No comments about The Old House Handbook: The Essential Guide to Care and Repair.

5 comments about The Tuff Chix Guide to Easy Home Improvement.

1. I was very pleased with the quality of service I received. The book was received in excellent shape and in a speedy manner.



2. I started reading this book yesterday. It is enormously helpful and easy to understand. I wish I would have had it many projects ago. But, it is going to help for my next home improvement endeavors. I'll put it in the tool caddy for easy referencing. I'm a do-it-herselfer and urge any woman to give it a shot. Way to go Paige! Thanks for doing the book.



3. I purchased this book because I recently bought a new house and would like to lay ceramic tile flooring and make a kitchen backsplash. The cover specifically refers to laying tile, so I thought this would be a good choice. Tile is mentioned exactly twice, neither time telling you how to lay it. This book isn't really about home improvement, it's home maintenance - how to clean your gutters, fix a hole in drywall, etc. Fine if that's what you want.



4. I thought the book and it's advice a little too basic. I guess if you have no experience with fixing things it's probably fine. More pictures would have been helpful. I did like the Tuff meter and the info at the beginning of each project.



5. Page has created a wonderful "how to" primer. I especially like the featured icons that summarize the project by difficulty, estimated time to complete the projects, what tools you'll need, shopping list, total price, and HAP- if you had to "hire a professional" cost. This book has many easy-to-follow diagrams and drawings. Thanks Paige!

1 comments about Blueprint Remodel.

1. For tract home transformations which turn an ordinary tract model into something special, the adventurous homeowner should consult Michelle Kodis' Blueprint Remodel: Tract Home Transformations That Turn Everyday To Extraordinary which is packed with color photos of both interior and exteriors. Blueprint Remodel includes remodel costs of each project, remodel observations and intentions, blueprints, and notes on special approaches which translated to savings.

2 comments about Architectural Hardware: Ideas, Inspiration, and Practical Advice for Adding Handles, Hinges, Knobs, and Pulls to Your Home (Home Design Details).

1. For anyone looking to spice up their abode with the perfect piece of accent hardware, this book has it all. Like a woman wearing the right jewelry, a house can be embellished with hardware, and this book gives all kinds of ideas and examples from antique to modern. It's really a must-have resourse for a potentially expensive investment decision. You'll never take hardware for granted again!



2. I've been overwhelmed by all the different hardware possibilities. Now I feel less flustered when purchasing these finishing touches for my home. Relief!

1 comments about 2006 International Property Maintenance Code.

1. I had a great experience with this purchase. It arrived earlier than expected in great condition.

5 comments about What Every Home Owner Needs to Know About Mold and What to Do About It.

1. I am a Mold Inspector and work with Remediation firms on a daily basis to remediate molds in homes, offices, etc.
   I have read this book and it should be revised to correct the FALSE information given about using common household bleach to clean-up mold. Bleach is ONLY good to clean-up mold on smooth, non-porous surfaces such as glass and plastic. It is obvious that the author did NOT due her homework on the best mold remediation products available. To find out what product should be used to remediate mold, buy another book about mold, such as Black Mold - Your Health and Your Home. This book reveals the problems with using bleach products and correctly informs the homeowner on an environmetally safe and readily available product to clean-up minor mold infestations in the home.



2. I didn't like this book; it is alarmist, uninformative and unscientific. It really just serves create fear without providing any real information. For example, it implies that there needs to be a national standard of airborne mold levels -- an idea that make a good sound bite but, the more I read about the issues, doesn't make much sense, since mold is not a chemical but a living, changing thing. I would recommend Jeffrey May's Mold Survival Guide instead.
   
   I did give this book 2 stars because it does raise concerns about the insurance and financial ramifications of mold problems, which may be worthwhile angle to consider.



3. I"m looking for a book to find out how do I do to prevent/control mold.
   
   I'm already aware of the risks mold brings to my family and would like to know how to deal whith it in every days bases. Instead, the autor recomends me to contract especialists and be careful whith several aspects of my insurence apollicies.
   
   I want to prevente the need of specialists and I'm am hoping not to have to use my insurance!



4. I am a Certified Microbial Consultant (mold inspector) and board member of the American Indoor Air Quality Council. I have this book in my library.
   
   This is a good book for the consumer. It's an easy read with short, concise recommendations for the home owner unfortunate enough to have a mold problem. It also lists some of the key points on where to look for mold and how to prevent mold. Very useful section on how to deal with a insurance companies.
   
   Dan Stih, author, Healthy Living Spaces: Top 10 Hazards Affecting Your Health



5. Everyone needs the knowledge concerning what to do about mold. Many people are needlessly sick not realizing that this is the culprit behind it.

2 comments about Home Remodeling for Dummies.

1. Morris and James Carey saved my sanity, my wallet, and quite possibly my marriage with their book "Home Remodeling for Dummies"! There are very few things in life more stressful than a remodel, but this book helped me put the stress where it belonged- on everyone else! I learned how to plan the addition for my twins room from concept to sunset, and I learned how to deal with a contractor and a budget. Keeping both of those on the same path as our vision of our remodel was a feat I wouldn't have been able to accomplish without the advice from this book. I never would have even attempted this project without the encouragement and confidence I gained from reading it- thus the "5 STAR" recomendation I give "Home Remodeling for Dummies".



2. THANKS FOR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!! Book claims in the description to have loads of charts and step by step instructions for remodeling .
   Personally i do not consider an example of a contract to be an example.

   Like in the section about replacing windows, now there is where a diagram is needed.
   Yes i may have been a sucker for buying the book, but the dummies are definitely the authors !!!!

2 comments about The Language of Doors.

1. An interesting and educational read. Book easy to carry in beach bag or large handbag. Clear writing with good historic info. Loved that they gave places to see specific styles. Beautifully drawn renderings. Sure made me think more about improving any entrance I own or will own.



2. This book is a must read for anybody who is building or modifying a house. It shows in a very clear manner how doors reflect the character of the house. It is a well written technical book that on the subject that can also be easily undrstood by the average person.

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 Living & Eating.

1. Being an amateur cook is not always easy. But this book starts out setting the stage with cookware etc. It then explains in an effortless way how to cook some of the best dishes I have ever prepared. The stuff works every time and it always looks good. Currently this is my one stop book for all my dinner parties, and I have a large collection of cookbooks! Well worth the money and a beautiful book to read as well.



2. I've got hundreds of cookery books. This is my favourite cookery book for several reasons. The recipes are fail-proof and the results are restaurant quality every time. The recipes appeal to me and make me want to try them (there are only a handful of things remaining that I've not tried to make yet). The book is as much about lifestyle and style as much as cookery - its refreshing to look at and inspiring to read. My favourite recipes from the book are often the most simple and frequently cook them - midnight spaghetti, vichyssoise & salmon, venetian peas & rice, tomato & basil lasagne, the best shepherds pie you could ever make and a nifty way to cook perfect, tender steaks.



3. The premise of not being in the kitchen attending to dinner while your guests amuse themselves was the most welcome news I had come across in a cookbook. I love folks milling around the stove but only if I can still concentrate on what needs to be done. This cookbook has great recipes, mostly simple, and everyone a winner. Our Food Group (8 people) have used this book more than once for menus and I love to point out that it hails from England! I want a sequel with more finger-food for those balmy California evenings outdoors. Please.