Fix it Before it Breaks

Rating:
Summary: Read it before you need it
Review: "Fix it Before it Breaks" is a great primer for homeowners and would-be buyers. I wish I'd had it when I bought my condo. The checklists and illustrations describe typical problems and how to deal with them. The author also makes it clear when it's time to call in a professional to fix things. I've learned a few things from the book and now see my condo and maintaining it in a new light -- it's not such a mystery anymore.

Rating:
Summary: Start Caring for your Home--Minus the Pain and Frustration
Review: Fix it Before it Breaks tells you how to take care of your home and prevent costly repairs. It also teaches you the vocabulary and the fundamentals so that when you need to call in a professional you can ask the right questions and make informed decisions.

I appreciated the many illustrations/photographs that further explained the straightforward text. I also liked the pointers, text boxes sprinkled throughout the book, calling out the most important points.

The last chapter, "Developing your Personal Maintenance Plan" succinctly summarizes the main ideas, the major threats to the integrity of each part of your home's structure. It made me so enthusiastic that after reading it I got started on my first checklist for my home's greatest vulnerability, doors and windows.


Rating:
Summary: Rot, Mold, and Termites
Review: If you like black and white illustrations of problems, with captions warning against rot, mold, and termites, buy this book. If you are looking for lists of negative things to be on the lookout for, buy this book. Dismal and very anti-DIY, this book mainly says, don't fix it yourself - definitely call a pro every time. There are better choices for DIY reading out there.