Reviews (2)

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Cohousing
If you're involved with cohousing, you need this book. It gives you all the knowledge and tools you need to be successful in building a cohousing community. The Cohousing Handbook provides guidance on everything from forming a group to land acquisition and construction to marketing and legal issues. It also provides clear steps to follow for each segment of the process along with forms, resources and sample documents. Why re-invent the wheel when it's all here for you to adapt for your own community?
Cohousing in a box!
Chris Hanson has laid out for the reader a step by step guide to starting your own cohousing community.A must have for any cohouser, but definately not the first book you want to read to learn about the cohousing way oflife. Durant and McCammant's excellent book fills that roll, just as thisbook fills it's intended role.If you are contemplating starting orjoining an existing group, buy this book.It will guide you through theprocess step by step.We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, so we may aswell learn from those who have paved that road for us! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design - General    3. Domestic    4. House Plans    5. Housing, Cooperative    6. Project Management    7. Architecture / General    8. Housing    9. USA   

Reviews (14)

This is an Outstanding Book
This book is truly a standout and will be for a long time.I don't agree with the disappointed reviewers here.The book accomplishes its goal---to acquaint the reader with the basics of how to go about designing a wonderful new house that looks old.And yes, quality materials are expensive and the best designs are offered by fine architects.After all, this is their specialty.I don't see this book as an advertisement, but rather as an example of what can be designed.The featured architects should not be expected to give away details of their work products-- the fact that many of them provided drawing of their floorplans in more than enough.
Pretty picture book, better value than a stack of magazines
I didn't buy this book expecting to be told just how to measure and cut lumber, nail it up and then paint it, I did want more information than I got.
LIKE OLD HOMES BUT BUILDING NEW? THIS IS A MUST HAVE BOOK.
Planning to design and build a new home that appears old is no easy task.After owning homes as old as 160 years old, we decided to build a home with all the character of something old but with all the benefits of new.Russell Versaci writes a tremendous text explaining briefly the do's and don'ts, why's and how's.A visit to his architecture firm's website shows some of his other projects.A talented architect, and now a talented author.These homes are not cheap to design and build.I was quoted by architects listed in the book that to build a home designed to their level of detail can run $300-$400/ sq.ft. including design fees.An individual attempting to build such a home will no doubt hire an architect.This book will provide important references, and stimulate ideas, while working with your architect and builder.
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Subjects:  1. Architectural Preservation And Restoration    2. Architecture    3. Architecture, Domestic    4. Conservation and restoration    5. Design & Construction    6. Do-It-Yourself    7. Domestic    8. House Plans    9. United States    10. Building skills    11. Home & House Maintenance    12. House & Home / General    13. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (6)

What a geat tool!
This book has everything needed to ensure nothing is left out during the building process.There were ideas in here I had not thought of.An excellant tool for anyone getting ready to build, add on or refurbish a barn.

Building a barn? You NEED this book.
Whether you have seen many barns or only the ones in your dreams, this book will help make the barn of your dreams come true. Not only do the authors offer examples of almost every conceivable type of barn, they highlight inventive details from each that will make your day-to-day chores easier or that will spark ideas that you hadn't considered before.
Good for beginners
This book gives an excellent overview of what it takes to build a barn, from choosing the type, to preparing the gound, to hiring sub-contractors.Althought the plans can hardly be said to be "complete," they do give a good idea of how different barn styles go together. You'll still need someone knowlegeable in buidling to help you in the actual construction. The plans include several innovative barn types and shapes. I particulary liked the circular barn with a jumping/training track on the perimeter, the stalls inside that and the "aisle" in the center. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Agriculture - Animal Husbandry    2. Construction - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Farm Buildings    7. Horse Production    8. Horses - General    9. House & Home    10. House Plans    11. Planning    12. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (5)

Good for all intersted in housing design
This is a good book for both the professional and the layman. The professional will most certainly find him/herself saying, "I knew that" at some points in the book, but will also glean kernels enough to make it worth his/her time. It is written in a style that is understandable by the "common man", yet doesn't condescend to the professional.
great book
If you are interested in alternative ideas to home building and want to get out of the big box store and track home mentality, read this book.

Helpful book for home building/remodeling
I originally got this book from the library.It was so full of good ideas and helpful advice that I decided to buy it.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. 21st century    3. Architecture    4. Architecture, Domestic    5. Design & Construction    6. Designs and plans    7. Do-It-Yourself    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. House Plans    11. Residential Buildings Architecture    12. United States    13. House & Home / Design & Construction    14. Housing & property for the individual    15. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (1)

The Average Size Home Doesn't Have to Be Average
Note that smaller in this book doesn't mean the really tiny homes that have been featured in a number of books lately. What Mr. Sater means by smaller is homes that are around the size of the national average, say 2,500 square feet or less.
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Subjects:  1. Architectural design    2. Architecture    3. Design & Drafting    4. Domestic    5. House Plans    6. Interior Design - General    7. Residential Buildings Architecture    8. Residential Interior Design    9. Small houses    10. United States    11. Architecture / General    12. Houses, apartments, flats, etc   

Subjects:  1. Concrete Construction    2. Construction - General    3. Design & Construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. House & Home    6. House Plans    7. Methods & Materials    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. DIY    10. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (7)

Post & Beam is excellent
This book is by far the best I have read on the subject of post and beam construction.Lots of nice drawings and understandable instructions. Good advice for average person. Explains wood joinery very well

Not for the non-builder...
If you are not building your own home, I don't recommend this book

Terrific
This book is excellent.It gave me all the information I wanted/needed plus more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - General    3. Design and construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. General    6. House Plans    7. Log cabins    8. Log cabins and houses    9. Residential Construction    10. Technology    11. Wood Construction    12. Wooden-frame houses   

Reviews (5)

A little to much hype on here about this book
It is a good book for reading but not as a refrence.If you in the trade and want a book for the plane ride...ok.But will you learn anything new...Maybe.If you read JLC (Journal of Light Construction) and keep up with the trade you won't find anything new here.If you a novice with basic knowledge and want an overview of building that is well written but poorly photographedand lacking when it comes to illustrations...then buy the book.For refrence and true learning for not just professionals but every day people I would recommend JLC Field Guides or Graphic Guide to Framing...either will suit you well no matter what your level of skill.
Good starter book
This book was very helpful at introducing me to the framing trade.It is nicely laid out and eay to understand, but requires a small amount of construction knowledge for the reader to gain the full benefit.I'm from Washington State and although the book describes building practices from other parts of the country, with the help and advice from local builders and suppliers, I was able to successfully build a 2600 square foot two story home.

You need this book
I have many books on framing and this is one of the best.I found the info on using engineered I-beams in clear language.This series (For Pros, by Pros) is worth every penny of the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Carpentry    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Framing (Building)    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. House Plans    8. Carpentry    9. House & Home / Reference    10. House maintenance   

Reviews (18)

Shows Ideas of What Can be Done
The common ranch house was developed shortly after World War II. The design fit the needs and desires of the returning servicemen and the workers leaving the wartime industries for traditional employment.
Ranch Lover Delight
Most of older surban neighborhoods are filled with older ranch houses.This books will give you an outline (Handbook) of the problems you will encounter fixing your older ranch house.You do not buy this book if you do not have a ranch house.
Fake reviews abound on this book
I haven't read this book, just wanted to point out that there are a suspicious 7 reviews in 5 days, 2 from 'Joshua,' 2 from 'Jeann,' and three others that were all apparently submitted by the same person with a grudge to throw off the rating.I checked a couple of them and this book is the only one 'they' have reviewed.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Domestic    3. Design & Construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Domestic    6. House & Home    7. House Plans    8. Ranch houses    9. Residential Buildings Architecture    10. United States    11. Building skills    12. Home & House Maintenance    13. House & Home / General   

Reviews (4)

Great Book
I am going to start by saying that I can not currently afford the types of houses they show in this book, but if you can, then I highly recommend this book.There are numerous high quality pictures of the highlights of each design and a brief description to go along with them.My only concern about these types of homes (Not affecting the Star Rating or Mr. Sater) is that there is so much extra wasted space and unnecessary angles in these types of homes.It is almost like they design the outside first and then build the floorplan to fit.Again, Great Photos and Exterior/Interior Styling and there is no reason not to buy this book!

Jolene's Reviews
Dan Sater has wonderful designs.The homes are beautiful...great photography.It makes you want to see the building materials list!

Don't be fooled by title, much more than just plans
I was looking for a book on interior design for my mediterranean home and initially passed this book up because I thought it'd be just house plans. I came across it at a friend's house and was surprised to see the wealth of photos of the *interior* of finished homes--not just the plans.
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Subjects:  1. Home Improvement / Construction    2. House Plans   

Reviews (6)

Be aware that the sizes may not be accurate.
This is an exact copy of a letter I received from Don Metz when I complained about one of the sub-1250 sq. ft. plans (from a different book) not being under 1250.
Very refreshing, original plans!
This book is definitely a cut above all the "cookie cutter" house plan books that are out there. It doesn't go into detail about the houses, and -- most disappointingly -- doesn't provide much information about the designers, their other work, etc. I don't know if it would help someone who's actually planning to build a home. But for a $10 picture book, this one was very much worth it.
Some excellent ideas, some not so good.
This book contains a collection of small, unique house plans and BLACK AND WHITE DRAWINGS (no photographs). Some of the homes are up to date and very creative. Others seem dated. There are a few problems including the one on page 5 where the illustration for level two is exactly like level three. I guess I could have seen it; this page is in the Amazon preview pages.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture, Domestic    2. Design & Construction    3. Designs and plans    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Domestic    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. House Plans    9. Small houses    10. HOUSE & HOME / Design & Construction    11. House & Home / House Plans    12. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (9)

Not very good or inspiring
This book is not for anyone who wants to build there own log home. It is clearly written from someone who wants to continually sell log home kits. There is a wonderful book called Home from the Woods that is much better and describes the details of building a log home from an everyday persons perspective.

Biased but good
This is a very good book if your intention is to be your own general contractor, or even hire a general contractor to build your log home. The author (as noted in many other reviews) shows a bias towards milled kit homes since that's what he sells. Best book on the subject (but milled kit bias)
This is the best book currently available on the subject of log home construction planning. It is well-organized, clearly written, and offers helpful information to anyone who is planning on building a log home. The reason it gets four stars instead of five is that some statements in the book must be read with your thinking cap on...The author is a milled log kit seller, so he shows a subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) bias against handcrafted homes, build-it-yourselfers, and the like. Of course, every salesman believes that his own product is the best- so who can fault him...just take in the book with a "grain of salt" and remember to think for yourself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Contractors    3. Design & Construction    4. Design and construction    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House Plans    8. Log cabins    9. Reference    10. Building construction & materials    11. DIY   

Reviews (6)

A Wish Book for adults
We couldn't agree on the type of house we wanted so we spent hours inspecting the hundreds of house plans in this book, mentally taking ideas from one and adding them to others. Having color pictures of the finished product makes it easy to identify those you like. In the end we were able to compromise; I gave up the two-story idea for the more practicle one-story, and we've created a wing for privacy. Rather than buy individual plans we'll take our cut & paste ideas to an architech (someday). If nothing else, browsing through the book initiated a lot of conversation about our lifestyle what's important to us as individuals. Great fun.

Title is accurate.
When I bought this book I just thought it was one of those magazine style things printed on cheap paper.Wrong! This book is huge! Colour photos and colour illustrations throughout.Floor plans of all types,almost.Not many homeplans here to suit the lower budgets.
Close to "Ultimate"
Yes, I gave this book 5 stars, but there are somethings I wish that were added.Those include plans for homes 4500sqft+.Most are 2500-3500.The book could use more of the in-depth design areas (Like Master Bedroom, Kitchen, etc...)There are "tips" spread throughout the plans, and I really enjoy the color photos with room specs on the floor plans.It can keep my 5 stars, but please add the above items to keep getting those stars in future additions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture, Domestic    2. Designs and plans    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. House Plans    7. United States    8. Architectural structure & design    9. House & Home / House Plans    10. Housing & property for the individual   

Reviews (1)

Natural Light House Plans are pretty dim in this review
I found this book while trying to find a unique but practical houseplan for a custom home to be built along a riverfront on a bluff.The sunlight is ample at this site.So I was rather optimistic to purchase this book. However, my enthusiasm turned to disappointment in browsing through thisrather mundane set of plans.Some of the examples appeared to come fromthe 1970s prototypes found along Southern California.There were nomagical window placements or use of extraordinary skylights and the such.There were a few distinguished types, but none to this reviewer's liking. I did find the adobe prototype of plans seen in the southwest as somewhatinteresting in this book.Otherwise, don't let the title fool you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture and solar radiati    3. Architecture and solar radiation    4. Architecture, Domestic    5. Design & Construction    6. Designs and plans    7. Domestic    8. Domestic architecture    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. House & Home    11. House Plans    12. Residential Buildings Architecture    13. United States    14. Home furnishing & decoration    15. Interior design    16. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (4)

has info others don't.
This book is a bit out of date and geared toward the outback builders who want to build a cabin cheap.I'm one of those so I liked it but there's no color pictures etc.Has lots of information on how to get the job done without a lot of money and deals with the complete house including site selection all the way through move in.400+ pages where most are only around 200.I'd get another book if I was just getting one, but makes a good addition to the newer ones.

12 year old out dated book
Do not recommend buying, black and white old, old pictures, unless you feel like taking out a chain saw (or axe) and using antique tools to build one, forget this book.

Outdated Material
... I have been building regular frame construction houses and wanted to try something new by building some log homes in the mountains of Colorado where I live.I bought about every book that Amazon had to offer on log home construction. I was excited to get my copy of "Complete Guide to Building Log Homes" as it seemed to be the "bible" I was looking for.I was extremely disappointed. First off the book was printed in 1990 and the material used is 10-15 years out of date with today's construction methods. Even the pictures look like they are from the 1960's.There was even a picture where he tells you how to hand mortice an end joint and he is building a home with bark still on the logs !!!! That just isn't how things are done today.No mention of tongue and groove joints, prefinished and pre cut packages, D-cut logs, etc. He is out of date with todays construction.This book is a waste of money when there are books ... on building log homes that are written less than a year ago. Save your money. I sent mine back !!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Design & Construction    4. Design and construction    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Do-It-Yourself - General    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. House Plans    10. Log cabins    11. Log cabins and houses    12. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY    13. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (2)

A Must-Have Book!!!
This is the ultimate book for luxury designs. I have searched all over for books and house designs that gives the luxury and well-planned design of a dream home and this book gives plenty.If you had to choose just one of Dan Sater's books, this is the one to get.

Beautiful Collection of Homes!
This book is a perfect source for inspiration. It has some beautiful luxury homes with floor plans, renderings and many gorgeous photos. I was impressed with the creative floor plans and exteriors. I recommend this book to anyone looking for ideas to design a new custom home! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. House Plans    3. Interior Design - General   

Reviews (5)

Too old fashioned
This book had some good ideas if it were 1970. It's very outdated. I'm sure it was a good book when it was still current, but in 2006, it's just a a waste of time and money.

simply life-changing
I bought this book at a homeschool conference about 15 years ago.It literally changed my life.I have fond memories of sitting down at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and my "Bonnie" book.Bonnie became like a friend, offering great advice and encouragement.Her writing style is warm and uplifting.She made me want to succeed at organizing my home.I learned how to organize my kitchen cabinets, and ever since my mom has recommended ME to organize the kitchen when someone in the family moves!And I was the family "messy!"Her suggestion on implementing Minimum Maintenance made the difference for me in keeping my house clean and presentable.I highly recommend this book for anyone who struggles as I did with managing all the STUFF/CHORES in her home.

Wonderfully Helpful for the Disorganised Homemaker
I just loved this book.I would give it ten stars if I could.It was so full of down to earth and helpful advice and very entertaining to read.There were hints on clutter clearing and how to tackle a home that has got a bit out of control.Lists of daily jobs and what Bonnie calls minimum maintenance were a great help.If you find it hard to keep on top of the house and it seems forever in a cluttered mess (like mine) this is the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home economics    6. House Plans    7. Reference    8. Household hints   

Reviews (3)

Good But Incomplete
I built a log cabin in the 1980's using this book and two others. The cabin is still dry and clean and will probably stand for another 100 years, especially after adding a steel roof 8 years ago.
great book
great book for beginners easy to read information lots of step by step details

Natural, rustic and simple
This 'older' book shows you in simple diagrams how to build rustic log structures and furniture the original way. I have used the methods to build a fantastic fence from trees harvested from my own property. I have also built most of the birdhouses.This book is not really for building a log cabin. It is the greatest book of folk art for rustic log furniture and structures I've ever seen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. House Plans    6. Log cabins    7. Residential Construction    8. Rustic woodwork    9. DIY    10. House & Home / House Plans   

Reviews (5)

One-of-a-kind book
This was exactly what I was searching for....a history lesson on how to properly plan a site for a home with ancillary buildings on anything over an acre.

Nostalgia and Fun Bits of History
This book is all about 19th century buildings, just like the title says. These are the houses that pushed forth from the established coastal settlements through upstate NY, OH and the Midwest during that century of expansion. I confess that this isn't my preferred style of house, but the book itself is a delight.The illustrations are exquisite; Currier & Ives stuff that make you just want to jump into the scene. And the texts that accompany the plans are full of fun facts. This is not a scholarly text, just a breezy ride back through time with a guide that makes it all come alive. You'd have to be a real curmudgeon not to enjoy this book ...unless of course you were determinedly looking for something else. A note however on the coverage.Although the subject of the book is the 19th century, the early part of the century (Federal and Greek Revival in particular) up to about 1840 is not really treated in this book. This book is about what was built during the industrial revolution, when things -including house plans- were mass produced. Buy it for a couple of hours of light reading and some new perspectives on how we lived and built in the latter 2/3 of the 19th century.

A rare find of historic country building plans
I am an architect designing a house for a client -it is a Charleston Style house with the master bedroom in a "carriage house" attached at the rear.This book helped me to create/design a more authentic carriage house.I am a horse lover from way back so I ate up the book front to back!I was pleased to find many examples of architectural details and embellishments.The plans of historic houses and barns are a rare treasure.Would be fun to build one of the farm houses! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Construction    3. Design & Drafting    4. Domestic    5. House Plans    6. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY    7. House & Home / House Plans   

Reviews (5)

Just a standard old house plan book
This is basically a collection of off the shelf house plans.I'd guarantee you that if you pick up another title by the same publisher, you'll find many of these plans repeated there.True, most do have a fair amount of glass on one side, making them suitable for catching views of why you built the house there.They have divided the plans in the categories like, lakefront, riverside, ocean, pier houses, and luxury.The houses listed in the lakefront and riverside chapters have nothing special about them to make them "lakefront" or "riverside".Some of the ocean houses do have more of either a Cape Cod or east coast feel, but not all.Obviously, the pier house are as advertised and the luxury are mostly just big. A good jumping off point
This book is my favorite of many home plan books.Lots of interesting design ideas.Though I believe any "canned" plan like the ones in this book needs to be adjusted to the site and to personal tastes by a architect or designer, this has a lot of choices and orientations.I have purchased one of the plans and have a permit to build.I own several ocean view lots and have targeted two other plans in the book that will suit the sites. What view?
I cannot imagine using these plans for a seaside house if you want to have a great view of the water. I didn't feel that these homes had specific construction geared to a waterfront home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Domestic    3. Design & Construction    4. Designs and plans    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. House Plans    8. United States    9. Building skills    10. House maintenance