— 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
How to Organize Deep Kitchen Cabinets Without Waste (2026)
Learn how to organize deep kitchen cabinets in with a measure-first, zone-based plan that makes everyday items easy to reach and stops…
Farmhouse Sink Installation Considerations (October 2026)
Farmhouse sink installation considerations for : cabinet width, sink weight, support frames, mounting style, plumbing access and countertop templating.
Quartz vs Granite Countertops Compared: Which Is Better? 2026
Quartz vs granite countertops compared for stains, heat damage, maintenance and repairs in , so you can pick the right surface for…
How to Install a Tile Backsplash Yourself (October 2026)
How to install a tile backsplash yourself: measure, prep the drywall, set tile with spacers, cut around outlets, grout and caulk. Updated…
Kitchen Work Triangle Explained: A Simple Guide (October 2026)
Kitchen work triangle explained with practical rules, leg and total distances, a step-by-step measuring method, and design fixes for open-plan and galley…
Undermount vs Drop In Sink Which Is Better (2026)
Undermount vs drop in sink which is better: compare installation, cleaning, durability, cost, and countertop style to pick the right sink for…
Cabinet Refacing vs Replacing Cabinets: Which Wins? 2026
Cabinet refacing vs replacing cabinets compared on cost, time, disruption, durability and resale value in , to help you pick the right…
12 Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Start (2026)
Kitchen remodel mistakes to avoid are usually planning errors. Here are the twelve mistakes homeowners make most in , and the practical…
Kitchen Remodel Planning Steps for First Timers (October 2026)
Kitchen remodel planning steps for first timers, with a practical timeline, budget checklist, design priorities and contractor hiring advice. Updated for .
— 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.