Reviews (6)

Helpful hints indeed!
This book is surprisingly fun. You name it and this book has a tip on the most effective way to do it.I bought this book in conjunction with two other home maintenance and repair books and it has many items that were not covered in the other two. I only gave it three stars because I will probably only refer to this one after the other two to verify that there isn't an easier way.What would make this book better?I say combine this book with their "New Fix-It-Yourself Manual" (my top choice), and you have an ace book!

This book is amazing.
I have not bought this book...yet.I recently borrowed it from the library, and will keep renewing it until they force me to return it.When they do, I intend on hunting it down at my neighborhood bookstore. Excellent source of clever ideas and tips
While not a comprehensive home repair guide (superficial instructions and difficult to see and poorly labeled photos and diagrams), this book is a useful addition to a home repair library.When tackling a home repair, thebook provides numerious time-saving and result enhancing suggestions on howto make the job go more smooothly with a higher quality outcome. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Houses    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Miscellanea    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. Repair    11. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation   

Editorial Review

This is a delightful book that promises to deliver loads of fantasy and fun for anyone in need of a rustic place to rest, relax, and retreat from the speed and stress of modern living. The Stiles provide more than 20 step-by-step plans for low-cost outdoor buildings, among them a grape arbor, a hillside hut, a water gazebo (floating!), a log cabin, tree houses, a wigwam, a garden pavilion, a yurt, and a river raft. A bit of individual creativity can make any of the plans described and diagrammed into unique personal statements or fantasies. Many of the plans are so simple they can be built in a few hours or in less than a day, and most do not require high levels of carpentry or building skills (though all will be useful as "learning projects" for the uninitiated). If you built forts as a kid--or wanted to--here's your chance to play at it again as an adult! Read more

Reviews (11)

I can build that!
I'm glad there are no photos in this book. Get an imagination!The drawings are fun and lively.They also give important aspects of the project that a photo rarely illustrates.Now I know how (in detail) to construct a tipi, or put together a simple door or roof that really would hold up to nature.The primitive shelters section is great.So are the tree houses. Not that all of these projects are practical homes, but now I have ideas for that "fort" in the back acre my kids are bugging me about.Thanks for a great book to just read, or get us outside with a saw and hammer.

creative ideas, not for children
These are true rustic retreats for adults. Just know this is not for children's tree houses or play houses. These are very rustic retreats, such as a lean-to to use as a nature retreat, or for the shack-like building the size of a garden shed for sleeping in as a weekend getaway,(sans electricity or toilets). Good ideas No Photos except Cover
I don't get why you put a beautiful photo on the cover of your book and all 2nd rate hand drawn pictues inside. It's deceptive! Won't help you with Country Home ideas. Maybe good for a kids Fort or a Bowhunting stand... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Construction - General    3. Design & Construction    4. Design and construction    5. Designs and plans    6. Do-It-Yourself    7. Do-It-Yourself - General    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. House construction    11. Houses    12. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    13. Second homes    14. Building construction & materials    15. House & Home / Design & Construction    16. Housing & property for the individual   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (4)

no help
I bought this without reading the reviews, it was a mistake.I am designing an addition and need a clear guide from forms to finishing.This isn't it.As meantioned, it is a collection of articles.While informative, there are major gaps in coverage and I am no more ready to design my foundation than before.There is more useful info on foundations in the framing books I purchased.

Disappointment
This book lacks the details for someone who is looking to actually do the work themselves.As mentioned in one of the other reviews - this book is just a composite of magazine article.Typical of magazine articles - shallow with little substance.

Just a compilation
I have a couple of other books in the "for pros by pros" series and they are great.I was disappointed in this one, however.Read more

Subjects:  1. Concrete footings    2. Construction - Masonry    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Foundations    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Building skills    9. Home & House Maintenance    10. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (5)

Makes everything so clear
Clear writing, accompanied by excellent illustrations for all the steps.Everything is included:planning, foundation, material, tools, foundation, windows, wiring and finishing.If you're a newbie, you're not wasting your money by buying this.

Covers all of the essentials of 'how to'
This book is written with simple jargon, clear illustrations and concise instructions.A great spring-board book for those new to construction.
great book
I never built a building before, I did help build a deck.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Barns    3. Design and construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Farm buildings    7. Garden structures    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. House Plans    11. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    12. DIY   

Reviews (15)

I need a studio to make this stuff.
I liked most of the ideas in this book. They are beautiful and look doable. The problem is space. Unless you have a garage or outdoor space to make the stuff in you will not be able to make most of these projects. The instructions could also be more detailed by adding information like "this type of wood" or "this type of light fixture". Still, there are a couple of fantastic ideas I will try like a lantern-looking lamp and a lap blanket. If I hadn't had a gift certificate, I would be dissapointed.

Great eye candy
The projects look great, but intimidating. The materials would be pretty expensive (not counting the tools) & I would hate to mess up & I'm an accomplished diy-er! All the great projects are hard 4/5 skill level. Everything under a skill level 4 is kind of lame for lack of a better word.
mid century you can make
this is the perfect craft book for anyone who i a fan of crafting and mid century design. this will help you craft items to keep along side your vintage finds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Home Furnishing    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior decoration    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (6)

Good Reference
I checked this book out of the library mainly for a few chapters that contained info on Pocket Doors and Fixing Door Problems. The book covers almost everything you can think of to address installing doors and windows, including putting new doors in old frames. It gives you pointers on choosing windows and doors including how various components operate. I didn't know there were so many types of windows operating styles to choose from out there!
Best book on the subject
I have read every book that I could find on windows and doors and found this one to be the best bar none. The pictures are fantastic and the helpful tips are worth the price of the book and then some. Also, the book is very easy to understand which is not the case with a lot of books out there on the subject.

Great book for installing doors
I've been trying to find all the information I can on the tricks to hanging doors.You won't find all the answers in one book, but this one has a lot of information on how to solve problems.I might add that there is a very good video by "Tom Law, Installing Doors and Windows" that gives you a good idea of how to properly hang doors.Seeing someone in action is a lot easier than reading a book.I've read this particular book 3 times now looking for all of the tricks of the trade.If you are like me, you've installed a door and said, "why is it doing that?". If you can identify a problem or prevent one, then that can save you a great deal of time.This book deals with a lot of issues, like out of plumb walls and cross legged jambs.I would also add "Gary Katz, installing and hanging doors" book to your library and you will have 3 fine sources to become a professional installer.I have all 3 and have recently installed 2 perfect exterior doors.I'm not a pro yet, but I am a lot closer.There is a lot of satistaction in installing a door correctly.Have fun. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Doors    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home Maintenance And Repair    7. House & Home    8. Windows    9. DIY    10. House & Home / Carpentry   

Reviews (4)

This is an excellent collection!
I would classify myself as an intermediate level woodworker and a book expert (I am a librarian after all) and I can honestly say that this is one of the absolute best books of its type on the market.As I see it, the normal downfall of a book such as this is the authors either spend way too much time giving us all of the philosophical and historical background behind the furniture style in question, or once they actually get to the furniture projects section they disappoint by selecting such rare (and odd) pieces to reproduce that the book ultimately becomes more of a novelty rather than a useful tool. Build it all and have fun!
I have built almost everything in the book.I made a few mistakes because I misinterpreted the drawings, but if you study the drawings very carefully before construction then you will truly enjoy this book.Author needs to write another book like this.Watch the interpretation of Dado and rabbet joints in particular.

Excellent Writing and Furniture Designs
This book was the first that I picked up when I started building my own furniture.The projects turned out great and the finishing process that he recommended was excellent.The diagrams and step by step instruction give you all the information that you need to complete each project even if you're an amateur like I am (you do need to have/buy some good power tools though).I've made two of the projects he describes and there are still a couple more I'd like to do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Arts and crafts movement    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Do-It-Yourself - General    7. Furniture making    8. Furniture, Mission    9. Reproduction    10. United States    11. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    12. Woodwork - General    13. Arts & crafts design    14. Woodworking   

Reviews (16)

Good ideas and projects
The book showcases some of the ideas from the show - with pictures, explanations and instructions for some projects.I also have "6 Steps to Design on a Dime" and I like it better - more useful info and nicer pictures.

Not as Good as the Show
After watching the show, I eagerly grabbed the book. Flipping past the designers' bios, I gazed in dismay at the uninspiring photos. Somehow the rooms look less on paper. Less high style, less creative, less appealing...
Decent decorating book
I've looked at many, many home decorating books lately. This is the only book where the basic house and furniture looks like the mix-matched hand-me-down stuff I have. Going on a shopping trip to France for antique furniture is just not an option for me. I appreciated the everyday practical approach to design and decorating. Some of the designs are not my style but I found a lot of inspiration. I do wish the book was a little more detailed in the before and after pictures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design    9. Interior decoration    10. Television Programming    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (2)

Great flooring book
I've only helped a neighbour lay a wooden floor before so I needed all the help i could get. This book is informative with good pictures and ideas. It details everything from the tools you need to the different types of flooring and how to lay them
Something To Stand On
I suspect that one of the most insane decisions in my life is deciding to redo my kitchen - on my own.This makes all kinds of practical sense, given what labor costs.But I am incorrigibly un-handy.But in a fit of pseudo-parsimony (you never really save any money doing something yourself - you just buy tools instead of labor) and a determination to recover my macho I have sailed into the unknown of plumbing, cabinetry, plastering, tiling, and, worst of all, flooring.Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Decorating - Floors    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Flooring    6. Floors    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. Maintenance and repair    11. Remodeling & Renovation - General    12. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (6)

Full of Fascinating Information
This is an odd book for someone to buy that lives in a major metropolitan area.However, if you are interested in how things used to be done, and/or are looking for more control over the products that affect your family this is an interesting read.
Country wisdon and know how
This is generally a good book for people wanting to know how to live off the land. I agree with the review I had read before I purchased the book that the print was small and hard to read. There's alot of good and interesting information in the book, but the print size is a draw-back.

Outdoorsman resource
Terrific info for anybody who camps, hikes, or just wants to know the basics of living with fewer modern conveniences.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself - General    2. General    3. Outdoor Skills    4. Reference    5. Sports & Recreation    6. HOUSE & HOME / Do-It-Yourself / General    7. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    8. NATURE / Reference    9. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Construction - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General    9. Tile laying    10. Tiles    11. Ceramics    12. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (4)

This book has the answers
I like this book very much. Not only does it answer color questions for inside my house, but it gives me color guidance and inspiration for the outside of my house (which is in dire need of a paint job). The photography in the book is lovely . The detailed instruction for choosing colors makes it easier than I thought it would be. This beautiful book is a useful tool.

Very good resource
My wife and I found this book very helpful in determining colors for the outside of our house.I learned what was needed to prep and paint the house as well.My wife enjoyed the information on color for our rooms and is planning a color scheme. This book is worth the investment.

Quick and Easy Paint Color Solutions
I gave this book to several friends as house warming and wedding gifts.Both friends said they loved the book, but more than that, they were able to get use out of it.One friend found a beautiful putty paint color for the outside of her house.Her house looks amazing with charcoal colored shutters.She is so happy with the result.My other friend chose a color scheme for her living room, dining room and family room.She said the book made it easy.I have since purchased a copy for myself.I'm reading it now and am getting very inspired to make changes in my own home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Furniture painting    6. General    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. House painting    10. Painting    11. Sale Books   

Reviews (17)

Well, it wasn't as helpful as I had hoped.
This book still provides the basics, some terminology and such...but the patterns that are "included" are outdated by about 20 years. That was very disappointing since the instructions refer to these patterns and that feature was a big selling point for me, so as to practice the actual tips and learn with the book before spending more money at the fabric store!

goodbook for beginers
Explains the basics of sewing. I used this book while taking a begining sewing class and I feel it explained some of the points that the instructor left out.

Sewing for Dummies
book was in excellent condition and arrived quickly!!! great sellerA+ ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Machine sewing    6. Sewing    7. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    8. Needlework & fabric crafts   

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   

Editorial Review

The world-famous volunteer organization Habitat for Humanity now offers its best nuts-and-bolts expertise in an easy-to-follow home construction handbook. Whether the reader contemplates building his or her own house or plans on volunteering to build for others, Read more

Reviews (10)

A Complete Novice's Perspective
I am a complete novice and therefore I have looked at many books. Three things stood out about this book that I did not see anywhere else:
Great Book
I have bought and reviewed many books on building your own home. This is so far my favorite! It doesn't go into plumbing, wiring or even evacuation of the land, but what it does cover is clear and concise and I gained a ton of understanding reading this book. I basically knew nothing when I began and have never done any building...this book is a must have addition to your library if you are considering building your own home, not only that it is well illustrated, fun and easy to read.

excellent book
this is so far the best house building book . It went into the details of house construction, one thing though is Habitat is a charitable organization therefore it does not go into too much business management stuff about O-B. and as most experienced O-B knows, the success or failure of a project is not the technical details but rather it is the budget and time control and management stuff. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Construction - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Habitat for Humanity, inc    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. House construction    9. Philanthropy & Charity    10. Building construction & materials    11. House & Home / Design & Construction    12. Housing & property for the individual   

Reviews (1)

the description wasn't truthful
The description of the book on Amazon said the book covered single-membrane roofs.That is the reason I bought this, plus all of the favorable reviews that all the other Black & Decker Complete Guide books receive.I wanted to know how to replace single-membrane rubber roofs on flat/low-pitch roofs.Well, this book didn't do anything for that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Do-It-Yourself - General    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Installation    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General    9. Roofing    10. Roofs    11. Home & House Maintenance   

Reviews (1)

Pole construction - a wonderful alternative for great value.
I gave the book five stars because there was a total lack of books on the subject when I read it months ago.Thanks to Amazon, there is now more available. I am a developer of lots. I have seen what the family faces withhome buying. The pole house will only be for the stout-hearted, brave andgood humored.But for those few souls it will be a wonderful experience.This book takes you from day one - walking onto your lot - to the finishedproduct. And it tells you everything in between like, how to get yourfriends to gleefully help you plant your poles to having an old "barnraising".It's good stuff. It's dated, but if you're an ol' fashionAmerican pioneer like me, you'll love the challenge. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Building    2. Building, Wooden    3. Construction - Carpentry    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Houses    9. Poles (Engineering)    10. Wood Construction    11. Wooden frame houses    12. Building construction & materials    13. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (6)

Highly Recommend
I really like this book.Dr. Raymer has done a terrific job of taking a really complex subject and guiding you through it all in way that makes sense to the average aviation buff or builder.It is a great place to start if you want to learn all about how an aircraft works, how the different parts of an aircraft affect each other, and to inspire your dreams to build your own.Once you are done with this one move on the sister book by Dr. Raymer it will open your eyes even more.

Good introduction to small airplane design.
You will need math, make no mistake about that. You'll also need to have access to an Excel or OpenOffice spread sheet program. This book will give you an appreciation of the complexity and trade offs of small airplane design. This book covers the aero aspect of airplane design. You'll need lots more mechanical engineering knowledge to actually design the airplane hardware. Mechanical engineering is not covered by this book.

A book that serves it purpose well!
This book was very helpful, its goal and purpose where mostly fullfilled. It still leaves some items without comprehensive clarification, requiring you to look them up elsewhere, but I have not seen another book that is better. It is a great resource for beginning your design and obtaining good calculations. I will probably be using this book as a reference for years to come in my design and application, and probably after I obtain my engineering degree. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Do-It-Yourself - General    3. Drafting & Mechanical Drawing    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. House & Home    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Fiction / Family Saga    8. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (35)

Only for dummies
Very little information of any real help here.No reviews of current equipment, or help in wiring.Very basic descriptions of home automation.Only for the truly dumb.

Smart Review
I have read this book in its whole entirety. It is very well written, thorough, and sectionally organized. It covers a diverse range of interesting issues in relation to the title's subject. The approach to reading this book can be tackled from a stand-alone-chapter format, and/or in a chapter-linking format, and/or obviously as a whole book format.

Smart Homes for Dummies Second Edition
If you would like to know more about electronics in the home this is the perfect book.Whether you are an expert or are looking in to having things installed in your home you can easily read and understand everything.Also the book is a great reference for companies and their products. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Integrated Systems    2. Computer Networks    3. Construction - Electrical    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Dwellings    6. General    7. Hardware - General    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Home automation    10. Home computer networks    11. Home entertainment systems    12. Household electronics    13. Internet - General    14. Technology    15. Telecommunication (Engineering)    16. Telecommunications    17. Communications engineering / telecommunications    18. Electronics engineering    19. Home & House Maintenance    20. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation   

Reviews (6)

painting secrets
Great book.However, one of the pictures had been neatly cut out.

Lot's of Good Tips
This book was very good...many interesting ideas & tips that one would only hear about from a person that was painting regularly & had tried many things by personal trial & error.This book is great for the novice, as well as one who's been painting awhile...but needs the inside scoop & new shortcuts etc.I read the other book Mr. Santos put out called "Faux Finish Secrets" which doesn't measure up to this one...& quite frankly...contains MUCH duplicate information. Save yourself the money & just get this one...get another source book for Faux Finishes that covers more finishes in greater depth etc.

Best Painting Book
I was so impressed with Painting Secrets from Brian Santos that I bought one for my friend and mother-in-law. The ideas that are in the book are so practical and made so much sense to me that I sat there saying "Wow". I've tried his method for removing wallpaer and it worked like a charm. I can hardly wait to get his new book Faux Finish book. Everyone should have this book in their home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Plastering And Painting    7. Home furnishing & decoration    8. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    9. House maintenance