Tweet
What book would you recommend for a layman, not a professional? Something that covers common repairs, maintenance, improvements - as a step by step guide. I've gone to the bookstore and seen many of these, but I'm looking for real experiences from people who have read and used these as to which is the best one.
-
Have no idea if its around any more or if it's been updated, but I have an old book that was put out by Readers Digest that was terriffic!
Try googling 'readers digest home improvement' maybe?
Apparently, it's still going and updated. $ 23. It also gets very good reviews. Here's a link to it on Amazon:
Ok, I looked further into it. The original version I have is published in 1977. The 'updated' version is from 1994!
So a bit out of date, but still some very good basic information.Last edited by herb fellows; 02-08-2011, 06:59 AM.You don't need a parachute to skydive, you only need a parachute to skydive twice. -
_________________________
"Have a Great Day, unless you've made other plans"Comment
-
I know Black and Decker put out a really nice home improvement book that I own. It has great, detail pictures as well. It's also up to date.Comment
-
I think I may have the Readers Digest one. It's one of several books my folks got origionally. It covers a lot of the basics fairly decently.
I can usually find step-by-step info on most things through an internet search now. I like seeing diferent methods & solutions too. Sometimes the ones in a book isn't the best way to go about doing it.ErikComment
-
Willie,
This book helped me build my home 14 years ago. And i still refer to it at least 2 times a year. It's and older book but will give you a great foundation for building in the future.
You might find it on half.com, or E-Bay. The ISBN 0-8700-648-x. The Name and Auther: Modern Carpentry, Willis H. Wagner. Hope this helps.
4estComment
-
Willie,
I just went to Half.Com and they have them for $1.00 on up.
4estComment
-
+1 for the Reader's Digest book. My FIL gave one to me when I bought my first house. That book saved me a lot of frustration, and even more money.Comment
-
+2 for the Reader's Digest book.sigpicComment
-
best home repair improvement book?
I found one at a second hand store called "Complete Do-it-Yourself
Manual" by Reader's Digest. Check them out prices are reasonable.Comment
-
I designed and built a house on Long Island NY with my father.
Four years of enlistment in the US Navy and their Class a Schools exposed me to their training manuals, which assume the student knows nothing about the subject and takes him from basics to technical. They are reasonably priced and available now on disk-
Some are not USN training manuals but also very good. Subjects are many from wood construction, concrete and masonry, electrical, etc.
http://www.militarymanual.com/2_by_s...litiesman.html
One Classic-"Wood Frame House Construction"
(http://www.amazon.com/Wood-Frame-Hou...277902&sr=8-10)
"Product Description
Completely revised and updated edition of popular U.S. Govt. manual. Authoritative presentation of construction process plus expert advice on selecting suitable building materials. Topics include site selection, excavation, framing, roofing, plumbing, insulation, flooring, more. Also options like fireplaces, garages, porches, etc. Nearly 200 illustrations enhance easy-to-follow text. Bibliography. 24 tables. Glossary."
In addition we purchased a copy of the State Building Code Manual which for us was almost like a "How To" guide. We always followed code and sometimes exceeded-purposely the minimum requirements.
The three required inspections each passed without a glitch and included some compliments from the local Inspectors.
Built in the 70's and sold in the 90's, I sometimes "fly" over it to "visit" via Google Earth.Comment
-
Another Good Gov't Source
Check out areas such as "construction".Comment
odecahedron.gif
Comment