
Your home is one of your biggest investments — yet most homeowners are never taught how to maintain it properly. This guide takes a clear, practical approach to preventive home maintenance, helping you understand what actually matters, what to check first, and when to seek professional help.
No jargon. No overwhelm. Just real-world guidance you can use.
Have a question or need general guidance?
Most major home repairs don’t start as emergencies. They begin as small, unnoticed issues — minor leaks, poor ventilation, neglected filters, loose fittings, or aging components. When these are ignored, costs rise and safety risks increase.
This resource is designed to help homeowners:
Recognize early warning signs
Reduce avoidable damage
Improve safety and comfort
Make informed decisions before problems escalate
Preventive maintenance isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing the right things first.
Unlike typical DIY advice that jumps straight into repairs, Home Maintenance: What To Do First focuses on:
Clear priorities instead of long task lists
Awareness before action
Safety boundaries around professional work
Practical checks homeowners can actually manage
This is not a technical manual or an inspection service. It’s an educational guide designed to help homeowners better understand their homes and care for them responsibly.
A practical homeowner guide covering:
Preventive maintenance fundamentals
Common problem areas in homes
What homeowners can safely monitor
When professional help is the right choice
Written from real-world experience and focused on clarity, not complexity.
An optional planning tool that helps you:
Track routine maintenance
Organize seasonal tasks
Record repairs and observations
Stay proactive instead of reactive
Together, the book and planner create a simple, repeatable system for home care.
These resources are being used as part of a broader homeowner and community safety awareness initiative, focused on prevention, education, and informed decision-making.
Feedback has been sought from professionals across:
Trades
Fire prevention
Insurance
Property management
Personal support and care work
This ensures the information remains practical, responsible, and accessible for everyday homeowners.
Designed for Everyday Homeowners
This guide is ideal for:
First-time homeowners
Long-term homeowners wanting clarity
People aging in place
Property owners who want to reduce surprises
Anyone who wants to understand their home better without becoming a tradesperson
If you want confidence instead of confusion, this is a solid place to start.
Meet Peter
With over 40 years of hands-on experience maintaining and repairing homes, Peter created Common Sense Factor to share practical knowledge that homeowners are rarely taught.
Rather than focusing on quick fixes, his work emphasizes prevention, awareness, and responsible decision-making — helping people protect their homes, their safety, and their peace of mind.

Home maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you know what to look for and what to prioritize, everything becomes easier.