5 comments about The Green House: New Directions in Sustainable Architecture.

1. I liked this book and I think the other reviews have summed this book up well.



2. The book focuses on very modern designs, which are frequently stark or very heavy on the glass and steel. There are some ideas for creating a "greener" house, but most of the examples ignore the most basic green principle of minimizing the square footage of the house. Also, with a few exceptions, most of the examples appear to be very pricey.



3. Very nice book if you are interested in sustainbility and green architecture.



4. Well designed and easy to use Layout on this Book for People interested in modern & green architecture. I recommend this book without any doubt. A very good source of inspiration!



5. The order was processed and shipped very quickly. The product is just as it was described. Excellent purchase experience!

3 comments about Sunset Barbecues & Outdoor Kitchens.

1. This is an updated version of Sunset's best selling title. This new edition benefits from an array of new projects and many updates that include expanded how-to information for some popular outdoor kitchen projects, including step by step photos for building wood fired pizza ovens and concrete countertops.
   
   The book is divided in three large sections as follows:
   
   - Planning your outdoor kitchen
   Planning and design, Pizza ovens and other cooking options, Fire pits and fireplaces, Overheads and protection from wind, Counters, Countertops, Cooking appliances, Cooking Amenities, Comfort Systems and Drawing up the plan.
   
   - Barbecue Projects
   Cobblestone couter with granite, Barbecue Bar, Brick and tile counter,Tile and stone beauty, Family grilling counter, Full of surprises, Covered brick kitchen, Wood Cabinets in a niche, Tuscan setting, Pizza Oven, Winged Counter, Adobe oven, Fire pit with bench, Chimney smoker, Stackable barbecue kit, and Full-service kitchen.
   
   - How to Build Them
   Tools, Planning the grill opening, running utility lines, Pouring a concrete slab, Working with mortar and block, building a block counter, Building with brick, Building with metal framing, Building a wood counter, Finishing a counter with stucco, Facing with stone, Facing with tile, Tiling a countertop, Forming a concrete countertop, Gas and propane hookups, Electrical connections, Plumbing hookups, Installing grill and doors, and Building an overhead
   
   The book also includes a small section on Grilling tips and Recipes as well as a Resource guide.
   
   Overall a great title for anyone planning or building an outdoor kitchen project.



2. Good pictures, however, I would have preferred more detailed "how to" instructions.



3. My husband wants to install an outdoor kitchen and this book gave great ideas and I think installation tips too

3 comments about RSMeans Building Construction Cost Data 2008, 66th Edition (Means Building Construction Cost Data).

1. Product was as specified, brand new and was received in a timely manner. Will definitely make future purchases. Thanks!



2. I wouldn't say they went out of there way to make sure I got it as soon as possible but I received it within a reasonable time period and would buy from this seller again.



3. This book, and its previous editions, has long been a standby reference for building owners, facility managers, and architects and, to a lesser extent, contractors.
   
   The base cost information is broad, extensive, and detailed. However, this base information must be adjusted for area of the country, building type, and project specific productivity influencing factors. Each of these adjusting factors is critical, and cumulatively the adjustment can be significantly large - over 100% of base costs. This is too broad a range of adjustment to permit utilizaion of the adjusted cost figures with confidence.
   
   More attention to determination of these adjustment factors would increase the accuracy of the adjusted costs, and make this book more valuable.
   
   Choosing Project Success - A Guide for Building Professionals

5 comments about Insulate and Weatherize: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Build Like A Pro).

1. Sealing up your home envelope (the border between conditioned and unconditioned spaces) and proper insulation are the most cost effective improvements you can make in a home to significantly reduce your energy consumption while improving comfort. This book is a guide based on a professionals experiences, teaches the best ways to make those improvements, and educates you on why and how. Though it's scope is constrained around insulating and weatherizing, it's the best reference in that space I've found.



2. I think of all the poor suckers who pay $50,000 for new windows when they could accomplish more energy savings quicker, easier, and for only a couple hundred bucks even if they hire out the work using the suggestions of this book. Everthing you think you know about saving home energy is wrong! Read this book instead! Incredibly detailed and photographed. If you can't do it yourself then hire it out -- but DO IT!



3. This is the best book and only book you will need on insulating and weatherizing your house. We have gained much insight and valuable information to make our house more energy effcient. The author will also (for a fee) come to your house and evaluate and recommend what you need to do. We cannot say enough about this book.



4. same great features of other books in the series (pro tips, what can go wrong...). these books are thorough and informative.



5. This book gives credible (not just a repeat of info on manufacturer websites) coverage of insulation, air leakage, ventilation, moisture problems, etc. and handles each subject with respect to different climates. I learned a lot and it helped me make decisions in the renovation of a 60 year old house.

5 comments about Building Your Own Home For Dummies.

1. I have 3 degrees, but I did not know the 1st step about buying raw land, building a home, and getting a construction loan. I read this book from start to finish and could not imagine going through the process without using the guidelines in this book. I learned what questions to ask the broker about the loan and what questions to ask my contractor about the construction. It is so important to go into this kind of huge project knowing what check lists to take care of and have some kind of timeline. Nice to know what is around each new corner! I think this is a must have book if you're planning on building a home!



2. I had never purchased a book from this series because I knew I wasn't a dummy and figured them to have little useful advice. But I decided to take a chance on this one since I know nothing about building a home. Big mistake.
   
   This book is a waste of money for anyone who is seriously thinking about hiring a contractor to build a home. There is no useful advice, but rather obvious suggestions such as "you will pay a higher rate on a loan if you don't have a high down payment" etc. - information that any 12-year old could find by searching the web. Save you money and instead purchase one of the many other books written on this subject by architects, contractors, etc.. Trust me, a book like this which is written for a "dummy" isn't one that will be useful to anyone with half a brain.
   
   It was so bad I'm doing something I've never done before - I'm returning it.



3. This book has exhaustive information about building a home employing a general constructor and sub-contractors. It's more useful as a reference. I say that because of the way it's organized. It's not a sequential read, and has no logical beginning or ending. I bought this book hoping to understand each step that goes into building a home. However, this book is NOT about that. It's more about effectively dealing with things that come along in each step.



4. I am always a fan of anything that puts the complexities of the world back into your hands. That Rocket Science for Dummies was totally awesome! LOL!
   
   This is one of many that better be on your shelf as a beginnig research tool, if you are planning on building a home. It tends to be repetitious about needing massive amounts of money though. It is not that creative about any of processes. It is very straight to the point.
   
   I do own it and it is a great reference that I had to MAKE myself read.



5. Very complete and logical in total scope of the custom home building process. Eye opener to a number of potential pitfalls in the custom home building process. wrgBuilding Your Own Home For Dummies

5 comments about Parents Do Make a Difference: How to Raise Kids with Solid Character, Strong Minds, and Caring Hearts (The Jossey-Bass Psychology Series).

1. This book is one of the gems -- a diamond in the rough -- on parenting. Written in simple language, it's the "basic course" on "HOW TO RAISE KIDS WITH SOLID CHARACTER, STRONG MINDS, AND CARING HEARTS". So read, use, and understand. Hmm. Understand? What do you do when the kids ask, "WHY?"! Hmm. You'll need a book that makes you understand -- in simple language -- the philosophy of WHY character counts, of right and wrong, of good and evil, of moral and immoral, and of ethical and unethical. The school that exists to teach the "advanced course" in "HOW TO RAISE KIDS WITH SOLID CHARACTER, STRONG, MINDS, AND CARING HEARTS" is West Point. The only book that explains the philosophy behind all the "WHYS" -- in simple language -- is the book titled "WEST POINT", by Norman Thomas Remick. It's THE companion book for all how-to books and "courses", basic or advanced, on parenting and character. It will become kind of an encyclopedia that you can refer to for explaining "WHY?" to your kids. And it will give Borba's diamond in the rough its required polish.



2. This book is one of the gems -- a diamond in the rough -- on parenting. Written in simple language, it's the "basic course" on "HOW TO RAISE KIDS WITH SOLID CHARACTER, STRONG MINDS, AND CARING HEARTS". So read, use, and understand. Hmm. Understand? What do you do when the kids ask, "WHY?"! Hmm. You'll need a book that makes you understand -- in simple language -- the philosophy of WHY character counts, of right and wrong, of good and evil, of moral and immoral, and of ethical and unethical. The school that exists to teach the "advanced course" in "HOW TO RAISE KIDS WITH SOLID CHARACTER, STRONG, MINDS, AND CARING HEARTS" is West Point. The only book that explains the philosophy behind all the "WHYS" -- in simple language -- is the book titled "WEST POINT", by Norman Thomas Remick. It's THE companion book for all how-to books and "courses", basic or advanced, on parenting and character. It will become kind of an encyclopedia that you can refer to for explaining "WHY?" to your kids. And it will give Borba's diamond in the rough its required polish.



3. I have bought tons of books over the years many were good some not so much this is one of the only books I have kept and always go back to for advice and ideas. This book is a must have for all parents



4. This is easy to read, well laid out and is packed with useful tips on how to help kids be their best selves. It's a real 'how to' guide, with lots of examples of actual situations & what to say to help your child overcome specific difficulties & be more successful. I like it so much I've ordered another copy to share with friends (gently & tactfully, of course!) Every parent should read this book - it's not about pushing your kids to achieve & driving them to prove what a great parent you are - this book is about nurturing their strengths & helping them believe in themselves & be more confident in who they are, just so they can be happy & enjoy life more.
   
   Definitely worth the money & time spent reading it & putting it into practice. Does what it says on the cover!



5. I consider myself to be a well educated, caring person with a lot of common sense, however this book has been a real eye opener on human nature and how to nurture our children to grow to their greatest potential. I'm only on page 50 but I feel compelled to write a review already!

5 comments about Home Staging for Profit: How to Start and Grow a Six Figure Home Staging Business in 7 Days or Less OR Secrets of Home Stagers Revealed So Anyone Can Start a Home Based Business and Succeed.

1. I loved this book- it is very thorough and contained everything I needed AND more that I haven't even gotten to read yet- I am still implementing ideas from what I have read! Barbara is not trying to impress people with her credentials, she is trying to help them with her experience! If you are considering staging for a living- get this book!



2. I recently bought 2 books on Staging, since I'm currently wondering wether to pursue it as a new career. Right off the bat, this book is very inspiring in it's voice and the writer's accomplishments. I'm barely into it, but it's already gotten me back to feeling excited about the possibilities. As opposed to the other staging book i'm about to review, and ended up returning.
   
   The layout is like reading a term paper, but it's kind of nice reading on such a big format for a change. No color pictures to speak of, but if you're buying this, you're not looking for color ideas. Just tell me what the biz is all about, and what i could expect from giving it a go, is all i'm looking for.
   
   I'm really enjoying the way that it's written as if the author is talking to you. It's much more entertaining, and it makes me feel like she's there for any questions, which she says she is!
   
   So based on the 30+ pages or so i've read, this book is a definite for those looking for some insight into this growing business.



3. I ordered the book based on another review about it. I was pleased with the information contained in it, however, I will say that it is written like she is speaking to you and feels at time to be unorganized as to topic. With the subtitle leading you to believe you can be up and running in 7 days, there really is not a Seven Day plan as such, but you need to extract what is needed from each chapter. I also found a few of the things she suggested in staging to be a bit odd, ie: cleaning out gutters. Although I realize this would be necessary in selling a home, I do not feel this should be the job of a Home Stager. There is a lot of marketing information and some good ideas as to how to market the business, which I did find helpful. Most books like this on this topic generally tout the products of the author and this is no exception to that. However, unlike another well-known home stager-author they are not mentioned on every page. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to start this business, but I also feel that if you have no design background, this book will not help in that. My suggestion is to read all you can on the subject, take what works for you, then build your business.



4. This is an important book for anyone starting a home staging business. I started a home staging business before I read this book. However, upon reading it I realized how much I did not know and decided to go through decorate-redecorate.com for home staging certification. The book is detailed, current and full of relevant pointers, tips and information on the art and business of home staging. Anytime Barbara Jennings publishes a book on this topic I will read it (after reading this book I bought two of her other books: Decor Secrets Revealed & Where there's a Wall there's a Way). Jennings is clearly a consummate authority on the subject.



5. I'm in the process of reading 2 of Barbara Jennings books.
   Am finding her to be highly thorough and knowledgeable.
   Every bit of info is useable. Let you know later if I
   make lots of money putting her techniques to use.
   Many thanks, Gerri

5 comments about Making Peace with the Things in Your Life: Why Your Papers, Books, Clothes, and Other Possessions Keep Overwhelming You and What to Do About It.

1. I really enjoyed reading this one. I actually have a better understanding of myself and my stuff after reading this book.



2. As others have written,I too have read many, many, MANY clutter, organizing, packrat books. I still have so many, they have contributed to the clutter. This was one of the good ones. My problem is not organizing my stuff-- I want to get rid of it. Most books give you detailed file organizing and specific instructions. I wanted to know WHY I couldn't let go of so many things. This may not be everyone's problem, but it was mine. Once I understood why, it actually helped to get rid of them - not organize them.



3. This is by far the most useful book on decluttering I've read. It gets right down into your heart and helps you sort out what you find there. It doesn't tell you what products to buy, but helps you understand what blips in your brain chemistry or psychology may be contributing to the clutter problem, and suggests specific strategies for dealing with the various reasons.



4. I did not read the book entirely. From my brief scanning the book seems to be very informative and instructional-- a good guide.



5. This book is the only book I've read that has had a permanent effect on decluttering for me. While it is a little tedious to get through, I discovered that upon finishing it, I was actually changing my habits. I had been in the midst of a house-wide declutter project, but it would certainly have crept back to the normal messy state of things if I hadn't changed my habits. It changed the little day to day ways I manage my things and changed my way of thinking. It was a little short on specific strategies, and was quite deficient on managing papers, reading materials and documents (was more focused on getting rid of/managing things), but I am still giving it 5 stars since it has had such a positive impact in my life.

5 comments about Nell Hill's Feather Your Nest: It's All in the Details.

1. Enjoyed looking at all the pretty photos. Will use some of the ideas in my own home.



2. I love all of the Nell Hill books because Garrity shows how to reuse what you have in decorating. There are many other books on the same topic but if you look through her books you can see and learn. The photos are inspiring. I can roam through my house and move my loved possessions around and feel like I have redecorated without the "heavy lifting" of painting and furniture arrangement. Feather Your Nest is another great installment.



3. 
   A huge fan of all Mary C. Garrity presents. This is my favorite book so far. Any amateur can follow the hints.



4. This is one of my favorite books to refer to when I need inspiration. It's been on my coffee table ever since I received it.



5. It's just what I was looking for, great tablescape ideas and just little extras to make your home looking more polished and lived in! Highly recommended!

5 comments about Home Machinists Handbook.

1. I have never used a metal lathe or mill, but I am trying to decide if I should get a small one. I am a woodworker, with a decent woodworking shop, so I'm fairly good at mechanical things. As stated early in the book, it isn't for machine shops or starting a business. It is for Home Machinists. There is good information and introductions about what the various machines and tools are, how you use them, and what types of things they can do. Good discussion on metals, as well as tempering, etc.
   
   While I am still not sure if I am going to make the jump to getting machine tools, I certainly think the knowledge gained was worth the purchase price.



2. This Book it's a good start for somebody that is beginning in the world of machinist it's clear and an easy guide to somebody that give it's first step in machinist world and also a practice guidance for experience one's.



3. Very much for the beginner, but some good tips and techniques. More valuable for Sherline owners. Seems like there is too much detail in some places, especially in the chapter on hand tools. Later chapters on machine tools occasionally use terms that a novice would not understand. A glossary and better indexing is needed. It's a bit dated; 1983 copyright.



4. This book is very confusing. The diagrams are often several pages before or after the text that discusses them. The projects are incomplete or downright stupid. (For example, making parallel bars isn't a project, it is a trivial operation that should have been shown in the main test.)
   
   I would suggest anyone interested in a home shop purchase "Machine Shop Essentials: Questions and Answers [Illustrated]" by Marlow, Frank.



5. This book is geared towards an absolute beginner with no knowledge of machining, tools, or measuring. I thought there would be more details on how to use a lathe (i.e. setup, cutting techniques, etc). Just a basic overview of the tools used in machining. The small manual that came with my Sherline lathe was more useful than this. Other reviews on Amazon, led me to believe that this book was better than it really is.