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Writer's pictureDaniel Caban

The Anatomy of a home repair

Updated: Aug 3, 2023

A house with white siding and a brown roof


Just like the human body, a home repair consists of various components working together to address and resolve issues within a residential property. It all begins with identifying the problem, much like diagnosing an ailment in the body. Understanding the issue is key, whether it's a leaky faucet, a broken electrical outlet, or a damaged wall.


Similar to planning for a medical procedure, the homeowner or a professional assesses

A man in overalls cutting into a pipe and causing a flood in a house

the extent of the repair needed and determines the necessary materials, tools, and expertise required. This stage acts as the equivalent of creating a treatment plan, considering the best course of action for the repair. Something to keep in mind is that the first professional you contact has to be aware of their qualifications and limitations. A general medical practitioner isn't going to perform heart surgery on you if they discover a heart problem. They'll defer to a heart expert. A good handyman or general contractor or other home repair expert will do the same. An electrician shouldn't be trying to repair a broken waste pipe underneath your home or property. You get the point. More on that in our next section.


Once the plan is set, the repair process commences, much like performing surgery on the body. It involves carefully dismantling or removing damaged components, just as a surgeon would operate on a specific area. Then, faulty parts are fixed or replaced, akin to the repair or replacement of damaged organs or tissues during surgery. Reassembling or reinstalling the repaired elements corresponds to closing up the incisions and ensuring proper alignment. You can now breathe a sigh of relief. Your home is back to its former glory!


Since the title of this post is "The Anatomy of a home repair" let's break down the home into its various components, shall we?


The organs and systems of your home


4 diagrams of the human body


A row of homes being built


Just as vital organs function within the human body, specific items in a home serve essential roles. The HVAC system can be compared to the home's lungs, responsible for regulating airflow and maintaining a comfortable living environment. It ensures the circulation of fresh air and regulates temperature, much like the lungs enable the exchange of oxygen and regulate breathing.


The electrical system can be likened to the home's nervous system, transmitting power and facilitating communication. It powers appliances and lighting fixtures, just as the nervous system enables communication and coordination throughout the body.


Plumbing and water supply lines act as the home's circulatory system, transporting water throughout the property. Like blood vessels deliver nutrients and oxygen to organs, plumbing ensures a steady flow of water to various fixtures and appliances.*


The roof and siding can be seen as the home's protective shield, akin to the body's skin. It shields the interior from external elements such as rain, wind, and sunlight, just as the skin protects the body from external hazards.


The foundation serves as the home's skeletal structure, providing stability and support. Just as bones provide structure to the body, the foundation supports the entire home, ensuring its stability and integrity. The same can be said of the wooden framing.



Each room within the home can be compared to individual organs, each with its specific function. The kitchen acts as the home's digestive system, where meals are prepared and nourishment takes place. Whereas the bathroom serves as the home's waste elimination system, akin to the body's excretory system.


Just as the body requires proper care and maintenance, home repairs involve identifying issues with these vital components, planning and executing repairs, and ensuring everything functions as intended. Each vital organ contributes to overall functionality and comfort, much like the organs in the human body work together to sustain life. Just as we wouldn't allow any part of our body to break down, we shouldn't allow repairs in our home to go so far into disrepair that other systems in the home are affected. For

example, if you had a bad plumbing leak, it will affect not only your walls but the very framing itself. Before things get that bad, contact an expert to get those repairs underway. Just as you'd contact a doctor if you were sick. Let's start you off with a

shameless plug right here www.dctileandpaintplus.com. Each of these systems often requires very specific expertise. Getting the right expert to work on them is worth the

effort.


Doctor with a patient

Contractors in hardhats inside of a building filled with scaffolding





*Fun fact: The men responsible for the invention of the shunt used for the treatment of hydrocephalus and spina bifida were not in the medical field at all. One was John Holter, a machinist. The other was Roald Dahl (Yes the Author of Willie Wonka and the chocolate factory) who invented the Dahl Shunt valve with the help of a toy maker and expert on small hydraulic pumps Stanley Wade. (https://answers.childrenshospital.org/shuntcheck-invention). This shows that when broken down into its parts, the human body is a biological machine with systems that can be addressed and repaired similarly

to a home.













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