Bellevue has brought back its popular home maintenance resource guide in a new, searchable, online format. Created by the city’s Neighborhood Outreach office, “Home, Neighborhood and Yard Maintenance – A Resource Guide” is available on Bellevue’s website.

Unlike commercial how-to books, the guide offers tips on obtaining city assistance and teaming up with neighbors on neighborhood improvement projects. There are suggestions about home repair, but also about finding grants or other government funding to help pay for it.

The city used to offer a home maintenance guide a few years ago, and it was a popular resource. The new version is more concise, targeting information users found most helpful, and directed toward neighborhood livability, city officials say.

Primarily an electronic resource, the new guide (at http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/Neighborhoods/Web_HomeMaintenance_body.pdf) is also easier to use, with users able to follow links to the exact chapter or section they want.

The guide includes information about:

Keeping neighborhoods attractive with city assistance and neighbor teamwork;

Finding funding and assistance for home repair;

Permits for remodeling or repair;

Home repair checklist and how-to guides;

Exchanging building materials or household goods;

Reducing reusable home clutter;

Making money while getting rid of clutter; garage sale tips; and

Recycling appliances and “white elephants.”