Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    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. Reading materials    11. Remodeling & Renovation - General    12. Repair    13. Spanish language    14. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction   

Reviews (1)

Small Wonder
By Bill Marsano. Putting in a new faucet means taking out your old one, so you head off to the hardware store. So far, so good, but because you are an unrepentant sinner it is not Ace, the place with the helpful hardware man; neither is it, say, Home Depot, which has a pretty aggressive program of training its employees (they call 'em 'associates') so they will understand what you want even when you don't. Which is the case just now. You need that weird little tool with the sping-loaded half-claw gripper that works at right angles to the handle, and the clerk you're talking to breathes through his mouth, can't focus more than one eye at a time and can't think of anything to say except "If you don't see it on the shelf, we're out of it." (That, brothers, is the Official Lie of American retailing.)Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Do-It-Yourself - General    3. Dwellings    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Maintenance And Repair    6. Household appliances    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Reference    9. Repair   

Reviews (7)

This book needs to stick to ergonomics.
While I did learn several things about ergonomics, I finally put the book down when I got tired of the preaching.Many of the author's topics were not on subject and, instead, were rantings about the time we spend watching television or other pet peeves of the authors.It got really old.I was looking forward to learning how to design my home.I didn't need the nagging.I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Ergo Gnomic?
This trade paperback is chock full of practical advice and downright wisdom. It tells us how to structure home and office to fit the human body, all its limitations and wondrous powers. Ergonomic Living follows its own advice such that form follows function and use. A sleeper
How can you NOT love a book with a chapter called "How to Sleep?" Believe it or not, there is zero hype here. The authors have done their ergonomic homework and the solutions they come up with willamaze you. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Furniture    4. General    5. Health - General    6. Home Management    7. House furnishings    8. Human engineering    9. Interior design    10. Office Automation And Management    11. Office furniture    12. Science/Mathematics    13. House & Home / Repair    14. Household hints    15. Office systems & equipment   

Reviews (1)

Solid Home Improvemnt Manual
I initially borrowed this book from the library when I began remodeling our kitchen.After referring to the book daily for about four weeks, I figured it was time to add this book to my library.Read more

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

Reviews (4)

Whirlpool dryer repair cheap and easy
Good book for the beginner do-it-yourselfer.The book can be a little confusing, especially if you have an older machine.But, I never fixed a dryer before in my life (my drive belt was broken), and after reading through the book a bit, I figured out what I had to do.I would recommend it if your dryer breaks down on you.It's a lot cheaper than calling the repairman.

Worked for us.
It costs about $65 just for someone to come look at our dryer,not to mention what it would have cost to fix it.I bought my husband this book and now our dryer works great. I was expecting a thicker, more detailed book, but we can't complain.It paid for itself with just the one fix. The igniter and a fuse were broken and had to be replaced.

Horrible product
Why buy a book for an appliance that is of poor quality and even worse customer service.Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Do-It-Yourself - General    3. Equipment, Appliances & Supplies    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Repair   

Reviews (8)

There are better books that aren't so insulting
The title bugged me but I got the book anyway because it was in the bargain bin and I thought it might be useful. And it could be if I could overlook the constant lame woman jokes in every paragraph.
I don't need a man anymore!
Thank god for The Diva! This book and Norma have inspired me to go forward and tackle all my household projects! I don't need to call anyone now! Thanks!

Norma hits the nail on the head!!
I never would have thought I could fix a leaky faucet, but I did.Chix Can Fix led the way. It's straight foward,with clear diagrams and great tips.Norma gives you the confidence you need to want to attempt it on your own.I'm so glad I bought the book and I recommend it as a must have.It even made me laugh out loud at some of the funny situations Norma and her family have been in. (How many 'how to' books can do that??) ... Read more

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

Reviews (8)

Excellent resource for Faux Painting
A woman that is passionately in love with Italy and all things Italian writes this review.Once I traveled to Italy, I wanted to bring that look back to my home.I purchased this book about 10 years ago and I still refer to it regularly.This book covers many techniques not just those that would apply to Italy.
Great book for the beginning decorative painter
A woman that is passionately in love with Italy and all things Italian writes this review.Once I traveled to Italy, I wanted to bring that look back to my home.I purchased this book almost 15 years ago and I still refer to it regularly.This book covers many techniques not just those that would apply to Italy.
Comprehensive book for the beginner and pro alike
This is an excellent book for the beginner and professional alike. Good info on how to do all the "basic" faux finishes. Perfect to add to any library. Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House painting    7. Interior decoration    8. Plastering And Painting    9. Repair    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Repair   

Reviews (10)

Great book for new homeowners
This book gives a great overview of how your house works. It's geared towards first time homeowners and I think it does a pretty good job explaining the various systems in a typical house -- how they work and what can go wrong with them.
Great book
I recently purchased a home and wasn't sure where to begin if something went wrong. This book does a great job of explaining the inner-workings of a home and demistifies how it works. I can now tackle any task around the house thanks to Lou. Look out home now I know how you work!
I have a new friend in the home building and renovating business. Having this book is like having a relative that can answer all of the questions I have about repairing and renovating my home.The information is solid and easy to understand, and it will help me to make the right decisions when it comes to spending money on my home. ... 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. Repair    11. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (4)

Girly girls grab your power tools.
This book has fun pictures. The style is retro and very tongue in cheek, ala 1950s Good Housekeeping. This book proves that women can do home improvement. It takes the intimidation out of DIY for women with its wonderful layout and attractive presentation. The project instructions are very clear and easy to follow. It covers many projects including hanging cabinets and laying flooring. This would be a cute wedding shower gift or a house warming gift for a single girlfriend.

Give us more credit!
We just looked at this book.We were researching DIY books and were excited about the topic, but the content makes women look like idiots.The references are sexist and completely out of date.Women deserve to be treated with more intelligence

DIY made easy
Great book! Helped me renovate my apartment without spending any money on outside help. I highly recommend it! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This book focuses on the 50 most popular and practical improvements in the kitchen and bathroom that don't involve moving walls or building an addition, so right from the get-go, it is a boon to those who want to upgrade a dingy bathroom or lackluster kitchen without necessarily breaking the bank. Next, it helps a homeowner distinguish between what they can realistically do themselves, based on skills and experience, and which projects may need professional help. A "basic skills" section deals entirely with the fundamentals of plumbing, wiring, and installing new flooring, making for a good beginner's book. It's filled from cover to cover with useful and clear diagrams and photographs, and has practical "feature boxes" throughout detailing such subjects as "Expert Insights," "Tools to Use," "Safety," "Money Saver," "Measurements," and "Caution!" There's a lot of information packed into its 112 pages; it contains a complete glossary of terms the reader will need to know; and it is well indexed for easy reference to the appropriate sections. Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Bathrooms    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Kitchens    9. Remodeling    10. Remodeling & Renovation - Bathrooms    11. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    12. Repair    13. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation    14. House maintenance    15. kitchen   

Editorial Review

This book first came out in 1988 and has been in my general "how-to" library ever since. Updated and reprinted in 1994, it is still one of the most extensive household help books I know. It has tips on organizing your home, cleaning, repairing things, gardening, caring for pets, even record-keeping and decorating! Well organized, well indexed, and easy to use, this book is packed with a whole lot of information on practical matters of living, and you'll find yourself keeping it within easy reach! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Truly Lives Up To The Title
This is a great book - perfect for reading cover-to-cover or just the areas you want to read. Illustrations are helpful and are very clear.If you're trying to become more organized or want to save time, you need to get this book!And....it would be a great wedding or housewarming book, too.

Everything you need to know in one handy volume!
While I'm embarrased to admit it, this is the volume I consulted last week to figure out how to sew a button back onto one of my shirts.It also includes all those annoying laundry symbols you can never remember, foodpreparation tips, pet care, how to organize your life, and first aidinstructions.The answer to pretty much any household question you havecan be found in this book.It would make a perfect gift for a son ordaughter who's leaving home for the first time.

a book that lives up to its title
finally, a book that actually delivers all the information it promises to in its title. this is the most comprehensive household hint book i have read (and i am constantly aiming to improve my household skills}.so far,this book has provided relevant tips for my entire house renovation andwhen both the fridge and oven and washing machine broke down the same weekit saved me countless electrician bills. by providingclear guidelines howto identify the problem and even instructions how to fix simplebreakdowns.the text is concise and easy enough to understand - even myhusband is using it as a reference (and he never has patience to consultany book). all in all, i would consider this a perfect book for the newhouse or apartment dweller or even amore experienced one could cull somevaluable information here. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    2. General    3. Reference    4. Self-Help    5. House & Home / Repair   

Editorial Review

It's easy to say this is a great and inspiring book for women trying to become handy around their own homes, but the fact is, as a guy, I read it with delight at not only the sound and helpful advice, but the hilarious wit of the author. Useful home repair books that are also fun to read are a rarity, I can tell you. This is one of the best I've seen for any beginning handy person. If you don't get inspired to jump in and try some of these things on your own after reading this book (highly unlikely ...), you will at least have had a good time reading Bennett's funny, sometimes wry advice and hearing her stories. As an example, she counsels that the most important tool a woman must have when learning home repair is Attitude! And she's right! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Basics and More
The author wrote this in hopes that it would allow women to rely on themselves for home repairs and enter the world of "real men". Her humor helped to put across her ideas. Excellent for showing/explaining the parts in a home
The cutaway views of different things in the house and listing of the parts is absolutely fantastic.She doesn't take for granted that you know the names or anatomy.She explains very concisely and I feel so muchbetter able to tackle projects and much less intimidated!

Excellent for showing/explaining the parts in a home
The cutaway views of different things in the house and listing of the parts is absolutely fantastic.She doesn't take for granted that you know the names or anatomy.She explains very concisely and I feel so muchbetter able to tackle projects and much less intimidated! ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Absolutely vital for the do-it-yourself homeowner
This is the only home repair book I have found that shows you how to repair your oven, how to light pilot lights, maintain air conditioners, and fix your dishwasher. It is easy to find books that show how to do carpentry and drywall. It is a rare gem that gives excellent illustrations to take care of your major appliances. This book paid for itself with my first repair - I fixed my own oven. Put it on your bookshelf next to the Reader's Digest Complete Do-it-yourself manual. You can fix anything!

Great book for homeowner
This book is a Must have book for any homeowner. I already own several kind home improvements, but so far I prefer this book much better than my other books. ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Carpentry    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. Dwellings    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Maintenance and repair    9. Repair    10. Woodworking    11. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY NON-FICTION    12. House & Home / Carpentry   

Reviews (7)

The first step a homeowner should make
Has your home stopped working for you? Usually homeowners think that means moving time - but remodeling is also an option, and REMODEL OR MOVE? MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION offers one of the few remodel books to consider the pros and cons of different projects. Chapters explore when to make changes and when to consider selling, offering tips on how to avoid costly options, how to lower costs, and how to make a decision. From gut feelings to real experiences, REMODEL OR MOVE is the first step a homeowner should make in the decision process.
Great award winning book on remodeling!
I bought the book late into my remodel, and when I used the Remodel or Move calculator, it came so close to the actual costs of the remodel, it was amazing to me.I noticed that The Bay Area Independent Publishers Association named Remodel or Move, Make the Right Decision, as the best real estate/home improvement book.The book has been praised by Better Homes & Gardens and the New York Post, and I can see why.It contains strategies and tactics designed to help homeowners work through the decision process.There is a combination of unbiased reference materials and no-nonsense advice, based on the author's extensive remodeling experience and by his consultation with other real estate and construction industry experts. I highly recommend it if you're trying to decide whether to remodel or move. Remodeling turned out to be the right decision for me, and the book helped me justify the costs involved.

Highly recommended ... a must have for home owners
This book is a must have if you are trying to decide whether to move or make changes to your existing home.It is especially nice because it is written in an easy-to-read manner... so someone like me who knows nothing about remodeling can actually understand the information, thus helping with this big decision.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Cost effectiveness    5. Dwellings    6. Home Maintenance And Repair    7. House buying    8. Property Management    9. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    10. Real Estate - General    11. Remodeling    12. Repair    13. Building construction & materials    14. Business & Economics / Real Estate   

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

Subjects:  1. Dwellings    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. Houses    4. Maintenance and repair    5. Miscellanea    6. Repair    7. Self-Help   

Reviews (1)

Great for new homeowners
This book is great.It talks about tools and techniques for all kinds of home repairs.It recommends what tools everyone needs for basic repairs, and which tools are useful but aren't necessary.If you are a first-timehomeowner like I am, and you've never had to deal with this subject before,this is your 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. Home Maintenance And Repair    8. House & Home    9. Houses    10. Maintenance and repair    11. Remodeling & Renovation - General    12. Repair    13. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    14. House maintenance   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Architectural Detail    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design - General    8. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    9. Residential Interior Design    10. DWELLINGS_MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Repair    13. Interior design    14. KITCHEN CABINETS    15. KITCHENS