The Virgin Homeowner: The Essential Guide to Owning, Maintaining, and Surviving Your First Home

"The Virgin Homeowner" is Janice Papolos's answer to the house buyer's blues. Using her own experience, Papolos initiates readers into all the workings of a house. She moves from the initial terror of home inspection to the mysteries of plumbing and electricity, stopping at all points along the way— including septic systems, roofing problems, insect infestations, environmental issues, childproofing, ventilation, and fire safety. In addition, Papolos offers clear instructions on how to handle minor household repairs and helps the new homeowner to understand the quirky vocabulary essential for having an intelligent conversation with a repair person or contractor. Best of all, "The Virgin Homeowner" provides readers with the confidence and piece of mind they need to make owning a home more of a dream and less of a nightmare.