Reviews (2)

Common sense building of a home's equity
Offering "50 surefire techniques and strategies" to help improve the value of one's home, Irwin utilizes common sense to help owners decide where it is best to spend their money on their homes. With the recent real estate run-up (especially where I live in Southern California), the best investment we can make is in the very place we live. While I don't plan to sell in the near future, I always want to be sure my home could be ready for a sale at any time, just in case. Irwin gives dollar-sign guides as to how much value an improvement could help increase the price you could eventually ask for your property. Although very little in this book was new to me, I highly recommend it for folks who are not very sure about how to increase the value of their homes. Although there were several suggestions I questioned (especially the value he gave to some improvements and how little he valued other improvements), I believe that he used sound judgment to guide the reader. I plan on utlizing several of the improvement ideas in my own home!

It might be right for you?
The idea for such a book IS a good one. The ideas are certainly sound..... I live in a newish(6yrs) 6000+ sq ft house,with a neighborhood association,good school district(etc) and felt that this book would NOT apply to my market.... however it could be useful for someone that lives in an urban or older neighborhood.... where a house might need curb appeal or sprucing up.... the thought of adding value to a sale is always appealing no matter what the size of your 'estate' ... no matter how deep or thin your pockets are!It is always a challenge to make the most of what you have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Dwellings    5. Home Maintenance And Repair    6. House selling    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Property Management    9. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    10. Real Estate - General    11. Remodeling & Renovation - General    12. Repair    13. Business & Economics / Real Estate    14. Home furnishing & decoration    15. Housing & property for the individual    16. Personal finance   

Reviews (2)

Great Place to Start
The one other reviewer missed the point that prices are per foot!Multiply by 30 and he'd be in the ballpark.
Use this to estimate your projects and lose money
The book and software indicated to me that I can build a 30 foot long 2x6 wall at 8' high for $54.00.If anyone uses this book as their only estimating tool, email me so you can build me a house for next to nothing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Reference    4. Remodeling & Renovation - General    5. Repair    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (2)

Only one thing kept it from being 5 stars
I had to tear out an old, rotting window that had an old rotting air conditioner wedged into it.My fiancee and I decided to install a wider window in it's place.Oh oh.That meant tearing out the stucco exterior and plaster interior to do so!I didn't want to spend 1000 bucks (or more) to hire someone to do it and install a new window.I've never done any work like this before, and I didn't know where to begin.So I looked into getting Home Depot to do it, but they would only replace existing windows with the exact same size window for a fee of 250 dollars on top of the price of the window.So that wasn't going to work for us.I needed help!So I found this book on Amazon and decided to check it out at Home Depot, since they had the same book but for a little more. Excellent Book.
Not only did it cover step by step on all doors and windows.It covered garage doors and openers.It discussed installing locks.And there was even a section on if your window won't open you do this to fix it type of stuff.Also, if you are putting in a bay window, there is a section on how to roof it.I had been looking for a help book like this for a long time.It does not bog you down in highly technical stuff. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Beyond what the contractor will tell you
Anyone attempting a rehab will find this book very useful. The chapters are neatly arranged into sections by building parts -- so you can get to the nuts and bolts of what you are looking for right away. The book is an easy read with information to-the-point, yet it covers all aspects, including issues on energy efficiency and accessibility. Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Construction - General    3. Dwellings    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Maintenance And Repair    6. Methods & Materials    7. Remodeling    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General    9. Repair    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Technology    12. Architecture / Methods & Materials    13. Building construction & materials    14. Building skills    15. Electrician skills    16. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (1)

A New Genre?
In her Bungalow books Jane Powell has come close to inventing a new genre: the architectural book that is actually fun to read.The latest (Bungalow Details:Interior)is no exception. The illustrations by Linda Svendsen are stellar, as always, but sometimes I think they distract from the best part: Ms. Powell's writing. Jane Powell manages to combine extraordinary erudition with a real sense of fun, two things that virtually never go together. Her knowledge is encyclopedic, her humor unending, her love of puns totally scandalous. She is also wise, with a real sense of what should and should not be done with old houses and the resources they represent. The writings in her Bungalow (and Linoleum) books deserve to be excerpted and presented in a smaller, less expensive edition: the Sayings of Chairman Jane, if you will, devoid of distracting pictures. I highly recommend this and all of her books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Bungalows    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. History    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior architecture    11. Interior decoration    12. Repair    13. United States    14. Architecture    15. Home & House Maintenance    16. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (13)

How much would you pay for a good tip?
For the most part I find book reveiws helpful.But I wonder about those by who expect to get the whole nine and a half yards for $12.98.If I can get one tip that may help me make thounsands $$ (and it has) for the price of a Subway lunch, then I'm ordering up.A guide to Investing in Fixer-Uppers, $12.98; Investing in yourself, priceless.

better than the rest.
Best RE book I've read. Read over 30 so far. This guy doesn't blow smoke up your butt like the other RE gurus.

One of the better books on the subject
This book offers some real, no-nonsense advice for people interested in investing in distressed properties.While this book is not perfect, it does offer a solid point of view on this subject and is worth taking a look at.As with most of these types of books, I found that only the first third of the book was really dedicated to finding fixer-uppers and to the planning stages, while the rest of if was dedicated to "creative financing" and management of financial resources and assest.That is the problem with most of these books, since it is finding the right property that is the most crucial part, though this book in particular provides decent advice on how to do that and who to enlist to help you find properties. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Home Maintenance And Repair    5. Real Estate - General    6. Real Estate - Investments    7. Real Estate Investment    8. Repair    9. Business & Economics / Real Estate    10. Property & real estate   

Reviews (7)

Yes, there is a way to fix almost anything if you have the right tool!
This is a great reference book.Before I had it a week, I had solved some mysteries about pieces and parts of stuff...and where to buy them, and what they looked like!Of course, sometimes it's fun to just graze through the book and find all sorts of items you didn't know existed. If you're into home repair, or home improvement, this gem is a great addition to your how-to collection.

Two books in 1 cover
The _"Complete Illustrated Guide to Everything Sold in Hardware Stores and Garden Centers"_ (published by Running Press/Courage Books imprint, 2002) has two parts: 1: "Complete Guide to Everything Sold in Hardware Stores" (729 pages, originally published by Macmillan in 1998) and 2: "Complete Guide to Everything Sold in Garden Centers" (368 pages, originally published by Macmillan in 1990). Because they were originally published as separate books, the two sections of this book each have their own introductions, tables-of-contents, indexes, and pagination. If you see this 2002 title/edition listed as only 368 pages, do not despair - it actually has 1,097 pages. So far, all the reviews I've seen have only reviewed the _Hardware Stores_ section. Nothing is COMPLETE
Steve Ettlinger writes books that are basic lists of explanations on various subjects. Such as:Read more

Subjects:  1. Catalogs    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. General    4. Hand Tools    5. Hardware    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Reference    9. Repair    10. Terminology    11. United States    12. Home & House Maintenance    13. Sale Books   

Reviews (7)

Insulation explained
I ordered this manual with the idea of planning to add additional insulation in my attic as well as trying to seal the "leaks" of cold air in winter. This book was a wonderful choice as it is easy to understand, offers suggestions about types of insulation and relates the pros and cons of each type. Taking that a step further, there are tables that show the amount of insulation needed by types of insulation and location. This is a wonderful buy! Thanks.

Packed with good advice
This is a fantastic book on the subject. Not only does it cover insulating, it covers furnaces, hot water and a host of other topics to save you a few bucks. I would have given a 5 if it the sections on basement insulating were more robust. Really, it is a 4.5 stars. I would highly recommend this book.

Wonderful book if hiring contractor or DIY
My mother has an old house and is preparing to have new duct work installed because of collapse of in-floor ducts. As in many old houses, she also has drafts and other concerns on how to improve energy consumption and decrease wasted energy.
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Subjects:  1. Airtightness    2. Buildings    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Dwellings    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Home Maintenance And Repair    8. House & Home    9. Insulation    10. Repair    11. Sealing (Technology)    12. DIY    13. House & Home / Reference   

Reviews (7)

Great How to Book
600 pages and covers just about any home repair or improvement from hanging a door to retiling a kitchen. The drawings are comprehensive and well executed. There's a fine index and the instructions are step by step. Excellent reference for the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer.
This book is one of the most complete and accurate references I have seen.There are a few minor omissions, as well as some editorial errors, but I found this book to be enjoyable reading and an invaluable resource for the inexperienced homeowner.The scope of the book is broad so it is a bitgeneral in some areas, but it will still replace many other books in mostlibraries.I highly recommend it to anyone who feels intimidated by thethought of buying a less-than-perfect home.

Compare this with Black & Decker's repair book before buying
I read these reviews and decided to check out Better Homes and Gardens home repair book. The first thing that struck me were all the water color illustrations that reminded me of some cheap school book from the 1950's. I need to change the garbage disposal beneath a friend's sink anddecided to look up the procedure in this book. Hey guess what? ThereWEREN'T ANY procedures for changing a garbage disposal! In fact, there wasnot the first mention of garbage disposals in this entire book. It seems tome to be a very basic household appliance that a lot of people may need toinstall or replace. I then looked in the Black and Decker home repair bookand found several pages devoted entirely to installing a garbage disposalwith many COLOR PICTURES. This was enough for me to decide against theBetter Homes repair book. I still haven't bought the Black and Decker bookand may not, but it is far and away the better of these two books. Also,the index in the Better Homes book was very lacking in many differentsubjects/topics. Stanley also publishes a terrific home repair book thatyou might want to consider. Bottom line before you buy one of these books,make sure you do some comparisons between these home repair books usingexamples of projects you might want to tackle. The reviewers who gave thisBetter Homes book 5 stars must work for Better Homes and Gardens becausethis book cetainly is NOT worth the money! ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Better than nothing...
I was hoping that this book would give me a solid introduction to home improvement but it really didn't deliver.The information presented tended to be either too brief or assumed a lot of proir knowledge, which is inappropriate in a book with "for Dummies!" in the title.There were some good tips but I never had enough info to embark on a project with only this book as a reference.One exception was the info on painting, which was helpful and detailed. Also, a lot of the material seemed a little dated - there was tons of info about wallpapering and installing laminate countertops (I think these options are not as popular as they once were) but not much on installing granite counters or laminate flooring.So, in short, having this book is better than nothing but if you really want to be well versed in home improvement, look elsewhere.

Buy the Black and decker Home improvement book instead
I was expecting this book to "speak" to dummies. But unfortunately through out the book they kept bringing up stuff that had not been explained before. There is too much verbage and not enough step by steps or pictures. As for humor, all you have are the cartoons.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Dwellings    4. General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Home Maintenance And Repair    8. Home Management    9. House & Home    10. Houses    11. Maintenance and repair    12. Remodeling    13. Remodeling & Renovation - General    14. Repair    15. Home & House Maintenance    16. House & Home / General   

Reviews (9)

Not Useful - Too Theme-y
This was a beautifully photographed book. I'm just not sure why I didn't like it very well. Maybe it was because I did not find much that was useful in a room that I decorate in my home.
Good, but not as your only decorating book
This is overall a good book that has an excellent section on faux painting techniques and a decent section on various periods of decorative style.The pictures can provide plenty of inspiration if you're going for a certain period of "look" but don't know what elements you need to get there.It also has a good description of artists paints and pigments and where they came from.IE, what exactly is burnt sienna?
A Beautiful Book, but not enough detail regarding techniques
This is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL book. Many styles are explored and techniques discussed, however, there is not enough detail regarding completing the techniques. I had high hopes when I purchased this book, but I think that if I try doing any of these techniques, I'll have to make it up as I go along. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Mediocre
It was acceptable for the price paid, but very little jumped out at me as being terribly useful.I thought the penny-pinching techniques went a little too far into the ridiculous.If you follow some of this advice you will waste a lot of time saving a little bit of money.

Landlords Guide to Rehabs, Repairs and more!!
Landlords will appreciate this valuable resource. I have gained so many ideas and tips on repairs & remodeling. Best of all, they work! As you read this book, you'll see Bryan has years of experience in landlording.
for beginner rehabbers
This "book" should be in the "complete idiots guide to..." series. Recommended for the clueless beginners. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics / Real Estate    2. House & Home / Cleaning & Caretaking    3. House & Home / Repair    4. Cleaning & Caretaking    5. Maintenance and repair    6. Remodeling & Renovation    7. Repair   

Reviews (2)

Norm is my American Idol!
Since purchasing and renovating a turn of the century farmhouse I have read everything I could get my hands on, including almost every back issue of TOH magazine. I could not put this book down until I finished it. I didn't even know what a joist was when I fell in love and decided to buy a house in the country. I learned so much by reading this book. Thanks Norm!

A Cut Above the Rest of Home Improvement Books
This is an excellent book..answers questions to many (very many) questions on home improvement.A great book for novice and expert alike (trust me, you're never to old to learn).basement, doors, ventilation, Oh, my...I liked it.Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Building Codes    2. Construction    3. Construction - General    4. Home Maintenance And Repair    5. Repair    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades   

Reviews (11)

Fantastic!!
Very readable-entertaining despite the poo topic. I called author to compliment him.
Must Read - Before you troubleshoot or repair a septic system
My septic system indicated that it was in trouble about 8 months ago. I researched a lot of material (using various books and the internet). I can tell you from experience that I could not find one definative answer or method on how troubleshoot and/or repair a sick septic system or leach line(s).
Excellent non-technical information on Septic Systems
As a newbie to septic systems faced with having to build (or have built) a septic system, I checked out this book along with a couple others from our local library.This was the only one I fully read, and I liked it so much I bought myself a copy.
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Subjects:  1. Construction - Plumbing    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - Plumbing    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Popular works    8. Repair    9. Septic tanks    10. Home & House Maintenance    11. Sanitary & municipal engineering   

Editorial Review

As a home repair columnist and a handyman myself, this book has been in my reference library since it was first published in 1995. Clear, well-organized, well-indexed, filled with useful illustrations and diagrams, this is a great book for anyone interested in learning about how to maintain their home, keep appliances running, and fix many things they might never have imagined they could. You will recoup the cost of this book the first time you don't have to call in a pro for a simple home repair! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ten Thumbs Up!
When it comes to home repairs, I am all thumbs.I've had leaky faucets and toilets for years.Patching drywall, fixing locks, and replacing glass in windows used to require a call for professional help.Until I bought this book.It contains easy to follow, step by step directions with terrific pictures.I've saved hundreds of dollars since purchasing it.Simply terrific!

Get this book and never loan it out!
I'm on my fourth copy of this book.Mine tend to vanish like the morning dew juat as my neighbors begin their spring garage cleanup. . .My bro-in-law has one as well, but he insists that the fact that my name is written in indelible SHARPIE marker on the front is just a tribute to me and my helpful nature. . .This book has more helpful hints in introduction than most do in the first 5 chapters.And it just goes on and aon and on! Readers Digest Helpful Hints
I recieved my first Readers Digest Helpful Hints five years ago.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Dwellings    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home economics    7. Houses    8. Maintenance and repair    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. Repair    11. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (4)

Not so helpful
I was dissapointed with this book.It had great pictures and information about home repair but many of the subjects did not give any tips on how to do the repairs.For example tuck pointing bricks:The book showed examples of when it needed to be done but there was not one tip on how to do it.

Short on details
I regretably returned this book since it did not describe how home improvements should be done but instead it just describes what needs to be done.The book read more like an encylopedia than a "do-it-yourself" manual - lots of information but not very helpful.I much prefer Standley's home repair manual which describes, for instance, how to caulk or different techniques for sanding.

All aspects of the home are covered
Home Book: The Ultimate Guide To Repairs, Improvements & Maintenance can be consider the definitive, 608-page, "how to" reference and instructional guide for anyone seeking to remodel, renovate, repair, or maintain any aspect of their residence. It's "user friendly" format offers more than 300 step-by-step projects with clear text being enhanced for the reader with 3,300 photographs and illustrations. All aspects of the home are covered including common repairs; wiring and electricity; plumbing; floors and stairs; walls and ceilings; basements and attics; yards and gardens; decks and porches; exterior structures, masonry, framing and carpentry, minor and major improvements, and more. Home Book is an invaluable, enthusiastically recommended addition to any personal or community library do-it-yourself collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Dwellings    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General    9. Repair    10. House & Home / House Plans    11. House maintenance   

Reviews (2)

simple, easy to follow steps
A novice can take this book and follow the steps in it to complete repairs, remodeling, or upgrades. I originally borrowed it from the library and then decided I HAD to own it.

Very good!
A superb book! (And a heavy one!) Tons of practical advice, very detailed and good illustrated. Highly recommended for the home owners (especially the new ones, like me) who are ready for do-it-yourself projects but don't know the how-to's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Dwellings    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Reference    9. Repair    10. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    11. House maintenance   

Reviews (3)

A worthwhile read and purchase.
The author speaks to lay people such as myself.He illustrates and compares through photographs different effects of lighting upon the same scene, so you not only read, but get the visual idea. Through reading this book, I am able to plan a lighting scheme that works for my environment andhave become my own lighting designer!

Beatifull!
A really great book. Very charming and great photos.

Innovative, concise & authoritative
Most lighting books show you lots of pictures and tell you what was done. They hardly help clueless DIY's like myself. Kevin's approach to lighting, however, is systematic and understandable. His ideas and methods are innovative yet simple. You'll be surprised at how much your room or house can be transformed with the proper lighting. Absolute must-get for new or renovating home owners. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Lighting    2. Decorating    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Interior Design - Lighting    7. Interior decoration    8. Lighting, Architectural and de    9. Lighting, Architectural and decorative    10. Residential Interior Design    11. House & Home / Repair   

Reviews (7)

Strong PresentationWith Good Results
Mr Peterson did an outstanding job by writing a book that offers the reader a very good overview as to how things work, and more importantly, how to fix things around the home when they go bad. 1996 Edition
Explains the logic of troubleshooting and repair with 300 illustrations.Helps you talk to hardware store clerks and avoid wasting money on unnecessary items by buying the proper equipment.

All words, few pictures
This book is a big disappointment. Pages and pages and pages of text. Precious few photos or illustraions. No "Step 1 illustration, Step 2 illustration, Step 3 illustration..." I ordered three of this book for my sons-in-laws. I sent them all back and got the Reader's Digest "Fix it Yourself" instead. More expensive but A) updated recently, and b) profusly illustrated. Very simple to follow. Don't waste your time or money on this wordy loser. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Bargain Books    3. Repair    4. Repairing    5. Sale Adult - Do-It-Yourself / Home Improvement    6. House & Home / Repair    7. Sale Books