4 comments about Improve the Value of Your Home up to $100,000: 50 Sure-Fire Techniques and Strategies.

1. The idea for such a book IS a good one. The ideas are certainly sound..... I live in a newish(6yrs) 6000+ sq ft house,with a neighborhood association,good school district(etc) and felt that this book would NOT apply to my market.... however it could be useful for someone that lives in an urban or older neighborhood.... where a house might need curb appeal or sprucing up.... the thought of adding value to a sale is always appealing no matter what the size of your 'estate' ... no matter how deep or thin your pockets are! It is always a challenge to make the most of what you have.



2. Offering "50 surefire techniques and strategies" to help improve the value of one's home, Irwin utilizes common sense to help owners decide where it is best to spend their money on their homes. With the recent real estate run-up (especially where I live in Southern California), the best investment we can make is in the very place we live. While I don't plan to sell in the near future, I always want to be sure my home could be ready for a sale at any time, just in case. Irwin gives dollar-sign guides as to how much value an improvement could help increase the price you could eventually ask for your property. Although very little in this book was new to me, I highly recommend it for folks who are not very sure about how to increase the value of their homes. Although there were several suggestions I questioned (especially the value he gave to some improvements and how little he valued other improvements), I believe that he used sound judgment to guide the reader. I plan on utlizing several of the improvement ideas in my own home!



3. Bob Irwin is an excellent resource for information on buying, selling or maintaining a home.
   His ideas are well tested. His experience shows.
   I would recommend any of his books.



4. This book contained some good ideas, but other ideas disturbed me. Many of the suggestions were to make cheap upgrades that would look good for 6 months or so (such as very inexpensive new carpeting) - basically suggesting behavior that in my view is pretty dishonest, or at the very least unethical. Suggesting we ever get ahead in life by mistreating others bothers me a great deal.

5 comments about The Woman's Hands-On Repair Guide.

1. I found this book to be very helpful when faced with a leaky faucet and a defective oven heating element. It is simply written and easy to understand. The illustrations are especially helpful and clear. This book is a wonderful reference and makes a great gift for all occasions.



2. This book isn't as comprehensive as I would have wanted. The information is basic and geared towards someone who has never held a screwdriver in her life. Although the repairs she reviews are thorough, I was hoping for something that focuses on more complex issues.



3. I got this book from a relative for Christmas and since then I've actually known what a hammer was for! Up until then I was using it to tenderize meat for my big guy (he beat me up when he found out I used his hammer this way - dummy me). Anyway, now my small woman - sized brain can almost - almost - understand the things that men do. I feel so much closer to being human now, though I would never let on to my mas..., er, husband. I'm sure that's what the author had in mind. After all, she must know what it feels like to be a woman, too.



4. I thought this book was fantastic! I like to consider myself "handyman challenged", but with this book, I actually took apart a sink drain and put it back together! Correctly and working I might add.
   
   This book has lots of tips and tricks for basic maintenance and household repairs. It describes what you need to do step by step.



5. Well, this is the deal here. I didn't order this book, but when it came I kept it because it looked interesting. It was, I guess. The information is simple and easy-to-grasp. I am somewhat offended by the implication that women need special books written in 5th grade language to accomplish tasks around the home that must be easy for men. Something wrong with that thinking. Nevertheless, the book is in my repairs reference section of the bookcase in case I need a quick look sometime.

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

5 comments about Recipes for Surfaces: Decorative Paint Finishes Made Simple.

1. Along with the companion book, Decorative Paint Finishes Made Simple, this is one of my core reference books for faux finished paint surfaces. Pictures are useful, instructions clear . . . a must-have for the faux painter's library.



2. This is an excellent book for the beginner and professional alike. Good info on how to do all the "basic" faux finishes. Perfect to add to any library.
   Only problem is that it can be a bit vague on instructions - especially for the beginner or do-it-yourselfer.



3. A woman that is passionately in love with Italy and all things Italian writes this review. Once I traveled to Italy, I wanted to bring that look back to my home. I purchased this book about 10 years ago and I still refer to it regularly. This book covers many techniques not just those that would apply to Italy.
   
   I am an avid do-it-yourselfer and love to do things around the house. As an amateur artist, I take photographs and paint landscapes; I think that this book is a good as taking a class in faux painting. I feel that the directions and photographs of the various techniques are very well documented.
   
   The book is subdivided as follows:
   
   PART I - General Information
   Intro - What Decorative Painting Can Do For You
   1. Color: The Flavor in Every Recipe
   2. Paint and Tools: The Staples
   3. Preparing to Paint
   4. Mixing Paints
   5. Before You Begin
   PART II - Recipes
   6. Metals
   7. Stone
   8. Fantasy Marbling
   9. Reasonable Replicas
   10. Textured Wall Finishes
   11. Small Surface Specialties and Stenciling
   
   If you are not an artist, the first chapter on color is very handy. This chapter is also covered in the first book in this series. It teaches about the color wheel, the colors that harmonize, classic color schemes, and color moods. The chapter regarding tools is also very helpful, but again this is covered in the first book. It explains the difference between oil and water based products and the advantages and disadvantages of both. There is also a nice discussion of brushes and other tools that is very useful for the beginning artist.
   
   The recipe for copper verdigris is very easy to replicate. This is one of my personal favorites. Likewise the bronze verdigris is also an easy look to achieve. The faux stone requires much more of an artistic sense to get right than the book suggests. Don't be frustrated if it does look right the first time. If you keep practicing, and look at some natural stone for inspiration, you will get it. I found that much of the difference is in the shadowing and highlighting. The suggested techniques for marbling and extremely are easy to replicate. This might be one of the easier techniques in the book to master. The fresco technique is one that I have used over and over in my home. The author suggests using regular paint and glaze. I found that using lime paint (available at most larger hardware stores) makes a more convincing end result.
   
   Regarding stencils I would recommend using acetate and a stencil burner, it works better for me that the cardstock and exacto knife that is shown in the book. I would also recommend that you buy some poster board or use large pieces of cardboard to practice your techniques. I find this to be much easier than going to the wall immediately. Also, once I find a color combination and technique that I like I replicate the process on a small (8 x 11) piece of luan plywood. On the back of this plywood I document which paint colors and glazes I have used and which tools and techniques. I also document the rooms or furniture on which this combination was used. That way if I need to touch up something I know what I did the first time.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to try out some faux painting on his or her walls or their furniture. If you are artistically inclined this book will inspire you to get out the paints and change something in your home. I also recommend the first book in this series "Recipes for Surfaces". There is some duplication, but it also includes techniques not covered in this volume. I have found that the most important aspect to achieving the look that you want is to have a clear idea of what you want the end result to look like. In my case, I use photographs of Italian houses to achieve a similar look. I cannot emphasize enough how important photographs are to recreating a look. Please don't skip the photographs; it will make a huge difference.
   
   Happy painting!



4. A woman that is passionately in love with Italy and all things Italian writes this review. Once I traveled to Italy, I wanted to bring that look back to my home. I purchased this book almost 15 years ago and I still refer to it regularly. This book covers many techniques not just those that would apply to Italy.
   
   I am an avid do-it-yourselfer and love to do things around the house. As an amateur artist, I take photographs and paint landscapes, I think that this book is a good as taking a beginners class in faux painting. I feel that the directions and photographs of the various techniques are very well documented.
   
   The book is subdivided as follows:
   
   PART I - General Information
   1. Color the Key Ingredient
   2. Paint and Tools: The Staples
   3. Preparing to Paint
   4. Mixing Paints
   PART II - Recipes
   5. Sponging
   6. Cloth Distressing
   7. Stippling
   8. Color Washing
   9. Spattering
   10. Dragging
   11. Stenciling
   12. Marbling
   13. Wood Graining
   
   If you are not an artist, the first chapter on color is very handy. It teaches about the color wheel, the colors that harmonize, classic color schemes, and color moods. The chapter regarding tools is also very helpful. It explains the difference between oil and water based products and the advantages and disadvantages of both. There is also a nice discussion of brushes and other tools that is very useful for the beginning artist. I enjoyed the chapter on making your own stencils and the specifics of marbling and wood graining.
   
   Regarding stencils I would recommend using acetate and a stencil burner, it works better for me that the cardstock and exacto knife that is shown in the book. I would also recommend that you buy some poster board or use large pieces of cardboard to practice your techniques. I find this to be much easier than going to the wall immediately. Also, once I find a color combination and technique that I like I replicate the process on a small (8 x 11) piece of luan plywood. On the back of this plywood I document which paint colors and glazes I have used and which tools and techniques. I also document the rooms or furniture on which this combination was used. That way if I need to touch up something I know what I did the first time.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to try out some faux painting on his or her walls or their furniture. If you are artistically inclined this book will inspire you to get out the paints and change something in your home. I also recommend the second book in this series "Recipes for Surfaces: Volume II".
   
   Happy painting!



5. I am a professional engineer serving as my own architect and general contractor for the conversion of a three-story building into offices for my firm plus a luxury apartment on the top floor. I am also an avid collector of engineering, technology, and architecture/design books with a 1,000-volume personal library.
   
   I wanted to be sure that I explored a wide range of choices as I selected finished for office and apartment spaces in my building. I expected and received in this book a good overview for all of the common finishes used in residential spaces. I also received, much to my delight, a treasury of design ideas in the more than 200 color photos and illustrations. This is not a do-it-yourself handbook found at the checkout stand at Home Depot, although those are valuable as well. Although written for those designing living spaces, much of the information is useful for those designing office and other commercial spaces.
   
   This 208-page, wirebound book was beautifully designed - one of perhaps fifteen books in my library whose production qualities are so superior that I show them to friends in the publishing business as examples of a well-produced book. The design and production were by a NYC firm; the printing was done in China; the author is British.
   
   The content is similarly excellent. The book is divided into eight sections: simple paint, paint finishes, plaster & concrete, wall coverings, tiles, wood, glass & metal, and "putting it all together."
   
   I bought this from one of Amazon's allied sellers at a very low price. Amazon is commended for offering this service. Amazon's committment to customer value and customer service are unsurpassed.

3 comments about Home Water and Moisture Problems: Prevention and Solutions.

1. The single most common problem of homeowners is water, whether it be mold or a damp basement or a leaky roof. This shares a professional contractor's insights on water, tells how to prevent many water problems, and how to fix existing problems. From ventilation systems to vapor barriers and basement sealers, this covers all the possible tricks to keeping a home watertight.



2. This book gives a lot of good information on WHY your house is having moisture problems. Whether it's the stream running through your basement, the paint peeling off the walls, or the puddle in the ceiling, he gives you the theory you need to understand how it got there and track down the real problem.
   If you own a house, chances are you have a moisture problem and need to know this stuff.
   The basement problems discussion is very comprehensive if you have a "standard" block foundation, and the roofing chapters are specific to "asphalt" (usually really fiberglass) shingles. Even though the theory will still apply, you (or your contractor) will have to work out the details if you use an alternative construction technique/material.
   The one topic that I felt was under-discussed was the installation of vapor retarders (which the industry tends to call vapor barriers). If you ask 10 experts, you'll get at least 10 opinions. I found it disappointing that there was only one solution presented, with no discussion of the controversies that still exist. His solution may prove to be the best, or it may just be better than what happened to have been put in your house.

   Until someone writes a more comprehensive discussion of the subject, get this one and act on as many of the suggestions as you can afford.




3. I specifically ordered this book because of drainage from a sloped lot which ends around my crawl-space foundation. When I went to the section on drainage swales which is what's required to reroute the water around the house, it showed me a picture of what one looked like and told me to "consult a landscape architect"; well if I wanted to pay a professional I didn't need to waste money on a do-it-yourself book! It reminded me of medical books that are full of "consult your doctor"...thanks for the info. As for the solutions to other problems in the book, I haven't reviewed them in depth, but they look pretty basic. I suppose it could be useful for somone who want's a basic overview on "what can be done" instead of "how to do it", for example if they wanted to hire a contractor, so I'll give it one star more than the minimum for that.

1 comments about Preservation Yellow Pages: The Complete Information Source for Homeowners, Communities, and Professionals (Preservation Yellow Pages).

1. Good source for help in working with older properties, although a bit too flip. Generally European sources are more informed than USA but this gives good references and sources which is what most private individuals need. It is less usefull for professionals such as architects & designers. Even here because architectural and design education in the states is more geared towards large scale developement and not so much to restoration / renovation this reference is usefull. Good for usa names and sources, but suggest that european references etc. are better in terms of specific details and construction.

5 comments about Caring for Your Old House: A Guide for Owners and Residents (Respectful Rehabilitation Series).

1. This book was required for an architectural conservation class which I am currently enrolled in. I have found it extremelly helpfull. Unfortunantly I bought this book at the bookstore for a lot more money. The author gets quite technical at times, however they give you quick insights that are at once complete and easy to read. This is definantly a very affordable guide for home owners, designers, and preservationists of all sorts.



2. I bought this as a gift for a friend. He shared it with me after reading it cover-to-cover. Great info for anyone concerned with historic preservation. Not quite the "handyman" book I had expected but nonetheless it proved to be some worthwhile reading.



3. Finally a concise, easy to read text that any historical home owner should own and read. It is the bible of historical building maintenance! This text should be used by every historical society and historic preservation commission as a guide for recommending proper ways to treat and maintain historic building materials. It would be a wonderful text to suggest to an interested student, as well. Thanks Judith for putting something together that is so user-friendly!



4. This book is filler material, you could find all this info online or in Lowe's or Home Depot. If you have any clue on what you are doing beyond a starter DIY save your money.



5. A great read for devotees of This Old House, this book chronicles the story of their very first project. Old pics of Norm are especially fun.

5 comments about Popular Mechanics When Duct Tape Just Isn't Enough: Quick Fixes for Everyday Disasters (Popular Mechanics).

1. This little guide is practical, concise and even a little funny. It covers a wide range of topics from plumbing, to painting, to getting out red wine and pet stains. It really does have it all! A perfect litttle gift for all those men (or women) in your life who need a little help doing those things that handy people seem to "just know" how to do.



2. Nicely organized, succinctly written guide to home repairs aimed at the mechanically-UNinclined. I especially like the fact that each problem is broken down into three categories: repair yourself, repair with a professional, and throw out and buy a new one. And the spiral binding is excellent for having the book beside you when attempting one of the amateur-appropriate repairs.



3. There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who build, maintain and repair the physical infrastructure around us, and those who bug those who do to solve their problems for them. If you want some inspiration to move from the second category to the first, this is a fun place to start.
   
   Duct Tape, as this book informs us, was originally called Duck tape. It was issued to troops to keep their ammunition boxes dry. But they found a thousand and one uses for it. And people have been continuing to find more uses.
   
   However duct tape is not what this book is about. It's about applying the kind of imaginative and experimental 'duck tape' kind of "lateral thinking" to a thousand and one household maintenance problems.
   
   I think the idea is to use it for inspiration rather than reference. The ideas presented are well thought out and well presented. And fun.



4. 
   This is a very good book, with lots of practical hints.
   
   However, for more serious home improvement projects, I have purchased the following books and found them to be very helpful to me:
   
   
   Do It Yourself Home Improvement: Step by Step Guide to Home Improvement;
   
   Ultimate Guide to Home Repair & Improvement (Ultimate Guide);
   
   New Complete Guide to Home Repair & Improvement (Better Homes & Gardens);
   
   Encyclopedia of Home Maintenance & Repair - This is a black & white book, but has very good explanations, especially of electrical.



5. Lists the problems by category and quick good fixes. I would definitely recommend this book!

5 comments about Fix It and Flip It: How to Make Money Rehabbing Real Estate for Profit.

1. This book is too general and basic for my needs. I don't think I'm that smart, but I didn't need to buy the book to get most of this info. I knew it already. Guess I expected a lot more.



2. My husband (a carpenter) and I were looking to get into buying houses that needed work, rehabbing them, and re-selling them to make a profit. We checked out am armful of books from the public library -- most of them were mainly on buying property to rehab and rent out. This book was just what we were looking for!
   
   It is very helpful on finding the right property, evaluating the property (we used the "property profile sheet" for all the houses we were seriously intererested in); and making and executing a fix-up plan. We got an accepted offer on our first house yesterday, and I am back on Amazon today to buy the book -- I can't renew it anymore from our library!!!
   
   P.S. I'm updating my review after we sold the house -- we bought the house for $68,000 and sold it for $109,000. When you subtract fix-up and closing costs, our net profit was $20,000. Not bad for eight weeks of work! This book helped a lot!



3. way too general, and not updated enough for those who are not risk averse gen-xers



4. The information was def. worthwhile.... it provided some very needed tips. I recommend this book to anyone who is thinking of flipping houses.. but dont stop with this one.. no one source of information is the know all of everything.. look everywhere.. books, seminars, internet..



5. I've read another book on flipping (Find It, Fix It, Flip It!: Make Millions in Real Estate--One House at a Time by Michael Corbett), and though that book was slightly gimmicky, at least it was entertaining.
   
   This book is slightly dull, and a lot of the suggestions are sort of obvious. I have not gotten completely through the book- so maybe there is some saving grace in there- however I'm having a hard time picking it up. So far I recommend my previous read more.

1 comments about How to Restore & Repair Practically Everything.

1. How To Restore & Repair Practically Everything by antique restoration expert Lorraine Johnson is a how-to book that expertly instructs the reader with explicit instructions and step-by-step diagrams in the skill of restoring and reparing stains, grass matting, glass, textiles, metals, paper and photographs, decorative finishes such as faux marble, and much more. A superbly efficient and practical resource, as useful for conscious homeowners as it is for those seeking to make a living by fixing up broken down appliances, furniture, and personal items. Highly recommended.