Housing...Inside and Out

January 30, 1998
Home Repairs - Where Do You Start?

Where you begin making home repairs depends on the nature of the repair - its cost, size of the job, type of tools and equipment needed to complete the job. The following is a list of things to consider for most repair and maintenance jobs. Be prepared for a repair. Get to know your home before you need to repair it. Be familiar with household systems and how they work. Know how to shut off major systems, like the water main and the electrical service panel in case of emergency. Do your homework. Obtain a detailed home repair book as a reference. Use your library and review relevant literature. Learn common building terminology that pertains to the repair.

Be prepared with proper tools. You may not have the tools for all jobs, but make sure you have a few basic tools like a hammer, various wrenches and screwdrivers. Consider the maintenance and repair priorities. Are there options? Is the repair worth the necessary financial and time demands? Is it time to update the system? Talk with building experts about the repair. What do they recommend? Get several opinions.

Observe maintenance by others - neighbors, seminars, workshops. Seek hands-on training, if possible.

Sketch a complete plan.

Know and understand the repair specifications, function(s) and associated codes/standards.

Select material suppliers and subcontractors carefully.

Obtain financing and necessary permits.

If you hire someone to do the job, discuss the job with that person. Agree in writing about the nature of the job, time needed to make repairs, cost of repairs, payment arrangements, your responsibility, and the materials to be used.

For information concerning specific home repairs, contact Home Improvement Encyclopedia:


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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