Book excerpt: A house is one of those things in life that you wish came with an owner's manual. Things break, spring leaks, and sometimes just need to be properly maintained, but you usually have to consult a separate guide for each issue. Not any longer. "The Homeowner's Manual" will help you get acquainted with your home and assist you in making decisions regarding maintenance and repair. Illustrations and a knowledgeable author will not only cover the basics from A to Z, but will also provide you with safety tips on how to: Protect your home from severe weather damage What equipment to install for fire and carbon monoxide detection Drills to conduct with your family An easy-to-follow seasonal checklist lays out to-do items so that you can stay on top of home maintenance even when you're at your busiest. From appliances to pools to landscaping to walls, "The Homeowner's Manual" covers it all!