5 comments about The Owner-Builder Book: How You Can Save More Than $100,000 in the Construction of Your Custom Home, 4th Edition.

1. I've just started in on this book, so my review may change after I've read the rest; but my initial opinion of this book is that while it contains a lot of useful information, it also contains information that is based on favorable chance events and optimism; these should be toned down or at least balanced with conservative planning. One instance shows how to "trade up" or "flip" houses to use the equity of the flipped house to get better properties at lower mortgage payments. This is an optimistic assumption, as is apparent in todays real estate market as of this review, there are a lot of home buyers who thought they could do this and are now stuck in expensive properties they don't want. Information presented like this reminds me of those "get rich" books. Many of the other reviewers have said the same thing: Too much junk information thrown in trying to make you feel good about the book and what you are doing. This space could have been eliminated, shrinking the book, or filled with more useful information.
   
   Optimisim and "can do" spirit is definitley necessary to build your own home, by all accounts it is a very trying process. When using this book as an element in your DIY homebuilding planning, I'd follow the author's suggestions, plan like crazy, plan for the worst and hope for the best. The information in the book is very good. I'd still recommend it.



2. I bought this book last year before I started my first building project and it was very useful. While I agree with some of the negative reviews that there are too many testimonials and some strange justifications discussed on why to build your own home, I think overall it's helpful.
   
   Here are the things you can get from this book: a plan showing you how to get started, understanding the different steps and trades to build, understanding the planning time required, an idea of the commitment that is required, a structure to set-up your budget, tips to secure your bank loan and ideas for some custom home features to consider.
   
   You will not get much information on the following: details on building techniques, detailed cost saving tips or useful price information.



3. While the book tries to convince you to be a owner-builder, it doesn't give you what you need to make the decision. A book that was far better and more closely resembles what you want to know about is Contracting your Home. I bought them both and was ready to discard this book and fell in love with that one.



4. well, i've read so many how to books, i've read tips and traps, the idot's guide, and the dummy's guide. the owner builder book surpases them all!
   
   it taught me so much about being my own contractor to build my house myself. i've had a lot of friends who custom built homes, and one thing i noticed about all of them is that the builder didn't really build. he just managed the building project but made $50,000 or more for his management!
   
   this book broke down everything you need to know to begin this process. it especially focuses on the planning stage which is the most important stage in building a custom home.
   
   if you are considering being an owner builder, this the book for you!



5. If you are contracting your own house, this book is a must. Read it, and also go to the website. I read this book through a few times, and feel more confident as I start my owner-builder process.

3 comments about LEED NC Sample Exam: New Construction.

1. If there is a question in anybody's mind regarding the need for 'Leadership in Energy and environmental Design,' they need only look at what's happened to their winter heating bill over the last two or three years. And it is going to get worse. In an attempt to remove some of the fraud and misrepresentation from the industry the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has created the LEED Professional Accreditation exam.
   
   This book is just a sample exam. It is not a tutorial on the material, nor does is it an 'exam cram' type book. It consists of a simulated examination, as close to the real test as they can make it, followed by the answers and a detailed solution describing how that answer was derived.
   
   For a text on the material covered by this book, the USGBC (you can find them using a search engine) puts out several documents including the New Construction Reference Guide.



2. Very informative, the answer format helps to explain the logic behind the answers to the test questions.



3. A LEED AP is a person who passed at least one of the three LEED Exams (LEED-NC, LEED-CI, LEED-EB) and has the skills and knowledge to encourage and support integrated design, to take part in the design process, and to control the application and certification process for a LEED building. Since most people tend to take LEED-NC exam to become LEED AP, "LEED NC Sample Exam: New Construction" can be very helpful to them.
   
   "LEED NC Sample Exam: New Construction" is not a study guide or an exam cram book. It is a sample exam. The nice and helpful feature is that it gives you the answer and explanation. This can save you time and let you know if you are ready for the exam. You can download the sample exam from USGBC website, but it only has 12 sample questions.
   
   "LEED NC Sample Exam: New Construction" has 39 pages. It is a useful book for preparing for the LEED-NC v2.2 exam.
   
   Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated," LEED AP, AIA

5 comments about What Stories Does my son need?: A Guide to Books and Movies that Build Character in Boys.

1. This book is an excellent idea. However, the authors left out what I have found to be the best one for our sons AND OUR DAUGHTERS. Add the book, "West Point" by Norman Thomas Remick to your list (in fact, this should be first as it gives the basics). It's a veritable education in character and leadership.



2. A wonderful list. Yes, as other reviewers point out, there is 'nothing new here'. But parents today are bombarded with books and videos for kids and don't often have time to sift through them all as thoughtfully as the authors have done here. They've done a wonderful job of reviewing stories we know and love from a boy's perspective. My 6 year old gets way too much pressure to act like a girl, I'm grateful for movie & book reviews that acknowledge not just that it's ok to be a boy, but actually quite wonderful. The discussion questions may not be the ones you want to ask, but they get you thinking along the right lines.



3. I find this book useful in choosing movies for my son and in pulling out character building topics to discuss with him. This book acknowledges that boys connect with media and gives specific ideas how parents can USE that power rather than simply be subject to it. I do have to agree with the other reviewers, I'd like to see more; a little more depth and an updated version to include more recent books and movies.



4. This book has great age-appropriate movie and book suggestions. The topics of discussion have been very useful for us... our 5 year old son now specfically asks us to pause the movie or book so that he can get clarification regarding the concepts or words he does not understand. On the inside cover, I jot down the newer books or movies that strike me as being potentially inspiring for my son in the future. I REALLY wish Mr. Gurian would write a version of this book for girls! I have had to start my own list for my daughter.



5. I love Amazon's Search Inside the Book feature but in this case is it doing the author any favors when it lists most of the books (listed by age group) which he suggests are appropriate? If you can see the books and movies, why buy the book?
   
   ALso, just by glancing over the contents I could see which movies would work for my kids and which they'd seen or didn't like. This was enough to convince me that the book had nothing new to say to me that I hadn't already seen by using this feature.
   
   Sorry. But that's my take.

5 comments about Preston Bailey's Fantasy Weddings.

1. Preston Bailey is wonderful!! He is truly original and I love all of his books!!



2. I truly am enjoying this book! Preston's style is so inspiring I have shared it with several of my friends. The photos are beautiful and the information he shares with us is very helpful. I will buy all I can of his work. Thank-You Preston for sharing the gift God gave you with us. Sincerly, Sherry



3. I am an event designer and love making any room beautiful. I thought these pictures were beautiful but possible a little over the top. I don't recommend buying the book. It's wasn't worth paying full price.



4. Many people say Preston Bailey is over the top- and he is! Duh... I have an event production firm here in LA and we make reference to the authors ideas, then we tone it down a bit, add our own flavor and touch, and there you have it. The point of a book like this that everyone else here seems to miss is that you should NEVER recreate anything in a book- but rather be inspired by it.
   The point of my title is to draw a parallel between the ideas in this book, and the point of the high-fashion industry. When Dolce & Gabbana release a silver pleather jumpsuit in a runway show, they don't want you to actually wear that on the street; but rather, they want you to move in a more conservative version of that design that is usually toned down and sold in the store. It's like asking for a raise: ask for $2.00 if you really want $1.00...



5. This book is delightful.The talents of Bailey and his staff are vast. I recommend Fantasy Weddings to get your own creative juices flowing-very inspiring for professionals- or simply to enjoy as an escape to Fairyland.

4 comments about Rustic Revisited: Innovative Design for Cabin, Camp, and Lodge.

1. What a great book! I bought it to give as a gift and ended up keeping it for myself. It's filled with beautiful photos of rustic style in all its forms: including Adirondack camps, lake houses in Wisconsin, Western lodges and Southern cottages just to name a few. I got many good ideas from it, and will be buying more copies to give to friends. I highly recommend it.



2. This book portrays a vast amount of information on lodge-camp- and cabin style.
   
   Ann O'Leary identifies the historical as well as specific decorating details necessary to achieve these fabulous lodge and camp looks. This is a very in-depth, extensively well researched and beautifully written book! Well done!



3. Many design ideas can be obtained from this book if you are remodeling or building a cabin.



4. Pictures were well done but I wish someone that writes in this genre, would do a book on cabins and retreats that the average person could own. Most of these books cater to the wealthy rich folks and show lodges that most of us will never see let alone own.
   Give me a book that can help me arrange a rustic decor, Just a couple of those out there. A book on the average fishing and hunting cabin like the ones I remember from childhood would be a dream!

3 comments about Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Jigs & Fixtures (Complete Illustrated Guides (Taunton)).

1. Sandor Nagyszalanczy has just added another excellent book to his growing and versatile collection of woodworking guides.The organization of his Jigs and Fixtures book is first rate,logical and easy to follow.It starts out with a short section on how to use the book and then follows with sections organized in a very useable way.Safety notes are interspersed throughtout and are appropriate for novice and professional woodworkers alike.I have several other jigs and fixtures books which are generally boring to read and used only to look up a specific jig. However,this is not true for Mr.Nagyszalanczy most readable and informative works which I enjoy cover to cover. I have another of his books on built-ins which is also great, and have preordered his new shop organization book.He is a frequent visitor on DIY Network's "Tools and Techniques" hosted by Popular Woodworking's David Thiel . He is as enjoyable to watch and listen to as his books are to read.I rate this book at 5 stars and my only minor critique is that the many color photos, while excellent and instructional, tend to be a bit smaller than my 64 year old eyes like to see, but that's not a big deal.As an aside,most Taunton Press woodworking guides,of which I have many,are typically of very high quality. I look forward to more guides from this extremely knowledgeable and entertaining professional woodworker.
   M.W. O'Brien, Valley Head, Alabama



2. As usual, books in this collection are well done. The text is clear and well illustrated by hundred of color pictures.
   
   This book cover all kinds of jigs for stationary tool and portable power tool.
   Even though I already at least heard of most of the jig in this book, I still did manage to find some new ideas that are now maky my work faster and safer.
   
   Definitively worst your time and money.



3. This is the best yet. Very well illustrated, cross referenced, written extremely well and superb photos.. The hardcover is worth the extra money just for the fact that it lies flat while opened, making reading on a bench very easy. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Build Your Own Low-Cost Log Home (Garden Way Publishing Classic).

1. This update of the classic 1977 book will help you choose a site, plan your cabin, find a kit or build from scratch. Easy to read text, illustrations, plans and details of a pretty 24' x 40' hillside cabin can be a do-it-yourself guide or can serve as your inspiration for other cabin designs.



2. While no one book will make you an expert builder this book will show you that you can build your own Log Home. Roger Hard has written an easy to understand How To Guide with topics like tools needed, chain saw mills even alternative power sources. I especially liked the tree species map of the US and Canada and the insulation value chart of the different species of wood.
   Along with other books, videos,web sites, message boards, talking with Log Home owners and dealers this book should be apart of your strategy.



3. Now in an updated and expanded new edition, Build Your Own Low-Cost Log Home is a solid, in-depth guide to a venerable and neglected art. Chapters cover log preparation, needed tools, site and cost considerations, sample designs, accommodating heating systems and other utilities, the differences between manufacturer's kit homes, maintenance of one's log home, and much more. Black-and-white diagrams and photographs illustrate this methodical, easy-to- follow instructional. Build Your Own Low-Cost Log Home is a practical-minded resource for creating a livable modern home, packed cover to cover with tips from firsthand experience.



4. Great book. Lots of help, from felling your wood to finishing your home.
   I reccomend it.



5. This is the best of the cabin building books I've read yet. This book not only shares great technical detail with quality photographs but also discusses how to plan ahead to minimize the chance of mistakes. Discusses what the banks are willing and not willing to finance, land and site selection for building, type of ground to build upon among many other topics in addition to very detailed construction methods.
   This may be the only book you need.

2 comments about Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, 9th Edition: Save Money, Save the Earth (Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings).

1. Written by Jennifer Thorne Amann (Senior Associate in the Buildings and Equipment Program at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings is a handy resource for homeowners, state utility companies, and anyone else interested in saving money and reducing environmental impact. Now in its ninth updated edition, Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings offers in-depth comparisons between available energy-saving technologies, cost-effective repair and replacement options, step-by-step instructions for finding the right equipment for one's needs, and much more. "Try to install your clothes washer as close to the water heater as reasonably possible and insulate the hot water pipes leading to it to minimize heat loss through the pipes. Also, if possible, locate the washer and dryer in a heated space. This is particularly important with dryers, which depend on heat to dry." Simple black-and-white illustrations help to clarify key points in this solid money-saving guide. Highly recommended.



2. This book is filled with practical advice and energy saving suggestions, with illustrations and instructions that explain the "hows and whys" of energy savings. The book takes you through the house from attic to appliances, from windows to CFL lights, with the Real Story on each. The advice is highly practical and much better than some books that simply point out the obvious. The book is FULL of practical projects you can do this weekend to make your home more efficient. This book will pay for itself the first weekend you own it.

2 comments about Framing Walls (Fine Homebuilding DVD Workshop).

1. "Framing Walls" by Larry Haun, is the second DVD in a three-part carpentry series that will teach you how to build your own home. Part One is titled "Framing Floors," and Part Three is titled, "Framing Roofs." Each part in this series teaches you the skills necessary to build a home of your own. This DVD edition is a great asset to this classic VHS collection because it allows you to quickly move from one building selection to another, or to review a topic.
   As a carpenter myself, I've had many homeowners ask me if it was hard to learn the carpentry trade, or to build a home. My answer is pretty simple: "It's for sure not as hard as you may think, if someone is there teaching you the skills." And that my friend, is what you will get when you watch this DVD. As a matter of fact, you will have a master carpentry teacher with decades of experience pointing out each step of the building process in easy to understand everyday language.
   I also recommend owning the book titled, "The Very Efficient Carpenter," by Larry Haun as a companion to this DVD series because there are sections that Larry goes into more detail in the book. However, the bottom line is this: You can learn to build your own home by watching an experienced carpenter do it first, then doing it on your own. All it takes is a little confidence in yourself. You can do it.



2. I spent a lazy saturday afternoon watching this video for some knowledge of construction. I am interested in doing light handyman, remodeling work at my house, so this video was definitely beyond my knowledge. But I decided, why not learn something new. What I saw were two old guys framing a one story house and they were very fast in what they did, but very accurate and knowledgeable. After I watched the video I did a google search of the authors and found out the older brother was born around 1930 and has been doing framing work for all his life. The guy is a PRO. Anyone looking to do framing work should take a look at this video. For someone with absolutely no knowledge, this video may be a bit complicated. The video is more suited for someone with some "hands on" work, and some carpentry skills. 5 stars.

4 comments about Bazaar Style: Decorating With Market and Vintage Finds.

1. I love this look and find it a fun and easy way to decorate, HOWEVER, I caution those less adventurous folks to find a more mainstream book for reference. This book focuses on the flea market, ethnic look which is not a look based on balance or anything cohesive...it's an "anything goes" kind of look which is perfect if you are just starting out and trying to put a home together with odds and ends available to you from friends and family. Since I am a huge garage sale, antique mall or tag sale fan, I love seeing how these type of things can be show-cased to look fun and stylish. Since my style is a mix of this bohemian style with antiques and newer, modern furnishings and accessories mixed in, I find it a good point of reference when I'm looking for new and fresh ideas.
   
   This is a wonderful book to spark some creativity and make your imagination run wild!



2. I never write reviews, but this book is just fantastic!
   I love unique and different things with lots of color, so this book is very helpful. I can use the things I have for a vibrant fun filled home.
   If you are an avid flea market, rummage sale, & import store shopper, you are going to really enjoy this!



3. Although the book itself is beautifully produced and photographed, the 'style' gives Eclectic a bad name. Even the most avant-garde professional designers know that the eye needs someplace to rest. "Calm" and "rest" don't appear here.



4. I¨m not a vintage/fleamarket style person when it comes to interiors, but it's refreshing to see that personal and unique homes can be created without a lot of money. A lot of ideas can be picked up here. You don't have to have a home that's entirely Bazaar/vintage style, but quite a lot of us do have a piece or two that can come to use in our home and make it our own. A lot of pictures - a book that gives you value for money.