Writing documentation for your house (luke.hsiao.dev)

Article summary

The article discusses the idea of writing technical documentation for one's house, similar to what is done for software projects. The author, a first-time homeowner, found it helpful to create a documentation system to keep track of information about their house, such as appliance manuals, repair history, and maintenance schedules. The author used a framework called Diátaxis to organize the documentation into tutorials, how-to guides, technical reference, and explanations. This approach has improved the author's quality of life and will also be useful for future owners of the house.

Main themes

• household documentation
• technical writing
• home maintenance
• organization systems
• technology in the home
• information management

What commenters say

• Creating technical documentation for a house can be a useful tool for homeowners to keep track of important information and simplify maintenance tasks.
• A simple and low-tech approach to documentation, such as a binder or handwritten notes, can be just as effective as a complex digital system.
• Some commenters believe that a digital documentation system, such as a wiki or a bespoke application, would be more practical and efficient for managing household information.
• Others argue that over-reliance on technology can be a drawback, and that a simple, non-technical approach may be more desirable for household documentation.
• There is a potential business opportunity in creating a documentation-as-a-service platform for homeowners.
• Some individuals have successfully used various tools and methods, such as OneNote or a QRH, to create and manage their household documentation.
• The use of video tutorials or photos can be helpful in documenting complex tasks or systems, such as appliance maintenance or plumbing repairs.
• Over-engineering a household documentation system can be a potential pitfall, and a balance between complexity and simplicity should be struck.