— Home-systems fix-it journal
Careful fixes for the systems that keep a home running
Plumbing, heating, water and the trades you have to hire: plain step-by-step guides for the moment something stops working, written for homeowners and renters standing in front of the problem.
Read the latest guidesWhat this site is for
- — Diagnose first
- — Fix what you can
- — Hire the rest well
— Newest on the bench
Latest guides
Water Damage Cleanup Steps for Homeowners (October 2026)
Water damage cleanup steps for homeowners: stop the source, extract standing water, dry hidden spaces, and know when to call a pro.…
How to Remove Old Carpet and Padding: DIY Guide 2026
Learn how to remove old carpet and padding safely in : the tools you need, how to clear staples and adhesive, how…
How to Read Your Electric Bill and Find Waste (2026)
how to read your electric bill and find waste: split fixed charges from usage, verify meter readings, compare months, and find hidden…
Stair Tread and Riser Dimensions Explained (October 2026)
Stair tread and riser dimensions explained for : standard sizes, the 7-11 rise and run rule, comfort checks, and planning tips for…
How to Make an Older Home More Energy Efficient (2026)
Learn how to make an older home more energy efficient in , from energy audits and air sealing to insulation, heating upgrades…
How to Measure for an Appliance Before Buying (October 2026)
Learn how to measure for an appliance before buying in , including width, height, depth, clearance, delivery routes, and fit checks that…
How to Add a Mudroom to an Entry: Simple Ideas (2026)
Learn how to add a mudroom to an entry with layout ideas, storage plans and flooring picks that fit small homes and…
How to Improve Closet Storage Without a Remodel (2026)
Learn how to improve closet storage without a remodel in . Add vertical tiers, risers, organizers, and better lighting in a weekend,…
Attic Conversion Feasibility What to Check Before Building 2026
Attic conversion feasibility what to check starts with the floor: joist size and span, ridge headroom, the 7-and-7 rule, stair access, egress…
— About Wave 2011
Written for the middle of the problem
Wave 2011 is a home-repair notebook for owners and renters: how a fixture actually fails, the order to check things in, and the point where a job stops being a weekend task.
The guides stay practical enough to follow with the tools already in the house, and honest about the jobs worth handing to a licensed trade.