2 comments about Estimator's Piping Man-Hour Manual, Fifth Edition (Estimator's Man-Hour Library).

1. I have used this book since 1986. It has been the cornerstone of my pipe estimating. It is easy to use and in most cases you can narrow a seemingly complicated estimating job down to a few tables. I recommend this book to any estimator charged with providing accurate budgets in industrial construction.
   The book addresses carbon steel, stainless steel Heavy wall, large O.D. Staging, Insulation, Pipe Hangers and more.
   The Author goes into detail in a clear and concise method about how to structure your estimate and provides a sample estimating sheet.
   Even though the estimating sheet is about 30 yrs old. I have set one up in excel to match his format and it works beautifully.
   A must book for any pipe estimator.
   Tim Griffin - Tampa Florida



2. I have used this book since the first addition and give it out to all new engineers coming into the pipeline industry, when they are envolved in costs for new piping projects.

3 comments about Bungalow Basics: Fireplaces.

1. Popular and abundant a century ago, the bungalow is today enjoying a renaissance as people discover the craftsmanship, utility, and charm of these little gems. Whether you're living in a masterfully maintained bungalow, are interested in restoring a bungalow to its former glory, or just a fan of good architectural or furniture design, Paul Duchscherer and Douglas Keister's "Bungalow Basics" series has a lot to offer.
   
   Unlike many modern homes with their spacious and luxurious "master suites," bungalow bedrooms were often small and utilitarian spaces. As much as half of the home's limited space was generally devoted to the public living and dining rooms. But though the bedroom was often a small retreat, the quality of the design was not inferior to the rest of the home, and this volume in the series is every bit as informative and evocative as the others. Master, children's, and guest bedrooms are all covered, as are lofts, Murphy beds, and other innovative space-saving solutions.
   
   As you would imagine in a book this small, there's not a lot of depth to the discussion. Nor does any individual example receive more than one or two photos (except for the famous Gamble House in Pasadena, California). And finally, there's no list of sources where an interested reader could find any of the items or materials pictured herself. So this is not, by any stretch, a do-it-yourself handbook. As the series name suggests, however, this is a focus on the basics. And someone who reads this will have a better idea of the theory of bungalow design, and more than a few great examples of the theory in practice. For the handy little resource this is intended to be, this title carries out its mission quite well.



2. The "Bungalow Basics" series is economy-sized and economy-priced, and fits well, appropriately enough, on bungalow-sized shelves. With their lavish illustrations and attractive size, these books form a good introduction to the basics, ahem, of classic bungalow elements. There's something very satisfying about the cozy size and format of these books.



3. We just built a new Craftsman home and wanted to incorporate period details while still making our home modern. This book has lots of photos from period homes and illustrates many different styles of bungalow fireplaces. However, I wish there were examples of newer bungalow fireplaces. In the end, I did end up mixing details from two of the photos in the book to create the design for the wood parts on the fireplace we built. Instead of using porcelain tile or brick, we ended up using slate tiles for the face of the fireplace.

No comments about The Big Book of Lofts (Big Book of).

2 comments about Fodor's How to Pack, 2nd edition (Special-Interest Titles).

1. Dear Sandra,

   Thanks for lending me Fodor's How to Pack book! Having never been abroad before, I had a lot to learn and didn't even know it. I'm going to have to get a copy of this book for myself, especially for the checklists of "Basic Wardrobe Options for Women," ditto for men, and what to put into a first aid kit, laundry kit, sewing kit, toiletries kit, etc. I read the sections on packing for cruises, mountain trips, hot and cold weather, and adventure trips even though I wasn't going to use them for this vacation, just because they were interesting and I kept picking up the stray tip. (Thank goodness I don't have to use their advice on traveling with children!)

   The sections on what to wear on the plane, what to pack in one's carry-on (as well as reminders of what NOT to pack), food for the journey, and how to pack luggage that will be checked in were extremely useful. Who would have thought to pack clothes in those plastic bags from dry cleaners to keep items from wrinkling?? I'm trying it and will let you know how it works out. They also talk about the different philosophies of packing -- the "roll" style that is especially good for duffel bags, vs. the "interlock" style where you stack layers and then fold them all together to decrease wrinkling.

   On the down side, the book seemed padded and too chatty, when, being the procrastinator that I am, I needed to get the information right away. But I was able to find it, and someone could just use the many helpful checklists and be way ahead of the game, as I was. And there were things I never thought about, such as compiling a "personal documents" file to put in my carry-on, with a copy of my passport and driver's license and a photo of my luggage in case it got lost.

   Altogether I found this a must-read for either the procrastinator or the unseasoned traveler such as yours truly. Thanks for caring enough to send me this book!

   Best wishes,
   -H




2. I was pleased because I am frantically packing for a cruise. Never been and this little booklet gave me some great ideas.

5 comments about Home Organizing Workbook: Clearing Your Clutter, Step by Step.

1. The book is easy to read and make use of in everyday life for relieving clutter and learning how to remove it from your life. It is divided into sections that coordinate with the home. I found the book very enlightening and gave me some great "new" ideas for cleaning up the clutter in my life. Overall: A very good book for both unorganized and the organized alike.



2. I bought this book at the recommendation of my favorite magazine...Good thing I used a gift certificate and didn't waste my own money. I gave it 2 stars, but maybe it's worth 2.5 stars-just for the effort. It does have some good ideas, but for the people like me, who love to organize but just don't have the space, it's not that useful. I was expecting more ideas about how to use the space I have. Unfortunately, I usually have better and more creative ideas than the author. Another major "-" is that the book talks a lot about throwing stuff away; well, what I have to say to that is that I periodically do that anyway, and I still am space challenged. That's not the solution to every problem!



3. Finally an organizing book that focuses on the real 'how to' of getting your home organized. I have other books on this subject but, this is my favorite. It makes it do-able room by room.



4. I admit that I was attracted to this book because of the beautiful presentation. However, as I glanced through it, I began to see how well-organized the book itself is, and I immediately bought it. This book is presented simply, without a lot of psychobabble about underlying issues that cause people to be disorganized. The book has great ideas and I recommend it to those who want to jump right in and begin working on home organization projects. I am an organized person, but the wonderful man to whom I am married appears to be able to live happily amidst piles of plastic crates. I am hoping to get him to read this book!



5. I got this awhile back and have been using it ever since. It is well written. There's no fluff, just good step by step advice. If you are serious about organizing your home this is the book to get!

5 comments about Raising Kids Who Can Protect Themselves.

1. Debbie and Mike Gardner have written an absolute "must read" for parents. "Raising Kids Who Can Protect Themselves" is the best parenting book I've read in recent years. A fascinating page-turner, the Gardners' book is written in a simple-to-follow format filled from cover to cover with life-saving instruction. It doesn't matter if your children are toddlers or teens; this is a book worth much more than its purchase price. I have been recommending "Raising Kids Who Can Protect Themselves" to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. In fact, I plan to give copies as Christmas gifts! L.C. (mother of 16-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son)



2. This book covers everything from teaching children to protect themselves from bullies, among their peers, to protecting themselves from dangerous adults. It gives specific examples and language parents can use to empower their children. It also provides techniques for teaching children in set age groups. Arming our children with courage and tools to protect themselves is a necessity. I plan to give a book to each family in my circle of loved ones.



3. This book does not deliver exactly what the title implies. It relies on bribery for your child to do what you want. I agree with rewarding appropriate behavior but this book takes it to far.



4. As a father of 4, I am very concerned with teaching my children to be safe. This book has some very good advice and teaching methods to help. While I do not agree with everything, it is overall, a very good book to buy for help with this important mission.



5. How do you prepare a child for the danger of daily living and still raise a confident human being? You read this book. I thought I'd read everything available on self-defense for children so I was stunned to stumble across this treasure. Most books have a good tip or two in them but few are practical, and some are downright dangerous. This is the first I've found that offers a parent a complete process for raising a strong and safe child.
   This book won't give you statistics or the details of predator psychology - vital information for parents - but you can read up on those separately. Meanwhile, don't skip the small stuff. There are powerful messages tucked into single paragraphs in this book. I disagree with the author in only one area - the need for long-term physical self-defense instruction - but understand his concern because of the lack of practical application to real-world scenarios in most martial arts schools. Real self-defense schools are difficult to find... so read this book! I recommend this for parents of children ages 3 to 16.
   
   Also recommended: 'Child Lures' by Kenneth Wooden. 'Protecting the Gift' by Gavin de Becker. 'Raising Safe Kids in an Unsafe World' by Jan Wagner. "Gun-proof Your Children" by Ayoob.

5 comments about How to Be Your Own Contractor and Save Thousands on Your New House or Renovation: While Keeping Your Day Job - With Companion Cd-rom.

1. Start studying and collecting designs and plans for your dream house or upgraded room.
   
   A thorough step-by-step, streamlined process that takes into account your desire to save money is available.
   
   This book makes it possible to realize what you have envisioned. Plus, it's not limited to its intended audience. Current homeowners and future homebuyers can also benefit.
   
   Davis starts off by encouraging you to take a reasonable approach to the process. She highlights special considerations, such as finding an appropriate lot and examining that lot for potential issues that could become extremely costly after the house is built.
   
   It reinforces effective management. It provides advice in the selection of competent subcontractors, and suggest staying privy to what is occurring throughout the building process through daily visits to the site.
   
   The book points out substantive details. For instance, it describes how the house sits on the land determines how sunlight enters a room, getting the site plan from a surveyor can help with the proper placement of the house; and if you chose to have a basement, a sloped lot is better than a flat lot because it provides for better drainage.
   
   As you read along, you may be inclined to inspect the current condition and construction of your present abode, especially for people who aren't as cognizant of everything that goes into the development of the house they've purchased. They may have been too captivated by the unobstructed views of the lake as opposed to whether the house is subject to flooding.
   
   The book is an easy read. Tips are provided in shaded boxes to help you identify cost-savings, and not lose track of your budget. Key information is reinforced at the end of the chapters. Davis is cautious of the reader's comprehension, and suggests further reading on the topic to help familiarize you with more technical terminology. She also advises attendance of zoning meetings and trips to your local government to review licenses and laws.
   
   The book is a great introduction as to what you can expect when taking on your housing project.



2. There is nothing quite so satisfying as finally building that dream home, except perhaps being involved in process every step of the way. This book will help you do just that. While Davis doesn't walk you through the entire building process (obviously, for safety reasons, most of the work should be done by licensed professionals), she does show you how to oversee the project and eliminate the middle man, the contractor who oversees the building process.
   
   
   
   You'll find everything from choosing a lot and planning to applying for financing and obtaining permits all the way through to the final finishing touches. Special recommendations regarding finding reasonable, honest subcontractors and money-saving tips throughout the book make this book necessary for anyone new to the construction process.
   
   
   
   Davis presents potentially overwhelming information in an organized and accessible way. If you are looking to build that dream home or turn your current house into your dream home, this will be a helpful resource.



3. If I was to build my own house, I would frame it out of steel and try to pick a lot on a slant upward from the street so that I can have a water-free basement. Thanks to "How to Be Your Own Contractor" by Tanya R. Davis, I now know the ins and outs of building a home and you can too. With simple understandable directions, Davis makes every step of the construction feasible for anyone with the determination to see the project through. She includes many examples of documents that familiarize the reader with exactly what they will deal with. The layout is easy to follow and flows from section to section. Each chapter is ended with a checklist, which serves as a great reminder and summary of all the important points previously covered. "How to Be Your Own Contractor" is a wonderful read for anyone with interests in the world of house building.



4. How To Be Your Own Contractor by Tanya R. Davis provides a helpful guide to organizing building and construction activities. There is great detail, from planning right down to decorating. She includes a timely chapter on green remodeling that many will find informative. There is also a good description of financing options for new construction and remodeling projects. The chapter on finding and negotiating with subcontractors is useful for anyone hiring an outside contractor to do work in their home or investment real estate. While she does emphasize the importance of written contracts, she did not outline the necessity of adding language to the contract, spelling out who is responsible for injuries or damage due to a subcontractor's negligence. In addition, she discusses briefly the importance of a subcontractor having workers compensation insurance, but neglects to discuss the importance of liability and auto insurance as well. The sample bid sheets and lists of materials prove to be useful templates to be used again and again, during any number of projects. The information on building codes and materials is eye opening, as it details important aspects most do-it-yourselfers might not think about. In addition, I found the in-depth description of the materials to be extremely useful. All in all, this book is a must have if you are planning any type of construction on your residential property.



5. The very readable new book by Tanya Davis walks you through the basics of self contracting in terms of either renovating your current home if you are staying put or building a new one from scratch. Managing a residential construction project, especially if you're holding down a full-time job and have family responsibilities, is clearly not for everyone, so this book will help you decide whether the homebuilding process might be right for you--a highly individual decision that can only be made after careful consideration.
   
   Drawing upon her own experience and research as well as interviews with contractors and other real-estate gurus around the country, Davis authoritatively explains how to save money and time, and avoid frustration, when taking on a do-it-yourself project of this magnitude. According to Davis, "Building [or remodeling] a home has become increasingly complex, but by developing a straightforward, organized way of handling each step of the process, you can easily create the structure you always dreamed of from beginning to end. You will be able to create a house that will be beautiful and functional, and bring you joy for years to come. The best part is that you will have the satisfaction of having created it yourself." Davis says that you can save anywhere from 10 to 35 percent by hiring yourself as the contractor and even doing some of the actual labor yourself.
   
   The book covers key topics such as the seven steps to the perfect home design, pre-construction activities, financing, finding and negotiating with subcontractors, building code compliance, supplies and materials, and avoiding problems and common mistakes. Even if you are just considering some minor remodeling or weekend fix-it projects, this reader-friendly book offers helpful guidance.
   
   The book includes many checklists and sample forms (which also appear in the companion CD) to help you stay on top of your all-important scheduling and recordkeeping tasks so that you can manage material and workmanship effectively.

5 comments about The New Messies Manual: The Procrastinator's Guide to Good Housekeeping.

1. I highly recommend this book for people who are chronically "messy" homemakers. I have to admit that the book did discuss too much of the "whys" of messiness, but if you can get past the first part of the book, you will be surprised that the second half of the book provides just as much of the "hows". I have read quite a few de-cluttering and organizational books, which have been very helpful, but this one has helped in a way that none of the others have been able to. I have been struggling with a messy house for the last 13 years, and after 3 months, my home is organized! I've tried lists and time schedules and they just don't work for me. However, the "flipper" idea in the book works like a charm! It helped me from getting overwhelmed by distributing small jobs over a period of a month. Cooking and grocery lists are much simpler now also. If you are sick of having a home that you are embarrassed to show your guests, read this book!



2. I passed this book up on several occassions due to the "messies" title....sounded so juvenile. If I had only known what good it would do me to read it!!!! The previous reviewer hit the nail on the head when she said that this book works because the author is a reformed messie herself - her thought processes were exactly the same as mine!!! I felt I'd found a soul sister! She "got it". She understood my confusion and sometimes flat-out inability to complete my housework. I was a stay-home mom for seven years and got absolutely nothing accomplished in the way of housekeeping. Even though I had the whole day, my house was never "put together". How I wish I had read this book way back then!!! Thank you Mrs. Felton for such a well written and insightful book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone with trouble getting it together in their home. Even if you think the term "Messie" is a little juvenile.



3. I have been one of the worst messies. This book and her other books (I have them all)have helped me to get on track and I am well on my way to being very organized and a whole lot less messy. I would highly recommend all of Sandra Felton's books. If you need help, it's bound to be the answer to your prayers.



4. A great de-cluttering book! I am so glad that I found it. It has really helped me change my approach to organizing and housecleaning.
   
   What makes this book different from all the other organizing books? This one was written by a "recovering Messie", so she understands the situation. Therefore, the tips are more workable for people who tend to clutter. That makes all the difference! This book is easy to read, good-humored, and she gives you specific, easy-to-understand suggestions for getting the clutter under control.
   
   Sandra Felton's book helps those who can use some help in getting out from under a pile of clutter, and she does it with good humor and without a hint of judgmentalism.
   
   If you are a clutterer, get this book and follow the simple steps. You will be glad that you did.



5. Like others, I had also passed by this book based on its title. But recently, I gave it a quick look through and could see right off the bat that the title didn't do fair justice to the solid help within. For me, the chapters on "why" were definately not a waste. In fact, they're what kept me reading. Now I believe that ADD is probably over-diagnosed in today's American society. Be that as it may, I have dealt with the effects of it my entire life and, while being reasonable successful, I have had to develop numerous "work arounds" in order to function at the required level in my profession; work arounds that my non-ADD colleagues probably find strange. But one area that has always escaped me is in keeping my personal space organized whether at home or at the office. Sandra's book didn't convince me that I had ADD - I already knew that. But it helped me understand how that relates to my disorganization. In that, her book hit the spot for me. So while I agree that this book may not be for everyone, please don't discount it due to its title or what others have said about the "whys" in the first portion of the book. Depending on your personal situation, that may be the portion you value the most!

3 comments about Carving Classic Female Figures in Wood: A How-To Reference for Carvers and Sculptors.

1. I sculpt the figure mainly in clay, but I have been thinking about trying woodcarving, so I bought this book to get a look at what was possible in wood. It is a very good presentation of how to create a figure in a carved medium.
   
   The book illustrates the construction of two figures from start to finish - from making reference photos of the model, to roughing, to detailing, to finishing. The photos are clear, copious, in color, and are large enough to be easy to see when propped up on the workbench. The text is concise, but adequate. Also included are a number of excellent photos of Mr. Norbury's figure sculpture.
   
   Most of the techniques shown are not really specific to wood, and there is no discussion of tools and technique, which is a bit of a disappointment with respect to my goal of learning about woodcarving. However, that is not really the fault of the author, since this is not intended as book for beginners.
   
   On the plus side, I work mainly constructively in clay, and I hope the technique of working by carving will help me add some new approaches to my sculpture. I think many of the ideas and techniques illustrated will also be applicable to stone.
   
   I'll give the best recommendation I can: based on this book, I plan on buying as many of Mr. Norbury's other books as I can.



2. 
   For years, I struggled with sculpting the human form. Occasionally I got lucky and produced something that was "acceptable" but most of the time my carvings could be considered a contemporary distortion of the form-definitely not, what I started out to do. To say the least, my efforts were frustrating. The frustration ended when I purchased two of Mr. Norbury's books, "Carving Classic Female Figures in Wood" and "Carving Classic Female Faces in Wood"
   
   In "Carving Classic Female Figures in Wood" Mr. Norbury explains sculpting the human torso from model to finished work. I was most impressed with his concept of holding things in the square while defining size, points of reference and protrusions before any rounded forming should begin. This helped me to easily maintain proportion.
   
   Also very helpful was Mr. Norbury's plan of attack or sequence of events. This taught me that trying to work the whole project at once was futile. He defines a well-planed method that works. In the final stages, the anatomical drawings with simple explanations were very helpful. I can now go back to my anatomy books with greater understanding.
   
   Finally, the gallery section was most inspirational. Seeing what another can do and armed with basic knowledge, I now have an attainable goal. Thank you Mr. Norbury.



3. This is a good reference for those interested in figure carving. It has steps on how to create acurate drawings from photos, an important part of the process. There are anatomy drawings to help in the understanding of what is happening as the figure pose changes. There are actual photos of a model to help relate the anatomical sketches and the working drawings.....a well done presentation!

No comments about Design Ideas for Home Decorating (Design Ideas).