No comments about DEWALT Residential Remodeling and Repair Professional Reference (Dewalt Trade Reference Series).

4 comments about The Woman's Fix-It Book: Incredibly Simple Weekend Projects and Everyday Home Repair.

1. This book paid for itself the first time I changed an electrical switch. I am getting psyched up for working on the drippy faucet. I am now enlightened about the mysterious workings of the toilet and know I will probably never have to meet the plumber. My only criticisim is that I thought the lesson on installing an underground sprinkler system was a bit far out and doesn't truly fit the category of "Incredibly Simple Weekend Projects" I was researching how to change a toilet, which turned out to be simple enough after I watched and paid someone to do it. I would definately include that how-to in the next edition.



2. This is the perfect book for those of us who know nothing about home repair. Its step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, without technical jargon or mystery widgets. The cautionary notes help allay my fears that I could do something dangerously dumb, especially in the electrical and plumbing sections. This book is a "must" in homes where no one's "handy!"



3. This book is a must-have for anyone doing their own home repairs. Step-by-step directions are presented in clear, simple language. Each section begins with a list of all necessary tools--no surprises just when you've got that toilet tank in pieces! Illustrations actually look like what you need to see. Even my dad asked for a copy of this book!



4. This book was purchased as a gift for our daughter. She was remodeling a beautiful apartment and needed instructions on some of the repairs, but daddy wasn't nearby. She said the book was a wonderful gift, and used it often. In fact it gave her some ideas of other projects she could and would undertake.
   I liked it so much I bought myself one also!

3 comments about Remodeling a Kitchen: Taunton's Build Like a Pro: Expert Advice from Start to Finish.

1. and this one doesn't disappoint. They are always well done with lots of photos and good text to help you make decisions and complete a successful project.



2. After using the basement book in this series to finish my basement, I was excited to obtain the kitchen version to help me redo my kitchen. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The book spends 50-60% of the time talking about how to plan your kitchen. This is important but anywhere you get cabinets from these days will help you with this. Even Ikea has free online software. He spends all this time talking about the software you'd need to plan your kitchen but little time spent on how to do the installation.... Blah
   Finally, on page 113 (out of 190 pages) he starts talking about demolition of your old kitchen and on page 163-173, he discusses cabinet installation. That's it. Not nearly as in-depth as other books in this series. Save your money.



3. I just read the two previous reviews, and felt compelled to write my own. I've had this book a few months and haven't yet redone the kitchen. I worked in construction for many years, but never did kitchen design, though I did do some installations. I re-did the kitchen in our previous home, but didn't change the layout too much.
   
   I'd hate for people to bypass this book based on the prior bad review. If you could only have one book to guide you through your whole project, this one would be hard to beat. It walks you through the process step-by-step, and warns you of potential issues like "hidden systems" - heat, electrical, etc. which can save you loads of aggravation.
   
   I don't have a problem with a significant part of the book being dedicated to design. If you gloss over the design step and move right into construction and end up with a kitchen that doesn't quite fit your cooking/life style, what have you got?? You can get a design at a store that sells cabinets, and guaranteed you'll get a design that fully utilizes their pre-built, one size fits most cabinets they're looking to sell. Maybe that works for you, but maybe not. I find the design part the most challenging. If you don't want to get into it, think about finding a kitchen designer. You may get lucky at IKEA or another big box store. Personally, I have to know I'm getting what works best for us before the money starts going out.
   
   As for needing more information on construction, I don't see it. I think this book has most of what you need. If you didn't quite get something, like installing tile, then there are many places to do research. To me, it's easier to find a description on how to build a cabinet than it is to get a good design. I feel that this book both covers design and takes a thorough look at construction. I have a few books on design alone, and would suggest that approach if you're serious about doing it yourself.
   
   I've always been happy with Taunton Press books. [...]

2 comments about 2008 National Repair & Remodeling Estimator (National Repair and Remodeling Estimator).

1. The book and software indicated to me that I can build a 30 foot long 2x6 wall at 8' high for $54.00. If anyone uses this book as their only estimating tool, email me so you can build me a house for next to nothing.



2. The one other reviewer missed the point that prices are per foot! Multiply by 30 and he'd be in the ballpark.
   
   This is an excellent source book for remodelers looking to establish a reasonable price for a job. You'll still have to do some hand tweaking to cover a few odds and ends, but in general it's all here. Gives cost + and - percentages for major cities in all states. Updated annually.

5 comments about How a house works (Family Handyman).

1. I've looked at a lot of "home" type books and this is the best one that I have seen. It takes a home and explains in the simplest terms, how it works ('wonder where they got the name of the book?). The illustrations are absolutely top notch. Buy this book!



2. This book is a rare blend of the fundamentals of residential construction, expressed in the most friendly language. Duane has an unusual two-fold gift to understand all the technical aspects of our homes and the ability to communicate that expertise in the most approachable manner. It's like having the 60-year wisdom of a construction foreman and a dutch uncle in your back pocket. I have given copies of this fine book to all my nephews and several friends.



3. This books explains how a US single family house evolved to its current standard, including structure, plumbing, electrics, etc. The author is both knowledgeable on how things in our houses work and very good at communicating his knowledge to a lay person. Although there are a few "fix it yourself" or "complete guide" books that are good at providing quick solutions, this book will help you understand how some of the solutions work. The book is less than 200 pages and takes only a few nights to read. You will benefit from it for your whole life.



4. This is the book to buy before you read the how-to books.

   It presents a concise evolution of the American home, explaining the rudiments of its construction and systems from the timber frame to the postwar eras.

   The illustrations are excellent.

   Beware, you may be tempted to subscribe to The Family Handyman.




5. Overall this is a great book for anyone that owns, rents or is thinking of buying a house. It has excellent illustrations with easy to read and understand explanations. It filled in many gaps in my knowledge about my home.
   
   I was a little surprised that in section/chapter 4: Heating and Cooling that he never even mentioned evaporative coolers/Swamp Coolers. Granted, one has to live in a fairly dry climate to get the best use out of them, but surprise........ lots of people do.
   
   I'm guessing he grew up on the east or west coast and never had much exposure to them, but they at least warrant mention.
   
   Otherwise an excellent, well written book for those of us that are curious about "How it Works"

No comments about Small AC Generator Service Manual, Volume 2: Covers complete maintenance and repair information for most portable generator models.

4 comments about The PVC Project Book: 101 Uses for PVC Pipe in the Home, Garden, Farm and Workshop.

1. This may in fact be the worst book I've ever purchased.
   
   Fully 80% of the 'projects' are "cut a piece of pipe, put a cap on it, and place it over something sharp" The other 20% are "cut a piece of pipe, put a cap on it, screw it to the wall and put things in it"
   
   The 'furniture' portion of the book (which is what I was really after) says "pvc furniture is so popular that you should check your local hardware store for specialty joints and designs"
   
   There are /no/ scale drawings/plans, just the occasional drawing of a piece of pipe with a cap on it.
   
   I was unable to find anything in this book that was useful to me, and nothing that was any more complex than 'holder' or 'cover'.



2. This is a really good book. I don't know why DLA2 reviewer was so negative. He complains because the book is simple and easy to understand? hey, building with PVC pipe is not rocket science! Sanders includes many useful designs and all info that is needed to build them. While not as good (it IS good, just has a narrower appeal) as his previous book, The Self Reliant Homesteader, PVC Project Book is well worth the purhcase price, and a solid second book for the author.



3. PVC pipe is a cheap, versatile material which is easy to work with and thus lends to home and garden projects, but until now there hasn't been a single source focusing on PVC as a foundation for such projects - enter Charles A. Sanders, who presents over a hundred projects constructed from PVC piping. From gutter cleaners to containers, racks, and holders, The PVC Project Book: 101 Uses for PVC Pipe in the Home, Garden, Farm and Workshop packs in practical project applications.



4. There are some good ideas in this book, but many projects were not completed with a few simple sketches or explanations. Also too many of the projects were useless ideas. I also bought one for my daughter and she came to the same conclusion as I did. She said "Dad I think you wasted your money".
   I think a thoughtful rewrite of this book would make it a winner as both my daughter and I have seen many other good uses for PVC pipe.

1 comments about On Weathering: The Life of Buildings in Time.

1. This book provides a fresh new approach on how architects and/or designers should view the use of materials. The ingeneous approach on how the natural weathering process of materials can be a phenomenon that may enrich a material's physical property, provides a great insightful approach for a 'responsible' use of materials in architecture. This book is a MUST read for all those architecture students that have a great interest in materials.

5 comments about 1001 Do-It-Yourself Hints & Tips : Tricks, Shortcuts, How-Tos, and Other Great Ideas for Inside, Outside, and All Around Your House.

1. As a single parent and homeowner, I can't tell you how handy this book has been. If you don't have a friend, relative or spouse who's a handyman, you definitely need this book. I've been able to save enough money to furnish my home. I've purchased many of the Reader's Digest books in the past and found them to be of high quality and excellent value. This book contains step-by-step procedures and instructions that are depicted in numbered color photos that makes easy work of repairs and maintenance-plus you are assured it's done right.



2. While not a comprehensive home repair guide (superficial instructions and difficult to see and poorly labeled photos and diagrams), this book is a useful addition to home repair libraries. When tackling a home repair, the book provides numerious time-saving and result enhancing suggestions on how to maket the job go more smooothly with a higher quality outcome.



3. While not a comprehensive home repair guide (superficial instructions and difficult to see and poorly labeled photos and diagrams), this book is a useful addition to a home repair library. When tackling a home repair, the book provides numerious time-saving and result enhancing suggestions on how to make the job go more smooothly with a higher quality outcome.



4. I have not bought this book...yet. I recently borrowed it from the library, and will keep renewing it until they force me to return it. When they do, I intend on hunting it down at my neighborhood bookstore.

   This book is very comprehensive for the do-it-yourselfer that is just starting out, and contains many neat tips and tricks that even the expert handyman would not have known. The book is extremely useful for everyday stuff, and even has instructions on those once a year fix-it items.

   The book is arranged in different categories, such as Lawn & Garden, Plumbing, Electrical Appliances, with subcategories like pruning, toilets, and washer/dryer. About half of each page is covered with colorful handrawn pictures that apply to the tips listed. Most tips don't have pictures, but these are usually ones that don't require them. The other half of the page contains detailed instructions on how to replace/repair/install items of importance. These instructions have real pictures of the process, and are wonderful for reference.

   I would recommend this book to anyone who owns a home. Once you buy it, read everything once so you'll know what's in there, then put it in an accessible place so you can grab it at a moments notice.




5. This book is surprisingly fun. You name it and this book has a tip on the most effective way to do it. I bought this book in conjunction with two other home maintenance and repair books and it has many items that were not covered in the other two. I only gave it three stars because I will probably only refer to this one after the other two to verify that there isn't an easier way. What would make this book better? I say combine this book with their "New Fix-It-Yourself Manual" (my top choice), and you have an ace book!

5 comments about The Manual for Manufactured/Mobile Home Repair and Upgrade.

1. I am new to mobile home living since I had to retire early from health problems and did't want to aquire alot of debt at this time in my life. I was an experienced bluilding rehabber and maintenance man. I read the reviews here and saw the Formost guide was higher rated and cheaper... I recieved it in the afternoon and by evening had it listed on ebay and sold it .It was 3/4 full of things I already knew.. I was hoping for a more mobile home specific manuel. I checked back at Amazon and saw Mark's book was offering "seconds" and I snapped one up. Should have got this one first.. It is more mobile home specific. A few of the pictures looked like they came from a home just like mine.. It was written like I would have written it with excellent pictures and illustrations(like correct fastner torquing in the roofing section).Excellent heat tape section.. Anyway I just had to give my two cents.. May God Bless You..Jesus is Coming Soon..Kim



2. I am glad I bought this book. I found the information to be accurate and simple to understand. The book could have had more projects and pictures for the money spent. Overall, I would recomend it.



3. We found the information very useful, however, very disappointed in the "manuscript" construction(I wouldn't call it a book) considering the extremely high price. Don't expect this to hold up for any lenghth of time to use as a reference manual due to poor quality (such good information deserves better). No publisher, no ISBN, pricey



4. This book is easy to understand and lays repair procedures out throughly. It includes major and minor repairs mobile home owners need to know. I highly recommend this book.



5. It is a decent book with much information, but it is not as detailed as I was expecting. The author does not explain many of the repairs or the "how-to's" but just assumes that you know how to do them. For example, to replace a toilet cut out the flange and put a new one in. But how? He doesn't explain. So, it can be a useful book if you already have a decent working knowledge of home maintenance and use of tools.