Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Housekeeping    6. Reference    7. House & Home / Cleaning & Caretaking   

Reviews (30)

review
This book has many excellent details in obscure construction situations.Some are a bit better in theory than practice; however this book will make an excellent companion when in a pinch and lacking creativity.For the most part the book describes better practice (check local codes before taking it as gospel) for say a designer or general contractor not entirely sure or alien to specific methods of contractors or subcontractors.Don't expect a book to read from cover to cover but a quick reference.

Great Series
I found this series of books to be very well written and drawn.What is great is that they present several different ways to accomplish a task, instead of limiting you to one conventional method.The writing is very clearly written, and I own and recommend all three books in these series.Excellent reference.

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction
Start at the beginning... The spiral metal binding is great, a real manual, easy to keep page being referenced open infront of you. Graphically the pages are consistent in their layout and composition so that the important information is easily seen. Not like many references where drawings,details and notes from different sources are obviously pasted into pages. It reminds me of the famous Architectural Sheet Metal manual published by SMACNA, that is a part in nearly every architect's reference library.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Design & Construction    4. Design and construction    5. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    6. Drawings    7. Framing (Building)    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. Wooden-frame buildings    11. Building construction & materials    12. House & Home / Reference    13. Woodworking   

Reviews (4)

Bogus! (well, at least for the reviews)
This may be a good book (maybe even a great one) but don't judge it from the 3 reviews before mine, they are blatantly fake.
Motivating
Feeling tired of how my house looked, this book was just what I needed! Perfect if you are looking for simple changes or a complete room makeover.The effortless, yet dramatic, changes she suggests in her book were so easy to follow.The photos were a great visual; and motivated me to organize as well! Your home really can effect your mood and your life. This book helps to give each room a pick-me-up!

Design Made Simple
This book is terrific. It really lays out design ideas in a beautiful and engaging way, whether you are just rearranging a room, or completely redecorating it! The book is SO easy to follow. Beautiful design! I just love all the great, inspirational photos. It's such a simple concept. Who knew it could make this much difference?!? Thank you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - General    7. Interior decoration    8. Reference    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (12)

Best Bungalow Book
Together writer Jane Powell and photographer Linda Svendsen create the best bungalow books on the market.Whether you are thinking of remodelling your kitchen, changing a few details, or just want to understand the history of your kitchen, this is the book to buy.

Oh man, more than just a pretty picture book
This wonderful book also has great vintage photos and a HISTORY of why the small kitchen was such a big deal and how it evolved! Lots of good detail and information for the old house aficionado.
Cool Kitchens
This book contains an excellent collection of photos of Arts & Crafts period kitchens.It discusses the philosophy of design Gustav Stickley and others advocated and shows you the results, which are still beautiful, even after all these years.It is a little short on detail, if you wanted to reproduce the look of the Arts & Crafts kitchen, but it does spark the imagination.The examples of various kitchens is broken down by designer, so it is easy to pick out their specific design influence.I found this book an inspiration for some of the designs I would like incorporate in my own home, and combined with some other books of design details, it is excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. History    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Kitchens    7. Reference    8. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    9. United States    10. Architecture / Decoration & Ornament    11. DIY    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. Interior design   

Reviews (47)

I love Rex Cauldwell's Books!
This was the first of his books that I have read. I have read it cover to cover a couple of times now.
Somewhat informative, OK for casual reading
This book does have some useful information, but has a frustrating lack of "how to" descriptions and drawings. I would like to just see a photo or drawing of a properly wired load center, or how wires are routed through the attic. There are a lot of the author's personal anecdotes which may be OK for casual reading but when someone buys a book like this they are looking for hard-core how-to info. It DOES describe many code requirements better than the scattered, ambiguous National Electric Code, which is another review. Whether you're an experienced journeyman, or a homeowner builder like I am, you will get some useful info out of this book, but it won't be your main source of information. Better practical how-to info is at Reader's Digest website.

A perfect book, If you are not an electrical novice.
At the top of the front cover, in large type, is the advisory "FOR PROS, BY PROS".The book delivers exactly on this claim.If you do not already know neutral from ground, this is not the first book you should buy.But if you do have some electrical knowledge, and perhaps even own your own copy of the NEC, then this book is an absolute must-read.
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Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Do-It-Yourself - Electrical    3. Electric wiring, Interior    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Home & House Maintenance    7. House & Home / Reference   

Reviews (15)

They Work!!!!!
So far everything I've tried has worked.Especialy the amonia for skunks and lemon juice for fleas.

Run Screaming...
...from this book.
Good book.
Lots of useful secrets.Not worth the original $40 for the paperback though. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gardening / Horticulture    2. Organic    3. Pest Control    4. Reference    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology   

Reviews (17)

Great Idea Book for Window Treatments
This fifth edition has all the sketches in color.Just to give you an idea of how comprehensive this is, there are 19 pages showing valances, with five per page.I love this book, as it really opened our minds to the variety of styles available for windows.No more boring windows.
Picture guide--okay but not complete
This is a book of window treatment sketches.Unfortunately, it is far from complete and lacks many styles. We do use this book in the trade, but I wish it were more complete--I find it lacking with many new styles.It also lacks many of the current styles being offered by the professional pattern companies.

Encyclopedia of Window Fashions
This book has great ideas and beautiful pictures and drawings.It is, however a little outdated in my opinion.Would like to see a revised edition by this author with more up to date styles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - Windows    3. Draperies in interior decorati    4. Draperies in interior decoration    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Reference    7. Window shades    8. Interior design    9. Soft furnishings   

Reviews (2)

The dis ease of living in the US
The costs of sprawl are enormous.This book describes the costs in terms of many different types of public health measurements.If you haven 't thought about sprawl, this is a good place to start.It is chilling to think about how many physical, emotional, psychological and medical ramifications there are to the US automobile lifestyle.The price to degradation of the planet was not discussed in depth but that too would make you think about our legacy of our lifestyle to the quality of our planet for future generations. I am encouraged that the topic is being developed.The automobile lifestyle is addictive and to change it will require a paradigm shift.The shift starts with organized discussions and lucidly presented data.This book is excellent on both accounts.

reasonably well done
A broad (though not particularly deep) guide to the public health problems associated with sprawl, including: (1) the air pollution caused by sprawl-induced auto traffic, (2) the health consequences of the reduction in walking caused by automobile dependency, (3) injuries and deaths from auto traffic, (4) water quality problems associated with suburban development, (5) the alleged intangible costs of automobile dependency (e.g. driving-induced stress, the isolation of nondrivers).None of these issues are addressed in enormous detail; for example, the book occasionally mentions pro-sprawl counterarguments, but does not fully address them.But then again, each of these topics could probably justify a separate book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cities and towns    2. City planning    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Environmental Health    5. Environmental aspects    6. Growth    7. Health Policy    8. House & Home    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Public Health    11. Public Policy - City Planning & Urban Dev.    12. Reference    13. Urban Planning    14. Health systems & services    15. Political Science / City Planning & Urban Development    16. Urban & municipal planning   

Editorial Review

These days, more and more people are saying no to "better living through chemistry" and yes to a lifestyle that is less toxic and more environmentally friendly. This trend toward a more natural lifestyle has become something of a crusade for Annie Berthold-Bond, author of Read more

Reviews (23)

A Thorough Discussion of Green Clean
This is one of the first books that I read on the subject of green cleaning and how very toxic some of the household products we have all grown up using really are.The book contains a vast array of home-made recipes for everything you can think of and not just for house-cleaning but also for personal care as well.Annie also infuses the book with her humor and wit as well as her recommendations for commercial green products for those who would rather not make the investment of time and money in making the recipes.Some recipes are very simple and others are more involved.This book is an excellent reference and resource for anyone looking to expand their green clean library.

excellent reference for living a green life
I purchased this book because of the positive reviews at this site, and have not been disappointed.
A great book
Annie Berthold-Bond has done a lot to help clean up America. I used to use tons of chemicals to clean my home, but no more. Her scrubby cleanser was the first recipe I used and I no longer worry about sticking my hands in a bleach based scrubby cleanser to do the job. I love her Castille soap recipe and we now use it as a face and body bar and it also makes a great shampoo bar. No more plastic shampoo bottles and sodium lauryl sulfate to worry about any more. I actually clean my home more because I know that I am not being poisoned in the process. Thanks Annie! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    2. Environmental Toxicology    3. Environmental aspects    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Management    6. House & Home    7. House cleaning    8. Household supplies    9. Indoor air pollution    10. Nature/Ecology    11. Reference    12. Toxicology    13. Home & House Maintenance    14. House & Home / Reference   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    5. Real Estate - General    6. Reference    7. Business & Economics / Real Estate   

Reviews (14)

A Wealth of Knowledge
I picked this book up based on an exhaustive search for a guide that met a few simple items of criteria:
Many Topics, Little Detail
This book had many topics but only provided very basic information on the topics.

Storey's Basic Country Skills
Good book to put the subject on the map for the beginner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country life    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. Home economics    4. Home economics, Rural    5. House & Home    6. Personal & Practical Guides    7. Reference    8. Self-Help    9. GARDENING / Reference    10. Home & House Maintenance    11. House & Home / Reference    12. REFERENCE / Personal & Practical Guides    13. Reference works    14. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (46)

a Cape Cod time machine
George Howe Colt has written an amazing book of a family hoping to hold on to the past through a home that truly is a "time machine." Things don't get fixed, or picked up or even updated for fear of changing what was into what could be.
The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Summer House
I loved the first part of the book describing how the house came to be and the great vacations spent in it. I was not hapy with the later emphasis on the elite Boston family from which the author is descended. I never could keep the ancestors straight! I love Cape Cod and that's why I selected the book.
The end of an era
"The Big House" is a delightful read for all those who have known (or wished they had known) the joys and magic of inhabiting for a time each season the classic shingle-style (or its equivalent)summer places. WASP's, that endangered species, will especially enjoy Colt's log of a century of family life on the shores of Buzzards Bay; and the traditions, habits, pleasures and sorrows of a large family struggling to keep up appearances as the world they have known crumbles around them. Clearly the end of an era and a way of life for the priviledged few, and perhaps a metaphore for what is occurring globally. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Personal Memoirs    4. Reference    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. United States - State & Local - New England    8. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

"Voluntary simplicity" has become a catch phrase for what seems to be a yearning for a simpler, more self-sufficient and economical way of living in the late 20th century. This book, first published in 1981 and recently updated, was probably many folks' first in-depth exposure to the idea of a simpler life, making things by hand, and enjoying a stronger sense of control over personal budgets, home projects, and lifestyles. Hundreds of projects are listed, illustrated in step-by-step diagrams and instructions: growing and preserving your own food, converting trees to lumber and building a home from it, traditional crafts and homesteading skills, and having fun with recreational activities like camping, fishing, and folk dancing without spending a lot of money. This book will have you dreaming and planning from the first page! Read more

Reviews (51)

What a great book
I have owned this book for 18 yrs and am buying another copy because I wore the 1st one out.It covers Just about everything a tinkering homeowner could want.It has a great amount of info useful to the homesteader or anyone interested in the way things used to be done.I have used it for raising chickens,grapes,gardening and making maple syrup.I also like the firewood section.I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes to tinker.

Best book ever for diagrams and pictures
I loved this book.I'd previously read many homesteading style books and had only been happy with one of them (Carla Emery's Encyclopedia of Country Living).This book is different in it's own special way.I didn't have as much printed information but the diagrams and pictures were just what we needed to get a few things started that the encyclopedia missed.

I'm adicted it's brilliant
I own the book since 1980 or 1981 it's red tried and red again. It's an absolute must for every one enjoying to trial and error and sometimes suceed at skills that where so common once and now seem so difficult. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Food crops    5. General    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Handicraft    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Home Economics (General)    10. Home Improvement / Construction    11. Home economics    12. Home economics, Rural    13. Power resources    14. Reference    15. Remodeling & Renovation - General    16. United States    17. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference   

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Do-It-Yourself - Electrical    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Home Maintenance And Repair    5. House & Home    6. Reference    7. House & Home / Reference   

Reviews (3)

A great resource for selectingthe best RE options for your home
This is a great introduction to essentially all the renewable energy resources available. Chiras takes a sensible, realistic look at a number of options for both reducing your dependence on fossil fuels as well as saving money. He talks about which solutions work best in which climates and gives tips on where to begin wading into renewable energy.
great book!!!
we are looking at building an underground home and getting off the grid...this book has a wealth of helpful info to help us...we would highly recommend it to all!

The ultimate book on Renewable Energy
If you only intend to buy one book about renewable energy this is the one for you. It clearly explains all the different RE technologies and gives you all the information to decide which technologies fit your individual situation. For people more familiar with RE, it acts as a great reference book. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Reference    8. Remodeling & Renovation - Energy Efficient    9. Alternative & renewable energy sources & technology    10. Home & House Maintenance    11. House & Home / General   

Reviews (8)

Code check
This is a great cliff note to california building codes.Very helpful in the field and at the drafting table.A must have for those just starting out in the profesion.

Good help for the Do-it-yourself remodeler.
If you're a do it yourself remodeler or basement finisher this is a good reference to make sure you meet the building codes.It provides some quick answers to things like nailing requirements, maximum spans for doors, roof frames, and floor joists, and many other quick facts for plumbing, electrical, fire and structural codes.But for many questions/issues it just lists the IRC or UPC reference.For that reason it would be even more valuable if you had a copy of the International Residential Code in case you needed more details since it provides the references. I have a building permit to finish my basement and I want to make sure that I meet the codes and this book has been helpful.I plan to buy the plumbing, building and electrical Code Check too.

excellent reference
I read a couple negative reviews of this book and almost didn't buy it!If you have common knowledge of construction and building this book will be an invaluable reference for you.Many things are abbreviated, so it might look confusing at first.Using some common sense and the abbreviation key in front will get you through the initial learning curve.This book will help you comply with electrical codes, plumbing, etc., with sketches only where needed.I rebuild houses on the side, and this book is invaluable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Building Codes    2. Construction - General    3. Design & Construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. House & Home    6. House Plans    7. Residential Construction    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. House & Home / Reference   

Reviews (2)

An Excellent Overview of Green Building...Superb!
Author Dan Chiras has produced a series of amazing books on green building, including The Natural House, The Solar House, Superbia!, and The Natural Plaster Book. His books are extremely well written, well organized, comprehensive, and extremely well illustrated. He's truly one of the best, if not the best, writer in the green building field.
Ok, but not great
This book was a little bit hard to understand, especially if you are not knowledgable on the subject. I would recommend something more clear and easier to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture and society    3. Design & Construction    4. Domestic    5. Dwellings    6. Ecological houses    7. Energy conservation    8. Green products    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Landscape    11. Reference    12. Remodeling & Renovation - Energy Efficient    13. Building construction & materials   

Reviews (11)

A very BASIC Visual Guide to Lock Picking
It's a very simple book and a short one too. Don't spect to learn a lot of thinks from this book. If you are only looking for an introduction in lock picking and how a lock works, then this book is fine for you. Maybe you can get a more complete book with no more money.

An excellent illustrated guide!
I first tried just borowing that mit guide from a friend.It was interesting reading, but kinda left me confused.So, I decided get some actual books including this Visual Guide.It was so refreshing to find one that so clearly explained everything to me.I had a lot of success at home, though havn't been able to do the advanced locks yet. Beginners should just start here and save yourself a lot of trouble.When it comes to lock picking, this book was really complete and I thought the illustrations helped everything make sense.

Too expensive for what it gives
I was really curious about this book, but what a delusion when it was in my mailbox. Just some pretty 3d drawings and nothing more. Save your money and buy the books of Steven Hampton or, even better, find out the MIT guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    4. House & Home / Reference    5. Lock picking    6. Reference    7. Do-It-Yourself - General   

Reviews (55)

Green Cleaning Tips That Work!
I just purchased Clean House, Clean Planet and I simply love it!Written in a straight forward, clear manner, this book provides simple, home-made recipes to keep your house clean without the need for toxic chemicals.The tub and tile cleaner recipe called EarthScrub is phenomenal and rinses clean.It's a shame that her website is no longer available.But her book is still as current as ever and her ratings of the recipes and clear instructions on proper mixing and containers is great.I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for alternatives to commercial cleaners as well as anyone looking to save money on the green products now more widely available (which can be expensive in their own right, although worth it in comparison to their commercial, and oftentimes toxic competitors).The time spent making these home-made recipes is worth the results and the savings!

This is the best make them youself cleaning book
I have read some make your own cleaner books that call for mail order only items and I like this book since it calls for mainly easily found items. I have found most of the cleaners work 100% for me. The leather cleaner did not work for me but I have not found a commercially prepared cleaner that worked either! (I tried to clean a mint leather chair my MIL gave me that my children got dirty and nothing works!) I especially like the diluted vinegar essential oil spray for cleaning wood floors - it works so much better than what you can buy ready made!

Great Reference
Clean House Clean Planet by Karen Logan
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Subjects:  1. Citizen participation    2. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    3. Environmental protection    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House cleaning    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Reference    8. Repair    9. House & Home / Cleaning & Caretaking    10. House maintenance   

Reviews (3)

Not as good as Guide to Frame Construction
I purchased this because I was very impressed with the "Graphic Guide to Frame Construction" book.I was much less impressed
Accurate and Detailed
Here you will find up-to-date information about virtually every material involved in interior construction - common and uncommon, residential and commercial - so you can compare key factors and make the best decisions for all of your projects.
God is in the details with this one folks!
The Graphic Guide to Interior Details: For Builders and Deigners gives a comprehensive analysis and break down, not only for professionals in the industry, but for the first time home buyer, or for people who are justplain interested in built structures.There are endless details and drawingsthat are accompanied by current and up to date information that not onlycomplies with modern day building codes and standards,but also hasinnovative and progressive techniques for the future. I'm a student thathas gotten great use and resource out of this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Construction - General    4. Design & Construction    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Interior Design - General    7. Reference    8. House & Home / Reference