--- title: "The Complete Photo Guide to Homeowner Basics: The Complete Photo Guide To" id: "6766" type: "page" slug: "01-the-complete-photo-guide-to" published_at: "2026-07-18T05:04:44+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-18T16:40:40+00:00" url: "https://preppers-paradise.com/library/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/01-the-complete-photo-guide-to/" markdown_url: "https://preppers-paradise.com/library/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/01-the-complete-photo-guide-to.md" excerpt: "This guide offers comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for over 100 essential home repair and maintenance projects, empowering homeowners to tackle common tasks themselves. With detailed photograp" taxonomy_category: - "Books" - "DIY & Home Improvement" - "Free Teaser" taxonomy_post_tag: - "decorating" - "DIY" - "electrical" - "flooring" - "home maintenance" - "home repair" - "homeowner guide" - "outdoor projects" - "painting" - "plumbing" --- # The Complete Photo Guide to Homeowner Basics: The Complete Photo Guide To [← The Complete Photo Guide to Homeowner Basics](/library/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/) Chapter 1 of 80 · Free teaser # The Complete Photo Guide to Homeowner Basics 100 essential projects every homeowner needs to know ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_1_Picture_3.jpeg){alt="Book cover showing a house and tools"} ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_1_Picture_5.jpeg){alt="Publisher logo or additional cover art"} **MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA** # CONTENTS * Introduction * **WIRING** * Before You Begin * Putting Together a Wiring Kit * Understanding Electrical Circuits * 1. Replacing Phone Jacks * 2. Removing Broken Lightbulbs * 3. Fixing Lamp Sockets * 4. Fixing Doorbells * 5. Fixing Pull-Chain Switches * 6. Installing Programmable Thermostats * 7. Adding Wireless Light Switches * 8. Replacing Bad Receptacles * 9. Childproofing Receptacles * 10. Installing GFCI Receptacles * 11. Replacing Bad Light Switches * 12. Installing Dimmers * 13. Installing Timer Switches * 14. Replacing Ceiling-Mounted Fixtures * 15. Replacing Hanging Light Fixtures * 16. Installing Track Lights * 17. Installing Motion-Sensing Floodlights * 18. Repairing Fluorescent Light Fixtures * 19. Fixing Ceiling Fans * 20. Installing Raceway Wiring * **PLUMBING** * Before You Begin * The Home Plumbing System * Plumbing Tools * Evaluating Your Plumbing * 1. Shutting Off the Water * 2. Recovering Items from Drains * 3. Preventing Frozen Pipes * 4. Fixing Dripping Sink Faucets * 5. Adjusting Water Pressure * 6. Fixing Running Toilets * 7. Clearing Clogged Toilets * 8. Fixing Leaky Tubs & Showers * 9. Adjusting Bathtub or Shower Drainage * 10. Clearing Kitchen Sink Drains * 11. Fixing Leaky Sink Strainers * 12. Clearing Clogged Floor Drains * 13. Adding a Shower to a Tub * 14. Replacing Bathtub Spouts * 15. Replacing Widespread Bathroom Faucets * 16. Installing New Bathroom Faucets * 17. Replacing Kitchen Sprayers * 18. Repairing Burst Pipes * 19. Replacing Kitchen Faucets * 20. Replacing Pop-up Stoppers * 21. Replacing Toilets * **FLOORING** * Before You Begin * Understanding Floors * Choosing Flooring * Evaluating Floors * Cleaning Floors * 1. Repairing Splinters & Gouges * 2. Fixing Squeaky Floors from Below * 3. Fixing Squeaky Floors from Above * 4. Repairing Resilient Flooring * 5. Patching Resilient Sheet Flooring * 6. Repairing Loose Carpet Seams * 7. Replacing Ceramic Tiles * 8. Replacing Laminate Floorboards * 9. Patching Carpet * 10. Removing Resilient Flooring * 11. Removing Carpet * 12. Sealing Concrete Floors * 13. Refinishing Hardwood Floors * 14. Painting Wood Floors * 15. Installing Laminate Flooring * 16. Installing Floor Tile * **PAINTING & DECORATING** * Before You Begin * Painting Tools * Decorating Tools * Prep Materials * Choosing Paint * 1. Hanging Pictures & Mirrors * 2. Replacing Towel Bars * 3. Hanging Curtains * 4. Installing Window Blinds & Shades * 5. Anchoring Bookcases * 6. Draping & Taping * 7. Painting Walls * 8. Preparing Unfinished Wood for Paint * 9. Painting Millwork & Trim * 10. Painting Wood Cabinets * 11. Painting Concrete Block Walls * 12. Stripping Wallcoverings * 13. Hanging Wallcoverings * **OUTDOOR PROJECTS** * Before You Begin * Outdoor Tool Kit * 1. Clearing Clogged Gutters * 2. Touching Up Exterior Paint * 3. Fixing Sliding Screen Doors * 4. Installing Storm Doors * 5. Tuning Up Double-Hung Windows * 6. Exterior Caulking * 7. Pestproofing Your House * 8. Fixing Concrete Walkways * 9. Repairing Asphalt Driveways * 10. Fixing Broken Glass Panes * 11. Repairing Concrete Steps * 12. Repairing Siding * 13. Repairing Stucco * 14. Renewing a Wood Deck * 15. Replacing Damaged Roof Shingles * 16. Installing Locksets & Deadbolts * 17. Tuning Up Garage Doors * 18. Installing House Gutters * 19. Installing Landscape Lighting * 20. Pressure Washing a House * Resources * Metric Equivalents * Glossary * Index # NOTICE TO READERS For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The Publisher and Black & Decker cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided. The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some instances, additional techniques not shown in this book may be required. Always follow manufacturers' instructions included with products, since deviating from the directions may void warranties. The projects in this book vary widely as to skill levels required: some may not be appropriate for all do-it-yourselfers, and some may require professional help. Consult your local Building Department for information on building permits, codes and other laws as they apply to your project. # Introduction ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_5_Picture_1.jpeg){alt="Decorative image for the Introduction chapter"} ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_6_Picture_0.jpeg){alt="Decorative image"} ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_6_Picture_1.jpeg){alt="Decorative image"} ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_6_Picture_2.jpeg){alt="Decorative image"} OWNING A NEW HOME IS A CHALLENGING YET REWARDING EXPERIENCE. Whether the house itself is new or not, there exists an overwhelming number of remodeling and decorating options you have as a new homeowner. And it doesn't matter if you've bought your first or tenth home, it's still new and brimming with potential to you. After unpacking all the stuff, where does one start? You'll probably have a list a mile long that looks something like this: install a new toilet, repair the light fixtures, fix the doorbell, replace the exterior siding, hang new window treatments, refinish the kitchen cabinets, install a new livingroom floor or paint the existing floor or refinish the wood that may be under the existing carpet. With *The Complete Photo Guide to Homeowner Basics* you'll have the information to accomplish all of the most common repairs and installations homeowners face, and you do not need any previous experience because this book explains it all for you in five sections: Wiring, Plumbing, Flooring, Painting & Decorating, and Outdoor Projects. The first few pages of each section give you the background information and technical knowledge that will be helpful. Then the most common projects follow. Each project has a detailed overview of the parts you'll be working on and the terms you'll need to know as well as photographs that show you all of the tools and materials you'll need. Then step-by-step instructions follow. Virtually every step is photographed so you'll see exactly how to do the work, and along the way you'll find helpful sidebars that show you what to do if something unexpected happens, how to use tools correctly, and which safety precautions to take. Before you know it, you'll be successfully completing one home repair after the next. And because you do it yourself, you'll save hundreds if not thousands of dollars: all the more money to allow you to tackle that next project sooner rather than later. ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_7_Picture_0.jpeg){alt="Decorative image"} ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_7_Picture_1.jpeg){alt="Decorative image"} ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_7_Picture_2.jpeg){alt="Decorative image"} ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_7_Picture_3.jpeg){alt="Decorative image"} ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_8_Picture_0.jpeg){alt="Decorative image"} ## Wiring THE WIRING SECTION OF THIS BOOK IS UNIQUE IN THAT YOU DON'T NEED TO HAVE ANY PRIOR KNOWLEDGE TO SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTE THE WIRING REPAIRS AND INSTALLATIONS. ALMOST EVERY WIRING BOOK REQUIRES YOU TO HAVE SOME FAMILIARITY WITH THE SUBJECT MATTER BEFORE YOU BEGIN. IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE A TRUE BEGINNER, YOU'RE ALREADY AT A DISADVANTAGE. THIS BOOK DOESN'T ASSUME YOU ALREADY KNOW A LOT ABOUT THE SUBJECT. AND IT'S ALSO A BOOK THAT WON'T LEAVE OUT ANY INFORMATION. On the following pages you'll find directions for solving the most universal wiring problems and projects in your home. No knowledge is assumed, and no question is left unanswered. ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_8_Picture_4.jpeg "An assortment of electrical tools and components laid out on a surface.") ## In This Chapter - Before You Begin - Putting Together a Wiring Kit - Understanding Electrical Circuits - Replacing Phone Jacks - Fixing Lamp Sockets - Fixing Doorbells - Fixing Pull-Chain Switches - Installing Programmable Thermostats - Adding Wireless Light Switches - Replacing Bad Receptacles - Childproofing Receptacles - Installing GFCI Receptacles - Replacing Bad Light Switches - Installing Dimmers - Installing Timer Switches - Replacing Ceiling-Mounted Fixtures - Replacing Hanging Light Fixtures - Installing Track Lights - Installing Motion-Sensing Floodlights - Repairing Fluorescent Light Fixtures - Fixing Ceiling Fans - Installing Raceway Wiring ## Before You Begin: Putting Together a Wiring Kit ![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/thecompletephotoguidehomeownerbasics/_page_9_Picture_1.jpeg "A collection of essential tools for electrical wiring projects, including screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, and a voltage tester.") Here's pretty much all you'll need to complete most of the repairs and projects in this book. They are available at any home improvement center or hardware store. Unlike some other types of home improvement skills, making basic wiring repairs doesn't require very much at all in the way of tools and materials. Investing $30 to $40 puts you in a position to save hundreds of dollars on routine wiring repairs. We recommend that you keep a small toolbox with items dedicated to your wiring tools. That way, you can bring your kit to your work site, and will have the screwdrivers, pliers, and other things you need handy, and won't have to hunt for a screwdriver at the most inconvenient time. Here are the things we recommend for your wiring tool kit: - Electrical tape. These days, tape isn't used to make wire connections, but to help label wires temporarily as you replace fixtures. Some electricians, though, do wrap a loop of electrical tape around plastic wire connectors to reinforce the connections. - Toolbox. A small plastic toolbox is just fine; one with a divided tray for holding wire connectors, screws and other small items is a good choice. - Wire connectors. Sometimes known as "wire nuts," after one manufacturer's product. They're used to join wires together, and you'll be using them a lot. They're color coded for convenience. Green connectors are used for bare copper grounding wires. With most manufacturers, orange connectors are used for two small wires, yellow for two or three wires, red for three or more wires. But you should follow the recommendations on the box, in case you buy a different brand. - Lamp sockets. Repairs to lamps and light fixtures are very common, so you can save yourself time by having a few of these on hand. Besides, they're very inexpensive. - Switches & receptacles. Because these are so frequently needed, and so inexpensive, keep a few on hand. Sooner or later, you'll need them. - Cord kit. Another inexpensive item that's good to have on hand. Lamp cord kits have preattached plugs, to make rewiring a lamp very easy. - Screwdrivers. Have at least two screwdrivers; one with a slot-shaped tip, the other with an X-shaped Phillips tip. It's even better to have several sizes of each type. - Needlenose pliers. This tool is used for almost every wiring project, and is used mostly for bending and connecting wires. - Current sensor. This clever tool tells you if the wires you want to work on are carrying electricity or not. Best of all, this new-style tool doesn't require that you touch any wires. - Combination tool. This workhorse does it all: cuts cables, identifies wire sizes, strips wires. It is the single most important wiring tool you can have. There are a handful of other workshop tools you may use in your wiring projects. They include: a portable drill, a hammer, a level, a utility knife, a tape measure, and a stud finder. If you don't already own them, you may need to buy or borrow them when you get to projects that require them.