How the house works

The House.

Practical reference for the systems and the rooms — what's where, how to operate it, and what to know if something stops working.

Mechanical systems

Heating & cooling

System type: e.g. forced-air gas furnace + central A/C, hydronic, mini-splits
Furnace: Make, model, year installed, location, last serviced
A/C / Heat pump: Make, model, year, location of condenser
Thermostat(s): Brand, where they are, any zoning logic
Filters: Size, where to buy, change interval
Annual service: Vendor and recommended timing — see Maintenance

Plumbing

Main water shutoff: Exact location and how to operate it
Water heater: Make, model, year, capacity, location
Outdoor spigots: How many, where, winterization steps
Sump pump: If applicable — location, model, battery backup notes
Sewer line: Material, last cleaned/scoped, any history

Electrical

Service: Amps, panel location
Main panel: Photo of labeled panel; sub-panels if any
Generator: If applicable — type, fuel, transfer switch
Quirks: Any circuits that share, switches that do unexpected things

Other

Roof: Material, year, warranty, last inspection
Gutters: Cleaning schedule, any guards
Chimney(s): Number, last sweep/inspection, working fireplaces vs decorative
Security / alarm: System and provider
Internet / wiring: Provider, where the demarc is, ethernet runs

Appliances

Make, model, year, and where to find the manual. Manuals are also linked in Documents.

Range / cooktop: Make, model, year
Wall oven(s): Make, model, year
Refrigerator: Make, model, year
Dishwasher: Make, model, year
Microwave: Make, model, year
Washer / dryer: Make, model, year, location
Other: Wine fridge, ice maker, disposal, etc.

Room by room

Notes that help if you live in the house — paint colors, finishes, anything quirky.

First floor

Foyer: Paint color, finish, original elements preserved
Living room: Paint, finishes, fireplace status
Dining room: Paint, finishes, lighting
Kitchen: Cabinet maker, counter material, finish
Powder room: Fixtures, finishes

Second floor

Primary bedroom: Notes
Primary bath: Fixtures, finishes
Bedroom 2: Notes
Bedroom 3: Notes
Hall bath: Notes

Other levels

Third floor / attic: Notes
Basement: Mechanicals, storage, finished areas
Garage / outbuildings: If applicable

If something goes wrong

Power's out: TODO — what to check first, where the panel is, who to call.

Water's leaking: TODO — main shutoff location and steps.

No heat / no A/C: TODO — thermostat reset, breaker, who to call.

Sewer backup: TODO — who to call, history with the line.

Vendor phone numbers live on the Maintenance page.