Reviews (24)

Excellent overview, sometimes short on details
Home Depot's take on home improvement is to pick common household repair items (e.g. replace toilet) and then go into excruciating detail about how to accomplish it.
Excellent, thorough, simple
A great help to novice and intermediate DIYers.The details of structures, materials, tools and techniques, described in both writing and photographs, are excellent.

Fabulous
My husband and I have taken on quite a few home improvement projects and have used this book for all of them...the 1, 2, 3, instructions are practically idiot proof...and they let you know that no project is ever as easy as it looks.I love this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Dwellings    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Houses    9. Maintenance and repair    10. Remodeling    11. Remodeling & Renovation - General    12. Repair    13. DIY    14. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    15. general;repair;remodeling   

Reviews (3)

no basics
Many of the chapters in this book are written by individual carpenters who "do things their own way". For instance, in the first chapter, the writer says to disregard previous techniques and use his method. In the 2nd and 3rd chapters, the writer talks about using power tools that are either outrageously expensive or not even avilable any more. Further, there is no discussion or summary of basic roof geometry and calculations. The tag phrase "for pros by pros" is quite misleading. It is merely 15 chapters of guys telling how THEY frame a roof. Anyone, even pro carpenters using this as a refresher, should start off with a tutorial on basic roof geometry, design, and construction methods. If you are looking for info on how to properly design and construct roof framing, don't waste your money on this one!

Good reference for stick roofs
In recent years, the roof has become the focal point of many NA homes.No longer content with simple styles, rangy, monstrous roofs are the norm.Additionally many of them are likely to be built with either trusses, or maybe manufactured wood sticks.These techniques shave dollars right into the developers pockets.And frankly have become the norm in the last 5 to 10 years.They aren't much covered in this book. where's the info
The rafter jig idea was great, but there just wasn't enough info and detail to actually build it (I thought).I must admit, I'am not a pro as this book "by pros for pros" claims, but I guess if I was a pro, then I would probably find the information in this book to be too elementary.This book is ok for learning roof basics, but it's not enough info and detail to fully learn all that's involved with building roofs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Carpentry    2. Construction - Roofing    3. Design and construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Framing (Building)    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Roofs    10. Building construction & materials    11. Carpentry    12. House & Home / Design & Construction    13. Woodworking   

Subjects:  1. Cabinet work    2. Cabinetwork    3. Carpentry    4. Clothes closets    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General    9. Storage in the home    10. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (3)

Building Your Own House: Everything You Need To Know About C
Although there was some sound advise, the illustrations were outdated by about 20 years. If I had it to do over again, I would have bought a book that offered more uptodate photos.

no longer the standard
This book started out with good intentions, but is so laughably out of date that it is hard to read with a straight face. The section on windows does not even list vinyl as one of the options. It might be a good starting point for someone with no experience, but it is past time for a serious make over.

mixed bag
This book is a combination of two books. The first and largest section is an older, existing book on building a sealed-in structure up to the external millwork. The second section covers the interior, to includemechanicals, drywall, flooring, tilework, and then outside todecking.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Building    3. Construction - General    4. Details    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Do-It-Yourself - General    7. Dwellings    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. House construction    11. Remodeling    12. Building construction & materials    13. DIY    14. Housing & property for the individual   

Reviews (12)

Entertainment purposes only!
I'm not sure I'd try any of the projects oulined in this volumous text, but I certainly enjoyed reading about 40 % of it. It gets very dry, long winded and flat-out BOOOOring when listing page after page of chemical compositions. But I guess if anyone wanted to actually attempt the processes outline, they'd need all that info and probably wouldn't find it as boring.
Misunderstood, sadly.
Many do not understand that Kurt Saxon's book is not so much anarchy as it is "survivalist" (as he put it). Also take note of some of the interesting articles presented in it. He proves a point. Man has bred way too far for productivity or sanity. This book is for the more stable and intelligent members of Man who can read and understand the knowledge is for a need-to-use kind of basis. It is not for children or morons.
Incredible
This is the greatest book I've ever read. Incredably accurate and helpful, it tells how to practically rule a town with house hold objects. Although some ingredients may be hard to find he gives you ways to obtain them. check out the article on ANTI !! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (1)

Good resource for the reluctant DIY-er
Out house is now about twenty-five years old and we've recently begun overhauling and replacing a lot of stuff. Painting is easy, and laying tile isn't too difficult to learn, but tackling bathrooms and kitchens is notoriously difficult. This volume in the "Black & Decker" series is pretty good, walking you through all the pats of the kitchen -- cabinets, countertops, fixtures, appliances, floors, lighting, etc -- identifying the options for each, and showing you how to calculate costs. And, for that matter, helping you decide which parts you can probably do yourself and which you really want to call on a professional for. (Personally, I'm not about to take on electrical or plumbing systems!) There are a huge number of detailed color photos, especially for key operations like leveling tile, floating a floor, and installing under-cabinet lighting (something my wife really wants). They'll also show you which specialized tools you really need to use. An excellent book in an above-average series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. House & Home    5. Kitchens    6. Remodeling    7. Remodeling & Renovation - General    8. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    9. Home furnishing & decoration   

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (5)

A very usable guide
I actually made a canoe paddle, and plan on making some more. My new paddle served me admirably on an extended trip. This is as complete a treatment of the subject as one could hope to find. Making a paddle is a reasonably complex process but the authors explain every step with well-illustrated clarity.

Up the creek without a paddle?, Get this book
A fine, clearly written book on paddle making. The author covers wood, tools, paddle types and includes plans for a number of differnt models including a child's paddle. Most require the use of some power tools but if you're stuck in the woods, paddleless with only an axe and a crooked knife you can construct a paddle. No crooked knife in your kit, you say. Instructions for making one are included, although you might need the help of a blacksmith buddy.

Great Book for making Canoe paddles
Great Book for making Canoe paddles also on making anything out of wood. I found the easy to read and how much depth it had. You could take a brief look at this book and come
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Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Canoeing    3. Canoes and canoeing    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Equipment and supplies    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Woodwork    9. Woodwork - General    10. Canoeing & kayaking    11. Canoes and canoeing - Design and construction    12. Sports & Recreation / Canoeing    13. Woodworking   

Reviews (4)

How integrated design works with planning
The house of your dreams needn't be unaffordable: integrated design and construction methods can help in the planning process and can result in much savings, and LIVING HOMES: INTEGRATED DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION is the perfect guide to that process. Chapters cover everything from calculating energy usage and efficiency to considering water supply and waste system options, bonding walls, and more. Black and white photos throughout reinforce instructions on how to cut construction costs along the way. LIVING HOMES deserves ongoing recommendation as an excellent choice for any who would pay attention to cost-efficient design.
K. Wilson
Touches on a variety of "green" living homes.Not too many specifics on each type of construction. Good for an overview of options available.Not for the builder who has a particular form of construction already in mind.Good for starting the research process of green living.

Looking for Slipform (slip form) stone masonry info?
While the author is a knowledgeable on the subject, if you are looking for a book that covers the topic in greater detail then check out Tomm Stanley's book "Stone House: A Guide to Self-Building With Slipforms".The material is covered in greater detail and in a well thought out manner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Construction    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Domestic    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home / Design & Construction    7. House Plans    8. Construction - Masonry    9. House & Home    10. Solar energy    11. Stone houses    12. Straw bale houses   

Reviews (3)

One of the better garage books
While not a book about layout or design, there are hundreds of photos of storage products in this book to stimulate your mind about organizing your garage. It's very well written and the indexed photos are excellent.
Waste of Time & Money
I was very disappointed with this book especially since it was branded with Sunset Magazine's name. Very basic vanilla information on garages and workshops. If you are just now learning what a garage is, then this book is for you.

How to make best use of space and remedy common garage problems
The Ultimate Garage shows how other homeowners have brightened dark garages and turned them into more pleasant, efficient storage and work areas. Whether it's a winter playroom for the kids or a clean place for storage that's needed, The Ultimate Garage shows how to make best use of space and remedy common garage problems.
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Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Maintenance And Repair    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art    3. Design - General    4. General    5. Household Equipment    6. Plumbing Technology    7. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings   

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Flashing (Building materials)    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home Maintenance And Repair    7. House & Home    8. Roofing    9. Waterproofing    10. Building construction & materials    11. House & Home / Carpentry   

Reviews (2)

I have 3 similar books and this one has served me the best.
Yes, as I said in the title I have two other "how to fix everything in the house" books (Black and Decker and Home Depot) and I have found this book to have more detail, more accurate advice and, in real world work around the house, the better resource for all topics. However, like the news, it is good to get your from multiple sources. So, if you want one book for this information or you want a collection, this book would be my first pick/recommendation.
This is an awesome guide to DIY stuff around your house
I loved this book. I did not know anything about how to fix things around the house and what tools to use etc. This book helped a lot in understanding types of jobs, what tools to use, time and process and materials required.
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Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Dwellings    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Houses    8. Maintenance and repair    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    11. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes    12. Sale Books   

Reviews (19)

Out of Touch with Reality
Thank goodness I didn't pay for this book, I checked it out of the library.The edition I read was published in 1986.Maybe that was how it was 20 years ago, but this kind of elegance and beauty is not realistic for today's society.The only reason I read through most of the book was because it made me laugh at the ridiculousness of it.This stuffy author's idea of suffering (when she was a college student) was skipping lunch so she could afford to buy a single purple hyacinth.Between her vacations in the South of France to her imported parchment and face creams, this author is out of touch with reality.One of the funniest ideas to me, is to have your local tailor re-cover your sleeping pillows with fresh muslin? and re-juvinate the down.Whaaat?I don't know about you, but I can't relate to an author who "retires" for the evening putting on a new flannel nightgown, and a clean pastel floral bathrobe (lined in terrycloth) to a set of fresh turqouise and pink sheets on the bed and tops it off buy calling a florist and having a purple hyacinth sent over as opposed to someone who just goes to bed.Good grief!

on the road to elegance...
This book has brought some necessary healing to me during a time of repair in my life.They say "stop and smell the roses".Stoddard's writings move one into a space where that is much more possible.Her style is above philosophical.It is therapeutic and I recommend it to anyone who has a need for centering.Also, if you are too busy to appreciate the rhythm of her writing, I would suggest you slow down for a moment each day.It's just plain healthy.Meditate and imagine that you are in a world where you can control the pace and tone.
I think its an attitude thing
I read this book in l995 before there were so many decorating
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Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Human behavior    6. Rites and ceremonies    7. Self-Help    8. House & Home / Decorating    9. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (2)

Paths Steps and Footbridges
A "fresh", well conceptualized and practical book that deals effectively and quite thoroughly with one of the two strategic components of any landscape --- the movement space.The other being landing or gathering space. The book is well illustrated and profusely augmented with simple clear diagrams. It benefits from a strong outline and simultaneous information on how to build paths, steps and footbridges It offers practical implementation tips. Stunning even inspiritational photographs complement the diagramatic graphics.A very good book for the "do it yourselfer" who could benefit from wisdom of those who have constructed well.

A Landscape Architects View
Outstanding selection of photos defining numerous material selections and their designed use.
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Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself - General    2. Garden Design    3. Garden walks    4. Gardening    5. Gardening / Horticulture    6. Gardening/Plants    7. Landscape    8. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    9. DIY    10. Garden design & planning    11. Gardening / Garden Design   

Reviews (5)

something better
Although this book was visually nice to look at I found it lacked in teaching me how to paint murals.I have stumbled across a great site that has free tutorials on it.The site is [...] I hope you find this helpful.

Marvelous murals
This book has alot of good information that both novice and pro alike will love. There are alot of techniques covered in this book and the authors cover them extensively. If you're thinking of making a carreer as a muralist, or just want to spruce of your own home, this is the book to start with.

Something's missing
I purchased this book in the hope that it would provide instruction to create the murals illustrated on the first few pages. Unfortunately, although there are very beautiful murals pictured,instructions are included for only a few. Perhaps my tastes differ from the authors but it seems that most garish and ugly murals were the ones that included "how to" instructions. It leads one to wonder if perhaps they do not want any competition in producing the more tasteful murals pictured! I also purchased the companion video and was disappointed for the same reasons- the instructions were only for projects I would not want to do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Mural painting and decoration    8. Technique    9. Techniques - General    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (3)

Very good!
I am surprised at the low book review. This is one of the best teaching books I have read. Lonnie Bird is an artist at conveying woodworking concepts. This is not a step by step how to guide to a completed project. Every detail that is covered is very well covered. I have both of the Lonnie Bird books and believe they complement each other. I highly reccomend this book and this author! If you want a good step by step book on Period Furniture try: Glen Huey's "Building Period Furniture" Both of these books are excellent. See my review under this book on Amazon.I have bought many books that are barely worth taking home. These two books are worth more than they cost! The printing and pictures in This book are superior as are all others I have read by Taunton press.

Details Add Value
This is a valuable aid in making details. Another reviewer states that 80% of the book is in another book by Bird.This might be a bit of an over statement - no matter if just 20% is new material the book is worth it.I own both of the books he addresses - I noticed the duplication right away.The real question is "will this book make you a better period furniture maker?" I am 57 years old - own every tool required to make period furiture - hold a Masters certification from Marc Adams School of Woodworking - have taken course work with some of the top people in the field - I am now working on a Philidelphia Low Boy and am wooking with Allan Breed (instructor) - and this book is helpful and even insightful. I know at least four of the eighteen of us in class have purchased this book.

Don't buy if you own Complete Guide to Shaping Wood
If you already own Lonnie Bird's Complete Illustrated Guide to Shaping Wood you will be extremely disappointed with this book.It seemed that 80% was duplicate material.The book descriptions says that this book expands on the techniques covered in Shaping Wood.To me, it looked like nothing more than a page for page copy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 18th century    2. Amateurs' manuals    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Furniture    7. Furniture Arts And Crafts    8. Furniture making    9. Furniture, Colonial    10. General    11. History    12. House & Home    13. Reproduction    14. United States    15. Woodworking    16. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (3)

Great Purchase!
This book has been a great pleasure to work from.There is a nice variety of objects to complete, although I would have loved the book to be twice the size! Most Skill Levels Accomidated.
This book covers mostly amatuer to advanced skill levels. It has a few projects for beginers, but not many. If you are not a beginer, this is a great sourse for some cool, fun projects.

Wide variey of patterns
This is an excellent collection of interesting patterns for the beginning to intermediate scroll saw artist. There is a brief introduction that includes tips on wood selection, use of patterns and finishing. There isalso a list of suppliers. Familiarity with the scroll saw process isassumed and the patterns can be resized on a copier to fit your needs. Manyof the patterns are versatile and can be used for differentapplications.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Do-It-Yourself - General    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Woodwork - General    5. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (4)

Good little book
Great book that I take every were I Go. One that no welder should be with out.

Good, handy reference
I always have this book near me at work.It's an excellent reference, particularly if you're in your first few years in the trade. Completely New Second Edition is GREAT!
I've been waiting for a revision of this Audel book for almost 10 years, and it's finally here! I always have a devil of a time finding any useful books about my trade-pipe fitting. The only thing I ever found was the old edition of this book, I guess that reviewer who wrote that review dated 2000 was talking about the old edition because the new one just came out-in late 2003. And what an improvement. I'm giving one to each guy on my crew! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning    2. Construction - Plumbing    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Metallurgy    7. Pipe fitting    8. Rev. ed. of: Pipefitters and w    9. Rev. ed. of: Pipefitters and welders pocket manual / by Charles N. McConnell    10. Technology    11. Technology & Industrial Arts    12. Welding    13. Welding Technology    14. Building construction & materials    15. Plumbing    16. Technology / Construction / Plumbing   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (5)

Good book, but some weaknesses
This is a good choice to learn about home theater, and the author has a number of great ideas to get you started.I recommend the book, but I was disappointed with several aspects.1) It seemed to be aimed more to the high-end user; no information about home-theater-in-a-box or virtual surround sound was given.I can imagine the author's opinions on these subjects, but he should have at least addressed them. 2) Some information is rapidly becoming outdated, especially in the video processing and connectivity sections.This book should probably be updated once a year.3)Too much unnecessary detail in some areas.For example, a large section on antenna construction should be shortened, since most people probably use either cable or satellite anyway.And while the long section on user service codes is good, most of it will be out of date by the time the book is published.4)Too much emphasis on projection displays, and not enough detail on flat panels (e.g., mounting issues, care/maintenance issues).5)I would like to see more information about wiring strategies: different ways to hide wiring, the status of wireless speakers, etc.

Excellent Home Theater Basics explained.
This book covers it all.Very well written and easy to understand.He covers everything from TV's to recievers, amps and speakers.A must for any home theater enthusiest.

A must read before working on your home theater
Home Theater Hacks is the perfect book for anyone in the planning, building, or improvement phase of their home theater.This book really covers everything that has to do with a home theater: from selecting the right components, to component configuration, to cabling, to making your theater look awesome.This book is a must read before you start your home theater.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. Computers - Computer Security    4. Electronics - Digital    5. Home entertainment systems    6. Home video systems    7. Information Technology    8. Security - General    9. Stereophonic sound systems    10. Television & Video    11. Computers / Computer Security    12. Computers / Security    13. Data security & data encryption    14. Home Theater, audio, video, home wiring, speakers, Hacks, Home Theater Hacks, Brett McLaughlin    15. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    16. Network security    17. Technology/Television & Video