December 2nd, 2008 — Book Review, Project
When it comes to dealing with the authority on home improvement, you can’t much better than Better Homes and Gardens. For decades they have been helping and inspiring home owners throughout the world. Let’s see if their latest book is worth the money and if it can help you with those nagging projects you need to finish around your home.
This is a massive tome of nearly 1000 pages so you can tell right off the bat that you’re going to be dealing with quite a few projects and advice. More than 4,000 color illustrations are included in this book that weighs nearly 5 pounds and each one takes you step by step through the process of completing these project successfully.
We liked the fact that the book is written so that even a novice can open it and get to work feeling confident. While there are a few projects included that are more suited to DIY pros, most can be completed by anyone with a minimum of experience. You really don’t even need to be “handy” to complete most of these, so this moved the book up high in our estimation. Not everyone is a natural born fix-it person, and it is nice to see a book focus on making home improvements easy.
Practically anything you could ever do in your home is covered, from building a deck to enjoy the outdoors to fixing that incredibly annoying faucet. 200 step by step projects are provided and there is also a section on quick tips for common issues in your home. Each project lists what tools you are going to need and the techniques you need to use the get the job done. You can easily make a project shopping list with this information to make it easier to get exactly what you need before you get started.
The book was based on the magazine’s popular Step by Step column and they stay true to this format. Instead of having to wait every month for a new project however, you’ll get them all at once. We found that it was well suited for the weekend warrior that needs to know exactly what each project is going to take in terms of material and time. We can’t all rip apart our houses and spend weeks putting them together, so this feature was definitely appreciated.
Overall, if you are planning some home improvement projects or you would just like to know more about how to fix things in your home, this is a terrific book. It is a little pricey, but when you think about the sheer size and the work that went into putting this together, it is well worth it. We highly recommend this title and it would make a great gift for anyone on your list that is interested in home improvement, or for yourself! Chances are, you’ll want to jump in right away and start fixing up your home after you read it.
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November 15th, 2008 — Basement, Book Review
Creative Homeowner’s series on home improvements includes this title and it is well worth the read. It’s a short read, coming in at around 80 pages, but don’t let the size fool you. Basements Step by Step Projects is packed with information and projects that will have you turning your basement into a paradise during your weekends. It’s intended audience is beginners or those with at least some DIY experience. It probably won’t have enough information for a professional, but for the right audience, this is an invaluable book.
It starts with how to plan out your basement changes in a logical manner. One of the best parts is that it includes information that a lot of us may not know about. For example, if you are planning on adding a bedroom to your basement, there is one safety feature that you absolutely have to have - a window or an outside door. Most people don’t even consider this, and it’s incredibly unsafe. You need to provide that occupant with a safety exit or you may even risk a fine from your housing authority.
It’s little tips like this that make the book well worth the time and purchase price. You’ll get step by step instructions on how to plan out your changes, and put them into action. Pretty much everything is covered, from how to figure out minimum square foot requirements for different types of rooms, safety features, water hazards and much more. Before you get started, read the chapter on existing basements so that you can find out how your basement was constructed. You’ll need to know this before going any further since it will affect the type of improvements that you can add.
Possibly the best feature of this book is that it includes projects that are truly useful for every day life. From building a sump pump to getting those stairs fixed, you’ll find countless tips that will make it a lot easier to safely and effectively modify your basement. Instructions on how to frame out doors and windows are included, which is vital if you plan to add living space to your basement, as mentioned above.
Too many how to books throw out information and projects and never really get into exactly how you’re supposed to do it, or the dangers that you need to keep in mind. This book definitely breaks that mold and provides absolutely everything you could ever need to get a project done. It’s like having a contractor right there with you, without having to pay the exorbitant fees.
The end of the book includes information on permits and more on electrical safety. This is very beneficial if you’re still trying to figure out what you want to do with your basement and you’re not sure what you need to do before taking those steps to put a plan into action. Overall, if you need to renovate your basement, this is the best book to help you get the job done.
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