Remodeling a Bathroom (Build Like A Pro) Review

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(More customer reviews)Remodeling a Bathroom fails at delivering on its title subject...bathroom remodeling. The book's focus is so broad, so wide, as to spend little time talking about things specific to bathrooms, no more than about 10%-15%.
Every other trade skill required to remodel a bathroom gets only a little less coverage. But there are better, much more focused books available specific to framing, plumbing, drywall, electricity, tiling, and trim carpentry. The Taunton Press offers complete and thorough books on these subjects I fully recommend.
Most people will DIY part of the remodel work and subcontract out work they're uncomfortable with or feel unqualified to tackle. Planning the remodel and subcontracting out work get some mention in chapter 1, but far too little.
There's little information on building mud-set showers or shower pans, but considerable information on tiling that shower.
There are chapters devoted to framing, doors and moldings, drywalling, but no mention of removing or refinishing or installing a traditional steel/cast-iron bathtub.
Page 59 illustrates a solderless copper pipe joining system and describes its advantages; It pictures the required electro-hydraulic installation tool, but then goes on to same that this is a system for professional installation only. The same chapter purports to teach copper piping system design and soldering technique on page 56 to 58.
Most of Taunton's "Build Like A Pro" series are really good, but this one misses the mark.

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After kitchen renovations, bathroom makeovers rank second in popularity. This book tells readers everything they need to know to remodel a home bathroom, from planning the renovation and choosing materials and fixtures to putting in the finishing touches. Step-by-step photo essays, pro-level advice, and insider's tips cover every step in the process. The reader is guided through designing a floor plan; framing walls; roughing in the plumbing and electric supply; installing drywall, flooring, cabinets and countertops, tub and shower enclosures, and moldings; and more.

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Remodeling a Basement (Build Like A Pro) Review

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(More customer reviews)It's common knowledge these days that the old practice of putting wood studs and then fiberglass batts against a foundation wall and then sealing that with a plastic vapor barrier is a recipe for mold and insulation damage from condensation through the foundation wall. (see Fine Homebuilding No. 169 March 2005 p. 78, Fine Homebuilding No. 162, May 2004 p. 52, also the buildingscience dot com publications even the Dept. of Energy and HUD guildelines.) But this author recommends doing just that on pages 99 and 100. His only discussion of foam panels is in the context of using foam panels in between already constructed studs and then he complains that it is difficult to get the panels to fit between the studs. That is a silly way to use foam panels. He doesn't discuss the current recommended practice of installing the foam panels *first*, up against the foundation wall, and then framing or furring strips against the foam. That is much better because then the wood is never in contact with the foundation wall and provides no food (i.e., damp wood) for mold to grow.
The biggest issue with finishing a basement is doing so in a way that prevents unhealthy mold and that "oh-this-smells-like-a-basement" quality of so many basements. Wood framing against a foundation wall, with fiberglass batts keeping a moist environment, and all trapped by a plastic sheet, is a sure fire recipe for just such a brew. It makes me doubt most of the other information. Tauton Press should revise the book to reflect its own current writing on the subject.

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Finishing a basement is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to increase living space in a home. This book helps readers visualize the vast possibilities that exist for this challenging space, and go about the remodeling process in an organized and efficient way. Roger German, a basement remodeling pro, covers every step, from the physically demanding "dirty work" to the rewarding finishing touches. He shows how to deal with a basement's special challenges, such as moisture problems and framing against concrete floors and walls, and gives instructions on pumping water up and out from basement baths and laundry rooms.

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Kitchens & Baths for Today & Tomorrow: Ideas for Fabulous New Kitchens and Baths Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a Kitchen & Bath Designer and own my own Showroom. I have put together one of the best reference libraries, for my clients. I preordered this book and received it today. I generally give them a look thru and see if any pictures jump out. I must say that I found myself reading this book. It has great information for anyone wanting to redo their kitchen or bath. It educates in very clear language but not so elemetary to bore the design professional. It is peppered with little nuggets of wisdom from designers and the author .....things that even us "old" designers can learn from. It covers everything from floor to ceiling and everything in between. They have included sections on Universal design, which we are all always looking for new ideas to incorporate accessibility in an attractive manner. I would highly recommend this book to both the homeowner or designer.

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The heart & soul of kitchens & baths
This inspirational book allows readers to dream about their ideal bathroom and kitchen, but it doesn't stop there: Kitchens & Baths for Today & Tomorrow also helps readers transform their dreams into reality. From simply practical to fabulously luxurious, this book is written specifically for do-it-yourselfers. Photographs of beautiful rooms are right alongside insider tips, detailed instructions on how to plan and design kitchens and bathrooms, as well as money-saving ideas that can be adapted to personal plans, clever do-it-yourself projects for each topic, hints and tips from professional designers, a glossary of terms, and a valuable resource guide for DIYers.
The book gives bathrooms and kitchens equal attention in their own sections. Both sections open with an introductory planning and design chapter specific to the room, and then move into detailed chapters discussing key elements of the room, including: walls, floors, ceilings, storage and display, lighting, fixtures and fittings, and ventilation. The kitchen sections also offers ideas to aid in food preparation and cleanup, and dining and hospitality. The photos, descriptions, facts, and details from Kitchens & Baths for Today & Tomorrow will help readers plan kitchen and bathroom projects wisely.

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Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies Review

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(More customer reviews)The majority of this book was painful to read. I mistakenly assumed that "For Dummies" meant that it was going to cover all aspects for all skill levels. Instead, the author made a point to decide what you are capable of understanding and undertaking. There were "Call a Pro" icons peppered throughout the book indicating that the reader does not have the skill level or the brain power to possibly get his hand around specific tasks. I think that a responsible DIYer has the capability to determine what is and what is not in their skill set. Just because you have never done something does not mean you cannot do it. I have no problems with warnings, but to not share information because the author feels the reader cannot handle it is just poor writing.
Here is a passage that illustrates the tone of this book (discussing installing sub flooring):
"You do this by installing blocking between the floor joists from below. If you're not familiar with this type of work, contact a professional to do it right. If you are familiar with it, you'll know what I'm talking about and how to do it correctly."
If you know how to do it than why are you reading a book on it? Everyone has to start from somewhere - even the pros. I knew nothing about electrical but I can install a new service panel if I needed to now. How? Information and experience - I was not born with the knowledge, neither was the author.
The unsuccessful use of humor in this book only served to clutter the pages and take away any amount of credibility that the author had as a professional. Furthermore, there were several points that I disagreed with him on. For example, he made a point to say DO NOT install your new flooring under the cabinets, instead install around them. His point was that you lose a valuable 1/2" between the countertop and the bottom of your wall cabinets. Forgetting even about aesthetics, have you ever tried to remove a dishwasher that was below your floor level? Trust me - it's no fun. Also, materials such as tile serve to protect the sub floor from water damage (which can happen to anyone).
This book did have some trivial information that I found interesting (like where the "d" in "10d nails" came from). Other than that, I found it a waste of money.
Look elsewhere for your kitchen remodeling information needs.


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Real estate, building, and remodeling surveys reveal that the one project likely to give you a 100 percent return on the dollars invested is a kitchen remodel. And whether the project is as involved as gutting the room back to the wall studs or as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint, each project is an investment in your home's value and, ultimately, in your enjoyment of using the space.
Remodeling a kitchen is a big job, but it's not so big that anyone – with the right guidance and understanding – couldn't feel comfortable tackling at least some parts of the job. Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies is the reference tool to use if you
Want to use the kitchen more efficiently
Want to replace outdated, energy-gobbling appliances and gadgets
Have attempted at least one or two home repair projects
Are comfortable using both power and hand tools and probably own a few of each
Want to know how a project should be done and then hire someone to do it.

The kitchen in today's home has become a focal point for the family, as well as for entertaining. For those reasons, you want the room to be as functional as possible, without breaking your bankbook. With Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies in hand, you'll get the lowdown on the following topics and more:
The kitchen remodeling process (knowing this makes you a smarter consumer)
Critical design issues
Working with the pros: architect, designer, contractor
Establishing a budget and sticking with it
Evaluating your plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems
Selecting and installing cabinets and countertops
Choosing sinks, faucets, and appliances
Working on walls, windows, and floors
Hot trends and easy upgrades

This handy guide shows you how to take your kitchen (no matter what shape it's in now) and remodel it so that it not only fits your wants and needs but also becomes a room you can be proud to use and show off.

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Designing Your Dream Home: Every Question to Ask, Every Detail to Consider, and Everything to Know Before You Build or Remodel Review

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(More customer reviews)Designing Your Dream Home is a must have for anyone thinking about or in the process of designing or remodeling a home. As I remodeled my kitchen this book kept me from making some very costly mistakes. The biggest mistake I avoided was having custom cabinets made that were not deep enough to hold my oversized dinner plates. Fortunately, I read the kitchen section of this book just in time to call the cabinet makers and have my cabinet dimensions changed to accomodate my plates. By reading this book you will avoid many inconveniences or daily annoyances that could have been avoided. You will not be disappointed!

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Designing Your Dream Home gives you every question to ask, every detail to consider, and everything to check out before you design and build your dream home.

Designing and building a home can be stressful and expensive, but knowing what to consider ahead of time will save you stress, time, and money. Beginning with the questions to ask before you purchase land all the way through your final punch list, this guide addresses the entire process. With this step-by-step and room-by-room guide, the design process will come together in the most efficient way possible. Features include detailed checklists for every room, common mistakes to avoid, design details that pay big dividends, and unique "lifestyle questions" that reveal what you really need and want from your new home. Remodelers and renovators will also find value in these tips and suggestions. Also provided is such vital information as terms, symbols, abbreviations, measures, and dimensions that are often unfamiliar to the layperson.

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