Patch the small holes
See the wall-repair lesson, tools, preparation, steps and the point where a bigger problem needs a closer look.
← Back to all books
Product mockup. Comb-bound printed handbook.
Construction Guys · Take care of your home
Homeowner DIY Handbook
Fix what you can. Know when to call.
That dripping faucet, wall hole or drafty window does not have to stay a mystery. Learn how to assess the problem, choose a sensible next step and recognize when a qualified professional should take over.
$29.95 USD · one-time purchase
Printed, comb-bound book + included PDF.
Free shipping. Ships the next business day via FedEx.
By Clifton Leung, Construction Guys. For homeowners, landlords and real estate agents.
36 chaptersPlain-language lessons
76 projectsRepair, observation and planning
16 worksheetsPrint and use at home
Try a few lessons before you buy
Open the real pages.
Read the free 25-page preview, including the complete table of contents, Clifton's introduction, small drywall repairs, window air sealing, contractor screening, a printable repair-plan worksheet and the invitation to learn with us in person.
Find the draft first
Learn the difference between air leaks and water-management openings before sealing around a window.
Hire with better questions
Use a practical screening process to compare contractors, check evidence and define the work clearly.
No sign-up required. Sample excerpts retain the full digital book's page numbers.
What you'll learn
A practical guide to the house you own or manage.
Everyday repairs
Drywall patches, painting preparation, caulk, weatherstripping, doors, screens, cabinet hardware, anchors, grout and floor problems.
Water and fixtures
Shutoffs, running toilets, aerators, showerheads, sink traps, slow drains, leak clues and water-heater warning signs.
Electrical decisions
Understand household electrical safety, outlet and GFCI replacement under narrowly defined conditions, and the warning signs that mean stop and call an electrician.
Prevent the next problem
HVAC filters, laundry, moisture, ventilation, exterior observations, yard drainage, pests and a maintenance calendar.
Hire and manage the work
Vet contractors, compare scopes, plan budgets, understand payment stages, document changes and check completion.
Keep useful records
Repair plans, condition notes, contractor comparisons, maintenance logs and practical systems for landlords and real estate agents.
Clear steps—and clear limits.
Real reference photographs and original teaching diagrams help explain the lessons. Projects include preparation, checks and stop signs. Electrical work requires the stated skills and conditions; the book does not cover live electrical work, gas work or structural alterations as DIY projects. Follow current local permits, manufacturer instructions and qualified professional advice.
The complete chapter list
Start with the basics. Keep it as a reference.
Chapters 1–6: Start with a plan
- Your home is a system
- Choose the right job for your skill
- Tools, measurements and a clean work area
- Old homes, dust and hidden hazards
- Emergency actions before repairs
- Diagnose before buying parts
Chapters 7–12: Walls, finishes and everyday repairs
- Small wall holes, dents and torn paper
- Larger drywall holes and recurring cracks
- Paint that lasts instead of hiding trouble
- Caulk a tub, shower or countertop joint
- Drafty windows, doors and air sealing
- Doors, screens and everyday hardware
Chapters 13–18: Water, fixtures and drains
- Cabinets, anchors and things that must stay attached
- Tile, grout and floor problems
- Water supply, shutoffs and leak prevention
- Toilets: running, leaking and not flushing
- Faucets, aerators and showerheads
- Sink traps, stoppers and slow drains
Chapters 19–24: Electrical decisions and home systems
- Leaks, disposals and water heaters
- Electricity: understand it before opening it
- Replace a simple grounded receptacle
- Replace a GFCI without guessing LINE and LOAD
- Switches, lighting and electrical stop signs
- Heating, cooling and clean airflow
Chapters 25–30: Care for the whole property
- Appliances and the laundry area
- Moisture, ventilation and mold clues
- Roof, gutters and the outside shell
- Yard drainage, irrigation and outdoor upkeep
- Pests, movement and structural warning signs
- Find and vet the right contractor
Chapters 31–36: Hire well, keep records and keep learning
- Prices, budgets and paying for work
- Run the project from agreement to final check
- A practical system for landlords
- A field guide for real estate agents
- A home maintenance calendar you will use
- Keep learning with Construction Guys
Also includes a symptom directory, project finder, plain-language glossary, 16 printable worksheets and official sources for further help.
Your $29.95 book package
Delivered to your door
- One 152-page, comb-bound printed handbook.
- Free shipping; next-business-day FedEx dispatch.
- A practical reference you can keep beside your project notes.
Included digital edition
- The complete 131-page searchable PDF.
- Clickable contents, bookmarks and source links.
- 16 worksheets included in the book, ready to print.
- Access through your Construction Guys student library after purchase.
Both editions contain the same lessons. The print edition includes intentional blank pages so chapters start on the right when printed double-sided. This is one book package, not two separate purchases.
Contractor and rental guidance focuses on California; many repair and maintenance lessons apply more broadly. This educational handbook does not replace an on-site inspection or professional advice, grant a license, or make every project suitable for DIY.
Learn it. Practice it.
Want someone to show you in person?
Construction Guys offers in-person training courses. Explore our Homeowner DIY Academy and hands-on trade classes, including 2-Day Boot Camp options in the Bay Area. Ask us about current dates, locations, prerequisites and tuition so we can help you choose the right fit.
Course tuition is separate from this book purchase. Contact service@constructionguys.com or call 415-519-1776.
From Clifton Leung
Practical lessons from starting at the beginning.
I started Construction Guys in 2015 with two friends and learned through plenty of tough lessons. I know what it feels like to have questions and nowhere to turn. This handbook is here to help you understand your home, tackle suitable repairs with a plan and know when to bring in the right person. And if you want to keep learning, come learn with us.
Reader reviews
No reviews yet.
Have you used the book? Tell us which lesson helped and what we can improve.
Submit your honest reviewWe ask permission before publishing your words and display name.
Make your next home decision a better one.
Printed handbook + included PDF + free shipping.
Buy the Homeowner DIY Handbook — $29.95