Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction of Fully Accessible Homes Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It really helps to lead you in the design and placement of all items and objects, as well as the general layout of you houseplan, rooms and location of house on lot, to make it more convenient and easier for you to get around no matter what your age, height, or physical strength is. It helps you decide the right height for switches, outlets, windows, etc., where they should be in proximity to doorways, beds, work zones, etc. It also gives a good discussion on types of lighting, why and where each is best suited, types of switches, step heights, ramp heights and lengths, the need for less steps, proposing the need to consider letting mechanical aids do the work rather than tired or frail and aging bodies. Helps lead you to the thoughts of doing your exercise in the gym and not be forced to do it in the house. Gives an excellent discussion of what and how for heating, air conditioning, lighting, everthing that goes into a house. It also gives excellent pointers as to what scales to use in creating your house plan drawings to avoid confusion and mistakes by the builder in implementing your plans. Compares accessible building standards to the currently accepted building standards and provides the reason for the departures from the norm. A lot of information is provided on the methods of testing and developing the standards that this text espouses, sort of like in depth and pragmatic time and motion studies. Much of this can be ignored by the reader, but for the doubters out there it does fully explain and support the standards and approaches provided.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction of Fully Accessible Homes

Click here for more information about Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction of Fully Accessible Homes

Read More...

Kitchen and Bath Design: A Guide to Planning Basics Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I agree with the above statement and I have a lot of kitchen and bath books to prove it. But this book is not just another kitchen/bath book; it is the last book on these two subjects that you'll ever need.Do not skip any pages, not even the introduction. Every single page of this book has valuable information, great solutions, and unique ideas.
In the beginning chapters, design basics for both kitchens and baths are discussed in detail, followed by construction requirements that are clearly explained by supportive pictures and illustrated drawings. When you reach the"Ergonomic Design" section,you will read one of the most valuable chapters in the book.This concept is really what makes this book unique.Even if you already know what this term means, you will learn how to implement it more effectively through the examples and specific illustrations throughout each chapter.For example,reduce back and muscle strain by placing dishes in deep drawers near the dishwasher rather than in upper cabinets. Or elevate the dishwasher itself, thereby avoiding the continual awkward lifting and the strain of bending over so far and so often.Needless to say, the full "how-to" is in the book.There are endless tried and true solutions using ergonomic design to solve problems, and you will benefit from every one.
"Kitchen and Bath Design"is not just a book with great ideas for a pretty kitchen or bath; it is a book that will help you design and build the most beautiful, functional room possible using ergonomic principles to meet your personal requirements. The most amazing feature of this book is the immense amount of organized information.You can indeed find the solutions to almost any design problem in just this one book.
Ok. So who is this book for? I think it is a necessity for anyone who has anything to do with a kitchen or bath project. Whether you are a home owner, manufacturer, lighting designer,interior designer, new construction or remodel contractor, this is the book for you. I would give "Kitchen and Bath Design" ten stars if I could.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kitchen and Bath Design: A Guide to Planning Basics

The all-in-one reference to designing stunning and functional kitchens and baths
Designing for today's kitchens and baths requires technical savvy, a keen eye for aesthetics, and perhaps most important of all, the ability to coordinate efforts across many disciplines. Kitchen and Bath Design simplifies these complex decision-making processes with a comprehensive strategy for achieving kitchen and bath designs that successfully integrate beauty and practicality—while meeting client expectations. Fundamental design basics are covered, along with a host of important issues that designers must consider when conceptualizing these specialized rooms, such as ergonomics, codes and safety requirements, proper lighting and ventilation, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, wall surfaces, and more. Some of the topics that appear in this book include:

A detailed introduction to construction, plumbing, and electrical basics

A systematic approach to incorporating "green," energy-conscious design

An overview of crucial design elements, including pattern, texture, line, form or mass, color, space and light, and sound

The latest building codes and manufacturers' guidelines

Written by a leading expert in interior design, Kitchen and Bath Design uses three-dimensional drawings and corresponding photographs to deliver valuable information that is critical when it comes to planning, designing, specifying, estimating, building, pricing, or evaluating a kitchen or bathroom. Whether they're working on a new or existing space, professional designers can apply the lessons learned from this current andaccessible resource to masterfully take on all kitchen or bathroom projects—from the simplest to the most highly challenging.

Click here for more information about Kitchen and Bath Design: A Guide to Planning Basics

Read More...