, and bars.
Year-Round Lawn Care
This playbook describes the essential lawn care tasks for maintaining a healthy lawn throughout the different seasons. It covers mowing, watering, fertilizing, and addressing common lawn issues.
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