5 comments about House.

1. We're going through a major remodel, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. It's been a pretty good read, with fairly accurate descriptions of each party's position during the construction project. All parties come across as sympathetic and genuine, which make their conflicts more real. My biggest disappointment is that I wanted the analysis to be deeper so that I could takeaway lessons about what to do and what to avoid, but this isn't that kind of book.



2. If the Souweines were happy about their house, they probably weren't happy with this book. I got the feeling that Kidder set out to be totally impartial about all of the people in this book, but by the end, he was sick of the whiny Souweines, in the same way that the carpenters set out to do the absolute best work they could but finally just wanted to get er done.



3. As a builder myself, I find that Kidder presents a fascinating picture about the process of building a house. I, like the builders in the book, always try to create something beautiful and lasting. All I can say is that the homeowners got lucky in finding builders that care so much despite the owners' pettiness. All too often, I am called in to repair a job in which the builder did not care or the owner was trying to "cheap out" or both. Most of the time you get what you pay for. In this case the owners got lucky to find true gentlemen who loved their craft. This is a book espousing that truly talented craftsmen are worth so much more than their weight in gold. A side note, Bill Rawns's architecture firm is now huge and well decorated, and Jim Locke, one of the builders, has written his own book called "A Well-Built House".



4. Unlike most others, I disliked this book. I tried to get through it twice, separated by a few years, but I give up.
   
   I'd hoped that this would offer fresh insights to building, but it was simply a painful replay of the psycho-drama involved: who's going to take the risks, who's going to "win" in what is presented as a zero-sum game.
   
   No wonder so many people end up hating their builders, and no wonder builders approach customers with distrust!
   
   I'm a serial renovator and will soon be building from the ground up. I'd suggest that there IS another approach - it's called teamwork. Do the research and make the effort upfront and find a builder you can work with and trust. Keep them running a tight budget with multiple bids but be respectful of their risk too! It's possible to create an environment in which everyone wins: on projects this significant, it's worth working to create it.



5. I fell in love with these builders. I was so happy to see that Jim Locke did his own book and is apparently successful in his business. I just hope the others are too. There is so much slipshod work done these days - build it big, lots of fancy extras, lots of problems later.

5 comments about Prestressed Concrete: A Fundamental Approach (5th Edition).

1. I used this book for a senior/graduate prestressed concrete class. The chapter headings looked appropriate. But the book is loaded with errors. As near as I can tell, no example in the book is correct. Early on I contacted the author about a few errors and got no meaningful response. Finally, I sent a partial list of errors and the names of my unfortunate students who bought the book to the publisher. They allowed my students to exchange the book.

   Recovering from selecting this book and switching to other resources cost me many hours. Although, going through the books by Collins and Menn was very useful.

   In my opinion, your best bet for a class is to contact PCI or start with M.P. Collins (out of print, but I found a used copy), the PCI handbook, and fundamental papers.




2. Sure there may be some typographical errors, but the subject of prestressed concrete design is itself complex and detailed. To address the complexity, the author lays down systematic methods that, in the end, is only limited to the abilities of professionals and students who use them. Furthermore, the structure of the subject matter and example problems offers practicing engineers a valuable reference for prestressed design.



3. Like all of Professor Nawy's books, this one is extremely badly written. There are numerous typos and mistakes, although some are kind of entertaining. The Reinforced Concrete Book for example discusses the "modulus of rapture" of concrete. The chapter on Unbonded Post-tensioning in the Concrete Construction book discusses "prostrating tendons".

   This is probably not a bad book for an experienced engineer, and might even be considered a useful exercise, since nothing in the book should be relied on without checking at least one other reference. It is not a book that should be used to learn prestressed concrete design however.




4. There are seven of us (structural engineer / bridge designer) have been using this book successfully for our daily bridge design.
   Our experience ranges from 20 + years to 3 + years. The clear detailed definition of each subject (theory), the recommended specifications from different organizations such as PCI, ACI, AASHTO, the step by step procedures, great example solutions and the flow charts gave us the opportunity not only to understand it well but also to be able to write it in several simple computer programs.
   We have been enjoying using Dr. Nawy's book for years.



5. This book is full of errors. The publisher will do great service to the engineering profession (to humanity by extension) by immediately withdrawing this book from the market. Unorganized, incoherent, almost schizophrenic.

3 comments about Steel, Concrete, and Composite Design of Tall Buildings.

1. It is a very practical book containg material which will be useful to those engaged in the design of tall buildings. The unique thing about this book is the fact Taranath has given details of many important tall buildings,which will guide us before choosing a framework for the new building. He also explains how a structural system can be chosen. It has numerous practical examples. The code clauses are clearly explained.The Design for Wind and Earthquake are given in a nice manner with reference to latest codes of practices.His explanations are very easy to understand. Lateral and gravity systems for steel,concrete and composite constructions are given with numerous drawings in seperate chapters. Analysis techniques are given in an easy to understand fashion with less mathematical complexity. Design methods are also given. Discussion on related items such as damping and cladding systems,Foundation design,seismic design of Diaphragm ,etc. are also included. The data on Structural quantities will be a boon to those who want to have a preliminary estimate of the building, they are going to design. In all, it is a book worth buying and will serve as a reference for a long time. With this book and a proper software, we can design any tall building with ease.



2. This is a great analysis and design book in tall buildings. You will find plenty of examples and discussions. Although the book does not get deep into some of the advanced topics, it is still a great source for structural engineers.



3. This book is the bible of structural engineering of tall buildings. Every designer should read it and every time you want to design a tower, you should use it. Thanks for hectic effort Prof. Taranth provided to help the structural engineers.

5 comments about International Residential Code 2003 (International Residential Code).

1. Very good reference book for understanding the details of what the building inspector is using for acceptance criteria. Not for the novice, unless you have a good dictionary available. It does leave some of the minute details in the referenced industry standards (National Electric Code, ANSI standards, etc.). Provdes an excellent way to communicate specifics with the general contractor/builder.



2. IRC Codes are as the say "standard". It is good to have a single code book for residential building. However, the ability to go to one location, click on what I need when I need it, and have it delivered at a reasonable price where I need it...is the best.



3. I liked the fonts used quite a bit, but the story was slow at times. There was almost no charicter development and the plotlines were dated. Still, the surprise ending does what it intends.



4. I was shocked to recieve the Code book at least two weeks before I expected it and it was in perfect shape. The service is excellent and I could not be happier with the material.



5. You really need to WANT to have the Residential Code to wade through the 'jargon' in it. The answers ARE there, but you have to look for them. The chart on window and door header requirements is nearly 3 pages long! The code must cover all possibilities, but it doesn't need to be so technical that only 'inspectors' can decipher it (if they're lucky). The 2002 National Electric Code is just as complex, but it is written to be understood by nearly anyone. I hope the editors/writers of the next version of the IRC take the hint.

2 comments about Green Living For Dummies (For Dummies (Home & Garden)).

1. This book covers a vast amount of information in the typical Dummy fashion. If you know nothing about living a green lifestyle, Green Living for Dummies will teach you the basics and lots more. Because of the breadth of this book, virtually everyone will learn from it.
   
   The book begins like most green living books do, with an overview of the importance of being green for our deeply troubled Earth.
   
   However, unlike most eco-friendly books I've read, this one covers the gamut:
   
   Green at Home: includes a section on detecting and banishing health hazards like asbestos and lead.Basics on green remodeling and building and on green cleaning.
   
   Chapter on garbage. This was great, as part of the problem is the proper disposal of unwanted stuff. Includes how and what to recycle, including what to do with the problematic computers and cell phones.
   
   Chapter on growing your own food.
   
   The chapter on how to purchase the best green and ethical food was excellent.
   
   Subsequent chapters included green clothing, ethical investments, donations and banking.
   
   Transportation, green travel...
   
   Even working in a green environment was covered.
   
   Like I said, a green soup to nuts books. Lots of good, current information. Highly recommended.
   
   Author of award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet



2. A must for parents and grandparents , who want to leave a clean living place for their children and grandbabys . I try to live green , but even I, have learned much more I can do to help planet earth,. Written in an easy to read format ,;; reccomended. From growing your own vegetables ,to renewable energy sources.

No comments about Surveying: Principles and Applications (7th Edition).

5 comments about The Big Book of Weekend Woodworking: 150 Easy Projects (Big Book of ... Series).

1. I just got started in serious woodworking, and was looking for a good book to get me started with small projects to cut my teeth on. This was it. I've already completed a couple of the items and have more on my to-do list. The drawings are excellent, the instructions are, for the most part, helpful and accurate, and the materials lists are simple and low cost. The bulk of my Christmas gifts this year are going to come from making projects found in this book.
   
   If you or someone you know is just getting started, this is the book to give them for a bunch of great project ideas that will build skills without incurring a bunch of costs.



2. This book has so many projects in it that some are bound to interest you. The problem with books that feature, say 25 projects, is that if you find 10% of them interesting you get 2-3 projects out of the book. This has 150 projects. If you find 10% of them interesting then you walk away with clear instructions and pretty detailed plans for 15 projects. This book is well written and includes sections on finishing and material selection. I own many "project" books. This book outshines them all by a wide margin. Joinery is pretty basic and the projects run from beginner to intermediate, with most of them being the former. One point that I feel compelled to mention, however, is that most projects in this book require a machine (or hand tool) that will cut curves. Just buy it!



3. With 150 projects in the book, you are bound to find at least a couple that you find interesting enough to build. Such is the case with this book. Most of the projects are so-so and are worth a glance or two. I have a list of about 5 projects that I will actually try.
   The designs are clear and the instructions mostly thorough. The one error I did find was easily recovered from (a flip-flop in order of steps in the fanning candleholder).
   I was hoping for about 20-30 projects that would actually be attempted so for that reason I drop the rating to 4 stars. Overall this is a good book that should give the weekend handyman several ideas.



4. i have yet to receive 2 products that i ordered over 2 months ago. i will NEVER use amazon again!!! it deserves 0 stars.



5. I have leafed through a number of project books only to be disappointed with the types of projects that would be offered. Many would be cheesey and not anything you really would find useful or feel comfortable making for another. This book is quite different.
   
   If you have friends and family members that enjoy items of a "Michaels" craft variety, you will definitely find something worth making and giving to them for holidays and other special occasions. If you are a father/grandfather/mother/grandmother who would like to see a young child experience a toy or piece of furniture that is not molded in an asian factory, this book would also be for you.
   
   Joinery for the projects is somewhat varied. Unlike other project books I have looked through, these are not all butt-joints and overly simple (though there are some projects that are very simple for those getting started). The book will not teach you how to paint, cut, or join. It is what it says it is, a book of projects that has ideas, plans, and diagrams. If you are very new to woodworking, I would suggest buying this with another book that teaches the basic woodworking skills necessary to build the projects listed safely.

4 comments about Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality (Topics in Down Syndrome).

1. Terri Couwenhoven's book is a terrific resource for parents and teachers of kids with Down syndrome and other disabilities (including autism). The book includes lessons to use when teaching kids about safe behavior and social relationships.



2. Thank you for making it so easy for me to get the information I need to be the best parent I can be to my daughter who was born 15 years ago with Down Syndrome. Sometimes it feels like we are in a boat with no oars. When I find books like this that actually give me some insight it makes all the difference in the world. And right here on Amazon, I don't have to go out searching and searching.
   This book is very easy to navigate and find the info I need help with. Just another way to approach things helps tremendously.
   Thank you



3. Excellent book.
   Great pointers for parents of little ones with Down syndrome. As a parent of an adult with Down syndrome, I found the book to be excellent in discussing sexuality and body boundries.



4. Excellent resource for parents, teenagers with all types of disabilities, as well as repite providers, and teachers.

No comments about HVAC Equations, Data, and Rules of Thumb, 2nd Ed..

5 comments about Bungalow Colors Exteriors.

1. This is a wll researched book. I wanted to use it to help me pick colors for my house. The book features sherwin williams, not the paint I used. It did give my ideas on how to paint the trim in an original way, but did not really help me pick out distinct colors. Most of the colors used in their makeovers were light. I wanted to see more darker colors for the house body.



2. As a Craftsman bungalow owner, I was eager to turn to this book for some direction in returning my home's exterior to its period. While there is a good attempt to address some of the questions of color, many of the photos are so poor (harshly contrasting sunlight, faded or inaccurate colors, etc.) that the "actual" examples are very disappointing. Further, the best photographed examples are from large A&C homes, not Craftsman, and not "bungalows," as the title implies. However, the color examples provided in the book (in "chip" form, rather than from photos) were helpful. In all, I got something from this book, but not as much as I'd hoped.



3. I was skeptical about this book after reading other reviews. However, I was very pleasantly surprised how useful two particular sections of this book were for me. The "Developing Your Own Color Scheme" section takes you through decisions for each part of your exterior. Not only is there the body of the house to decide a color for, but there are the trim and accent colors, the window sash, the roofing materials, and the foundation. In order for a color scheme to work and show off your bungalow's best features, all of these elements need to work together. The other section I liked is "Before And After," which shows how actual homes were improved by emphasizing or de-emphasizing certain elements of their exteriors. I even chose my own colors from one of the alternate color schemes the author suggests. Warning -- the color swatches printed in the book look nothing like the real Sherwin-Williams colors of the same name. If you see a color you like, take the book with you and find a similar color at the paint store.



4. It is a well thought out and researched book, beginning with a significant amount of history about Bungalows and their Craftsman cousins. From a historical perspective it is definitely worth the read, and contains many source images of homes from this era highlighting the different color choices and how they changed over time. I learned that dark window sash paint was prevalent until the 1920's, when it shifted to white (paving the way for ubiquitous white vinyl!).
   
   It then goes into the process of picking colors, including very helpful suggestions to work with various roof colors, period and real world examples, as well as specific details such as porches, steps and eaves. The book also has a short technical section on colors, very helpful to educate husbands in how to articulate thoughts about colors.
   
   My only real peeves with the book is the lack of references past 1930, and the lack of any Spanish styles, save the cover of the book. My house is (obvious by my peeves) a 1938 Spanish style bungalow. Even without a plethora of period examples for my specific need it helped me decide where I wanted to go with my house, and how to draw focus without detracting from the whole.



5. Learn about the trends of home colors throughout history, and find tips for returning your bungalow to a shade from the period in which it was built.