Booklet by Molly Gleason

Home Repair and Maintenance

Guide Book Prevent and solve common problems. Do simple repairs yourself. Take notes as you go.

Habitat for Humanity/ Metro Jackson, Inc. P.O. Box 55634 Jackson MS 39296-5634 Phone (601) 353-6060 www.habitatjackson.org

Habitat for Humanity/ Metro Jackson, Inc. would like to acknowledge Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Improvement LOWES.COM for their partnership and for information that is found in this guide

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

to report a gas leak

ATMOS ENERGY Emergency number: 1-866-322-8667 Customer service: 1-888-286-6700

to report an electrical outage

ENTERGY To report an outage: 1-800-9OUTAGE Customer service: 1-800-ENTERGY to report a water leak CITY OF JACKSON JACKSON PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION (601) 960-1777

to report a crime

CITY OF JACKSON JACKSON POLICE DEPARTMENT Crime Stoppers: 1-888-8-CRIMES (1-888-827-4637) MY CONTACTS: Plumber Electrician Heating/Cooling

Phone #

Hourly Rate

HIGHLIGHTS HOMEOWNERSHIP Your house is an asset. The better it is maintained and remains in good repair, the more it is worth.

COST Some repairs might be cheaper than you expect. Estimates from contactors are free. You have nothing to lose by finding out how much it is to fix something. Utilize your maintenance escrow accout. Refer to your Homeowner Manual or the property department at the HFH/MJ office for more information.

CONTRACTORS Before you call a contractor, read appliance manuals and get together any information you can from this guide book. Even if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fix it yourself, you will be able to describe things better to the contractor. Knowing more will help you communicate better. If it is a simple repair, see if the contractor will give you some tips for the future.

MAINTENANCE To prevent serious problems, you need to constantly be aware of any maintenance needs. It is important to remember that a small problem can become a big problem later. Address things as soon as they come up. Do regular maintenance check lists each season. (See page 20)

DO IT YOURSELF! Many common problems can be fixed by you. This guide includes some step-by-step instructions for commonly needed repairs. Check out the DIY (Do It Yourself) Resource center at the Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson office at 615 Stonewall St.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 HOMEOWNERSHIP “TOOLS” .......1 CONTRACTOR ESTIMATE SAMPLE.................................2 CONTRACTORS...................................................................3 MAINTENANCE ESCROW...................................................4 COST.....................................................................................5 WHO CAN HELP OUT?.........................................................6

Chapter 2 MAINTENANCE BASICS......................7 USEFUL TOOLS.....................................................................8 SAFETY..................................................................................9 GENERAL MAINTENANCE-EXTERIOR............................10 GENERAL MAINTENANCE-INTERIOR..............................11 ENERGY SAVINGS................................................................12

Chapter 3 STEP-BY-STEP .................................................13 REPAIR ITEMS UNDER $10.................................................14 EXTERIOR WASH.................................................................15 DRYWALL REPAIR...............................................................16 TOILET TROUBLE SHOOTING..............................................17 ELECTRICAL PANEL.............................................................18

Chapter 4 NOTES AND CHECK LISTS....................19 MAINTENANCE CHECK LISTS..............................20-23 NOTES......................................................................24-27 RESOURCES.....................................................................28

CHAPTER 1 HOMEOWNER “TOOLS”

CONTRACTOR ESTIMATE SAMPLE

Jon Doe Construction, Inc Rehab and Repair Services

Jackson, MS phone number

JON DOE CONSTRUCTION, INC Rehab and Repair Services Jackson, MS Date Estimate for repair: Property: My Name My Address Jackson, MS Replace 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; X 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122; porch with 5/4 treated decking and paint

$995

Replace stair treads

$100

Repair soffit

$100

Patch 2 places in roof

$100

Total

$1295

Always have the contractor list each repair separately. You may even ask them to separate the labor from the materials. That way you know more specifically what you are being charged for. Also, if necessary, you can eliminate a less important item if it is not within your budget at the time and come back to it later. Or maybe it is something you decide you can try to repair.

CONTRACTORS

What do I need to know? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesistate to get an estimate when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how much it will be. Estimates are free. Getting an estimate is the only way to find out how much something will cost. Get more than one estimate. Ask for recommendations from other homeowners or from HFH/MJ. Compare the estimates for price. Ask to see some previous work to get an idea of quality. Carefully read the estimate and contract. Make sure it covers the work you are expecting to be done. Get a time frame for the work. It may not be on the written estimate. Refer to the sample on the opposite page. Major work, such as roof replacement and foundation repair, should have a warranty of between one to three years. If you are hiring a contractor for major work (roof, foundation) make sure the contractor is licensed and bonded by the City of Jackson and insured. Ask for proof. If required by code, the contractor must obtain a permit from the City. Major work like roofs and foundation will definitely require a permit. Inspect the work before you pay. Make sure they have completed the job. Pay or release maintenance escrow funds on completion of work. Collect business cards for future work.

Licensed & Bonded

Jon Doe Construction, Inc Rehab and Repair Services

Address Phone number

MAINTENANCE ESCROW

How can I use it? Maintenance escrow is an account that you pay into when you make your mortgage payment each month. You have access to this money for significant repairs on your house. Refer to your Homeowner Manual or the property department at the Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson office for more detailed information. 1. Check first with HFH/MJ to find out your balance and which repairs qualify.

2. Get an estimate for the work or materials. 3. Bring the estimate into the HFH/MJ office. You will need to sign a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maintenance Escrow Releaseâ&#x20AC;? form authorizing the payment from your maintenance escrow account.

4. If the amount of repairs is more than you have in your account,

you will need to pay the remainder. You make this payment directly to the contractor or place you are buying your materials.

ELIGIBLE Roof Floors Stove Refrigerator Hot Water Heater HVAC System Electrical Repairs Plumbing Repairs Tree removal from house

NOT ELIGIBLE

Siding Porch Exterior trim Painting Interior Wall Repair Porch Repair Windows Termite/pest control $1000 insurance deductable

Washer Dryer Fences Driveway Repair Landscaping/Plants Lot clearing/ grass mowing Sheds

COSTS

How much will it cost? REGULAR MAINTENANCE COST: Task

*Cost

Why?

Change Air Filter (12 times per year) Heating/Cooling Unit

$25/year

Energy efficiency. Unit will last longer.

Exterior Wash Siding and Porch

$20 (spray pump) Keep house free of $150 (pressure wash) mold and mildew, prevent rotting, and enhance the appearance.

Cut bushes & trees Over roof & near house *Average Cost In 2010

$20-$300/year

Prevent damage to roof.

REPAIR VS. MAINTENANCE Some maintenance costs can be expected. But through good maintenance, you can make the materials and structure of your house last longer. Maintenance needs left unattended will certainly lead to repairs in the future. Major repair by a contractor is going to be at higher costs all at once, rather than smaller costs as you go. If repairs are needed, make sure it gets fixed correctly. Follow through on maintenance to prevent any future problems.

MAINTENANCE

Who can help out? COME TO HFH/MJ Homeowners Association MEETINGS TO MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS.

Can you get a group of neighbors to help paint each others houses? Do you have a friend that has a pressure washer? TEACH YOUR KIDS TO TAKE ON REGULAR MAINTENANCE TASKS.

Remind your family members to turn off lights when leaving a room. Do you have an older child that can help with the yard? Have one of your kids be responsible for changing air ďŹ lters. 6

CHAPTER 2 MAINTENANCE BASICS

USEFUL TOOLS

KEYHOLE SAW

POWER DRILL

UTILITY KNIFE

SPACKLE KNIFE

FLATHEAD SCREWDRIVER

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER

ADJUSTABLE WRENCH 8

SAFETY HOW TO TURN THINGS OFF LOCATE THE SHUT-OFF VALVES FOR YOUR WATER, GAS, AND ELECTRICITY NOW SO YOU WON’T HAVE TO FIND THEM DURING AN EMERGENCY. The water shutoff valve is located on the water meter. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off all water into the house. The toilets and sink have a valve to turn off the water just to that unit. The gas shut-off valve is usually located near the gas meter. It’s important to know where this valve is because you should turn it off if you smell gas and can’t quickly find the source. Electrical power coming into the house is controlled by a main switch in the service panel, usually located in the house near the electric meter. NEVER TOUCH THE PANEL IF THE FLOOR AROUND IT IS WET!!!

MAIN WATER SHUTOFF VALVE

SINK SHUTOFF VALVE

TOILET SHUTOFF VALVE

WATER SHUTOFF

ELECTRICAL DISCONNECT SWITCH

CONDENSING UNIT

GAS SHUTOFF

ELECTRICAL SHUTOFF

GENERAL MAINTENANCE EXTERIOR VENTILATION

CHECK FOUNDATION AND ROOF VENTS Excessive moisture promotes rot, mold, mildew, and termites. In homes with a crawl space and dirt floor, most moisture enters the home through the crawl space. Good crawlspace ventilation circulates fresh air through the crawlspace and exhausts musty, moist air. Replace missing vent screens to prevent animals from entering your crawl space. Make sure the plastic sheet on the ground under your house is dry and in good condition. Also check the vents under the eaves of the roof. You want to keep the attic space properly ventilated and protected.

TAKE CARE OF EXTERIOR SIDING

PRESSURE WASH, PAINT, AND TERMITE PREVENTION It is recommended that you powerwash your house once per year to keep your siding free of mildew and mold. Always pressure wash before repainting the exterior of your house. Also check for rot and other deterioration caused by termites or moisture. Maintain your annual termite contract.

DRAINAGE

AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOUSE Divert water away from your house. Do not let water pool around the foundation.

LANDSCAPING Keep branches away from roof and exterior walls to prevent damage. Cut back tree branches that hang over the roof of the house. FOUNDATION VENTS

GENERAL MAINTENANCE INTERIOR LEAKS and MOISTURE Find the source of the leak right away and turn off water if necessary. Water will quickly rot wood and invite termites. Fix immediately to avoid damage not just to the wall, floor, and ceilings, but also to avoid damage to the structure of the house. If it seems like a roof leak, check for debris on the roof, worn areas, and buckling shingles. Mildew or moisture may be a sign of poor ventilation. Make sure your house is getting proper ventilation. For plumbing leaks, check the flexible supply tubes to see if they need to be replaced or if they need to be secured.

UNCLOGGING DRAINS If only one sink, shower, bath, or toilet in the house is backing up, the clog is probably confined to the trap of that fixture. If more than one fixture is clogging up, the blockage will usually be in the main drain line. Unclogging the main drain is a little more difficult and it is recommended that you contact a plumber. First try unclogging using a plunger. If a plunger won't clear the clog, the trap needs to be cleaned. If you are going to clean the trap, remember a couple of things. Place a bucket below the sink. Also place a rag in the pipe going into the wall to prevent sewer gases from coming into the house. A SINK TRAP remains filled with water so sewer gases canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enter the room FLEXIBLE SUPPLY TUBES carry water from shutoff valves at the wall to threaded tailpieces on the base of the faucet.

SINK DRAIN PIVOT ROD

CLEVIS FLEXIBLE SUPPLY TUBES

MECHANICAL POP-UP STOPPER SINK TRAP

SHUTOFF VALVE

ENERGY SAVINGS TIPS: Change air filters every months to prevent a/c coils from getting clogged. Change more frequently if needed. Change weekly when first moving in . Dust from construction needs to be filtered out. Reduce the temperature of your water heater. Some manufacturers set it to 140º F but for most residences it only needs to be 120º F. Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Closing air gaps around your windows and doors can save you in heating and cooling costs by reducingng the demand on your heating and cooling system. You can do this by caulking or weatherstripping. Weatherstipping is a narrow strip of material to cover the joint of a window.

CAULKING A WINDOW

CAULKING: You can use a caulking compound to seal air leaks in a variety of places throughout your home, including around windows and door frames. Caulk forms a flexible seal for cracks, gaps, or joints less than 1/4 inch wide. In addition to sealing air leaks, caulking can also prevent water damage inside and outside of the home when applied around faucets, ceiling fixtures, water pipes, drains, bathtubs and other plumbing fixtures. Before applying new caulk, remove old caulk or paint residue remaining around a window using a putty knife, stiff brush, or special solvent. After old caulk is removed, new caulk can then be applied. It’s best to check the caulk around windows and doors before summer and winter seasons. Select an appropriate caulk at a home improvement store and follow the instructions for application.

CHAPTER 3 STEP-BY-STEP

REPAIR ITEMS UNDER $10 You might be surprised. Commonly needed items are inexpensive and can easily be purchased at a home improvement store.

Duplex Receptacle Wall Plate

Air Filter

Spackle

Painterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s White Caulk

Door Stop

Drywall Patch

Compact Flourescent Light Bulb

EXTERIOR WASH THIS IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRESSURE WASHING ITEMS YOU NEED:

2 GALLON PUMP UP SPRAYER

(AVAILABLE AT A HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE)

CLOROX- ABOUT 1 QUART DISH SOAP- 1 SQUIRT HOT WATER- TO FILL BOTTLE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE: Washing the exterior of the house can improve the appearance tremendously. Even if the house looks clean and may not need paint, washing the exterior of the house protects the house from future damage. It is recommended that you wash your house once per year with a pressure washer or with the following method: INSTRUCTIONS:

MIX SOLUTION.

SPRAY AREAS IN SECTIONS (EX. 10’ x10’ AREAS) KEEPING AREAS WET TO LET SOLUTION SOAK AND KILL MILDEW. SCRUB IF NECESSARY.

3 4

RINSE AREAS WITH CLEAN WATER USING A HOSE.

ASSESS. YOUR HOUSE SHOULD BE PAINTED EVERY 5 TO 7 YEARS. CAULK AROUND WINDOWS AND DOORS ONCE A YEAR.

REPEAT IN SECTIONS.

PATCH AND REPAIR DRYWALL 1. Cut a scrap piece of drywall slightly larger than the hole with

utility knife into square or rectangle. If you don't have piece of drywall, purchase drywall patch from hardware store. Set patch against hole/damaged area, and lightly trace around it with pencil. Cut out outlined area in wall with (keyhole) saw. Once the hole is cut, you need to create a backing to screw the new piece into. The next step will walk you through it.

2. To hold drywall patch in place, install small board about 6

inches longer than long dimension of hole. Put board into hole, center it horizontally, and hold it firmly against inside of wallboard. To help keep it there, fasten ends of board to drywall with flathead screws driven through wall at sides of hole; make sure you screw in the screws to where they head is below surface of drywall.

3. Use spackling compound or wallboard joint compound as glue to hold patch in place. Spread compound on back of drywall patch and around edges. Set patch into hole and adjust it so it's exactly even with surrounding wall. Hold it in place until compound starts to set. Let compound dry at least overnight.

4. Once compound is dry, fill patch outline and cover exposed

screw heads with spackling or joint compound. Let dry, lightly sand area, prime, and paint. SUPPLIES:

drywall, joint comound, saw, utility knife, sandpaper, spackle knife, screwdriver, touch-up paint. (All of these items may be contained in a kit at a home improvement store)

For smaller holes you can purchase a kit containing a selfadhesive metal mesh patch. You will need joint compound (spackle)

TOILET TROUBLE SHOOTING GENERAL If more than one toilet or drain in your home is backing up, the line is likely blocked. It is recommended that you call a plumber. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let a running or leaking toilet run up your water bills. Try to fix it or call a plumber. Once you know the parts and how they work, you can determine if a part needs adjustment or replacement.

LEARNING THE PARTS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR TOILET WORKS, TAKE THE LID OFF OF YOUR TANK AND FLUSH THE TOILET A FEW TIMES. HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL SEE:

When you push the handle, the chain lifts the flapper valve (also called the stopper or tank ball).

Water in the tank flows through the flush valve opening into the toilet bowl.

The water from the tank forces waste water in the toilet bowl through the trap and into the main drain.

Once the tank is empty, the flapper valve seals the tank and the ballcock refills it.

When the tank is full, the float ball shuts off the ballcock.

ELECTRICAL PANEL CIRCUIT BREAKERS The electrical system in your home is protected by circuit breakers located in an electrical panel. These are the “safety valves” of your electrical system. If a circuit is overloaded, a circuit breaker will “trip;” that means it automatically opens and stops electrical current to some receptacles and lights. There are several circuit breakers in the panel, so an overload on one circuit will not usually interrupt power to the entire house. Loss of electrical power is often caused by overloading a circuit when using too many high wattage appliances at one time, or there is a defective cord, receptacle or appliance involved. RESTORING POWER TO THE BREAKER IS SIMPLE:

1. 2. 3.

Just look at your circuit breaker panel and see which switch has tripped to “OFF” and is not lined up with the other switches. It is important that you first find and correct the cause of the overload before resetting the breaker to the “ON” position. If you cannot find the problem, and/or resetting the breaker causes it to trip “OFF” again, immediately call the electrician. MAIN BREAKER “HANDLE” (THIS IS PROBABLY A SWITCH RATHER THAN A HANDLE IN YOUR BOX) BRANCH CIRCUIT BREAKERS

LABEL YOUR BREAKERS AS TO WHERE THE OUTLETS AND SWITCHES ARE IN THE HOUSE.

If fuses blow or breakers trip frequently, have a licensed electrician determine the cause. If lights flicker or dim, or if appliances go on and off unexpectedly, call a licensed electrician.

CHAPTER 4 NOTES AND CHECK LISTS

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

Wi nte r

Fa ll

Su mm er

rin

IT IS A GOOD TIME TO DO YOUR MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST EACH SEASON Moisture and temperature changes can be the cause of many problems.

YEAR: _____________ Check siding, shingles, and trim for damage, looseness, warping, and decay. Check exterior walls for paint flaking or paint failure. Check vents for bird nests, squirrel nests, and insects. Clean around outside heating and cooling equipment, removing leaves, dust, overgrown shrubbery, and debris. Be sure power is off. Maintain grading sloped away from foundation walls. Check masonry walls and foundation for cracks, looseness, or missing or broken mortar. Check exposed wiring and cable for wear or damage around the outside of the house. Check underside of roof for water stains, leaks, dampness, and condensation, particularly in attics. Change air filters in your heating/cooling units.

SEASON:

NOTES:

DATE of CHECK:

Spring: Summer: Fall: Winter:

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

Wi nte r

Fa ll

Su mm er

rin

IT IS A GOOD TIME TO DO YOUR MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST EACH SEASON Moisture and temperature changes can be the cause of many problems.

SEASON:

NOTES:

DATE of CHECK:

Spring: Summer: Fall: Winter:

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

Wi nte r

Fa ll

Su mm er

rin

IT IS A GOOD TIME TO DO YOUR MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST EACH SEASON Moisture and temperature changes can be the cause of many problems.

SEASON:

NOTES:

DATE of CHECK:

Spring: Summer: Fall: Winter:

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

Wi nte r

Fa ll

Su mm er

rin

IT IS A GOOD TIME TO DO YOUR MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST EACH SEASON Moisture and temperature changes can be the cause of many problems.

SEASON:

NOTES:

DATE of CHECK:

Spring: Summer: Fall: Winter:

NOTES REPAIR contacts: Company:

Phone Number:

Estimate:

1) 2) 3)

NOTES:

DATE and TYPE OF REPAIRS: Repair Description:

Date:

REMEMBER TO GET MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE. DOCUMENT REPAIRS EVEN IF YOU DO THEM YOURSELF. HAVE A CONTACT NAME ON HAND JUST IN CASE.

NOTES REPAIR contacts: Company:

Phone Number:

Estimate:

1) 2) 3)

NOTES:

DATE and TYPE OF REPAIRS: Repair Description:

Date:

REMEMBER TO GET MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE. DOCUMENT REPAIRS EVEN IF YOU DO THEM YOURSELF. HAVE A CONTACT NAME ON HAND JUST IN CASE.

NOTES REPAIR contacts: Company:

Phone Number:

Estimate:

1) 2) 3)

NOTES:

DATE and TYPE OF REPAIRS: Repair Description:

Date:

REMEMBER TO GET MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE. DOCUMENT REPAIRS EVEN IF YOU DO THEM YOURSELF. HAVE A CONTACT NAME ON HAND JUST IN CASE.

NOTES REPAIR contacts: Company:

Phone Number:

Estimate:

1) 2) 3)

NOTES:

DATE and TYPE OF REPAIRS: Repair Description:

Date:

REMEMBER TO GET MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE. DOCUMENT REPAIRS EVEN IF YOU DO THEM YOURSELF. HAVE A CONTACT NAME ON HAND JUST IN CASE.

RESOURCES USED IN THIS GUIDE PAGE 9,10, 20-23

Habitat for Humanity/ San Diego “Maintenance and Repair”

PAGE 11

Lowe’s Home Improvement Clear Clogged Drains [www.lowes.com]

PAGE 12

US Department of Energy Your Home/ Caulking [www.energysavers.gov]

PAGE 16

Fix-It Club Drywall Repair [www.howstuffworks.com]

PAGE 17

Lowe’s Home Improvement Make Simple Toilet Repairs [www.lowes.com]

PAGE 18

Habitat for Humanity/ Santa Fe “Maintenance Suggestions for Homeowners”