Home_NN1 Maintenance_NN1 For_IF Dummies_NN2 "_" A_ZZ1 home_NN1 is_VBZ only_RR as_RG good_JJ as_CSA its_APPGE foundation_NN1 ._. "_" 
We_PPIS2 could_VM n't_XX agree_VVI more_RRR with_IW this_DD1 familiar_JJ phrase_NN1 !_! 
A_AT1 sound_NN1 foundation_NN1 keeps_VVZ other_JJ parts_NN2 of_IO a_AT1 home_NN1 in_II good_JJ working_JJ order_NN1 ._. 
In_II this_DD1 chapter_NN1 ,_, we_PPIS2 tell_VV0 you_PPY how_RRQ to_TO care_VVI for_IF this_DD1 important_JJ component_NN1 of_IO your_APPGE home_NN1 ._. 
We_PPIS2 show_VV0 you_PPY how_RRQ to_TO keep_VVI cracks_NN2 in_II concrete_NN1 from_II spreading_NN1 ,_, maintain_VV0 mortar_VV0 surrounding_JJ brick_NN1 ,_, control_VV0 excess_JJ water_NN1 ,_, and_CC keep_VV0 your_APPGE basement_NN1 or_CC crawlspace_VV0 dry_JJ ._. 
The_AT foundation_NN1 bone_NN1 supports_VVZ the_AT floor_NN1 frame_NN1 bone_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT floor_NN1 frame_NN1 bone_NN1 supports_VVZ the_AT subfloor_NN1 bone_NN1 ._. 
Together_RL the_AT foundation_NN1 and_CC floor_NN1 surround_VV0 the_AT crawlspace_NN1 or_CC basement_NN1 ._. 
In_II this_DD1 chapter_NN1 ,_, we_PPIS2 tell_VV0 you_PPY how_RRQ to_TO rid_VVI the_AT floor_NN1 system_NN1 of_IO squeaks_NN2 ,_, sagging_VVG ,_, and_CC unevenness_NN1 and_CC how_RRQ to_TO care_VVI for_IF the_AT underside_NN1 to_TO prevent_VVI fungus_NN1 and_CC rot_NN1 ._. 
Focusing_VVG on_II the_AT Foundation_NN1 The_AT foundation_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT1 home_NN1 's_GE infrastructure_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 supports_VVZ the_AT floor_NN1 ,_, wall_NN1 ,_, and_CC roof_NN1 structure_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 helps_VVZ keep_VVI floors_NN2 level_VV0 ,_, basements_NN2 dry_VV0 ,_, and_CC ,_, believe_VV0 it_PPH1 or_CC not_XX ,_, windows_NN2 and_CC doors_NN2 operating_VVG smoothly_RR ._. 
The_AT foundation_NN1 is_VBZ also_RR an_AT1 anchor_NN1 of_IO sorts_NN2 :_: It_PPH1 often_RR travels_VVZ deep_RR into_II the_AT ground_NN1 ,_, creating_VVG a_AT1 structural_JJ bond_NN1 between_II the_AT house_NN1 and_CC the_AT earth_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ can_VM be_VBI especially_RR important_JJ if_CS your_APPGE home_NN1 is_VBZ built_VVN on_II anything_PN1 other_II21 than_II22 flat_JJ ground_NN1 or_CC is_VBZ in_II an_AT1 area_NN1 prone_JJ to_II earthquakes_NN2 ._. 
Interestingly_RR ,_, the_AT origin_NN1 of_IO many_DA2 leaks_NN2 and_CC squeaks_NN2 can_VM be_VBI traced_VVN to_II the_AT foundation_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 cracked_JJ or_CC poorly_RR waterproofed_VVN foundation_NN1 ,_, for_REX21 example_REX22 ,_, can_VM result_VVI in_II excess_JJ moisture_NN1 in_II a_AT1 crawlspace_NN1 or_CC basement_NN1 ._. 
Without_IW adequate_JJ ventilation_NN1 ,_, this_DD1 moisture_NN1 can_VM condense_VVI and_CC lead_VVI to_II ,_, at_RR21 best_RR22 ,_, musty_JJ odors_NN2 ,_, leaks_NN2 ,_, and_CC squeaks_NN2 ,_, and_CC ,_, at_RR21 worst_RR22 ,_, rotted_VVD floor_NN1 framing_VVG ._. 
There_EX are_VBR different_JJ types_NN2 of_IO foundations_NN2 and_CC different_JJ foundation_NN1 materials_NN2 ._. 
The_AT foundation_NN1 of_IO your_APPGE house_NN1 may_VM be_VBI a_AT1 slab_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 basement_NN1 ,_, or_CC a_AT1 crawlspace_NN1 ,_, and_CC it_PPH1 may_VM be_VBI made_VVN of_IO poured-in-place_JJ concrete_NN1 ,_, brick_NN1 ,_, concrete_JJ block_NN1 ,_, or_CC stone_NN1 ._. 
With_IW each_DD1 of_IO these_DD2 configurations_NN2 come_VV0 a_AT1 host_NN1 of_IO specific_JJ maintenance_NN1 routines_NN2 that_CST can_VM safeguard_VVI your_APPGE home_NN1 's_GE integrity_NN1 ._. 
Types_NN2 of_IO foundations_NN2 :_: Slabs_NN2 ,_, basements_NN2 ,_, and_CC crawlspaces_VVZ The_AT area_NN1 below_II the_AT main_JJ floor_NN1 and_CC within_II the_AT foundation_NN1 walls_NN2 can_VM consist_VVI of_IO a_AT1 concrete_JJ slab_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 crawlspace_NN1 ,_, or_CC a_AT1 basement_NN1 ._. 
Almost_RR all_DB houses_NN2 have_VH0 one_MC1 of_IO the_AT following_JJ foundations_NN2 ;_; some_DD have_VH0 a_AT1 combination_NN1 --_NN1 slab_NN1 in_II one_MC1 area_NN1 ,_, for_REX21 example_REX22 ,_, and_CC a_AT1 basement_NN1 in_II another_DD1 ._. 
But_CCB only_RR a_AT1 very_RG few_DA2 homes_NN2 in_II the_AT developed_JJ world_NN1 still_RR lie_VV0 directly_RR upon_II the_AT ground_NN1 without_IW the_AT aid_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 proper_JJ foundation_NN1 ._. 
Slabs_NN2 :_: Slab_NN1 is_VBZ short_JJ for_IF concrete_JJ slab_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 slab_NN1 floor_NN1 (_( see_VV0 Figure_NN1 4-1_MCMC )_) is_VBZ one_PN1 made_VVN of_IO concrete_NN1 poured_VVD directly_RR onto_II the_AT ground_NN1 (_( poured_VVN in_II place_NN1 )_) ._. 
Slab_NN1 floors_NN2 are_VBR very_RG rigid_JJ ,_, so_CS they_PPHS2 do_VD0 n't_XX give_VVI the_AT way_NN1 a_AT1 wood_NN1 floor_NN1 does_VDZ ,_, making_VVG them_PPHO2 prone_JJ to_II cracking_VVG ._. 
Unlike_JJ wood_NN1 ,_, concrete_JJ floors_NN2 never_RR squeak_VV0 and_CC do_VD0 n't_XX rot_VVI ._. 
Basements_NN2 :_: Today_RT ,_, basement_NN1 walls_NN2 are_VBR commonly_RR constructed_VVN of_IO concrete_JJ block_NN1 or_CC solid_JJ concrete_NN1 (_( which_DDQ is_VBZ poured_VVN in_II place_NN1 )_) ._. 
In_II the_AT past_NN1 ,_, basement_NN1 walls_NN2 were_VBDR sometimes_RT constructed_VVN of_IO brick_NN1 as_RR21 well_RR22 ._. 
We_PPIS2 prefer_VV0 solid_JJ concrete_NN1 ,_, but_CCB ,_, with_IW proper_JJ engineering_NN1 ,_, concrete_JJ block_NN1 is_VBZ every_AT1 bit_NN1 as_RG strong_JJ as_CSA solid_JJ concrete_NN1 ._. 
Crawlspaces_NP1 :_: If_CS you_PPY do_VD0 n't_XX have_VHI a_AT1 slab_NN1 foundation_NN1 ,_, you_PPY have_VH0 a_AT1 woodframed_JJ floor_NN1 ._. 
And_CC if_CS you_PPY do_VD0 n't_XX have_VHI a_AT1 basement_NN1 ,_, the_AT void_NN1 between_II the_AT ground_NN1 and_CC the_AT underside_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 wood-framed_JJ floor_NN1 is_VBZ known_VVN as_II the_AT crawlspace_NN1 ._. 
The_AT clearance_NN1 helps_VVZ to_TO prevent_VVI rot_NN1 and_CC termite_NN1 attack_VV0 that_CST can_VM occur_VVI when_RRQ wood_NN1 and_CC dirt_NN1 come_VVN into_II contact_NN1 with_IW each_PPX221 other_PPX222 ._. 
Why_RRQ the_AT name_NN1 crawlspace_NN1 ?_? 
Because_CS you_PPY can_VM stand_VVI up_RP in_II a_AT1 basement_NN1 but_CCB not_XX in_II a_AT1 crawlspace_NN1 ._. 
In_II a_AT1 crawlspace_NN1 ,_, you_PPY have_VH0 to_TO crawl_VVI ._. 
We_PPIS2 never_RR admitted_VVD to_II being_VBG rocket_NN1 scientists_NN2 ._. 
It_PPH1 does_VDZ n't_XX take_VVI much_DA1 to_TO mess_VVI up_II a_AT1 wall_NN1 or_CC ceiling_NN1 ._. 
And_CC as_CSA they_PPHS2 say_VV0 ,_, stuff_NN1 happens_VVZ :_: A_ZZ1 missing_JJ door_NN1 bumper_NN1 lets_VVZ the_AT knob_NN1 punch_VVI a_AT1 nice_JJ round_JJ hole_NN1 ._. 
A_ZZ1 shift_VV0 in_II the_AT foundation_NN1 results_NN2 in_II a_AT1 5-foot_JJ hairline_NN1 crack_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 heavy_JJ dresser_NN1 leaves_VVZ dozens_NNO2 of_IO dents_NN2 as_CSA it_PPH1 's_VBZ carried_VVN down_RP the_AT hallway_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 little_JJ kid_NN1 's_GE crayon_NN1 makes_VVZ unpaintable_JJ purple_JJ squiggles_NN2 ._. 
An_AT1 area_NN1 of_IO plaster_NN1 ceiling_NN1 loses_VVZ its_APPGE grip_NN1 and_CC sags_NN2 ._. 
You_PPY get_VV0 the_AT picture_NN1 :_: Life_NN1 is_VBZ hard_JJ on_II walls_NN2 and_CC ceilings_NN2 ._. 
Luckily_RR ,_, most_DAT maintenance_NN1 to_II these_DD2 surfaces_NN2 is_VBZ well_JJ within_II your_APPGE reach_NN1 ._. 
Cleaning_VVG Walls_NP1 and_CC Ceilings_NN2 You_PPY may_VM not_XX realize_VVI it_PPH1 ,_, but_CCB everything_PN1 in_II your_APPGE kitchen_NN1 is_VBZ covered_VVN with_IW a_AT1 thin_JJ coating_NN1 of_IO grease_NN1 and_CC gummy_JJ dust_NN1 ._. 
And_CC your_APPGE bathroom_NN1 walls_NN2 have_VH0 their_APPGE own_DA coating_NN1 of_IO gunk_NN1 ,_, including_II hairspray_NN1 ,_, cleaning_VVG products_NN2 ,_, and_CC stuck-on_JJ dust_NN1 ._. 
And_CC do_VD0 n't_XX forget_VVI crayon_NN1 marks_NN2 on_II bedroom_NN1 walls_NN2 and_CC handprints_NN2 and_CC ugly_JJ smudges_NN2 galore_JJ everywhere_RL else_RR ._. 
You_PPY can_VM wipe_VVI away_RL fingerprints_NN2 ,_, crayon_NN1 ,_, pen_NN1 marks_NN2 ,_, dirt_NN1 ,_, and_CC dust_NN1 from_II walls_NN2 ,_, trim_VV0 ,_, and_CC doors_NN2 with_IW almost_RR any_DD household_NN1 cleaner_NN1 and_CC a_AT1 damp_JJ cloth_NN1 ._. 
If_CS your_APPGE house_NN1 is_VBZ relatively_RR new_JJ ,_, make_VV0 a_AT1 bucket_NN1 of_IO soapy_JJ water_NN1 and_CC wipe_VV0 the_AT walls_NN2 and_CC ceiling_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 damp_JJ sponge_NN1 ._. 
If_CS your_APPGE house_NN1 is_VBZ older_JJR ,_, you_PPY need_VV0 something_PN1 that_CST cuts_VVZ through_II the_AT accumulated_JJ crud_NN1 :_: a_AT1 synthetic_JJ TSP_NP1 solution_NN1 ,_, like_II Spic_NN1 And_CC Span_NN1 ._. 
(_( Short_NP1 for_IF trisodium_NN1 phosphate_NN1 ,_, TSP_NP1 removes_VVZ greasy_JJ dirt_NN1 like_II nothing_PN1 else_RR ._. )_) 
Mix_VV0 up_RP a_AT1 bucketful_NN1 ,_, wipe_VV0 down_II the_AT walls_NN2 and_CC ceiling_NN1 ,_, and_CC then_RT rinse_VV0 thoroughly_RR with_IW clean_JJ water_NN1 ._. 
Dealing_VVG with_IW Drywall_NP1 Chances_NN2 are_VBR ,_, the_AT walls_NN2 and_CC ceilings_NN2 of_IO your_APPGE home_NN1 are_VBR made_VVN of_IO drywall_NN1 (_( also_RR referred_VVN to_II as_CSA wallboard_NN1 ,_, gypsum_NN1 board_NN1 ,_, or_CC sheetrock_NN1 )_) ._. 
Drywall_NN1 is_VBZ both_RR easy_JJ to_TO damage_VVI and_CC easy_JJ to_TO repair_VVI ._. 
Drywall_NN1 gets_VVZ two_MC kinds_NN2 of_IO damage_NN1 :_: gouges_NN2 and_CC hairline_NN1 cracks_NN2 ._. 
Gouges_NN2 are_VBR usually_RR caused_VVN by_II accident_NN1 --_NN1 by_II you_PPY ,_, an_AT1 angry_JJ spouse_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 guest_NN1 ,_, or_CC the_AT previous_JJ owner_NN1 ._. 
Hairline_NN1 cracks_NN2 are_VBR usually_RR caused_VVN by_II movement_NN1 in_II the_AT foundation_NN1 or_CC framing_NN1 of_IO the_AT house_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ is_VBZ nobody_PN1 's_GE fault_NN1 ._. 
The_AT frame_NN1 of_IO your_APPGE house_NN1 expands_VVZ and_CC contracts_NN2 with_IW the_AT seasons_NNT2 ,_, as_CSA temperature_NN1 and_CC humidity_NN1 levels_NN2 change_VV0 ._. 
Repairing_VVG small_JJ cracks_NN2 Got_VVD a_AT1 small_JJ crack_NN1 ?_? 
Fill_VV0 it_PPH1 with_IW a_AT1 flexible_JJ silicone_NN1 caulk_NN1 ._. 
The_AT silicone_NN1 flexes_NN2 as_II the_AT crack_NN1 widens_VVZ and_CC narrows_VVZ with_IW normal_JJ house_NN1 movement_NN1 ._. 
(_( Silicone_NN1 caulking_VVG also_RR works_VVZ for_IF little_JJ nail_NN1 holes_NN2 ._. )_) 
Caulking_NP1 is_VBZ easy_JJ --_NN1 just_RR follow_VV0 these_DD2 steps_NN2 :_: 1_MC1 ._. 
Buy_VV0 a_AT1 fresh_JJ tube_NN1 of_IO silicone_NN1 caulking_VVG (_( the_AT paintable_JJ kind_NN1 )_) ._. 
The_AT old_JJ tube_NN1 in_II the_AT basement_NN1 has_VHZ probably_RR dried_VVN out_RP ,_, making_VVG it_PPH1 useless._NNU 2_MC ._. 
Use_VV0 a_AT1 caulking_JJ gun_NN1 to_TO spread_VVI a_AT1 thin_JJ bead_NN1 of_IO the_AT caulk_NN1 into_II the_AT crack._NNU 3_MC ._. 
Wipe_VV0 the_AT excess_NN1 from_II around_II the_AT crack_NN1 with_IW rubbing_VVG alcohol._NNU 4_MC ._. 
Coat_VV0 the_AT repair_NN1 with_IW primer_NN1 ._. 
Do_VD0 n't_XX skip_VVI this_DD1 step_NN1 or_CC you_PPY 'll_VM end_VVI up_RP with_IW a_AT1 permanently_RR goofy-looking_JJ ,_, non-matching_JJ area._NNU 5_MC ._. 
Repaint_VV0 ,_, as_CSA necessary_JJ ._. 
Rumor_NN1 has_VHZ it_PPH1 that_CST Jimmy_NP1 Hoffa_NP1 's_GE career_NN1 ended_VVD one_MC1 evening_NNT1 while_CS wearing_VVG cement_NN1 slippers_NN2 ._. 
And_CC because_CS he_PPHS1 has_VHZ n't_XX been_VBN found_VVN ,_, we_PPIS2 can_VM assume_VVI that_CST the_AT guys_NN2 who_PNQS mixed_VVD the_AT concrete_NN1 knew_VVD exactly_RR what_DDQ they_PPHS2 were_VBDR doing_VDG ._. 
But_CCB then_RT again_RT ,_, they_PPHS2 probably_RR were_VBDR n't_XX too_RG worried_JJ about_II the_AT quality_NN1 of_IO their_APPGE work_NN1 ._. 
Most_DAT homeowners_NN2 ,_, however_RR ,_, are_VBR worried_VVN about_II the_AT quality_NN1 and_CC condition_NN1 of_IO their_APPGE concrete_NN1 ;_; specifically_RR ,_, they_PPHS2 're_VBR concerned_JJ about_II cracks_NN2 ._. 
Cracks_NN2 are_VBR caused_VVN by_II ground_NN1 movement_NN1 --_NN1 and_CC that_DD1 's_VBZ what_DDQ damages_VVZ most_DAT concrete_JJ ._. 
Although_CS concrete_JJ bears_NN2 the_AT brunt_NN1 of_IO the_AT traffic_NN1 around_II most_DAT homes_NN2 ,_, masonry_NN1 (_( brick_NN1 and_CC stone_NN1 )_) often_RR is_VBZ used_VVN instead_II21 of_II22 ,_, or_CC in_II31 addition_II32 to_II33 ,_, concrete_NN1 for_IF paths_NN2 ,_, patios_NN2 ,_, and_CC walkways_NN2 ._. 
And_CC when_CS they_PPHS2 're_VBR not_XX used_VVN on_II the_AT ground_NN1 ,_, brick_NN1 or_CC stone_NN1 almost_RR always_RR can_VM be_VBI found_VVN as_II a_AT1 decorative_JJ element_NN1 on_II homes_NN2 ._. 
Moreover_RR ,_, because_CS concrete_JJ ,_, brick_NN1 ,_, and_CC stone_NN1 are_VBR similar_JJ in_II composition_NN1 ,_, the_AT materials_NN2 and_CC techniques_NN2 used_VMK to_TO clean_VVI and_CC preserve_VVI one_MC1 of_IO them_PPHO2 can_VM ,_, more_RGR often_RR than_CSN not_XX ,_, be_VBI used_VVN to_TO clean_VVI and_CC preserve_VVI the_AT others_NN2 ,_, so_CS we_PPIS2 've_VH0 put_VVN them_PPHO2 together_RL in_II this_DD1 chapter_NN1 ._. 
Whether_CSW your_APPGE carport_NN1 is_VBZ concrete_JJ or_CC your_APPGE patio_NN1 brick_NN1 ,_, cleaning_VVG ,_, repairing_VVG ,_, and_CC sealing_VVG make_VV0 them_PPHO2 look_VVI good_JJ and_CC last_VVI a_AT1 long_JJ time_NNT1 ._. 
Cementing_VVG Your_APPGE Relationship_NN1 with_IW Concrete_NN1 This_DD1 may_VM come_VVI as_II a_AT1 surprise_NN1 to_II you_PPY :_: Your_APPGE sidewalk_NN1 ,_, driveway_NN1 ,_, patio_NN1 ,_, and_CC paths_NN2 are_VBR not_XX made_VVN of_IO cement_NN1 ._. 
Instead_RR ,_, they_PPHS2 're_VBR made_VVN of_IO concrete_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ contains_VVZ cement_NN1 --_NN1 Portland_NP1 cement_NN1 to_TO be_VBI exact_JJ ._. 
Basic_JJ concrete_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT1 mixture_NN1 of_IO rock_NN1 ,_, sand_NN1 ,_, and_CC cement_NN1 ._. 
In_II combination_NN1 with_IW the_AT oxygen_NN1 in_II water_NN1 ,_, the_AT three_MC dry_JJ elements_NN2 bond_VV0 together_RL to_TO make_VVI good_JJ old-fashioned_JJ concrete_NN1 ._. 
You_PPY know_VV0 ,_, the_AT stuff_NN1 with_IW cracks_NN2 --_NN1 the_AT cracks_NN2 you_PPY 're_VBR always_RR trying_VVG to_TO patch_VVI ._. 
By_II the_AT way_NN1 ,_, although_CS Portland_NP1 cement_NN1 was_VBDZ purportedly_RR invented_VVN by_II Joseph_NP1 Aspdin_NP1 ,_, a_AT1 builder_NN1 in_II Leeds_NP1 ,_, England_NP1 ,_, who_PNQS obtained_VVD a_AT1 patent_NN1 for_IF it_PPH1 in_II 1824_MC ,_, the_AT use_NN1 of_IO cementing_VVG materials_NN2 goes_VVZ back_RP to_II the_AT ancient_JJ Egyptians_NN2 and_CC Romans_NN2 ._. 
It_PPH1 is_VBZ said_VVN to_TO have_VHI been_VBN dubbed_VVN "_" Portland_NP1 cement_NN1 "_" due_II21 to_II22 its_APPGE resemblance_NN1 to_II limestone_NN1 found_VVN on_II the_AT Isle_NNL1 of_IO Portland_NP1 ,_, England_NP1 ._. 
The_AT following_JJ sections_NN2 explain_VV0 how_RRQ to_TO perform_VVI common_JJ concrete_JJ maintenance_NN1 and_CC repair_VVI tasks_NN2 ._. 
Cleaning_VVG off_II grease_NN1 and_CC oil_NN1 stains_VVZ You_PPY probably_RR let_VV0 your_APPGE vehicle_NN1 rest_VVI in_II a_AT1 garage_NN1 ,_, carport_VV0 ,_, or_CC driveway_NN1 when_CS you_PPY 're_VBR not_XX driving_VVG it_PPH1 ._. 
Depending_VVG upon_II the_AT mechanical_JJ condition_NN1 of_IO your_APPGE vehicle_NN1 ,_, oil_NN1 and_CC grease_NN1 spots_NN2 soon_RR begin_VV0 to_TO decorate_VVI the_AT concrete_NN1 in_II these_DD2 areas_NN2 ._. 
If_CS this_DD1 situation_NN1 sounds_VVZ familiar_JJ ,_, you_PPY 'll_VM be_VBI pleased_JJ to_TO know_VVI that_CST we_PPIS2 have_VH0 a_AT1 cleanup_NN1 formula_NN1 for_IF you_PPY --_JJ a_AT1 couple_NN1 of_IO formulas_NN2 actually_RR ,_, depending_VVG upon_II the_AT severity_NN1 of_IO the_AT stains_NN2 ._. 
In_II either_DD1 case_NN1 ,_, wait_VV0 until_CS the_AT area_NN1 is_VBZ shaded_JJ to_TO prevent_VVI the_AT cleaning_NN1 solution_NN1 from_II drying_VVG out_RP too_RG quickly_RR ._. 
Plan_VV0 A_ZZ1 :_: Using_VVG our_APPGE Soda-Pop_NP1 Concrete_JJ Stain_NN1 Remover_NN1 This_DD1 first_MD formula_NN1 may_VM cause_VVI your_APPGE neighbors_NN2 to_TO wonder_VVI whether_CSW you_PPY 're_VBR playing_VVG with_IW a_AT1 full_JJ deck_NN1 of_IO cards_NN2 ._. 
However_RR ,_, you_PPY 'll_VM soon_RR be_VBI the_AT envy_NN1 of_IO the_AT neighborhood_NN1 when_CS you_PPY have_VH0 the_AT cleanest_JJT driveway_NN1 on_II the_AT block_NN1 ._. 
Gather_VV0 the_AT following_JJ items_NN2 :_: A_ZZ1 small_JJ bag_NN1 of_IO cat_NN1 litter_NN1 A_AT1 few_DA2 cans_NN2 of_IO a_AT1 cola_NN1 beverage_NN1 (_( diet_NN1 or_CC regular_JJ )_) A_ZZ1 nylon_NN1 brush_NN1 or_CC stiff-bristle_JJ broom_NN1 A_ZZ1 mixing_VVG bucket_NN1 Powdered_JJ laundry_NN1 detergent_NN1 (_( ammonia_NN1 free_JJ )_) Liquid_JJ chlorine_NN1 bleach_NN1 Eye_NN1 protection_NN1 and_CC rubber_JJ gloves_NN2 A_ZZ1 garden_NN1 hose_NN1 and_CC running_JJ water_NN1 Choosing_VVG the_AT Right_JJ Tool_NN1 for_IF the_AT Job_NN1 Nothing_PN1 is_VBZ more_RGR difficult_JJ than_CSN attempting_VVG a_AT1 home-repair_JJ project_NN1 without_IW the_AT proper_JJ tools_NN2 ._. 
Can_VM you_PPY spell_VVI "_" busted_JJ knuckles_NN2 "_" ?_? 
Not_XX only_RR is_VBZ it_PPH1 important_JJ to_TO have_VHI the_AT right_JJ tool_NN1 for_IF the_AT job_NN1 ,_, but_CCB that_DD1 tool_NN1 must_VM be_VBI in_II good_JJ condition_NN1 as_RR21 well_RR22 ._. 
A_AT1 dull_JJ chisel_NN1 ,_, for_REX21 example_REX22 ,_, can_VM do_VDI more_DAR damage_NN1 than_CSN good_JJ ._. 
A_AT1 dull_JJ saw_NN1 or_CC the_AT wrong_JJ saw_NN1 for_IF the_AT job_NN1 can_VM break_VVI your_APPGE back_NN1 ._. 
(_( Did_VDD you_PPY know_VVI that_CST there_EX is_VBZ a_AT1 wrench_NN1 made_VVN especially_RR for_IF reaching_VVG up_RP behind_II the_AT kitchen_NN1 sink_NN1 ?_? 
Yep_UH ,_, it_PPH1 's_VBZ called_VVN a_AT1 sink_NN1 wrench_NN1 ._. )_) 
So_RR when_CS you_PPY 're_VBR tackling_VVG a_AT1 job_NN1 yourself_PPX1 ,_, make_VV0 sure_JJ you_PPY have_VH0 the_AT proper_JJ tools_NN2 ._. 
Start_VV0 by_II researching_VVG the_AT project_NN1 ._. 
Throughout_II this_DD1 book_NN1 ,_, we_PPIS2 tell_VV0 you_PPY which_DDQ tool_VV0 you_PPY 'll_VM need_VVI for_IF the_AT job_NN1 at_II hand_NN1 ._. 
When_CS you_PPY know_VV0 which_DDQ tools_NN2 are_VBR needed_VVN ,_, you_PPY can_VM research_VVI what_DDQ each_DD1 does_VDZ ._. 
A_AT1 handy_JJ neighbor_NN1 or_CC a_AT1 knowledgeable_JJ hardware-store_JJ clerk_NN1 also_RR can_VM be_VBI helpful_JJ ._. 
What_DDQ if_CS you_PPY do_VD0 n't_XX have_VHI or_CC ca_VM n't_XX get_VVI the_AT proper_JJ tool_NN1 ?_? 
Well_RR ,_, some_DD projects_NN2 are_VBR best_RRT left_VVN to_II contractors_NN2 ,_, especially_RR when_CS investing_VVG in_II the_AT proper_JJ tool(s)_NN2 costs_VVZ more_DAR than_CSN a_AT1 professional_JJ repair_NN1 ._. 
Be_VB0 cautious_JJ of_IO bargain_NN1 tools_NN2 ._. 
A_AT1 tool_NN1 that_CST breaks_VVZ in_II your_APPGE hand_NN1 can_VM hurt_VVI ._. 
Testing_VVG an_AT1 Electrical_JJ Circuit_NN1 It_PPH1 goes_VVZ without_IW saying_VVG that_CST an_AT1 electrical_JJ death_NN1 is_VBZ shocking_JJ ._. 
With_IW an_AT1 electrical_JJ circuit_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 's_VBZ important_JJ to_TO ensure_VVI that_CST your_APPGE ground_NN1 fault_NN1 circuit_NN1 interrupters_NN2 (_( GFCIs_NP1 )_) are_VBR operating_VVG properly_RR ._. 
To_TO check_VVI ,_, simply_RR press_VV0 the_AT Test_NN1 button_NN1 to_TO be_VBI sure_JJ that_CST the_AT circuit_NN1 is_VBZ safe_JJ ._. 
(_( See_VV0 the_AT earlier_JJR section_NN1 "_" Recognizing_VVG and_CC Testing_VVG for_IF Problems_NN2 "_" for_IF info_NN1 on_II other_JJ devices_NN2 you_PPY can_VM test_VVI ._. )_) 
Make_VV0 sure_JJ you_PPY know_VV0 which_DDQ plug_VV0 or_CC light_NN1 belongs_VVZ to_II which_DDQ fuse_NN1 or_CC breaker_NN1 ._. 
At_II any_DD hardware_NN1 store_NN1 or_CC home_NN1 center_NN1 ,_, you_PPY can_VM buy_VVI a_AT1 simple_JJ circuit_NN1 locator_NN1 device_NN1 that_CST allows_VVZ you_PPY to_TO do_VDI this_DD1 test_NN1 quickly_RR and_CC conveniently_RR ._. 
Then_RT ,_, in_II the_AT event_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 smoky_JJ circuit_NN1 ,_, you_PPY can_VM turn_VVI off_II the_AT breaker_NN1 and_CC prevent_VVI a_AT1 fire_NN1 without_IW having_VHG to_TO shut_VVI down_RP the_AT whole_JJ house_NN1 ._. 
Painting_NN1 Painting_NN1 provides_VVZ a_AT1 protective_JJ coating_NN1 to_II a_AT1 surface_NN1 ,_, preventing_VVG rot_NN1 and_CC deterioration_NN1 and_CC making_VVG for_IF easy_JJ cleaning_NN1 ._. 
Doing_VDG it_PPH1 right_RR and_CC doing_VDG it_PPH1 well_RR could_VM n't_XX be_VBI more_RGR important_JJ ._. 
Outside_RL ,_, the_AT ultraviolet_JJ rays_NN2 of_IO the_AT sun_NN1 and_CC water_NN1 from_II rain_NN1 ,_, snow_NN1 ,_, and_CC irrigation_NN1 can_VM destroy_VVI the_AT home_NN1 's_GE exterior_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 solid_JJ coat_NN1 of_IO paint_NN1 looks_VVZ good_JJ ,_, but_CCB more_RGR important_JJ ,_, it_PPH1 's_VBZ a_AT1 barrier_NN1 between_II your_APPGE home_NN1 and_CC Mother_NNB Nature_NP1 ._. 
Interior_JJ painting_NN1 is_VBZ equally_RR important_JJ to_TO protect_VVI your_APPGE home_NN1 against_II everyday_JJ wear_NN1 and_CC tear_NN1 ._. 
If_CS walls_NN2 and_CC trim_NN1 are_VBR beyond_II cleaning_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 's_VBZ time_NNT1 to_TO paint_VVI ._. 
