Amish Country
Well-known member
House Book
I am starting a "House Book". It is just a three ring binder with pockets on the inside covers, nothing special. Inside are lists of those "Oh by the way..." items that tend to be forgotten until an emergency occurs. It is nice to have this information at my finger tips and not have to try and remember details should a problem happen. By scheduling routine maintenance and being proactive a lot of problems can be prevented. Budgeting funds for expected repairs and maintenance ahead of time has taken a lot of arguments out of our marriage. (Hat tip to Dave Ramsey)
It includes a calendar with important dates like:
When the batteries in the smoke detectors were last changed and/or will need to be changed.
When the septic tank was last pumped and when it needs to be pumped. We do ours every other year. Also included will be the name and phone number of the company who did it last with a note as to if they did a good job or not and should be used again.
When the water softener/system was last serviced. Along with the name and phone number of the company who did it last with a note as to if they did a good job or not and should be used again.
A reminder to refill profane tanks when the price usually goes down in summer.
A reminder to periodically check fire extinguishers expiration/service date. Also to verify they are the correct type for what fires we would most likely have to put out.
A reminder to change the filters, their specifications and where to get them.
Other important contact information:
The alarm company
The local company which handles repair of furnaces and appliances.
The Plumber
The electrician
The Snowplow Guy
The guy who delivers firewood and takes down widow makers (dangerous hanging timber).
The Jack-of-all-trades that takes care of anything else that we can't handle.
Work/Repairs:
This section would include any work done on the house as far as repairs and maintenance, who did the work, when, how timely they were, their contact information and notes on the quality of the job.
Copies of the company's proof of insurance at the time the work was done.
Copies of any government permits if needed to do the work.
Little Details:
Documentation on how and when to bleed the radiators.
Other details that are unique to our home.
Back up:
The House Book is backed up by a file where we keep:
Manuals for appliances etc.
Warranties
Recites for major purchase for the home such as appliances
I am starting a "House Book". It is just a three ring binder with pockets on the inside covers, nothing special. Inside are lists of those "Oh by the way..." items that tend to be forgotten until an emergency occurs. It is nice to have this information at my finger tips and not have to try and remember details should a problem happen. By scheduling routine maintenance and being proactive a lot of problems can be prevented. Budgeting funds for expected repairs and maintenance ahead of time has taken a lot of arguments out of our marriage. (Hat tip to Dave Ramsey)
It includes a calendar with important dates like:
When the batteries in the smoke detectors were last changed and/or will need to be changed.
When the septic tank was last pumped and when it needs to be pumped. We do ours every other year. Also included will be the name and phone number of the company who did it last with a note as to if they did a good job or not and should be used again.
When the water softener/system was last serviced. Along with the name and phone number of the company who did it last with a note as to if they did a good job or not and should be used again.
A reminder to refill profane tanks when the price usually goes down in summer.
A reminder to periodically check fire extinguishers expiration/service date. Also to verify they are the correct type for what fires we would most likely have to put out.
A reminder to change the filters, their specifications and where to get them.
Other important contact information:
The alarm company
The local company which handles repair of furnaces and appliances.
The Plumber
The electrician
The Snowplow Guy
The guy who delivers firewood and takes down widow makers (dangerous hanging timber).
The Jack-of-all-trades that takes care of anything else that we can't handle.
Work/Repairs:
This section would include any work done on the house as far as repairs and maintenance, who did the work, when, how timely they were, their contact information and notes on the quality of the job.
Copies of the company's proof of insurance at the time the work was done.
Copies of any government permits if needed to do the work.
Little Details:
Documentation on how and when to bleed the radiators.
Other details that are unique to our home.
Back up:
The House Book is backed up by a file where we keep:
Manuals for appliances etc.
Warranties
Recites for major purchase for the home such as appliances
