Home renovation and extension / self-build Books

Book SynopsisBLACK+DECKER™  The Book of Home How-To Complete Photo Guide to Outdoor Buildingis jam-packed with popular projects for better backyard living. From building an attached wood deck or a patio to designing and creating a shed or pergola, you’ll see exactly how to get the job done in this illustrated guidebook. Complete plans, including technical illustrations and even cutting and shopping lists, will lead you through the building process, punctuated by clear step-by-step photographs and how-to descriptions. If you value entertaining, recreating, or growing vegetables and flowers in your own yard, you will find everything you need to create the structures and hardscaping that support your interests. The projects are all selected based on more than 30 years of publishing BLACK+DECKER™ books for the home DIYer. The most requested and most frequently chosen backyard projects are all includTable of ContentsWalkways, Patios & Decks Loose-Rock Landscape Path Stepping Stone Landscape Path Sand-set Paver Patio Permeable Subbase Spaced Masonry Pavers Composite Permeable Pavers Boardwalk Deck on a Slab Floating Deck Walls & Fences Wood-Panel Fence Vinyl-Panel Fence Picket Fence Stone Retaining Wall Freestanding Landscape Block Wall 68 Play & Entertainment Projects Backyard Fire Pit and Rotisserie Pizza Oven Playground Kit Swingset Sheds & Structures Garbage and Recycling Shed Callbox Shed Four-Post Patio Pergola Freestanding Arbor Firewood Shelter METRIC CONVERSIONS RESOURCES INDEX

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Book SynopsisFind inspiration in new designs and follow the latest codes as you custom build the deck of your dreams.Architecture, building codes, and design are not static; they change constantly. That’s why there’s a new edition of the best-selling BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Decks, incorporating updates to national building codes, as well as new developments in building materials and design. Calling attention to composite deckboards and railings, as well as other PVC products made from recycled plastic, the new materials systems featured in this book are environmentally friendly, easy to work with, rot resistant, and very low maintenance.Whether you opt for manufactured deck products or wood, the success of your project depends upon a sturdy deck undercarriage. Accomplishing this isn’t difficult, but building the framework requires that you have the latest information on building codes. In recent years, these codeTable of ContentsIntroductionGALLERY OF INSPIRING DECKSDECK PLANNING + DESIGNEvaluating Your SiteDeck Building CodesDetermining Lumber SizeUnderstanding LoadsDeveloping Your Deck PlanWorking with Building InspectorsDECK MATERIALS + TOOLSStructural LumberWood DeckingNonwood DeckingFasteners + HardwareMetal Connecting HardwareScrews + NailsFlashingFootingsSpecialty ToolsHow to Build a DeckBuilding a Deck: A Step-by-Step OverviewSTRUCTURAL SUPPORTInstalling a LedgerLocating Post FootingsDigging + Pouring FootingsInstalling PostsInstalling BeamsHanging JoistsDECKINGDecking PatternsLaying DeckingSTAIRSBuilding StairsDECK RAILINGSDeck Railing BasicsCurved RailingsComposite + PVC Railing SystemsGlass-panel RailingsSteel Cable RailingsADVANCED FRAMING TECHNIQUESFraming Low-profile DecksFraming Multilevel DecksFraming Decks on Steep SlopesWorking with AnglesCreating CurvesFraming for InsetsCUSTOM DECK PROJECTSUnderdeck EnclosureRunoff GuttersBoardwalk Deck on a SlabFloating Octagon Island DeckA Deck for EntertainingDECK ACCESSORIESLow-voltage LightingDeck PlantersPrivacy ScreenDeck BenchesDeck SkirtingFINISHING + MAINTAINING YOUR DECKCleaning, Sealing + Coloring a Wood DeckFinishing a New Wood DeckMaintaining a DeckRepairing a DeckCleaning Vinyl + Composite DeckingDeckbuilding GlossaryMetric ConversionsResourcesPhoto CreditsIndex

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Book SynopsisBLACK+DECKER The Complete Photo Guide to Treehouses 3rd Edition features new building technique information on using TAB (Treehouse anchor bolt) support systems and extended information on cable-supported platforms.Table of ContentsContents The Complete Guide to Treehouses Introduction Lofty Ideas: A Gallery of Creative Treehouses Treehouse Basics Choosing a Tree General Tree Health Is It Big Enough? Location Trees to Avoid Grooming the Winner Choosing a Tree Species Planning + Design Building Codes + Zoning Laws Parts of a Treehouse Design Considerations Lumber, Hardware + Tools Treehouse Safety Safe Treehouse Design Working Safely Treehouse Construction Treehouse Support Systems Treehouse Support Options Beams and Braces Platforms Single Tree: Platform Nestled in Branches Single Tree: Trunk as Center Post Two Trees: Platform Spanning Between Trunks Three Trees: Platform Spanning Between Trunks Two Trees + Two Support Posts Framing + Finishing Walls Framing Walls Siding + Trim Installing Walls Building Railings Finishing Interiors Wall + Ceiling Paneling Shelves + Tables Flip-down Table + Bunk Doors + Windows Building a Window Shutters + Pop-up Windows Fun Doors Classic Doors Building Roofs Framing the Roof Sheathing + Roofing Modes of Access Ladders Trap Doors Fireman’s Pole Swings + Playthings Classic Tree Swings Zip Line Rock Climbing Wall Water Cannon Speaking Tube Slides Treehouse Projects Open-air Treehouse Gable House with Entry Deck More Treehouse Plans Plan 1: Gable Roof with Auxiliary Posts Plan 2: A-frame with Walkout Deck Plan 3: Half-covered Crow’s Nest Plan 4: Wraparound Shed on Stilts Plan 5: Triangular Tree Hut Plan 6: Four-tree Shanty Resources/Photo Credits Index

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Book Synopsis BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Sheds Updated 4th Edition has the perfect plan for building your own tool shed, habitable shed, garden shed, and many other types of sheds. With more than 20 complete building plans, the most popular plans from previous editions are preserved, from small garage-style sheds with overhead doors, to kit sheds, to contemporary utility sheds with a dramatic flair. This new edition delves into new styles that are drawing strong interest today, including tiny sheds, miniature tool sheds, and even small habitable sheds that are designed to function as a private home office or a quiet retreat for practicing a particular hobby or activity. As with all of the hardworking, practical sheds from earlier editions, the new varieties include full-color step-by-step photos, complete building plan drawings with cutting lists, and clear how-to instruction

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Book SynopsisWe''ve all heard that our home should be our sanctuary, but most of us fall short of that ideal. Too often, the reality is that our homes are just another place for stress and work. Now trusted HGTV interior designer Vern Yip is here to guide us on confidently creating a home where we can instantly feel relaxed and rejuvenated, while also reflecting our individual style and needs. In this lush, beautifully illustrated book, Vern shares the tips, tricks, and design principles that 5-star resorts and hotels use to help guests get into vacation mode, and shows how we can duplicate that sense of ease and relaxation (while fitting into our personal design flair). He also opens the doors to some of his clients'' homes to show you how these key design principles can vary with different styles, tastes, and locations. With Vern''s reassuring tone and clear, easy steps, readers can create spaces that can make everyday feel like vacation!

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Book SynopsisDIY enthusiasts, tiny house-lovers, and van-lifers will find inspiration and step-by-step instructions in Tin Can Homestead, the ultimate resource for living small in your own Airstream paradise. The Airstream trailer is the ultimate symbol of vintage wanderlust-and the classic touring vehicle''s resurgent popularity has dovetailed with the tiny house movement, resonating with design-minded individuals looking to live small. Tin Can Homestead, based on the popular Instagram of the same name, is the ultimate resource for these would-be DIY-ers, and the perfect coffee-table addition for anyone looking for streamlined, modern lifestyle inspiration. Part practical how-to, part lushly illustrated design inspiration, Tin Can Homestead follows the story of one couple as they build themselves a new life in an old Airstream. Through personal stories and down-and-dirty checklists, this book guides readers through all stages of creating their own Airstream homes-from buying a trailer to plumbing and electrical work. With a hip, bohemian aesthetic and a fresh authorial voice, the authors pair their DIY knowledge with lifestyle advice-including dÃr, design, and entertaining-and abundant illustrations, from in-process photographs to hand-drawn illustrations.

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Book SynopsisBrilliant ideas for revamping and restyling your home on a budget and without waste.

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Book SynopsisProvides a sensible approach to regular home maintenance. It's a small commitment with a big payoff: spending a few minutes each week helps you avoid long-term preventable problems such as water damage, pests, and air infiltration that can cost you money now and even more money in the future.

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Book SynopsisRe-using, restoring and upcycling, Kirstie shows how to transform vintage fabrics, furniture and other everyday things into modern day treasures using a range of crafting skills and techniques.Trade ReviewA beautiful guide to transforming a home by reusing and upcycling. * Woman & Home *If you're pining for a beautiful, envy-inducing home but don't have a huge budget, you need this book in your life. Written by property expert and queen of crafts Kirstie, it is swarming with inspiring ideas and projects... treasure of a book! * Closer *Craft queen Kirstie Allsopp's new book of vintage-inspired projects takes you through the process step-by-step, mergind old with new in a fun, creative way. * Let's Knit *Packed with practical techniques that can be adapted to suit your own objects and furniture... Kirstie's boundless enthusiasm is engaging and informative. * Sunday Mail *Craft queen Kirstie Allsopp returns this autumn with a fantastic new book of vintage-inspired projects to help you create your dream home. * Making *

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Book SynopsisThe founder of Architizer.com and practicing architect draws on his unique position at the crossroads of architecture and social media to highlight 100 important buildings that embody the future of architecture.Were asking more of architecture than ever before; the response will define our future. A pavilion made from paper. A building that eats smog. An inflatable concert hall. A research lab that can walk through snow. Were entering a new age in architectureone where we expect our buildings to deliver far more than just shelter. We want buildings that inspire us while helping the environment; buildings that delight our senses while serving the needs of a community; buildings made possible both by new technology and repurposed materials. Like an architectural cabinet of wonders, this book collects the most innovative buildings of today and tomorrow. The buildings hail from all seven continents (to say nothing of other planets), offering a truly global pe

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Book SynopsisEmbarking on a home-improvement project can seem a daunting task, especially for those who are building an extension for the first time. Whether you have chosen to hire a general builder or to carry out the work yourself, Complete Handbook of Home Extensions is a useful tool designed to guide you safely towards a valuable addition to your home. Written by a qualified Building Control Officer with over thirty years experience in the industry, the book talks you through the entire home-extension process from conception to decorating. It offers advice on substructure, superstructure, internal and external work, as well as site inspection, drainage and restrictive covenants. There is also a handy section on finance, insurance and warranty schemes. Common problems are helpfully identified, enabling you to begin building with confidence. Save time and stress by using the included standard specification for a single storey extension, new to this fourth edition.

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Book SynopsisYes, You Too Can Live Off The Grid Living off the grid is a concept that many people often think about but few people really do. In their case, the Spanfelners first went through the thought process of why they wanted to live off the grid in the first place. Once they concluded that they did - and all their reasons are here - they then elected not to build a new cabin from the ground up, but instead find an existing structure and fix it. They eventuallly found a classic fixer-upper deep in the woods of Northern California, bought it, then got to work - focusing on such off-the-grid necessities as a power supply, constant supply of water, a constant heat source, and much more. Tips in the useful guide cover everything from building, plumbing, and electricity to growing food in a sustainable way to dealing with emergencies. This book will tell you how to do it all, and how to do it the right way.Trade Review"I heartily recommend [A Cabin in the Forest] to anyone who is either seriously trying to live off-grid, dreaming of maybe one day living off-grid, or would simply like to read about those who have the same exceptional pioneer spirit our hearty forefathers had that were instrumental in developing the greatest experiment in self-governance called America. [The author's] grit and perseverance, melding with her knowledge of the science necessary to create independence from the wants of society, while living in harmony with mother nature (as long as mother nature agrees), is simply remarkable." —Francesco Ricci III, PhD, ChT

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Book SynopsisLearn how to create a home you'll love with this illustrated full-colour practical guide from the Sunday Times bestselling author and star of the hit primetime show The Repair Shop, Jay Blades.Even if you've never put up a shelf, repainted a room or fixed a dripping tap, you'll soon have the confidence and skills to tackle these DIY jobs and many more with Jay's help!With tales of his own do-it-yourself escapades and plenty of inspiration from his favourite home fixes, this accessible and entertaining guide will give you all the knowledge you need to choose the right wall plugs, revamp those old dining chairs and give your bathroom a whole new lease of life without breaking the bank.DIY with Jay is a room-by-room guide to doing it yourself: from laying new kitchen flooring and building your own BBQ to making new sofa covers and choosing the right bedroom vibe for the best night's sleep. Based on his own many years of experience as a furniture restorer, this manual provides tips and problem solvers for anyone hoping to embark on a new DIY journey. With tools, terms and expert advice, you'll be able to give new life to your home for years to come.Trade ReviewFull of easy-to-understand advice and brilliant tips -- Dom Chinea, expert on The Repair ShopThis book answers all the back-to-basics questions you’re too afraid to ask. It’s full of down-to-earth tricks of the trade that are really easy to follow. Jay literally nails it, hammering home just how easy DIY can be! -- Banjo Beale, interior designer and winner of Interior Design Masters 2022A brilliant starter book for anyone looking to make their house a home. Full of excellent illustrations that give you a great understanding of how your home works and the tools you need to improve it. And on top of that the book is filled with excellent ideas that any homeowner can use to improve their living space -- Jo Behari, co-author of The Girl's Guide to DIY and The Tool BookIt’s so refreshing to read a book that empowers you to pick up the tools -- Wayne Perrey, 'The TV Carpenter'

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Book SynopsisKate Hall is the Founder of The Full Freezer and Your Full Freezer; an online training programme teaching The Full Freezer Method. She helps busy households to reduce their food waste and cook from scratch easily by using their home freezers more effectively. Kate regularly features in the press and works with individuals and brands (including Birdseye and Themapen) promoting the importance of reducing food waste. She was an official influencer for Love Food Hate Waste's Food Waste Action Week 2022 and presented alongside Tom Kerridge as part of his Full Time Meals' campaign. She lives in Greater London with her husband and two young children.

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Book SynopsisThis title demonstrates that anyone can transform their kitchen for less with stock cabinetry and a well-thought-out plan. A unique feature is that the authors' own kitchen is the featured project. Filled with great advice and lessons and an inspirational gallery at the end of the book. A kitchen remodelling project can be daunting and expensive, even for an experienced woodworker. Thanks to cabinet and furniture maker Jonathan Benson, anyone can transform their kitchen for less by using stock cabinetry and a well-thought-out plan. Benson imparts the importance of having a solid design that meets the needs of everyone using the space. Peppered with comments from his wife, Sherry, a former executive chef and restaurant owner, the Bensons show that working as a team can make a kitchen remodel go a little more smoothly, even if opinions differ. "Transforming Your Kitchen with Stock Cabinetry" is filled with great advice and lessons, such as what to know before going cabinet shopping, how to live in a construction zone, and the pros and cons of various countertop materials. What makes this book unique is that the Bensons' own kitchen is the featured project, guiding the reader through a complete remodel. The inspirational gallery at the end of the book is filled with beautiful photos and gives true meaning to the term 'dream kitchen.'Trade ReviewIt is a step by step "Layout your design, go to Lowes, buy cabinets and we will show you how to do a total make over of your kitchen from tearing down the dry wall to setting the door handles. So, as some of you know Mike and I just moved to a new home (almost a year ago). So I am browsing through this book and Mike is waiting for his turn to look at it. So my smile is getting bigger and bigger as I look through the ideas and instructions. So Mike finally gets the book in his hand, flips through the pages and then turns to me saying, "DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT" .... grin ... I didn't tell him it was too late ...I started flipping through this book, Transforming Your Kitchen With Stock Cabinetry, without any vision of redoing my kitchen, but just after a few pages I was inspired and hopeful! The book, by Jonathan Benson (a cabinet and furniture maker) and Sherry Benson (an executive chef), not only shows a variety of different styles and layouts of kitchens, but also walks the reader through the "how-to's" of redoing a kitchen using ready-made cabinets. Throughout the pages, tips are given as to what to do and what "not to do", ways to reduce the costs, and how to ensure you have a workspace that is conducive to your needs as well as being functional regarding actually using the space. For home-owners who don't have the ability to make their own custom cabinets or the finances to have some made, this is a perfect alternative - installing the ready-made variety. With the inspirational photos and the step-by-step directions, the idea of a new kitchen space is definitely a possibility! My Ratings of The Book Layout and Appearance: Good balance of inspirations, tips and how-to photos and directions. Thumbs Up! Instructions: Very clear and detailed. Thumbs Up! Overall: Thumbs Up!The book teaches readers how a custom look can be achieved by installing stock cabinetry from a local home-improvement center and stores like Ikea as it follows the authors through their home kitchen makeover. Truth be told, there are a lot of great money-saving tips, especially on countertop and appliance selection. The authors certainly know their way around a kitchen - Sherry is an executive chef and Jonathan is a licensed general contractor - and they've owned a restaurant.With the burgeoning selection of impressive stock cabinetry designs now available, giving your kitchen the custom look no longer need include the hefty custom price tag. Cabinetmaker Jonathon Benson takes you through the entire process of creating your dream kitchen easily and on a budget, from inspiration to design, selection of stock cabinets, tear-out and installation.Professional furniture maker Jonathan Benson (Woodworker's Guide to Bending Wood) and his wife bring together their woodworking and kitchen expertise. The book begins with inspirational, beautifully shot photos of kitchens, but the construction images are less glamorous. The authors offer good instruction on modifying and installing cabinetry, with practical tips and techniques. This original book fills a niche and features great pro/con listsIf you're looking to redo your kitchen anytime soon, I'd recommend reading this book first. It covers everything from layout to cabinet selection to tearing out old cabinets to having a finished kitchen. Written by a husband and wife team, he's a cabinet maker and general contractor and she's an executive chef, it goes into just as much detail explaining why location of appliances is important as it does which cabinet to install first. While an experienced contractor may not find anything new in the book, it's great for a do-it-your-selfer. I have redone several kitchens and had to learn most of the information in this book the hard way. It's easy to understand and filled with pictures showing the step-by-step process as the authors completely redesign their own kitchen. If you're worried about the high cost normally involved with a complete kitchen makeover, read this book and you'll find out it may not be as expensive as you fear. This book will definitely get a lot of use at my house.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Inspiration Gallery Chapter 2: Stock Cabinet Kitchen Transformaions *Manhattan Makeover *A Complete Update Chapter 3: Lessons In Design *Likes and Dislikes *Budget *14 Ways to Save Money *Work Triangle *Kitchen Layout *Universal Design Chapter 4: All About Cabinets *Three Categories of Cabinets *Materials *Pricing *Face Frame vs. Frameless *What to Look for in Cabinets *Door and Drawer Fronts *Standard Cabinet Dimensions *Special Cabinets *Getting Organized Chapter 5: Tear Out & Construction *How to Live in a COnstruction Zone *Tear Out *Soffits *Ceilings *Order of Work Chapter 6: Cabinet Installation *Tools *Finding Level *The First Cabinet *Leveling the First Cabinet *Adding Cabinets *Filling Voids *Base Cabinets *Altering Base Cabinets *Crown Molding *Handles and Pulls Chapter 7: Countertops *Pricing and Pros/Cons *Granite and Granite Tile *Engineered Stone *Ceramic Tile *Plastic Laminate *Solid Surface *Wood *Cast Concrete *Stainless Steel *Countertop Height *Countertop and Backsplash Installation Index

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Book SynopsisIf you've ever dreamed about building your own rustic cottage in the woods or the hunting cabin of your dreams, or even homesteading off-the-grid, this handy reference provides a logical, sensible, and easy-to-follow approach to building a permanent shelter in that perfect out-of-the-way place. Including everything from choosing and clearing a site and creating an electrical power source, to clearing the land and creating a foundation, this book offers instruction on building an A-frame cabin and a rustic log cabin with a framed roof. There is also a special section on designing small buildings to cope with Mother Nature, including earthquakes, heavy snow, high wind and flooding.

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Book SynopsisChronicle the story of how your house became a home, the people and pets who joined you there, and the memories made within.Part workbook, part logbook, and part journal, Home serves as a record of everything and anything that has happened in or to your home over the years. Beginning with a chronicle of how you came to find your home, Home stays with you through all the celebrations, history making, and home projects, from huge renovations and changes to simple everyday fixer-upper tasks.Beautifully designed and smartly organized, this home companion is divided into six sections, each primed to record all the special moments and important projects that will take place in your space. The Road to Home covers the steps to home ownership, from notes on your search to closing details. The History of a Home chronicles the history of the home you purchased and surrounding area folklore, legends, and interesting facts. Welcome Home is the place to record all the things that are happening in your new house to make it your home. Creating Your Space provides a place to list the different areas of your home, what you plan to do with them, and your ideas for decoration/renovation. Projects in Progress is the section where you make your home project to-do lists and chart your progress, project by project. Inner Workings is the most practical section, where you can record all the important information about your home and who to contact for issues or questions. Paste in swatches, site surveys, business cards, or any kind of small mementos you want to keep safe and secure. With over 200 pages of guided writing space, you’ll be able to personalize your home diary in many special ways. A wonderful keepsake that can be passed down through generations, Home collects all the memories and moments along the journey from house to home.

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Book SynopsisShips in November 2011. Watch the DIY series Million Dollar Contractor with Stephen Fanuka. In What’s a Homeowner to Do?, Stephen Fanuka and Edward Lewine explain the basics of home repair and maintenance. From assembling a tool kit to understanding the pros and cons of casement and double-hung windows, from the ins and outs of moldings, faucets, and electrical outlets to the best way to maintain appliances and driveways, you’ll find out everything you’ll need to know to keep your home in fine working order.With hundreds of clear, helpful illustrations, this essential reference covers such topics as how to install a ceiling fan; determining the right amount of paint to buy; how to repair a loose stair tread; choosing the proper child safety gate; and many more.Most important, you’ll get expert advice on when a repair is something you can do yourself and when it’s best executed by a professional. In the process, you’ll learn more than enough to speak knowledgeably about any problem with a hardware store clerk, a repairman, or a contractor.What's a Homeowner to Do? is the best home improvement guide ever!

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Book SynopsisRemodelista.com is the go-to, undisputed authority for home design enthusiasts, remodelers, architects, and designers. Unlike sites that cater to all tastes, Remodelista has a singular and clearly defined aesthetic: classic pieces trump designs that are trendy and transient, and well-edited spaces take precedence over cluttered environments. High and low mix seamlessly here, and getting the look need not be expensive (think Design Within Reach meets Ikea). Remodelista decodes the secrets to achieving this aesthetic, with in-depth tours and lessons from 12 enviable homes; a recipe-like breakdown of the hardest-working kitchens and baths; dozens of do-it-yourself projects; “The Remodelista 100,” a guide to the best everyday household objects; and an in-depth look at the ins and outs of the remodeling process. In a world of design confusion, Remodelista takes the guesswork out of the process.Trade ReviewTop Design Books of the Year, Washington Post Best Books to Give as Gifts, RealSimple.com Best Book of the Year in Home Improvement Design, Amazon Top 100 Books of the Year, Amazon “With her artful marriage of style and practicality, Carlson shows us how to save money and space—and when it’s okay to splurge.” —Martha Stewart Living “A lovely and extremely useful portfolio of houses, rooms and products, which will no doubt serve as an inspiration and as a source book for would-be redecorators and remodelers. . . . Terrific.” —The New York Times “Ms. Carlson’s book translates [Remodelista.com’s] credo to print, showcasing relatable dwellings and decoding how they work. It’s not stingy with practical advice, from how to deal with a contractor to strategies for sprucing up a rental.” ?The Wall Street Journal “This well-ordered, well-photographed book is packed with great ideas. . . . Carlson, editor in chief of the Web site, used the book to highlight remodeling, redecorating and organizing, as well as budgeting. The 'Remodelista 100' at the back of the book is like the Academy Awards of everyday household gear.” —Washington Post “Brimming with useful tips for decorating difficult spaces. . . . A smart primer for any would-be remodelista facing a potentially daunting project.” —ArchitecturalDigest.com “The home-remodeling bible we’ve been waiting for.” —Refinery29.com * Dallas Morning News *Top Design Books of the Year, Washington Post Best Books to Give as Gifts, RealSimple.com Best Book of the Year in Home Improvement Design, Amazon Top 100 Books of the Year, Amazon “With her artful marriage of style and practicality, Carlson shows us how to save money and space—and when it’s okay to splurge.” —Martha Stewart Living “A lovely and extremely useful portfolio of houses, rooms and products, which will no doubt serve as an inspiration and as a source book for would-be redecorators and remodelers. . . . Terrific.” —The New York Times “Ms. Carlson’s book translates [Remodelista.com’s] credo to print, showcasing relatable dwellings and decoding how they work. It’s not stingy with practical advice, from how to deal with a contractor to strategies for sprucing up a rental.” ?The Wall Street Journal “This well-ordered, well-photographed book is packed with great ideas. . . . Carlson, editor in chief of the Web site, used the book to highlight remodeling, redecorating and organizing, as well as budgeting. The 'Remodelista 100' at the back of the book is like the Academy Awards of everyday household gear.” —Washington Post “Brimming with useful tips for decorating difficult spaces. . . . A smart primer for any would-be remodelista facing a potentially daunting project.” —ArchitecturalDigest.com “The home-remodeling bible we’ve been waiting for.” —Refinery29.com—Dallas Morning News“This well-ordered, well-photographed book is packed with great ideas. It includes detailed descriptions of a dozen cool houses, with ideas on how to steal this look. There are thorough chapters on bathrooms and kitchens. . . . Carlson, editor-in-chief of the website, used the book to highlight remodeling, redecorating, and organizing, as well as budgeting. The Remodelista 100 at the back of the book is like the Academy Awards of everyday household gear.”—Dallas Morning News“This well-ordered, well-photographed book is packed with great ideas. It includes detailed descriptions of a dozen cool houses, with ideas on how to steal this look. There are thorough chapters on bathrooms and kitchens. . . . Carlson, editor-in-chief of the website, used the book to highlight remodeling, redecorating, and organizing, as well as budgeting. The Remodelista 100 at the back of the book is like the Academy Awards of everyday household gear.”—Dallas Morning News

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Book SynopsisThis is a richly illustrated guide to realizing the full potential of your basement. It includes hundreds of examples of finished projects. This superbly illustrated volume provides readers with all the information and inspiration they need to transform their basement into a comfortable and stylish living space. "Design Ideas for Basements" features hundreds of examples that illustrate the many uses for a finished basement - from home theatres to children's play rooms, and from an organised home office to luxurious guest rooms. Also included in this title are: tips on how to plan, start, and finish your renovation project; advice on how to identify and treat common problems; expert guidance on those all important finishing touches; and, much more!

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Book SynopsisTransform your kitchen on a small budget. Kitchen remodelling projects can be expensive, but there are alternatives to a full-scale renovation. "Affordable Kitchen Upgrades" provides those alternatives by supplying inexpensive design ideas and easy how-to projects that make a large impact on the look and the functionality of a kitchen. Covering a variety of projects from replacing the pulls and hinges on cabinetry to installing new countertops, "Affordable Kitchen Upgrades" shows homeowners how incremental changes can vastly improve their kitchens. Homeowners can make a number of improvements all at once or space them out to accommodate their time and budget.

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Book SynopsisBest-Selling House Plans offers readers 400 of the most successful and sought-after home designs from the top architects and designers across North America. Over 200 gorgeous full-color photographs allow readers to experience homes actually built from the designs, plus some stunning interior images. CAD files are made available for every home and are easily customizable. Virtually every home style is offered, including farmhouses, country cottages, contemporaries, luxury estates, vacation retreats, and regional specialties. Completely updated and revised, this edition offers new home plans and pricing, special sections on home automation, home design trends, curb appeal tips, and more.

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Book SynopsisDesign the bathroom you've always wanted without making mistakes that cost money or leave you less than thrilled with the result. Explaining everything DIYers and homeowners need to know -- from budgeting, hiring contractors, and designing the space to selecting cabinetry and hardware, shopping for fixtures, and choosing appropriate countertop, flooring, windows, and other materials -- this must-have resource will also show you how to bring all of these elements together cohesively with style. Newly updated with the latest renovation and design trends, products, and technology, plus space-saving ideas and so much more, this new edition offers a smart approach to bathroom design that will help you achieve the bathroom you've always imagined.

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Book SynopsisBuild the garage of your dreams by doing all or part of the work yourself. Planning and constructing a handsome new garage may seem like a daunting task, but you can make it a reality by following the instructions in this essential do-it-yourself guide.All of the techniques and tips you'll need are inside. Build Your Own Garage Manual graphically demonstrates the latest in garage construction techniques and illustrates every step of the construction process in detail.Because drawing up your own plan from scratch may be challenging for the inexperienced builder, make planning and cost estimating easier by selecting from more than 175 terrific plans, prepared by garage experts. Easy-to-follow construction blueprints and materials lists are available for each project to ensure success.

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Book SynopsisDIY for Renters Don’t Call the Landlord is a complete repair and maintenance guide for everyone who rents—not owns—their home. It’s designed to help apartment and house renters perform common repairs and upgrades that are economical, safe, and don’t conflict with tenant/landlord agreements. Also included are tips on taking down and removing upgrades when it’s time to move out of the rental unit so you can get your security deposit back in full. Packed with step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and color photos, this book teaches basic repair skills that potential future homeowners will use for the rest of their lives. Author Charles Byers, an experienced vocational school educator, shows how to address all of the normal maintenance issues that every home encounters, from squeaky doors and floors, wet basements, and replacing light switches to installing ceiling fans, plumbing, heating, and electrical repairs. Byers guides the reader to complete each project as inexpensively and perfectly as possible, using readily available materials from the local home center.

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Book SynopsisFound space...that's what this book is all about. Learn how to maximize the usable but unfinished areas in your house as new living space for your growing family. No need for an expensive addition or going through the trouble of moving to a larger house. With more than 50 detailed step-by-step procedures and 580 full-colour drawings and photographs to illustrate construction techniques, this book contains dozens of delightful design alternatives for your basement, attic, and garage. Some of the topics covered in Ultimate Guide to Basements, Attics & Garages include planning and design, installing skylights, finishing walls and ceilings, building stairs, framing floors, installing windows and doors, and much more. This new edition also includes updated information on current codes and materials.Trade ReviewThe inspirational stunning photos alone are worth the purchase price! -- Tim Carter, Founder * AsktheBuilder.com *A thorough book that breaks down complex projects into a simple step-by-step process. A must-read for anyone looking to transform underutilized areas of their home. -- Jason Kamery, Editor * Stone World magazine *

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