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| Acknowledgments | |
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| Dedication | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Foundations, Basements, Crawl Spaces | |
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| Foundations for New Houses and Additions | |
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| Foundation Repair | |
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| Water and Moisture Problems in Foundations | |
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| Mold, Mildew, and Musty Smells | |
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| Cellars with Dirt Floors | |
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| Crawl Spaces | |
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| Roofs and Siding | |
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| Venting | |
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| Asphalt and Fiberglass Shingles | |
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| Cedar Shingles and Shakes | |
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| Roof Vegetation | |
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| Metal Roofing | |
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| Flat Roof Coverings | |
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| Eaves | |
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| Gutters | |
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| Miscellaneous Roof Problems | |
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| Siding | |
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| Wood Siding | |
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| Vinyl Siding | |
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| Aluminum Siding | |
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| Asbestos Siding | |
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| Brick Houses | |
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| Stone Houses | |
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| Log Houses | |
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| Stucco | |
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| Miscellaneous Types of Siding | |
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| Miscellaneous Issues | |
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| Windows and Doors | |
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| New and Replacement Windows and Doors | |
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| Warranties | |
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| Comfort and Energy Efficiency | |
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| Overheating and UV Damage | |
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| Cleaning and Polishing Window Components | |
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| Repairing Damaged Windows and Doors | |
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| Paint, Varnish, and Other Finish Work | |
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| Moisture Problems | |
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| Miscellaneous Issues | |
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| Plumbing, Electricity, HVAC | |
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| Plumbing | |
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| Hot Water | |
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| Water Color and Quality | |
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| Bad Smells | |
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| Noisy Plumbing | |
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| Toilets | |
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| Faucets, Sinks, Tubs | |
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| Septic Systems | |
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| Drains | |
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| Plumbing Vents | |
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| Exhaust Vents | |
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| Electrical Systems | |
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| Wiring Issues | |
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| Lighting | |
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| Miscellaneous Electrical Questions | |
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| Heating and Cooling | |
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| Health and Safety | |
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| Noisy Heating Systems | |
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| Problems Caused by Modern Upgrades | |
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| Keeping Temperatures Even Throughout the House | |
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| Options for Upgrading Heating Systems | |
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| Heating and AC-Related Repairs | |
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| System Maintenance | |
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| Closing Down a House for the Winter | |
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| Cold-Weather Problems | |
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| Saving Energy | |
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| Aesthetic Issues | |
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| Chimneys | |
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| Fireplaces | |
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| Kitchens and Baths | |
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| Fixtures | |
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| Tubs, Showers, and Surrounds | |
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| Sinks | |
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| Toilets | |
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| Built-Ins | |
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| Counters | |
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| Cabinets | |
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| Appliances | |
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| Refrigerators | |
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| Cookstoves | |
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| Dishwashers | |
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| Moisture Problems | |
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| Mold and Mildew | |
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| Protection from Water Damage | |
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| Grout and Caulk | |
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| Interior Surfaces: Floors, Ceilings, and Walls | |
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| Miscellaneous Kitchen & Bathroom Issues | |
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| Squeaky Floors | |
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| Wood Floors, Maintenance and Repair | |
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| Vinyl Flooring, Maintenance and Repair | |
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| Carpets and Rugs | |
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| Ceramic and Quarry Tile | |
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| Brick, Stone, and Related Materials | |
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| Basement Floors and Walls | |
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| Walls: Plaster, Drywall, Wood, and Related Materials | |
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| Ceilings: Cracks, Sags, Dirt and Streaks | |
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| Paint and Other Finishes | |
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| Wallpaper | |
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| Structural Issues | |
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| Insulation | |
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| Insulating the Foundation | |
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| Foundation Insulation and Vapor Retarders | |
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| Insulating a Finished Basement | |
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| Other Ways to Improve Foundation Insulation | |
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| Roof Insulation | |
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| Insulation and Ceilings | |
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| Improving Insulation in Existing Homes | |
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| Unintended Effects of Improved Insulation | |
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| Critters, Pests and other Nuisances | |
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| Ants and Termites | |
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| Wasps and Bees | |
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| Mice | |
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| Moths and Carpet Beetles | |
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| Squirrels and Chipmunks | |
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| Flies of Various Types | |
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| Miscellaneous Pests | |
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| Beneficial Creatures | |
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| Birds | |
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| Pets | |
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| Health and Safety Issues | |
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| Outside the House | |
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| Driveways | |
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| Walkways | |
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| Porches | |
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| Decks | |
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| Patios | |
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| Garages, Carports, and Sheds | |
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| Fences, Walls, and Railings | |
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| Outdoor Stoops and Stairs | |
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| Outdoor Furniture and Equipment | |
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| Lawns | |
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| Landscaping Issues | |
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| Septic and Drainage | |
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| Pools and Ponds | |
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| Resources | |
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| Index | |
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| About the Author | |