1 comments about Big Book of Lofts (Evergreen).

1. It features all kinds of lofts around the world - mostly modern but there is also mix of other styles. Photographs are big and there are plenty of them but quality ain't the sharpest. It's not greatest but as it comes with lots of pages to flip thru and price is right - it's nice to have.

5 comments about On Time and On Budget: A Home Renovation Survival Guide.

1. Of all the books we've ordered to educate us for our upcoming home renovation/addition, this has been the best. After I read Rusk's book, I passed it on to my husband, so we'd be on the 'same page' when evaluating contractors. Subsequently, I bought 2 more copies, for the architect we're working with & contractor-TBD. The architect's finding great value in it as well. Together, we've been using this book to help us select the best contractor for our project. Rusk's advice is terrific & has been our bible.



2. As someone planning a remodel, I found this book to be very good reading and educational. The two examples of Good/Bad remodel are excellent. I learned alot. Then only negative thing I can say is that he had, in my opinion, a bias towards the contractors position (he is a former contractor). He tries to be fair and in general is, but with a little bias towards his former perception. That being said the book was great.



3. John Rusk's book is easy, even entertaining to read, and full of insights into the motivation of home owners, architects and contracts. Don't start your project without reading it.



4. This is a very good book, but the subtitle needs a small addition so that it reads: "A Home Renovation Survival Guide For The Affluent". The author, a contractor in Manhattan, is expert at dealing with problems most of us never have to deal with, such as the mob-influenced/socialist-inspired New York City building code and cutthroat clients poised to fleece him with the stroke of a pen. If you've got plenty of money and you want to spend it prudently on a renovation of your home, this is the book for you. If, on the other hand, you are strapped for cash and struggling to add space for a growing family, or you are interested in doing it yourself to learn things and save money, look elsewhere. This is a book for the elite. To John Rusk, there is a right way and a wrong way to do every project. If the right way is too expensive for you, then you should forget about it until you have enough money. Now, if most of us were to follow such advice, nothing would ever get done, except in the posh neighborhoods. Still, it's interesting to read, if only to find out how the other half (other tenth) renovates. The structure is composed of three parts: Rusk lays out his theory and methods in one; the other two are fictional narratives of a pair of young marrieds--one bright and the other foolish. The foolish ones get into squabbles with everyone from the architect to the carpenter; they are unfailingly pennywise. The bright ones, after a few missteps, submit to the Rusk method, and are rewarded with an excellent renovation. These fictitious episodes are naturally less dry than the how-to sections, and make for highly enjoyable reading at times. That technical contractual stuff may go over well at the Harvard B. School, but let's face it, it's not the kind of thing you want to read when you're gearing up for a big construction project. Most people I know would rather take the contract out of contractor. "Let's get on with it!" is their rallying cry. In just a few words, Rusk masterfully sketches the character of the "good" contractor: Giovanni DeTomaso, who sits, Brutus-like, sharpening his chisels and waiting for the phone to ring. As a sometime contractor myself, I relished the scene of the irate male of the bright couple being brought to heel. Mr. DeTomaso threatens to sever a support beam that was discovered inside a wall unless Mr. Finley shows more respect. All too often, we contractors allow clients to bully us just because it's their house. And the downward spiral of the foolish couple was also gripping in a morbid sort of way, reminiscent of the reversal-of-fortune plots of Dickens or Thackeray. As I read, I thought of how the foolish element could give an edge to "This Old House" when it gets dull. Imagine a Farrah Fawcett or Mary Tyler Moore character fighting with Norm Abrams over the placement of a sink. In fact, this could easily be expanded to a full-length feature where a couple of plutocrats from Manhattan or Cambridge receives its comeuppance from an unwashed pushy pair from Queens or Medford.



5. This book provided a comprehensive primer on how to deal with all the issues surrounding an addition or renovation. While it offered lots of cost estimating advice and other tips, many of them were dated and not in line with the current economy. Not that I expected anything different! One thing the book didn't really cover well was the current trend toward builder/architect firms that marry both these specialities into one vendor. But all in all, a worthwhile investment for anyone considering building an addition or starting a renovation project (or both).

No comments about Leading Kitchen and Bath Designers (Perfect Home, The).

5 comments about Land Development Handbook (Handbook).

1. I primarily work as a structural-architectural engineer and am becoming more and more involved in civil-site work. This handbook is exactly what I was looking for in terms of something that would quickly get me "up to speed" in the fundamentals of civil-site design.
   Of course, no single book could (or should) be thought of as a substitute for the experience and mentoring received from seasoned professionals in a design office, but this one has enough technical explanation and details to get you going with confidence.
   I choose this one over the Colley book (reviewed both before making purchase) as Land Development Handbook has more of the technical info that engineers would seek.



2. As a novice developer, this book put me on the right track without all the confusion and terms I would have never understood. It was simple to understand and after reading it, I felt like I knew a lot more. Very interesting and satisfying. Great reference guide all the way around.



3. As a general civil engineer in private practice this book has provided a good overview on the more abstract side of land development including financing, rezoning, and public involvement. All of which, are topics that typical engineers strugle with as it is not the enjoyable aspect of what engineers are trained to do. Nevertheless, these abstract components are just as real as the plans we develop. Of course, the book is excellent for hands on design and calculation support.



4. very resourceful and informative.
   highly suggest this book if land development is new, or even want something for reference.



5. This is a good reference book, filled with useful texts and details. However, it could be a little more compact and more organize in terms of using section and sub-section to sort things out. That way, it's easier and faster for readers to reference and/or looking up certain topics.

1 comments about Black & Decker Carpentry: Remodeling: Hundreds of Step-by-Step Photos (Black & Decker).

1. This book is "simply irresistable" for the man, or woman for that matter, who has an interest in keeping their castle in tip-top shape. Comprehensive and complete, this book leaves no detail uncovered, no stone unturned. From simple repairs the most complex of remodeling jobs, you can find it all in this book. Buy it and you will have a resource for a lifetime.

5 comments about Nursery (Chic Simple) (Chic Simple Components).

1. This is a sweet book that offers a nice look at the basics of a nursery. Don't expect to find many new ideas or ingenious tips, but it does have a very nice checklist in the back and offers some "chic and simple" ideas to help you when planning out what you need. I found this book to be more of a "picture book" with a few tid-bits than a useful reference. But, I enjoyed it none-the-less.



2. What a pleasant surprise! This book was actually very different than i expected. Not as functional as a guide toward decorating as what i thought it would be. But this is a book to be had! It is more of a small coffeetable type book, but how adorable this will be in my baby's nursery someday!Beautiful pictures and neat sayings. And once you start reading it, you will find useful information, and humorous parts, too! 5 Stars!



3. What an adorable book--perfect for a baby shower gift! Expectant mothers, put this one on your list. Not the most practical book in the world, but lovely and original. A must see.



4. Cute little book if your wallet is to big! Not a bit helpful, just cute. Spend your money on a book that is actually informative.



5. This is a pocket book!! Don't buy it save your money for a real book. It is absolutely worthless.

2 comments about How Hard Can It Be?: Toolgirl¿S Favorite Repairs And Projects.

1. I read 'How Hard Can It Be', and then bought 7 copies as gifts for my grown daughters.



2. An indispensable guide to home maintenance, repair and project for the easily intimidated.
   
   Mag tackles each project with a "you can do it" attitude and a somewhat warped sense of humor. Sort of like what Home Depot would be like if you could find anyone to help you, they were knowledgeable, and not brain dead. A really warped sense of humor, I might say. I found myself "guffawing" out loud. My wife kept asking me what's so funny about a home repair manual. I get Mag's humor a lot because it's like mine. But my wife would not; she doesn't even let me watch Red Green unless she's already asleep (did that make sense? she's asleep, how's she going to stop me?)
   
   But enough about the humor. A lot of projects written up in a few pages will give you the information you need to fix that squeaky door, or whatever.

1 comments about Big Book of Small Household Repairs: Your Goof-Proof Guide to Fixing Over 200 Annoying Breakdowns (Reader's Digest Woodworking).

1. Of all the home repair books I have read or purchased, this is by far the best. The repairs are practical and useful as well as easily explained. Having this book in the house makes for an easy referance either before, during or after a repair situation!

No comments about This Old Church: The Indispensable Guide for Restoring Church Buildings.

2 comments about 101 Ideas for Downstairs: Kitchen, Dining Rooms, Living Rooms.

1. I have several of this "101 Ideas" series, and I think they're so helpful. They are just as the title states, ideas. A few paragraphs on well, 101 different decorating ideas! It was a good place to start brainstorming ways to vamp up my space, with lovely photos to accompany.



2. This cute little book has lots of great design ideas that you probably would not have thought of on your own. I think it's terrific and I came to Amazon to look up the rest of the 101 series and buy those as well because I liked it so much.