The Homeowner's Field Guide

The Homeowner's Field Guide is the book I wish every new homeowner had on day one.

After 20+ years in construction, framing, drywall, finish carpentry, superintendent, project manager, I kept running into the same thing: people who'd just bought a home with no idea what's normal, what's not, and when it's actually worth calling a pro. This book is my answer to that.

What's inside: Sixteen home systems, each explained the same clear way. How it actually works, with a simple diagram. What it costs to repair or replace, in real ballpark ranges. What's normal, what's a warning sign, and what means call a pro now. The exact questions to ask before you hire anyone. A fill-in record to track your own home's systems over time.

Covers: Foundation, Roof, Exterior, Attic and Insulation, Moisture and Mold, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Septic, Appliances, Garage, Driveway and Decks, Pools, Landscaping and Irrigation, Pest Control, Private Wells, and Fireplace and Chimney.

Plus a full 12-page Homeowner Binder: emergency contacts, a maintenance log, an appliance and warranty tracker, a system age tracker, a contractor directory, a project log, a room-by-room inventory, a documents checklist, and more.

This isn't a blank checklist you have to figure out yourself. It's the explanation, written the way I'd walk you through it in person.