This blog will use a number of symbols as part of its discussions. These are emoji or clipart intended to convey a specific comment about concepts or instructions. If you see them at the top of the blog post, they apply to the entire post. If they are relevant to a particular paragraph or step, they will precede that step. The symbols used in this blog are as follows:
👋: This step or activity will benefit from one or more friends to help you. The number of waving hands indicates the number of friends you’re likely to need. Pizza/beer or your cultural equivalent is usually appropriate recompense for help with home activities.
💪: This step/activity requires strength or dexterity that some people may not possess. Consider calling in help if you’re unsure of your physical abilities.
❤️: This activity may not be appropriate for people with certain medical conditions. Consult your doctor before attempting this activity.
🔏: Physical and/or cybersecurity precautions may apply to this step/activity.
💡: Tip! You don’t have to do this, but it might make this step/activity easier.
⚠️: There is a possibility of damage to the equipment. Read the manual and heed all warnings.
‼️: There is a possibility of personal injury. Read the manual and heed all warnings.
👖: Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for this step/activity.
⛑: PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is appropriate for this step/activity. Consult with your manufacturer to determine what gear you need.
🌞: This step/activity should not be performed in bad weather. The step will specify what weather is conducive to the activity.
👶: Keep pets and small children away from the work area.
🔨: The tools required for this step/activity are tools that any adult should have in their kit.
🛠: The tools required for this step/activity are tools that a homeowner should have, but a renter may or may not.
⚙️: This step/activity requires specialized tools that are not in a homeowner’s standard kit.
💼: It’s not always cost-effective or safe to do something yourself. If you see this symbol, seriously consider hiring a professional.
🚑: Household emergency! If the described situation happens, drop everything and call a professional for immediate 24×7 assistance. If you’re a renter, call your landlord immediately, and invoke the on-call maintenance if available.
🏠: This step/activity is the responsibility of the property owner. If you own your home, you’re responsible for this; if you’re a renter, your landlord should handle it.
⏱: This step/activity is not strictly an emergency but is time-sensitive. Don’t ignore it or put it off.
💸: This step / activity may be costly. Do your research and get estimates before beginning, and determine whether it can fit into your budget.
⚖️: There may be legal consequences for failure to do this step/activity or do it correctly.
📜: Local laws and ordinances may govern the details of this step/activity.
✍️: This step/activity is likely to require official paperwork to be filed.
🔥: Be certain you know what you’re doing before you try this. Failure to do this correctly may be dangerous.
