Timber-Frame Houses (Great Houses) Review

Timber-Frame Houses (Great Houses)
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Not a book on the basics of timberframing practice, but moreso a survey of beautiful or somewhat unique timberframe implementations. Homes with various cultural and historical influences are fully explained. The book is choppy since each chapter is meant to stand alone. There are some rare (IMO) techniques highlighted. I especially love the section on Bowstring Trusses and the bent wood Curved Roof Bungalow on page 130. The book also has a decent section on foam core panels, showing their various joinery techniques and wiring procedures.

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Traditional methods and current innovations make timer-frame building more practical than ever. Top teachers and practitioners like Tedd Benson, Jack Sobon and George Nash describe remodels and reconstructions, houses modeled after old-world sytles, and inspiring new designs with open, modern floor plans. 207 color photos.

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Gardens by Design Review

Gardens by Design
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Althought the photos are beautiful and the book does give some overview of the work of some prominent designers in the field today, the advice given is very basic. It's sort of on the line of "create an axis" kind of advice. Still, it's a pretty coffee table book, and something to look at when inspiration is lacking, or a winter dreaming book.

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Snowshoeing (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert) Review

Snowshoeing (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert)
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This is the worst Mountaineers book I own. The information inside is completely outdated and useless. It concentrates on gear for 3/4 of the book (outdated gear) and gives little useful information. If you are looking for a book on the history of snowshoes, look no further. If you are looking for useful information try elsewhere. I'm usually too lazy to review most books, but this was just that horrible.

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Completely revised, the fifth edition of Snowshoeing teaches you how to navigate through snow-clad woods, compete in raves, and climb to new summits with easily-learned techniques.This classic how-to manual has all the latest information onsnowshoeing equipment-from various types of snowshoes to bindingsand clothing. Discover techniques for all types of terrain and snowconditions, plus information on conditioning, cross-training, andracing.Snowshoeing also includes a chapter on the historyof snowshoeing, information on navigation and routefinding, camping, gauging snow conditions, and winter safety,with emphasis on the dangers of avalanches.

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Sunset Northeastern Landscaping Book Review

Sunset Northeastern Landscaping Book
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Sunset, the bible of west coast gardening, finally comes east and it is well worth the wait.
As the owner of a home on a desolate, windswept acre, I have bought over a dozen landscape books and magazines looking for inspiration. I could have saved alot of time and money and just bought this one.
So well written you could sit down and read it straight through. And so well organized and indexed you can use it for quick reference.
It covers everything from planning to installation. Includes many sample plans with plant lists. But the best thing about this book is the PHOTOGRAPHY. The photos are stunning and plentiful. Most photos are refered to in detail in either the main text or a side bar and the photos actually pertain to the topic (which is most unusual for this type of book)!

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Exterior Home Improvement Costs: The Practical Pricing Guide for Homeowners & Contractors (RSMeans) Review

Exterior Home Improvement Costs: The Practical Pricing Guide for Homeowners and Contractors (RSMeans)
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I saw this book in the store and decided to see if I could get it cheaper on Amazon. When I pulled up the page, the cover was the same as the one in the store. I didn't know it was an old eddition with outdated figures until it arrived in the mail. I went back to the page I bought it on and then noticed the disclaimer for the pictures being from the newer eddition. The newer book has different projects and more current prices.

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For contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike, this book features professional estimates for popular exterior remodeling and repair projects. RSMeans Exterior Home Improvement Costs includes more than 65 projects with complete, customizable cost breakdowns for doing the work – with or without a contractor.
You'll have access to current costs for your location on the most popular remodeling projects, including:
Room additions, garages and sunrooms
Decks, patios, porches and pergolas
Landscaping, sprinkler systems and outdoor lighting
Fences, walls, driveways and walkways
New windows and doors
Roofing, siding and painting

Exterior Home Improvement Costs includes a description of what materials are needed, how much they will cost, and how long the work will take. You'll know what skills are required to do it yourself, and how much a contractor is likely to charge if you decide to use a professional.
Find out which improvements have the best payback when it comes time to sell your house, and get expert tips on working with contractors and architects. Included with the book is a handy checklist to use when selecting your materials and comparing prices.

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The Low-Maintenance Garden: A Complete Guide to Designs, Plants and Techniques for Easy-care Gardens Review

The Low-Maintenance Garden: A Complete Guide to Designs, Plants and Techniques for Easy-care Gardens
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If you want to work in the yard or garden, but don't have time... OR even if you don't want to work in the yard or garden and enjoy the simply pleasures of a well landscaped yard... this book is for you. There are ideas and designs for walkways, small ponds, fountains, rasied beds, and seating areas. Picking the right plants is most important and this book helps to narrow the choices. There is also a section on how to minimize your chores. And of course there are some photos that help you get the creative juices going for ideas on everything from Japanese Gardens to Urban Jungles... Good Resource!

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Estimating Building Costs: For Residential and Light Commercial Contractor (RSMeans) Review

Estimating Building Costs: For Residential and Light Commercial Contractor (RSMeans)
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This book is not useful as a textbook but makes an excellent reference for the rising practitioner. Up to date and well written

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Every contractor has a unique system for putting a bid together. But when you submit a price, you must be prepared to back it up with a reliable estimate. Estimating Building Costs gives you a step-by-step process for organizing all the information you need to assemble an estimate you can rely on. You'll be competitive and know that you'll make a worthwhile profit. Follow these methods and you'll create well-organized, complete estimates by:
Correctly interpreting plans and specifications
Developing accurate and complete labor and material costs
Understanding direct and indirect overhead costs and accounting for time-sensitive costs
Using historical cost data to generate new project budgets

The book includes a detailed look at every construction specialty – explaining all the components, take-off units, and labor hours – for site work, concrete and masonry, framing, roofing, siding, and finish work. Plus, you'll get data on HVAC, plumbing and electrical, and special construction and hard-to-find professional guidance on what to consider so you can allocate the right amount for profit and contingencies.

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Carpentry & Construction, Fifth Edition (Carpentry & Construction) Review

Carpentry and Construction, Fifth Edition (Carpentry and Construction)
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Whilst I have come to expect a lot from the Publisher (McGraw-Hill), this text is somewhat very out of date in both the illustrations (1970-1980s era) and the applicability to 2010 overall. A large majority of the images are 30yrs out of date!! A check of the binder reveals this book originated in the early 80's and it shows! There needs to be a lot more recent color pictures in the book (90% are B/W). I have the 2010 edition 5 and I would swear it was just a re-dressed book from 1981. Times have moved on however this book needs to be a bit more modern. Otherwise tends to cover the majority of home construction (all be it for the US Homebuilder) pretty well. Not that suitable from overseas countries (eg. Australia etc). I would look elsewhere for other editors if possible as this book is a bit old now.

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A complete, step-by-step guide to CARPENTRY AND CONSTRUCTION
Revised and updated, Carpentry & Construction, Fifth Edition, takes you through every step of house construction in such detail that you can use it to build your own home! Clear instructions, along with more than 1,500 photographs and illustrations, demonstrate each phase of construction--from selecting tools, to pouring the foundation, to finishing the interior.This how-to handbook also covers remodeling, additions, and repairs.
Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or a professional contractor, you'll find all the task-simplifying details you need for your projects, each logically organized by building stages. Learn how to tackle:
Footings and foundations
Framing and roofing
Windows and doors
Exterior and interior walls
Wiring
Plumbing
Insulation
Interior finishing
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
Tiling
Solar heating
Termite prevention
Skylights
Fences, decks, and patios
Private ater and sewage systems
And much more

Featuring new material covering the latest green building options, tools of the trade, construction methods, code updates, and a 16-page color insert, this book helps you get the job done better and faster.There's no other resource that covers the home building process as thoroughly and expertly as Carpentry & Construction, Fifth Edition.

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Design Directory of Bedding, The Review

Design Directory of Bedding, The
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The Design Directory of Bedding comes with a set of illustrations on CD-ROM and is packed with bedroom design examples, ideas, and fabrics. Any interior design or home library will benefit from this resource directory for fabrics with over 1,000 illustrations and a glossary of terms for furniture and soft furnishings. From workroom worksheets to help designers to color drawings of shams, bolsters, neck rolls and more, THE DESIGN DIRECTORY OF BEDDING is a winner!

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Swimming Pool Review

Swimming Pool
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My review will be short and to the point. This book does not deliver what the title implies. If you just enjoy looking at pictures of pools in different settings -- then this book is for you. If you need what the title implies -- look elsewhere.

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The ultimate resource for prospective and current pool owners alike, this beautifully illustrated, comprehensive yet accessible volume examines the wide variety of pools available today. Written by Tom Griffiths, a well-known expert in pool and safety issues, The Swimming Pool offers invaluable detailed advice on a complete range of relevant topics such as the essentials of designing and constructing a pool, appropriate plantings and landscaping, proper filtration, water chemistry, and safety tips. Also included is a chapter exploring numerous case studies covering a range of budgets and uses, so that you can consider the many available options, make informed decisions, and choose the right pool for you. Part one of The Swimming Pool is devoted to helping you select an appropriate pool for your needs, budget, and available space. Chapter one provides a step-by-step plan for selecting the proper site, and includes considerations such as local zoning restrictions, slope, soil drainage, location of underground utilities, shade, wind, privacy, and the surrounding landscape. Chapters two and three discuss the full range of swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas in today's market, whether you wish to install a relatively inexpensive aboveground pool, an indoor hot tub for therapeutic purposes, an intricately tiled kidney-shaped pool with an ample deck for entertaining, a lap pool, or a vanishing-edge pool that highlights a spectacular view. Chapter four presents fully illustrated case studies that enable you to examine a range of pool plans -- from the simple to the ornate. Filled with creative ideas and practical advice, this chapter lays out a variety of options so that you can evaluate and prioritize your needs, then select the pool that meets them beautifully and affordably. Part two of The Swimming Pool is every pool owner's dream come true: an easy-to-use handbook that takes all the worry out of pool upkeep. Chapter five focuses on the importance of good water circulation, chemistry, and maintenance, making these concepts readily understandable, demonstrating how to achieve clear, clean water, and providing charts and sidebars that offer important safety tips and troubleshooting advice. Also included is a discussion of essential pool-keeping equipment and daily and weekly maintenance chores that will help protect your investment. Chapter six demonstrates the importance of barriers for safety, privacy, and aesthetics, and describes the many types of fencing available. Chapter seven contains vital information that will assist in ensuring pool safety, giving a complete list of "pool rules" and necessary safety and rescue equipment, plus tips on supervising children and adults, teaching youngsters to swim, and much more. The Swimming Pool concludes with an extensive list of pool plantings, and a listing of pool publications worldwide. Filled with expert advice, helpful ideas, charts, sidebars, pool plans, and gorgeous and inspiring color photographs, The Swimming Pool is the ideal sourcebook, as it contains everything you'll need to know, from planning to maintenance.

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Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Porches & Patio Rooms: Sunrooms, Patio Enclosures, Breezeways & Screened Porches (Black & Decker Complete Guide) Review

Black and Decker The Complete Guide to Porches and Patio Rooms: Sunrooms, Patio Enclosures, Breezeways and Screened Porches (Black and Decker Complete Guide)
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The book was decent for the price and contained lots of good pictures that were idea provoking. Because it covered so many topics, it was short on details for any one of them.

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A modern twist on a nostalgic favorite

Nothing says elegant, genteel living like a well built, well appointed porch or sunroom. The Complete Guide to Porches & Patio Rooms offers design advice and easy-to-follow, concise instructions for adding living spaces that bring the indoors and outdoors together in delightful ways. In addition to offering hundreds of inspirational ideas, the book provides thorough plans and photo directions for six versatile, flexible architectural projects.

For the 500,000 homeowners now building sunrooms each year, this book explores the most popular functions and then offers step-by-step instructions to design and build those specific spaces. For example, an open porch can be used for social gatherings, as a sheltered outdoor cooking space, or simply be added simply to improve a home's curb appeal. A sunroom can serve as a full room addition to a home, complete with protective walls, ceilings, and electrical service; can serve as an indoor garden space for green living plants; or could be put into service as a music conservatory for an elegant grand piano.
This book is an indispensable source of information on planning, designing, and building the addition of your dreams, from digging foundations to final decorating.


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Bali Home: Inspirational Design Ideas Review

Bali Home: Inspirational Design Ideas
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Great coffee table book, and resource for those looking to freshen their decor. I will flip through this during the long days of winter and enjoy the warm feelings it projects.

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The Garden Planner Review

The Garden Planner
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The Garden Planner is an excellent book and it is one that serves a definite purpose, i.e., how to get started with garden/landscape design.
While there is much written on landscape design, there is not all that much on how to get started actually doing it. I am a member of the APLD, Association of Professional Landscape Designers. I taught landscape-gardening for a dozen years and I write garden books myself (Allergy-Free Gardening, Safe Sex in the Garden, Ten Speed Press) and I have a large collection of garden landscape books. Many of these books were presents and although interesting, many are not all that useful. But this one is highly useful.
The author, Robin Williams (not the actor!) is an experienced designer and is skilled at explaining how to do it, how to get started, how to end up with something to be proud of. In garden/landscape design there are certain principles for success and they are all well covered here. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to get started doing landscape design. I would also recommend it to people who are already designers as I think even they would be pleasantly surprised.

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Step-by-Step Deck Projects (Better Homes & Gardens Step-By-Step) Review

Step-by-Step Deck Projects (Better Homes and Gardens Step-By-Step)
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In general this book seems to be pretty good. The only complaint I have is that laser levels are wonderful tools and really obsolete a lot of the other leveling techniques. This book does not cover using a laser level at all.

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Rooftop and Terrace Gardens: A step-by-step guide to creating a modern and stylish space (Garden Style Guides) Review

Rooftop and Terrace Gardens: A step-by-step guide to creating a modern and stylish space (Garden Style Guides)
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I just moved into a new apartment with a patio, and needed inspiration on how to decorate it, or make it more welcoming. This little book was very inspiring, it gets straight to the point, and you are left wanting to know more. Towards the end of the book, there are examples of layouts and, setups, to give you more concrete examples, which I thought was very helpful.

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Creating a terrace or rooftop paradise
This city-dwellers guide to gardening shows how less is actually more, especially when it comes to creating one's own terrace and rooftop paradise. With ten sample gardens to choose from, including the plans for each, this practical guide describes every aspect of urban gardening-from design for roofs, screening and framing, gardening without soil to containers, furniture, and decorations and special effects. Full of overall and close-up photos of each garden, this magazine-style guide will show any apartment dweller how to create their very own Eden-with a garden of ferns and bamboos and vegetables and herbs only footsteps away.

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Pools & Spas: Ideas for Planning, Designing, and Landscaping Review

Pools and Spas: Ideas for Planning, Designing, and Landscaping
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Full of photographs of beautifully designed pools and spas set in various architectural environments, "Pools & Spas" is literally full of creative ideas if you are planning on adding a pool or spa to your home. However, the book does not stop with designs but also includes information on maintenance, various types of pool equipment, and even the process of installing an in ground pool. While the coverage of in ground pool installation is not detailed enough to do it yourself it does give you an idea of what is going on at the various stages so you know what to expect from your contractor.
If you are even thinking of installing a pool or spa, whether in ground, above ground, or portable, you should pick up a copy of "Pools & Spas". It includes a lot of factors that you might overlook when planning your pool and everything you need to know to take care of it correctly when it is finished.

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Boat Joinery and Cabinet Making Simplified Review

Boat Joinery and Cabinet Making Simplified
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This book touches on basic woodworking joinery. Its a good reference for novices. The only short commings that i could find were that it wasnt as advanced as i thought it would be.

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Drawing upon his more than 60 years' experience as a boatbuilder/designer, Fred Bingham has revamped his classic "Practical Yacht Joinery" to appeal to a whole new generation of boaters. This new edition of the book "Yachting", called "an absolute necessity", not only is more attuned to the needs of boaters of the 1990s - and includes all-new material on building nautically influenced projects for home or camp - its price is substantially less than that of its august predecessor. This book is about building things of wood, from a new cup rack to a completely new interior, but it isn't just another project book.Bingham wisely assumes that many people want to be told how to perform neat joinerwork rather than what to build. By starting with a simple task, such as a cleat, deck box, or even a tool box, and then proceeding to more ambitious projects, you develop the skills you need to build practically anything you can envision. Bingham's joinery techniques and handy gimmicks (and they appear on nearly every page of the book) were born of trial and error; he provides realistic alternative procedures for many of the projects, telling how to make them by Method A, Method B, and Method C.As thousands of readers of "Practical Yacht Joinery" discovered, Bingham's gift for providing simple explanations for complex problems can transform a rank beginner who has never held a hammer into a journeyman boat carpenter, and a journeyman carpenter into a true craftsman.'The woodworking is discussed in such detail that just about anyone, including longtime professionals, is likely to find many useful tricks of the trade. Much more of this and pros will be a dime a dozen' - "The Last Whole Earth Catalog". 'One almost has the feeling that the author is right there, advising and encouraging, showing how to use a tool, helping lay out deck beams, pausing to tell how he did a job on such and such a boat' - "Small Boat Journal". 'A veritable encyclopedia of techniques, tools, gadgets, and gimmicks' - "Dolphin Book Club News". 'Takes over where boatbuilding books leave off' - "National Fisherman". 'Should interest everyone from the casual weekend tinkerer to the sailor who's building his own boat' - 'Yachting'.

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