Welcome to The Home Field Guide
Running a home is a lot. Things break at the worst time. Appliances throw error codes. A "quick fix" turns into three trips to the hardware store. And if you've got pets, kids, a yard, or an older house, the same problem can show up in a dozen different ways.
The Home Field Guide exists to make homeownership simpler, safer, and less expensive.
We publish practical guides that help you:
- Diagnose problems quickly — the fastest checks first
- Fix issues safely — with the right tools and parts
- Prevent repeat problems — maintenance schedules that actually stick
- Upgrade your home wisely — projects that pay off in comfort, safety, and function
- Buy with confidence — honest comparisons and clear tradeoffs
Our style is a mix of calm "home playbook" and friendly "tool nerd coach." You'll see step-by-step troubleshooting flows, checklists, and buying criteria — plus the occasional pro tip about which tool makes a job easier (and when you don't need to buy anything at all).
What We Cover
The Home Field Guide focuses on the real systems that keep a home running:
- Appliances and laundry
- Plumbing and water (including leaks and moisture)
- Electrical basics and lighting (beginner-safe guidance)
- HVAC comfort, air quality, and humidity
- Home tech that solves real problems (Wi-Fi, sensors, security)
- Organization and storage that works for real households
- Yard and outdoor home systems (watering, pests, seasonal prep)
- Pets and kids at home (cleaning, safety, and protection)
Safety and Responsibility
We take safety seriously. Electricity, gas, ladders, chemicals, and structural work can be dangerous. Our guides are educational and practical, but they're not a substitute for a qualified professional on high-risk jobs. When a project crosses a safety line, we'll say so clearly.
How The Home Field Guide Makes Money
Some pages include display ads. Some product links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products when they're a good fit for the problem — and we try to include good/better/best options when possible. These disclosures help keep the site running and the guides free.
For more details, see our Affiliate Disclosure and Safety Disclaimer.
Want to Start?
If you're new here, begin with:
- Start Here — The New Homeowner Playbook
- Fix — Troubleshooting guides for the most common problems
- Maintain — Seasonal checklists that prevent expensive surprises
- Buy — Tool kits and product guides built for homeowners
Thanks for being here — and welcome to the calmer side of homeownership.