5 comments about Windows and Doors (Build Like A Pro).

1. I've been trying to find all the information I can on the tricks to hanging doors. You won't find all the answers in one book, but this one has a lot of information on how to solve problems. I might add that there is a very good video by "Tom Law, Installing Doors and Windows" that gives you a good idea of how to properly hang doors. Seeing someone in action is a lot easier than reading a book. I've read this particular book 3 times now looking for all of the tricks of the trade. If you are like me, you've installed a door and said, "why is it doing that?". If you can identify a problem or prevent one, then that can save you a great deal of time. This book deals with a lot of issues, like out of plumb walls and cross legged jambs. I would also add "Gary Katz, installing and hanging doors" book to your library and you will have 3 fine sources to become a professional installer. I have all 3 and have recently installed 2 perfect exterior doors. I'm not a pro yet, but I am a lot closer. There is a lot of satistaction in installing a door correctly. Have fun.



2. I have read every book that I could find on windows and doors and found this one to be the best bar none. The pictures are fantastic and the helpful tips are worth the price of the book and then some. Also, the book is very easy to understand which is not the case with a lot of books out there on the subject.



3. I checked this book out of the library mainly for a few chapters that contained info on Pocket Doors and Fixing Door Problems. The book covers almost everything you can think of to address installing doors and windows, including putting new doors in old frames. It gives you pointers on choosing windows and doors including how various components operate. I didn't know there were so many types of windows operating styles to choose from out there!
   
   I found this book very helpful and confirmed that I wanted to hire a professional! The pocket door section seemed a little slim to me, but that might be because I had no clue about what they were doing. It's definitely not a step-by-step. LOL. Even though some of the projects in this book might be DIY, many of the complex projects would probably require a professional, unless you've done some type of construction-type work.



4. I have a 100 + years old house with the original windows. They have a section on Tuning Up Old Windows which I found very helpful. There are only a few pages on this subject for old windows. The information is straight forward and to the point.



5. Good book, but title is misleading, more about proper installation of windows & doors rather than fabrication of doors & windows. Title should be "Install Like a Pro"

5 comments about How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Redesign, Redecorating, & Home Staging Business: With Companion Cd-rom.

1. This book is concise and complete and has a wealth of information for starting up your staging and redesign business. Using true-life examples, Mary outlines the redesign business so new businesses can succeed and thrive and make fewer mistakes. I love the "Mary's Trade Tips" sections which are all little nuggets of great information to help a new business do well financially and professionally.
   
   This is a gotta-have book for those considering redesign and home staging!



2. How to Open a Financially Successful Redesign, Redecorating & Home Staging Business definitely stands out in the "be your own boss" genre. The never-ending wealth of information practically sets up your business for you, no matter how little you know about what you're getting into. Other how-to business start-up books tend to jump right into the thick of things, overlooking key facts that beginners might not know. Mary Larsen's book was the exact opposite--even beginning with questions about whether or not you are cut out to be an entrepreneur.
   While there was a ton of information packed in, I never felt overwhelmed with facts. Everything was broken down into easy-to-use tidbits, like questions to ask yourself and your clients, common business myths, why extras are important, naming, testimonials, and the pitfalls of freebies. The focus placed on marketing, especially e-mail and Web marketing, was especially helpful. I'm not a very tech-savvy person, so the in-depth discussion of marketing in this way was great--no "techie" language that I couldn't understand, just the basic facts. Larsen also helps out by reminding the reader that sometimes you just have to start your business and build from there--everything doesn't have to be perfect for your first client. Besides, with Larsen's book, there's no way you could fail!
   Even if you already consider yourself an expert in redesign, redecorating or home staging, Larsen's book is a necessity, even if just simply for the appendix, which provides a quick reference and worksheets that can help you grow your business from day one.



3. This book gives detailed information on how to go about starting a business doing interior design and decorating. The authors discuss the types of decorators as well as what it takes to be an entrepreneur. They dispel commonly held myths about entrepreneurship and give practical advice for the reader to determine if they have what it takes to start their own business.
   
   The authors give step by step instructions on what it takes to start your own design business such as deciding what skills you have and how to charge for services. The next sections of the book deal with the legal and financial concepts of structuring a business. The authors do a good job of explaining the intimidating ideas of business planning, finance, and operation in terms that non business savvy people can understand. Anyone considering a career in design or decoration would benefit greatly from reading this book



4. Larsen's book starts right off by defining the differences between redesign (for living) and staging (for selling) so there's no misunderstanding of what these potentially lucrative businesses are all about.
   
   The popularity of HGTV-DYI-type shows have spawned an interest in people wanting to redecorate their own homes Fortunately for anyone wishing to operate this type of business there will be more than enough work for you to do. Many home decorators get all excited about redecorating their homes but then find that once they get started (or are in the planning phase) they don't have the skills or the time to follow through.
   
   The book offers a lot of solid advice. For instance, Larsen reminds readers that it is vitally important to continuously educate themselves as trends change constantly- what's hip today will be out tomorrow.
   Mary's Trade Tips are sprinkled throughout the book making you feel like you're getting insider information. Larsen offers advice on ways to market your business including getting testimonials from current customers, giving presentations including a list of possible topics and an outline detailing how to present the topic. Details important things you need to know to stage a home for a real estate sale, offers before and after pictures showing great design work that you can easily do and gives basic design tips that offer suggestions on room elements such as color, shape, and spacing. You'll also find a list of tools you will most likely need and an appendix with more than enough resources to get you started including easily modifiable forms, sample contracts, a list of tools you will need and sample sales letters.
   
   For some reason I found myself getting kind of bored toward the end of the book but overall a good resource for anyone wishing to start this type of business. Could also be a good basic guide for anyone wanting to simply redesign or stage their own home.



5. Mary Larsen has done a thorough job explaining the actual steps it takes to launch a successful (financially successful!) business in Interior Redesign and Staging. As a Nationally Certified Trainer in this area , I look forward to adding this book to my recommended reads for students, new & experienced. Worth the time to read it!

5 comments about The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions.

1. 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.
   There's even a section for draperies, swags and valances used with beds.
   I particularly liked the section "Windows With a Challenge" that showed solutions for such issues as an air conditioner in a double-hung window or dealing with arched top windows.
   This has two index sections in the back. One is the usual word index and the other is a 38 page visual index showing the windows in black-and-white thumbnail sketches.
   It's terrific, not just for professional decorators, but for all individuals wanting a new look for their home.
   (I hope you find this review helpful, and if you do, please click yes.)



2. Spiral-bound, ALL in color, ALL illustrations in full color. Beautiful book, and very easy to use, with the tabs it has that open it to the specific chapter I want.
   The detailed instructions for materials needed, and construction, are excellent.



3. As an interior decorating shop, this book is an integral part of our work station. It helps us with practically every custom job we fabricate. Whether you are a professional, or just interested in decorating as a hobby, it educates you on every level, and is user-friendly. We highly recommend.



4. Found this book very informative illustrative hence beneficial in my work . Thanks much
   Austin



5. This book gives you a wealth of knowledge and ideas. There are no "how to's" in the book however, so if you need sewing directions, you will need another reference. But there are charts on how to figure how much material you will need, and little hints about the types of fabrics that will look good and what to avoid with the different designs, so it is an excellent reference up to the point of actually making the drapes or curtains yourself.

5 comments about Gentle Baby Care : No-cry, No-fuss, No-worry--Essential Tips for Raising Your Baby.

1. I can't imagine any topic in the first year that isn't covered in this big, fat book. I love that it is direct and to the point. I don't have to wade though lots of chatter to get what I need. If my baby has a fever it explains how to handle it without going into the history of fevers!
   
   Common issues are all covered as well as more unusual things, such as car seat crying, taking your baby to a restaurant, traveling with your baby, and dealing with unwanted advice. No matter your style, this book gives good information and is very, very easy to use with an ABC arrangement. Highly recommended!



2. This book covers a lot of topics, but usually just gives general info that I could've found by typing the topic into any search engine. I have a few other books that I use much more often (what to expect the first year and baby's first year week by week).



3. I've purchased two of these books...for two of my granddaughters...both first-time parents. They love the book and have used it a lot. I'd say that's a pretty good recommendation.



4. This is a great book for new parents--especially when you need to learn quickly. My husband and I got the call that we had been picked by the birth mom of a little boy who was already 2 days old. We had to pack up and head to the hospital and I needed information about being a parent.
   
   Since we had experienced a few years of infertility treatment, I wasn't too optimistic about our chances of becoming parents anytime soon. Therefore, I had not been reading up on parenting/what to expect. I bought this book at my local book store (for more $ than Amazon, unfortunately)and found it very helpful. Information is easy to find--we referred to it frequently in the first few weeks of being parents and then here and there when things came up. I gave it to my sister now that she has had a baby---she has found it very helpful, too.



5. Well written easy read. Nice resource book to have in your library when it comes to baby care

5 comments about Welding: Principles and Applications, Fifth Edition.

1. This is book is basically a college text on welding-- and a fine one at that. It covers the theory of all the major welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick, Flux-cored) in dazzling detail with beautiful color photos and diagrams. This includes some simple-to-understand physics of each welding process, explanations of various types of welding equipment, weld joint designs, welding positions, weave patterns, etc. If you read this book cover-to-cover, you will have a thorough grasp of all the theoritical aspects of welding. No other text even comes close to this book in these areas.
   
   The book is short on practical advice in some areas, perhaps because it is intended to be used alongside an instructor. Numerous example excercises are given for every type of weld process and weld position, but actual welder parameters are strangely missing. For example, if you want to butt weld two pieces of 1/8" steel using stick welding, then a)what is a good diameter electrode to try, b)what is a good welding current? The book doesn't really say, it's left up to the reader to experiment on his own and determine by trial and error what works best.
   
   The author probably takes this approach delibrately because he knows that the best way to become the most proficient welder is to learn by experimentation, rather than following tables in a book every time you want to weld something. But beginner welders will undoubtedly find this approach frustring at times when you just want some general guidelines on where to start on selecting electrode size, amperage, voltage, wire-feed-speed, etc.



2. Book was in very good condition. Prompt shipment. Ordered on a Friday, recieved on Monday. Very happy. Will definitley do business with this person again if such a need arises.



3. This is a college course book but it has much information about welding. Very good for a reference book. Wish I could get the workbook and answers.



4. This isn't the kind of book you give a quick read. It is more like a class text or reference book if you are welding now. I love it and have already gotten good use from it.



5. This book is a must for any welder. It is filled with info. and the price is unbeatable!

5 comments about Reinforced Concrete (6th Edition).

1. Reinforced concrete is the corner stone of our civil engineering profession, making it interesting is where the hardship lies. Dr. Nawy, along with his book made it seem like a breeze. He made the course both enjoyable and interesting and enhanced my confidence in going out to the real world to face my job. I learnt alot about my profession from him and even mentioning his name as one of my professors has given me a whole lot! I am grateful i was one of his students. Thank you Dr. Nawy and Good Luck to you! P.S. The quality of a book should not be rated according to typing errors, it is a weak and cheap attempt of bad publicity. I am sure Dr. Nawy does not have control over what the editor decides should be printed or not. But its natural, if they aren't up there, then they try to bring down everyone else who is, grudges and jealousy make people go a long terrible way.



2. Books like this are the reason that engineers are considered illiterate. Almost every page has a grammatical mistake. Most of the examples have technical mistakes.

   It is a poor reflection on the American University system that someone who cannot even communicate at an eighth grade level is a PROFESSOR ! Similarly, it is a poor reflection on the publishing industry that books like this actually get PUBLISHED!

   From the reviewer comments there seems to be a strong fan club in Israel. Perhaps that is where Professor Nawy should be teaching.




3. Books like this are the reason that engineers are considered illiterate. Almost every page has a grammatical mistake. Most of the examples have technical mistakes.

   It is a poor reflection on the American University system that someone who cannot even communicate at an eighth grade level is a PROFESSOR ! Similarly, it is a poor reflection on the publishing industry that books like this actually get PUBLISHED!

   From the reviewer comments there seems to be a strong fan club in Israel. Perhaps that is where Professor Nawy should be teaching.




4. The new 5th edition of the Reinforced Concrete textbook is one of the best out there. It is a great resource for both learning the subject matter for undergraduate and graduate students and for referencing as a practicing engineer. The topics are organized in a logical manner that builds the reader up into really understanding the material, both design and theory. There are many useful examples provided throughout the textbook with detailed computations and explanations of the steps taken. Flowcharts are also presented for every design aspect to supplement, not replace, the reading and provide a concise summary of the design procedure.

   I have used this textbook (and previous editions) to learn the subject of reinforced concrete both for my undergraduate and graduate studies and I still use it as reference for my research work. I also used Nawy's Prestressed Concrete 4th edition textbook for my studies. The way I see it is that if you want to be the best, you learn from the best. Just check out Nawy's accomplishments for yourself!!




5. It shows me a "easy-understanding and practical" way on how to design reinforced concrete structures, especially useful when your discipline leader is absent.

5 comments about The Complete Japanese Joinery.

1. When i bought it, i was looking for a manual to learn some basic about making japanese joinery in small amatorial woodworking projects. I'm not a carpenter, i'm just an hobbist.
   
   Every page of this book is a precious pearl of a deep knowledge, surrounded by Japanese philosophy as well.
   
   If you are patient to read very carefully and then practise, you'll find a pleasant surprise: a good job made with less tiredness and an happy mind.



2. This book is really neat--definitely worth $16. There are dozens and dozens of joints detailed but almost all of them are for framing buildings. Even so, these multitude of ideas presented can really start the creative process for furniture makers, like myself. In fact, this book provided a joint that solved a problem that I had dwelled on for months. Without this book, I never would have thought of this joint.
   
   Most of the joints described are described well. But you will need to read the material carefully because some of the joints are quite complex. A lot of the joints are described with "drafting style" drawings--a front view, side view and top view. The book could benefit from more drawings that are in perspective.
   
   The description of the use of Japanese tools is brief. In fact, if I were the publisher I'd delete "Japanese Tool Use" from the title because this book really doesn't focus much on tool use. Yeah, it's covered but there are other, more detailed texts n the topic.
   
   At times, the text is awkward. If I recall correctly, this book was translated from Japanese, which likely accounts for the awkward phrases.



3. I'm fascinated by art and lifestyle in Japan. I bought this one in the hope of getting good information about "how to"s in joining wood in a woodword project without using any metal parts (nails etc). For starters, all drawings are black and white so this may dissapoint some of you. But are very well done and the book has a very interesting introductory section about japanese woodworking tools that provide a lot of information and some less expected aspects of japanese woodworking like, for example, tradition (I expected that) and an entire philosophical system (I didn't expected that). Very interesting, a lot. However, it is quite complicated to follow drawings and I sometimes felt that a better 3D rendering of the cuts should be done in order to better understand japanese joinery techniques (which ARE very complicated). I would recommend the book in the first place as a very instructive reading (which it is) and less for actually doing something being guided by its instructional content. Anyway I'm glad I bought it because it gave me more insight into japanese traditional woodworking.



4. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The pics are black and white, but good. I've spent hours reading, and re-reading it. Good resource for carpenters who want to add something to their work or understanding. Also could be great for imaginitive furniture building.



5. This is a late review for me as I purchased this book in 2006. I have lived in Japan for about two years. prior to that I did some work in remodeling and small buildings. I had training in the technology. So when I watched Japanese woodworkers building in a new suburb in southern japan, I was suprised to see more of a timber frame construction process using round timbers. The masters of joinery at work. I thought to myself how strange?
   
   As I said two years ago I purchased this book on my quest to understand beauty and craftsmanship. I still use the phrase of the carpenters training manual to bring me to "reality" when I am involved in "More Power!", "More power tools!" It says find a place under a tree and set up your tools. When I read this I laughed heartily at myself. I had been a tool envious "Norm" follower for many years. He always has bigger and better, even when I was catching up!
   
   This is about wood. Hand tools! Craftsmanship! And the heart of the samauri wood worker. These joints have evolved and at one time were secrets of the particular trade guild, only taught to people after long apprenticeships. Look at the joints! Get the spirit of working with the wood. Learn secrets of joining.
   
   I liked this book so much that when it got lost in my piles, I bought another.
   
   Marc Adams of the Marc Adams school uses a phrase he stole from someone. "See one, do one." It's the way of wood!

5 comments about Colonial Style: Creating Classic Interiors in Your Cape, Colonial, or Saltbox Home.

1. As proud new owners of an antique home in Marblehead, MA -- built circa 1720 -- we were thrilled to find Treena Crochet's "Colonial Style." It helped greatly in getting our creative juices in motion. And the author even took time to respond to my e-mail inquiry about a ceiling issue which had us stumped. The book is a real pleasure to own -- just like our antique home! Ann and Mike



2. This book has pretty pictures, but focuses on a more rustic colonial home. Think charming, yet squeeky, New England Inn. I was hoping for some pictures and ideas for a more "updated" Colonial with larger rooms. A little less "shabby chic" and more "classic decorating".
   
   I only write this review to guide others. The book is nice and is perfect for that person who likes the older, historic-feeling home.



3. This is a book which explores (mostly) middle class home interiors of the 18th and early 19th century. Yes, there are some odd digressions, but by and large it's a fine work brimming with great photos and ideas, mostly taken from original homes. This book is a solid effort, showing what appropriate 18th century interiors should look like when cleaned up in a modern restored house, or a recreated one. Those who like authentic interiors will like this book. Those who do not want an authentic interior, but want to mix and match taking a bit of this and a bit of that, but still want to call it colonial, will possibly find these interiors "dark and provincial". Well - news flash: 18th century middle class and lower class interiors in North America were, by their very nature, both dark (candle light, small windows, soot, dark paint) and provincial (being the colonies, after all). The word colonial has its own cachet, and many people insist on applying it to their house, no matter what kind of eclectic mish mash it is.



4. What it lacks in substance, it makes up for with pretty pictures. For historical zealots (such as myself) this book will leave you hungry for more information about Colonial homes and their historical roots, but for what it is, it's pretty decent. This book has good artwork, clean pictures and an interesting array of different Colonial styles.
   
   That being said, I was profoundly disappointed in the book's lack of images and information on the ubiquitous Colonial Revival. That was my reason for buying this book, as I wanted to learn more about that style of housing. "Colonial Style" had very little on this incredibly popular genre (and derivation) of domestic architecture.
   
   Then again, I am a purist. If you want some decorating ideas and like to look at pretty pictures of old Williamsburg-era Colonials, you'll love it.



5. The book was purchased to help guide an authentic restoration of a 1925 Saltbox in Atlanta. The cover was among the best photographs in the book, but many others were helpful in establishing a general sense of the colonial aesthetic, with which we were unfamiliar. The mouldings section was far briefer(and less helpful) than I was hoping for, but suppose you can't expect a full chapter devoted to base boards. Because we were adding a fireplace and bookcases, pictures from the book proved invaluable in communicating trim details to the contractor. In summary, the book well served our purposes. A heady read on colonial design it is not.

5 comments about Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint.

1. Being in this house must be like walking around in a dream.This man is highly gifted!



2. YOUR HOME,A LIVING CANVAS sits on my living room coffee table and everyone who sees it wants one. Curtis Heuser's work is stunning and his directions for achieving beautiful results in your own home are clear and accessible. This book is head and shoulders above any others that I have read on faux finishes and/or murals. For just browsing for aesthetic pleasure or for guidance in undertaking major artistic redecoration, YOUR HOME is the book to own; the perfect gift to give or to receive.



3. I love reading what people have to say about things I KNOW so well. lol I am very fortunate to have a Curtis Heuser mural in my home and when guest see it, they speak of my home to others as a mansion, not a house. Curt is a would class artist, however, this book gets criticized in some reviews because it is not JUST about murals. Please be thankful about that folks. A mural does personalize a space and add an art feature to a home but Curt then teaches how to complete the picture by showing you how to decorate the space. Curt does not say, "Give me a boat load of money and i'll transform your home", he tells you how to make your house a mansion. I, like Curt, came from very humble beginnings and he has taught me how to live like a king, or at least look like on a shoe string budget. He teaches how to select great paint colors, fabrics, and decorative pieces you can pick up at discount stores or antique shows. People come to my house and look at things I have picked up and marvel at their beauty and I smile knowing that the item might have been $9.00 and I bought it because I loved it. I didn't have to pay a decorator a commission on something purchased form a store that already has it marked up. Please enjoy Curts gift for making your house a home from mural work, faux finishes, collections that you purchase from Goodwill to antique shows. However, having said all this, my best purchase was the mural in my dining room. Check it out on HGTV website, episode 508 on the show Before and After. I hope there will be many more books from this man. He has the gift to create world class spaces. I wish all of you could have your own Heuser mural. His portfolio is amazing.



4. This is a delilghtful and beautiful book for artists or those of us who appreciate others' talent. Curtis has created a labor of love first in his home and then in his book. I was fortunate enough to tour the finished product and it is truly gorgeous. I'm able to relive the experience by revisiting his book from time to time. This book is a winner on all counts.



5. Decorative Artist Curtis L. Heuser will take you on a true-to-life journey of his purchase of a forgotten historic house in disrepair to it's reclaimed glory. A chance meeting between Curtis and the art director for the book's publisher resulted in this journey being documented for the benefit of creative thinkers everywhere. Where to begin? What to tackle first? How to proceed? Curtis allows us to enter his creative thinking process as he provides the reader with his inspirations, initial preparatory drawings, as well as tips and tricks, materials lists and instructions for executing many of the exciting painted and plaster finishes that he used in this stunning home. From the elegant chinoiserie-inspired garden mural on the cover to the creation of a faux-rusted vanity, Curtis hasn't kept much to himself. He allows the reader generous access to this handsome home and to all of the secrets of it's restored beauty. Your Home, a living canvas will inspire you to rethink your own living canvas and if you like, will hold your hand along the way.

1 comments about Textiles for Residential & Commercial Interiors.

1. There is oodles of info in it, however, it is the absolute driest book I've ever had to read. I actually love the majority of my textbooks. As a design student, I expect a book to have nice color photos, beautiful layout and an organization that is more appealing. This book needs help! How about a graphic design professional to work the layout and photos, maybe pay a little extra for some color pages (it looks like it was printed on a copy machine as is) and maybe someone to edit the copy so it is more palatable and less tiring. When I know I need to catch some zzzzz's, I just open this book and try to read a few paragraphs.