Helpful Resources

If you ever have a question about a home project or problem, feel free to contact the Club. Knowledgeable staff are standing by to provide assistance between 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, not including holidays.

In addition, see the reference resources included below.

Your Neighborhood's Vulnerability to Earthquakes (as seen in the At Home newsletter)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has produced a map showing which neighborhoods within the city of Seattle would face "elevated levels of hazard" during an earthquake.

• See the USGS Seismic Hazard Map (PDF document)

Seasonal Checklist (as seen in the At Home newsletter)

You can often save money and receive a higher level of customer service when you take care of key home-maintenance tasks at certain times of the year.

• Seasonal Home-maintenance Checklist (PDF document)

The Homeowners Toolkit

Even if you do rely on outside contractors for all of your home-improvement and maintenance tasks, it's always a good idea to have these tools on hand.

• Tools You Should Own (PDF document)

Know Your Home

Gaining a better understanding about the inner-workings of your home will not only bring peace-of-mind, it will make you a more knowledgeable consumer. The diagrams included below provide an overview of how these systems serve your home.

• Your Plumbing System (PDF document)
• Your Electrical System (PDF document)

In Case of an Emergency

Here are some simple steps you can take to prepare for the next big disaster — and some tips on how to respond when the power goes out, the toilet overflows, the garage door won't open and more. (Remember: You can always call on the Club for emergency assistance, 24 hours a day.)

• Be Prepared for the Next Big Disaster (PDF document)
• How to Handle an Emergency (PDF document)

Do You Really Need a General Contractor?

While it's not unreasonable to think that a homeowner could act as their own general contractor (and save on the expense), it's a difficult role that requires real skill, expert knowledge and lots of time on-site.

• General Contractor Role and responsibilities (PDF document)

 
Note: Many of the above documents are PDF files, which are easily read on most any computer. However, if you aren't able to view them, you'll find free PDF-reader resources available at any of the following: Adobe Reader  •  Foxit Reader  •  Sumatra PDF  •  PDF-XChange Viewer  •  Nitro PDF Reader  •  Google Docs  •  Google Chrome  •  Wikipedia - List of PDF software.