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Home Maintenance and Repair database
This database was one of the first stand alone databases created by MSU Extension. It started with the programming being done in a county. The questions that the database could answer fell into three categories, Food Preservation, Home Maintenance and Home Horticulture, many of the same questions that counties deal with today. The timing of the database and its’ updates have coincided with several events in Michigan including previous energy crisis, financial crisis and in general economic hard times. The database includes information on recovery from fire and flood, how to get out stains, energy conservation measures including home landscaping, and window treatments, to geothermal furnaces. It also includes common pest management, and how to clean practically anything in your house, including how to make your own low cost and green cleaners. The database was recently updated to a smoother web look and feel, and some updated information on energy management was added. The database has been very popular with internet users, who range all over the world, and has been cited in magazines, textbooks, popular cleaning books, TV and other internet sites. Questions about using the database have come from realtors, teachers, professors, businesses, all the way to HUD and other governmental agencies. It may not be completely comprehensive for all the latest gadgets or methods, but those that are listed in it are sound. The small pest management information needs to be reviewed yet, but all include a disclaimer that they need to talk with their local Extension office for the latest and greatest information. This database is designed to help county offices, or home user find basic information, it is not designed to turn them into a contractor, or to solve all their problems, but it does help them find some simple help in managing a home and all the accompanying cleaning and maintenance problems that can go with it.
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