3 comments about The JLC Guide To Moisture Control: Practical Details for Durable Buildings.

1. Water can be a building's worst enemy, which is why we try so hard to keep it out of our homes and living spaces. The editors of the Journal of Light Construction have brought together leading experts to write this book on controlling practically all forms of moisture damage in residential buildings.
   
   It explains the mysteries of vapor barriers. Provides innovative solutions for keeping basements and crawl spaces dry. It shows fool-proof methods for flashing windows and doors so that they won't let in storm water. Also gives storm-proof stucco details as well as tips for keeping paints and stain on exterior wood. Provides leak-free flashing techniques for both steep and low-slope roofs and provides plans for a low-cost whole-house ventilation that works incredibly well.



2. This is an informative way to learn of the currents trends in moisture control. If you have anything to do with building exteriors, this is a must read.



3. Excellent book if you don't subscribe to JLC mag. The articles are just a collection from the magazine.

3 comments about Big Book of Window Treatments.

1. Apparently, Sunset Publishing Corp. cannot come up with an original idea. This book is a complete rip-off of my book: The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions. Sunset says their book is "The most comprehensive collection of today's window treatment options in various configurations" which is a lie. The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions has 2000 illustrations. For the same amount of money you can get everything in this book, plus a complete historical section (40 pages), yardage schedules for all the treatments, images in both color and black and white, extensive glossaries and much, much more. Why not go to Barnes & Noble or Borders and compare the books? Ninety nine percent of what you find in the book you will find in The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions, and get another ninety-nine percent that is not in this book.
   I am always suspicious of books written or partially written by editorial staff, rather than a real idea by a real author. In other words, the publishing executives see a successful book like The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions (a book that has sold over one million copies over its lifetime) and say to their staff "hey, we need to do a book like that." Sadly, this is exactly what this book is. Most of the information in this book has already been published in various other books; therefore, this book is just putting already published information in a pretty new dress and with a slight change of title



2. I feel compelled to defend this book. I am a home-dec seamstress and constantly on the look for a book for clients to look through. This book has proven invaluable to me. It is very clearly organized, the pictures are clear and there are examples of the basic, traditional styles many of my clients are looking for. Many other books try to show 'fancy' styles that are either impractical, hard to visualize due to the color, or flat out impossible to sew. Many of my clients are overwhelmed by looking through "Encyclopedia of Window Fashions", but not this book.
   
   I highly recommend this book. It is clear, concise, well organized and has great explanations of each window treatment.



3. I ended u p returning this book - it was a repeat of another one I already owned; it's a rendered collection of images not photographs.

2 comments about The Cottage Rules: An Owner's Guide to the Rights & Responsibilities of Sharing Recreational Property.

1. WOW! This book is a family saver! Our family ownership of a cottage is similar to one of the sitations described in the book. We were having trouble making decisions, getting agreement, coordinating, getting work done, scheduling etc. This book is beginning to change everything and make owning a cottage with our family enjoyable again. Now we will be able to refer back to the neutral 'rules' to which we all have agreed, rather than getting upset when we don't get our own way!! Plus, the book has given us ideas on things to do and introduces new ways of doing things. Thank you so much Nikki Koski, for writing and publishing this book!!



2. We have a family cottage and ae having challenges with costs and useage. This book provides solutions that can be easily modified to your families circumstances. Easy read but very good info.

5 comments about The Home Water Supply: How to Find, Filter, Store, and Conserve It.

1. I bought this book based on the review from the NC reader. This is a great book on the topic. Easy read, good examples, great information. If you are looking to get into well work or building a lateral system, get this book.



2. A new age approach to the subject of water. Campbell's need to share his philosophy kept me from wanting to read the entire book. What it has to do with water is anybody's guess. But if you're into new age, and don't mind reading spiritualistic trash, this might be your book. Technically correct, the book attempts to be everybody's introduction to anything you ever wanted to know about water. That broad stroke is it's best and at the same time, worst feature.



3. This book covers nearly every situation one may encounter in water procurement, perhaps the only subject not covered is hauling water to a completely dry site.

   The focus of this book is necessarily on shallow wells, as deep wells require professional drilling, never the less the author covers well pumps, casing, storage devices and filtration systems with enough technical detail to meet most needs. Deep wells and methods are covered, just not in detail.

   If you need to know how to identify and correct contamination you'll find it here. Need to compute water needs? Pump and storage specifications? Those are also here. In fact, you'll be pleased with the technical details and comparisons in an easy to read style.

   I must have missed the new age stuff or at least forgot it as I read the whole book.

   If you want to find water in a rural area, and develop it yourself, this is the book. I would not recommend "Cottage Water Systems" if you want detail on well systems.




4. This book doesn't contain the data needed for developing even a simple design for a home water system. For example, there is no data to calculate friction loss from water moving through pipes. The book notes that friction loss is easy to calculate using a table. The book includes a table that lists friction loss for valves and fittings in equivalent length of pipe. But, I can't find a table on friction loss per length of pipe. A third of the book and most of the bibliography is devoted to the author's opinions on water politics, he is no Marc Reisner.



5. worth the price, will save you a fortune, if you have the need for water.

1 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

5 comments about How the Queen Cleans Everything : Handy Advice for a Clean House, Cleaner Laundry, and a Year of Timely Tips.

1. Not really the type you sit down to enjoy, but very good as a reference for cleaning. Handy.
   
   I also like that the author tries to use natural cleaning products, although it's not always practical to make your own concoctions.



2. I got this book as a gift and it got lost when I moved. I missed it so much, that I had to buy a replacement. If there's (almost) any kind of stain, this lady knows how to remove it. The only one that I can't find a "cure" for is ORANGE DRINK, UGH! Highly recommended for the cleaning challenged (as I seem to be).



3. I have used this book over and over again. It contains not only suggestions for areas where I had questions but also for areas I did not realize there were alternatives. For example, I now have an effective and cheap alternative for stain removal on clothes. Highly recommended.



4. This is a wonderful book. I can't believe how many suggestions are in here. I'm very glad I bought it



5. What a fun and useful book this is !! It is written and illustrated in an amusing and easy to understand style and has an index which makes it simple to locate the information you are looking for. I have used it on many occassions and it has saved the day ! I have often given it as gifts to new home owners, friends and family who have just gotten married, as a fun present at Bridal showers and engagement parties,and to young men and women going off to College or starting out in their first apartment. ..... A must for every household !!

5 comments about Everything and the Kitchen Sink: Remodel Your Kitchen without Losing Your Mind.

1. If your looking for a how to book on remodeling your kitchen this is not it. This is more of a book from a idea and design standpoint for remodeling.



2. I read this book quickly and probably won't use it again before we remodel the kitchen. This is the fifth book I've read on kitchens and I purchased this one based on the reviews here. Like another reviewer said, this book is a handy companion if you are needing some design ideas and plan on working with a designer in the future. I guess I was expecting more substance.
   
   The authors try really hard to be funny. They are also assuming their audience is female. I didn't enjoy this approach and found the writing boorish. There are some useful things in the book, but these things are far and few between.
   
   My favorite book so far is "Great Kitchens: Design Ideas from America's Top Chefs".



3. This charming, clever and extremely user friendly book was a Godsend during our kitchen remodel. There are lots of helpful comparison charts so you can see the pros and cons of different materials before you buy them (not just what they tell you when they're trying to sell you stuff, but the honest truth, like how granite stains if you don't seal it regularly, or how painted cabinets crack over time). There's great advice about design styles, and about designing your kitchen to fit both your budget and your family's lifestyle (even including the dos and don'ts for families with small kids, families with pets, people who are neatness challenged, etc.).
   
   There's also a lot of nice extras, like cost cutting tips, advice about financing, how to interview installers or designers so you don't end up with a lemon, how to budget realistically, and everything you wanted to know about product, from cabinet wood species to faucet finishes to flooring to high-tech appliances.
   
   It's clear that the writers know their stuff, and I would suggest anyone even thinking about remodeling their kitchen read this as part of the starter package! You won't find better. One caveat: This is not the book that's going to walk you through doing the job yourself from A to Z. It doesn't teach you how to do your own electrical, or give you a crash course in laying flooring. But then again, as the authors will tell you, if you're going to do this yourself, you need more skills than what you can get just reading a book (and it could be dangerous to think otherwise). Skilled do it yourselfers will find this most useful for the product information (of which there's plenty), design style info and insider tips.
   
   Overall, we found this to be enormously helpful, plus great fun to read. Many of these books are dry as dust, but this was engaging and very funny in parts -- yet still very informative. If you have designs on a new kitchen, be sure to read this book first! We highly recommend it!



4. Compare materials before you start your remodel, and also get some cost-cutting tips for creating your dream kitchen.



5. This book was informative and fun to read. However, the authors assume you live in a place with kitchen designers and big box stores. There is no altenative advice if you do not live in such a place (at least a 2 hour drive for me).

5 comments about The Home Owner's Journal, Fifth Edition.

1. I bought an older edition of this book for my then five year old home a few years ago and kicked myself that I had not purchased it sooner. I was determined not to make that mistake again, so when my family decided to become cabin owners the first thing I did was order the lastest edition. I am very glad that I did. It has been very helpful.



2. The hardest part to using this reminder (fill-in the pages book) is taking the time to write down what you did to your house. Be it painting-- the kitchen or replacing the waterheater. The book is user-friendly and the spiral binding allows to to lay flatt to easily write in. Virually all rooms, appliances, etc. are listed on separate pages. Referring back to finding an event is just thumbing thru the pages to the room,etc.
   Wall coverings; bedroom 1,2,3; measurements, cleaned by, brand, date purchased, costs,etc. are all things asked of you.



3. This is more of a decorating book if you ask me. It gives you spaces to put what dimension e/thing in your house is. It is not a bad book, but it is not what I thought it was. I was looking for a book to store info on when the last time I cleaned the air ducts in the house, etc...stuff like that. Maybe I am looking more for a maitenence book. This book would be useful in many situations, but as a home journal it's not what i thought it was.



4. I bought this when I purchased my first home. It's easy to use and has lots of sections where you can keep notes. It is divided up into a variety of sections like Living Room, Bedroom (1,2,3,4,5), Bathroom, Hallway, Roof, etc. I keep things in it like dates of yearly service calls, paint swatches, companies I've used, etc. It's a terrific tool and also makes a great gift.



5. I buy these and give them to all my home buyer's at closings. It is a great book and you can record virtually everything about your home in it. My home rehabbers love it because they then have something to hand to the new homeowners showing everything they have done to the property and where to find replacements and warranties.

4 comments about Black & Decker Finishing Basements & Attics: Ideas & Projects for Expanding Your Living Space (Black & Decker).

1. This is a great place to start with if you're a do-it-yourselfer planning to finish your basement. The only drawback I found is that it leaves you wanting more. I ended up buying more books on plumbing, flooring, and building in general. I managed to find several good used books. I'll probably end up buying a book on electrical work too (I'm still working on my basement). I also did a lot of research on the internet. Also, there's a lot of variation on local building codes, so you need to talk to your governing authority to get specifics. In the end, you might decide to do some parts of the job yourself and leave other parts for professionals. In any case, reading through this book will give you a lot of ideas to get started.



2. My wife brought this book and 5 others home from the library for us to review as we are just starting to finish our basement. This book is the best of the six by far. It's drawback is that it is not comprehensive - if you don't have some basic knowledge/experience and you want to do the work yourself, then you will want more detail. For the few pages that are there, however, the book does an excellent job showing the work at hand and gives some good ideas. I'll likely buy the book to have it on hand as we progress. Enjoy your project!



3. I am a complete home improvement dummy who is trying to build out her basement. This book was great at teaching me the basics & forcing me to think in a logical step by step manner - heating first, earthquake proofing next, etc. It also helped me understand drywalling techniques & effective insulation. Further, it helped me focus on building codes & regulations (I hadn't thought of that & as I said, i'm a home improvement dummy). Plus the pictures gave me great ideas. On the whole, a worthwhile investment. This book does assume that you'll want to *do* your own basement so there are tons of pictures showing you how to effectively insulate etc...



4. This is very useful if you are finishing your basement yourself. It walked you through all of the basics from planning and framing to finishing off molding. There is great content in this book and this was one of the heavily referenced books my husband and I used to finish our basement. I would caution you that the photos seem a bit dated, so get another book if you are shopping for ideas.

5 comments about The Natural House: A Complete Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Environmental Homes.

1. Dan Chiras has done a number of things I really like in this book.

   The first part of his book provides a chapter on each of several natural building technologies with enough information to help novice readers understand what is involved. Moreover, he adds a pro and con table at the end of each to help readers compare and contrast them - and to make a decision about which is best for their particular situation.

   Chiras also provides an ample helping of "food for thought" material to help potential natural builders understand the "why" of their prospective natural building projects, an essential process for anyone who is contemplating an out of the ordinary building project.

   Chiras serves his readers well by acting as a "fair broker" of natural building as a concept as well as each of the technologies he presents. This allowing his readers to make their own informed judgements about which natural building method, if any, they will use. Chiras additionally provides numerous references so that readers can find more detailed material for further research and project planning.

   I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is in the process of considering or planning construction of a natural home, especially to those who are not already familiar with conventional construction materials and methods and at least reasonably familiar with natural construction alternatives.

   It's easily worth the price.




2. If you're interested in building a natural home (cob, rammed earth, straw-bale, earthship, whatever), this is your primer. The author has done his homework and presents the description, pros/cons and pitfalls of each type of construction. He is very honest about just how "do-it-yourself" each type can be, and how much it will cost you. He also covers passive and active solar design, natural water capture and other alternative technologies to go with your natural home. This is an excellent overview on all these subjects.

   The best thing about this book is that he refers you to other sources for more detail - books, videos, newsletters and organizations that will support you, give you a workshop or just give you more detailed information than belonged in this primer book.

   I highly recommend this as the first book you read on the subject. Once you know which type of house you are interested in, you can pick up some of the other books he suggests on that building type.




3. Being an architect already, I found that the book was an excellent introduction, even for me, to the various alternative building techniques emerging. It gave the author's honest opinion about many of the techniques, which was very appreciated. Don't expect it to be a precise how-to guide for any of the methods. It is an excellent overview, though, that can help you evaluate which building techniques you would like to explore further. The references at the end are vast and helpful.

   However, I found that for a book about the "Natural House", it often suggested many un-green building materials (OSB, polypropylene bags). Sometimes their "ungreeness" was mentioned, sometimes not.




4. I've recently become interested in green building. My local library system provided a lot of interesting books, most of which weren't really worth buying.
   
   Daniel Chiras' book is different: comprehensive, well-organized, and sincere. I purchased a copy as this is a definite keeper.



5. My husband and I are building a new house and we were looking for a good resource for information about eco-friendly options for our home. This turned out to be an excellent resource, but a little outdated. There have been so many advances in various eco-friendly technology since this book was written and it would be great it Daniel Chiras would update this book to show that. However, this book did provide us with the basic information we needed to make most of the decisions for our house. I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to build green or do a green remodel to their house. In addition to this, I would recommend getting a subscription to Smart Homeowner Magazine and/or Mother Earth, both of which will provide you with the latest in green products and technology, along with a lot of other valuable information. They make a great update to The Natural House.