Lesson 10: Capstone Project - Cheat Sheet
Home Maintenance Master Schedule
Frequency | Tasks | Best Tracking Method | Notes |
Daily | Quick visual checks, wipe spills, clean as you go | Simple checklist, habit stacking | Takes just minutes, prevents bigger problems |
Weekly | Basic cleaning, check smoke detectors, inspect visible plumbing | Weekly checklist, calendar app | 30-60 minutes total |
Monthly | HVAC filter check, drain cleaning, test GFCIs, check fire extinguishers | Monthly reminder, calendar app | Schedule for consistent date |
Quarterly | Gutter check, deep cleaning, test water heater valve, check caulking | Seasonal checklist | Align with season changes |
Biannually | HVAC service, check roof, clean dryer vent, inspect water heater | Calendar with reminders | Spring/Fall is ideal timing |
Annually | Chimney inspection, drain water heater, check all seals, inspect foundation | Annual home anniversary checklist | Create home “birthday” |
Home Systems Documentation Guide
System | What to Document | Where to Find Information | Update Frequency |
Electrical | Panel map, capacity, upgrade history | Panel door, inspection reports | After any electrical work |
Plumbing | Pipe materials, shut-off locations, water pressure | Inspection reports, previous owners | After any plumbing work |
HVAC | Model numbers, filter sizes, service history | Unit labels, manuals, service tags | After each service |
Appliances | Purchase dates, model numbers, warranty info | Manuals, receipts, online registration | When purchasing new items |
Structural | Foundation type, roof age, insulation type | Inspection reports, previous owners | After major renovations |
Exterior | Paint colors, siding type, window specifications | Paint cans, building materials | After exterior updates |
Essential Home Toolkit
Tool Category | Must-Have Items | Estimated Cost | Storage Tips |
Hand Tools | Hammer, screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, pliers | £30-50 | Wall-mounted board or toolbox |
Measurement | Tape measure, level, stud finder | £20-30 | Hang on hooks or dedicated drawer |
Plumbing | Plungers, pipe wrench, drain snake | £25-40 | Bathroom cabinet or utility area |
Electrical | Non-contact voltage tester, wire strippers, electrical tape | £20-30 | Dry location in sealed container |
Garden | Pruners, trowel, garden fork, watering can | £30-50 | Garden shed or dedicated storage bin |
Cleaning | Microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, spray bottles | £15-25 | Under sink or cleaning caddy |
Safety | First aid kit, fire extinguisher, work gloves, safety glasses | £40-60 | Accessible locations throughout home |
Specialty | Sewing kit, picture hanging kit, furniture touch-up markers | £20-30 | Dedicated drawer or craft area |
Home Maintenance Budget Planning
Category | Annual Budget Range | What It Covers | Saving Strategy |
Routine Maintenance | 1-2% of home value | Regular upkeep, filters, cleaning supplies | Monthly allocation |
Emergency Repairs | 1-3% of home value | Unexpected failures, leaks, breakdowns | Dedicated savings account |
Major Systems | £1,000-3,000 | HVAC service, plumbing, electrical | Sinking fund approach |
Exterior | £500-2,000 | Landscaping, painting, roof repairs | Seasonal budgeting |
Interior | £500-1,500 | Flooring, wall repairs, fixtures | Project-based allocation |
Appliances | £200-500 | Maintenance, eventual replacement | Depreciation fund |
Tools & Equipment | £100-300 | Replacing worn tools, new equipment | As-needed with buffer |
Professional Services | £500-2,000 | Specialized repairs, inspections | Schedule and budget annually |
DIY vs. Professional Decision Matrix
Project Type | DIY Indicators | Professional Indicators | Middle Ground |
Electrical | Simple fixture replacement, switch/outlet swaps | Panel work, new circuits, code compliance | DIY prep work, pro final connections |
Plumbing | Fixture replacement, simple clogs, faucet repair | Supply line replacement, sewer issues | DIY diagnosis, pro for complex fixes |
HVAC | Filter changes, vent cleaning, thermostat installation | System installation, refrigerant handling | DIY maintenance, pro for technical work |
Structural | Minor drywall repair, trim work | Load-bearing changes, foundation issues | DIY cosmetic, pro for structural |
Exterior | Painting, simple landscaping, gutter cleaning | Roofing, siding installation, tree removal | DIY prep and finish, pro for technical |
Appliances | Simple maintenance, filter changes | Gas appliance installation, built-in units | DIY troubleshooting, pro for installation |
Project Planning Framework
Planning Stage | Key Questions | Tools/Resources | Common Pitfalls |
Assessment | What exactly needs fixing? Why? | Inspection, documentation, research | Addressing symptoms not causes |
Research | How is it properly fixed? What’s involved? | YouTube, manuals, forums, books | Outdated or region-specific advice |
Materials | What supplies and tools are needed? | Parts lists, measuring, expert advice | Underestimating quantities, wrong sizes |
Skills | Do I have the skills or can I learn them? | Skill assessment, learning resources | Overestimating abilities, underestimating complexity |
Time | How long will it realistically take? | Similar project timelines, expert estimates | Not accounting for learning curve, drying times |
Budget | What will it cost in materials and tools? | Price research, contingency planning | Forgetting disposal costs, specialty tools |
Sequence | What order do tasks need to be completed? | Project plans, logical workflow | Dependencies between steps, cure times |
Safety | What are the risks and precautions? | Safety guidelines, proper equipment | Skipping safety steps, inadequate protection |
Home Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Type | Prevention | Essential Supplies | First Response |
Fire | Smoke detectors, electrical safety, cooking vigilance | Fire extinguishers, escape ladder, emergency contacts | Evacuate, call emergency services, use extinguisher if safe |
Flood/Water Damage | Maintain plumbing, clean gutters, check appliance hoses | Water shut-off tool, wet/dry vacuum, moisture meter | Shut off water, remove water, document damage |
Power Outage | Surge protectors, electrical maintenance | Flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, non-perishable food | Check breakers, report outage, use emergency lighting |
Gas Leak | Regular inspections, proper installation | Gas shut-off tool, emergency contacts | Evacuate, don’t use electrical switches, call from outside |
Structural Damage | Regular inspections, proper maintenance | Tarps, plywood, basic tools | Ensure safety, temporary repairs, document damage |
Extreme Weather | Seasonal preparations, tree maintenance | Weather radio, emergency kit, evacuation plan | Monitor warnings, follow safety protocols |
Home Documentation System
Document Type | What to Include | Storage Options | Update Frequency |
Home Inventory | Photos, descriptions, serial numbers, value | Digital cloud storage, home safe | Annually or after major purchases |
Maintenance Log | Date, work performed, contractor, cost | Digital spreadsheet, maintenance app | After each repair or service |
Warranty Information | Product, purchase date, warranty terms, contact | Digital folder, physical binder | When purchasing new items |
Service Contacts | Name, specialty, contact info, past work | Digital contacts, physical directory | After using new service providers |
Home Improvement Projects | Before/after photos, materials, costs | Project management app, digital album | After each project |
Emergency Information | Shut-off locations, emergency contacts, evacuation plan | Multiple copies: digital, physical in accessible location | Biannually |
Insurance Documents | Policy numbers, coverage details, agent contact | Digital copy, home safe, off-site copy | At policy renewal |
Appliance Manuals | User guides, maintenance instructions | Digital folder, physical binder | When acquiring new appliances |
Seasonal Transition Checklist
Season Change | Exterior Tasks | Interior Tasks | Systems Check |
Winter to Spring | Clean gutters, inspect roof, check drainage | Deep clean, check for winter damage, test smoke detectors | HVAC maintenance, check plumbing for freeze damage |
Spring to Summer | Lawn equipment maintenance, outdoor furniture prep | Clean windows, check screens, prepare cooling systems | AC service, check refrigerator seals and efficiency |
Summer to Fall | Gutter cleaning, check weatherstripping, store summer items | Replace filters, check for air leaks, clean chimney | Heating system check, water heater maintenance |
Fall to Winter | Winterize outdoor faucets, store hoses, protect plants | Reverse ceiling fans, check insulation, prepare emergency supplies | Heating system service, check humidifier |
Project Success Metrics
Project Aspect | How to Measure Success | Documentation Method | Learning Opportunity |
Quality | Durability, appearance, function | Before/after photos, performance testing | Identify skills to improve, techniques to refine |
Efficiency | Time spent vs. estimated, material waste | Time tracking, material inventory | Process improvements for future projects |
Cost | Actual vs. budgeted, value added | Expense tracking, home value assessment | Budget planning refinements |
Knowledge Gained | New skills, deeper understanding | Maintenance journal, skill inventory | Areas for further learning |
Long-term Performance | Durability, maintenance needs | Follow-up inspections, maintenance tracking | Preventative measures for future |
Satisfaction | Personal enjoyment, family feedback | Project reflection notes | Preference development for future projects |