First-time buyers often feel overwhelmed by the amount of maintenance their new home requires. Finally, author and real estate guru Sid Davis provides the antidote for the common worries that plague every new owner.

C O N T E N T S Preface vii Chapter 1 Your Home's Electrical System 101 1 Chapter 2 Maintaining and Fixing Your Home's Plumbing System 20 Chapter 3 How to Create Great-Looking Walls and Ceilings 43 Chapter 4 Interior Improvements That Add Value 65 Chapter 5 Exterior Maintenance and Improvements That Add Value 85 Chapter 6 Your Home's Landscaping and Curb Appeal 107 Chapter 7 Hiring and Working with Contractors 128 Chapter 8 Tax Aspects of Owning a Home 147 Chapter 9 Insurance Matters for Homeowners 167 Chapter 10 Avoiding the Ten Most Costly House Problems 189 Appendix A Dealing with Disaster 205 Appendix B Average Life Expectancy of Your Home's Components 211 Appendix C Energy Savings and a Greener Home 215 Index 217 A comprehensive glossary along with printable checklists and worksheets are available at sid-davis.com by clicking on the book banner.