Home Design Books - Page 12

How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Redesign, Redecorating, & Home Staging Business: With Companion Cd-rom

Mary Larsen, Teri B. Clark

Amazon Price: $26.37 List Price: $39.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Atlantic Publishing Company Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $19.97

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Industries & Professions -> Consulting
Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Small Business & Entrepreneurship -> New Business Enterprises
Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Real Estate -> Sales

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Are you planning to become part of this redesign or real estate staging network? During this time of phenomenal growth, these businesses may be worth your investigation. If you can answer yes to the following questions, then the redesign or home staging business may be just right for you. Do you love decorating your home? Are you addicted to home decorating shows and magazines? Do you know exactly what someone should do to sell their home fast? Are you constantly moving your furniture around? Do you find yourself decorating for your friends and family for free? Do you have a flair for decorating? Keep in mind, however, that Redesign and Real Estate Staging are more than just having the talent and skills to do the job. The business of the business is the part that can be tricky. Readers of this book will fall into one of the following categories: Those With a Second Career: You already have a successful career and are looking for something new. In fact, the design field may be totally unrelated to anything you have ever done before Those Wishing To Be Their Own Boss: You want to have more control over your day and how it goes. Being your own boss allows you to be flexible. Those That Are Business Beginners: You have started your own business, and are finding that the small business tools that are available just do not apply to the design industry. Those That Want To Grow Their Design Business: You already are fully engaged in your own design business and need sound marketing principles to grow your business further. Those That Are Curious: You just want to know what the design industry is all about and find out if you can develop your passion into a thriving business. No matter which description fits you, this book will be instrumental in your success of the business side of redesigning and home staging.

Black & Decker Complete Guide to Wiring: Upgrade Your Main Service Panel - Discover the Latest Wiring Products - Complies with 2008 NEC (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

Editors of creative Publishing, Brevik Tharaldson

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Creative Publishing international Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $12.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Remodeling & Renovation -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Remodeling & Renovation -> General AAS
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> How-to & Home Improvements -> Electrical

Editorial Review:

North America’s best-selling wiring book—now even better

In previous editions, The Complete Guide to Home Wiring sold more than one million copies, making it the all-time bestselling book on home wiring for consumers. In this newly revised and redesigned edition, the book includes everything that made the original the favorite of American homeowners, but also adds new projects, such as wiring a shed or gazebo, and includes important revisions to meet the 2008 National Electrical Code.

The modern home can include dozens of electronic components unknown just a few years ago, and this book provides essential information on wiring for those devices. It includes information on security systems, home theaters and surround-sound systems, computer networks, and a host of kitchen amenities like espresso machines to grind-and-brew coffee machines. Tech savvy homeowners will appreciate the section devoted to Bluetooth and wi-fi technologies—the next wave of “wireless wiring”

Once again, this book features more than 700 color photographs showing installation and repair projects with unsurpassed realism and clarity.

The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions

Charles T. Randall

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Charles Randall Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $4.95

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General AAS
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Remodeling & Renovation -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Over 2,000 decorating ideas for windows, bedding and accessories- including draperies, shades, blinds, shutters, verticals, bedspreads, pillows, cushions and more. Blending current, popular styles with extraordinary new approaches, the fifth edition of The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions is a must have for designers, from beginner to expert.With more full-color illustrations than ever before, this book presents myriad window treatments for any room in any home from the most simple to the most challenging. Now 300 pages, which include detailed illustrations, cost-saving ideas, yardage and fullness charts and much more. Finally, a new comprehensive update for the book that has become the industry standard for decorators and homeowners alike. Now in its sixth edition, this all-inclusive pre-eminent decorating book has been reworked for the new millennium, including an expanded historical section, new styles and calculations, more comprehensive information about treatments and accessories, and of course, the visual index, a terrific means to colorize any window treatment or accessory in this book to your own interior color palette.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Solar Power for your Home, 2nd Edition (Complete Idiot's Guide to)

Dan Ramsey, David Hughes

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Alpha Amazon Marketplace: 63 new & used starting at $9.57

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Buildings & Construction
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Remodeling & Renovation -> Energy Efficiency
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> How-to & Home Improvements -> Reference

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

To be fair...(REVISED - I HAVE READ IT...same...2 stars) 5 out of 5 stars.
18 of 25 people found this review helpful.

Sept 08, 2008 Revision: After borrrowing this book from a friend to read it thoroughly, I still give it 2 stars BUT...
- the book is fairly thorough, concise, and comprehensive in its coverage of residential solar. It does cover nearly every introductory topic and question a home owner new to solar energy might ask.
- it goes into topics such as the history of solar, developments past present and future, batteries, Do-It-Yourself issues and concerns, inverter operation and general info, identifying and hiring a contractor, inspection issues, brief mention of the NEC (Natl Electric Code), federal and state solar incentives, and so much more.
And it does this in a very few short pages - don't let the 336 pages fool you. The meat of the book is actually in less than 200 pages of writing.

Given that it covers nearly ALL the topics in one book - in ONE PLACE - in a VERY QUICK read of 200+ pages - FOR LESS THAN $15.00, I actually give this 5 STARS for VALUE AND TIME well spent. (If you have ANY technical background, you'll cover the entire book in one night of reading.) But why 2 stars then? Well, if you are serious about installing solar, after reading this book you will come to realize that you still need to know so much more. Inevitably, you WILL have to talk to your municipal inspector, spend some time researching solar contractors, and quite a bit of time understanding the requirements of the incentives offered by your utility/city/state/federal govt - in all, that's at least another 10-24 hours of research, discussion, and reading. A book costing 2-3 times as much with much more detail might therefore be more beneficial. Or simply following the FREE links, as I originally espoused below, might still be the best approach since either way it is going to take time to understand it all - but only if you really are serious about installing residential solar. Otherwise, if you simply want to gain enough insights to evaluate solar, and determine its prospects for your home and situation, then this is a very good book for you.

BTW, this book is very similar to the other "Dummies" Book - "Solar Power Your Home For Dummies (For Dummies Series)".

ORIGINAL REVIEW COMMENTS ON MAY 1, 2008: To be fair, I have not read this book. Why 5 stars? The book is a for-profit venture by the author, so recovery of time, effort, & energy is important for revenue reasons. So why write this review? After spending nearly 12-18 hours perusing AMAZON's book list on solar energy and photovoltaic systems, I was frustrated! None of the reviews on any single book seemed to be convincing enough to make me want to buy. For instance, none of the reviews mention how the books address the National Electric Code, specific wiring and disconnect installation information, electrical and other safety hazards, inspection issues, etc. For a DIY'er, these books seemed a waste of time, never mind the fact that some reviewers insisted they actually DIY'ed just from the book. It then occurred to me that dozens of resources that I had used over the past 10 years - with the exception of 2007 due to extenuating circumstances - many resources are available for free from our fantastic .GOV, .ORG, and .EDU sites like Sandia Nat'l Labs, NREL, NMSU, and CA.GOV. Folks, before you start buying books on PV left & right, be smart and leverage what your fine tax dollars paid for! I have to admit - I believe it's just stupid searching for good PV technical, installation, and detailed literature on a For-Profit Bookstore when so much is already available online for Free. Folks, use your head - our government and academic labs pioneered this from federal tax dollars. Hence, much of it is public domain! (REPLACE all "?" with "." in the following website links.) nabcep?org nmsu?edu/~tdi/index?html photovoltaics?sandia?gov and energy?ca?gov - just to name a few! Of course, if you're just not Internet savvy, not an engineer/analytical A-type personality, and highly resourceful, plus you'd rather prefer to kill trees buying a book instead of leveraging online resources that are 100 times more than what's on AMAZON, and most likely don't have the wherewithal to DIY, go ahead. It will be amazing to see how many are simply duped by the thousands of new "get rich quick" companies and businessmen entering the renewable energy markets.

Editorial Review:

The perfect source for solar power—fully illustrated.

Solar Power (photovoltaics) is now a one-billion-dollar industry, and it’s poised to grow rapidly in the near future as more pressure is placed on limited fossil fuel resources and as advances in solar technology drive down the costs of residential solar systems. This book helps readers understand the basics of solar power and other renewable energy sources, explore whether solar power makes sense for them, what their options are, and what’s involved with installing various on and off-grid systems.

—Fully illustrated
—Covers every conceivable solar-power topic and concern, including updated information on the increasing number of state rebate and incentive programs

The Stonebuilder's Primer: A Step-By-Step Guide for Owner-Builders

Charles Long

Amazon Price: $12.21 List Price: $17.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Firefly Books Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $9.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Buildings & Construction
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Design & Construction
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Diary of self-taught mason 4 out of 5 stars.
24 of 26 people found this review helpful.

The experiences of Mr. Long will interest many 'would-be' masons, contemplating construction of a stone wall of any form. The book is not a 'how-to' guide as much as a 'how I figured it out' or 'how I got the rock to the top of the wall.' Those with masonry experience will probably find this unnecessary, but anyone considering a masonry adventure will find the reading well worth the effort. Mr. Long's experiments in man-handling rock, using ramps and building scaffolds are exactly what amateur masons need to read.

The book if fairly shy about the author's handiwork. The finished house is never displayed, and 'example' photos are generally shots of 19th century buildings. Additionally, there is nothing on how long it took to accomplish their tasks. There are lots of photos showing the author and wife man-handling rocks, though.

The book seems to be set in the north-eastern United States, and Mr. Long's advice for finding rocks may be unsuited to other areas. As best I can tell, the book advises picking up a suitable rock when ever one one. This might happen on the shoulder of a highway, while driving past a farmer's field or wandering around old quarries. Mr. Long suggests all non-masons are overjoyed when anyone hauls away a rock. I'm not convinced.

Editorial Review:

Writer Charles Long has a well-earned reputation as one of North America's self-sufficiency experts. More than 20 years ago, he and his wife, Elizabeth, fled city life and conventional employment for the country, and have flourished there ever since. Now back by popular demand Long's The Stonebuilder's Primer is a highly readable account of the couple's successful effort to build "a house that will outlast anything made of wood."

Developing a compromise method of stone construction that is both simpler and truer to the stonemason's art than the popular slipform method, the Longs built an aesthetically satisfying home of stone on a limited budget and no previous construction experience. In this classic how-to book, the author describes the complete building process in clear, easy-to-follow steps and, in so doing, dispels the myth of difficulty that surrounds stone construction.

Lady on the Hill: How Biltmore Estate Became an American Icon

Howard E., Jr. Covington, The Biltmore Company

Amazon Price: $18.45 List Price: $27.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $13.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Americas -> United States -> 20th Century -> General
Subjects -> History -> Americas -> United States -> State & Local -> North Carolina
Subjects -> History -> Americas -> United States -> State & Local -> South Carolina

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"What William Cecil has accomplished at Biltmore Estate is one of the great preservation success stories of all time. He has set a high standard for what all historic house museums strive for: magnificently preserved buildings and grounds, engaging interpretation, and--perhaps most challenging of all--economic self-sufficiency. It is no surprise that Biltmore Estate is widely recognized as one of America's finest places to visit."
--Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

"Biltmore is a glorious national historic landmark that, through creative vision and entrepreneurial management, preserves and provides insight into a way of life in the early 1900s. Bill is the imaginative and multifaceted leader who has built this great monument to enrich his community. George and I admire his dedication and success."
--George and Abby Rockefeller O'Neill

"Bill Cecil and his team at Biltmore Estate have sure proved that they know how to build a successful business. They did it the old-fashioned way: embrace a bold idea that others said could not be done and--through commitment, determination, and hard work--bring it to life. Their achievement against the odds is inspiring, and their vision and perseverance are valuable lessons to us all."
--Don Logan, Chairman, Media & Communications Group, Time Warner

"If George Vanderbilt did nothing more than engage the two most prominent and storied designers of their time, architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, to carry out his vision of a European estate in the southern Appalachians, he would have created an American icon. The beauty of the method by which the estate was executed and, even today, the meticulous attention to detail, in the presentation and care of the estate by William Cecil, have brought history to life."
--Gary J. Walters, Chief Usher, The White House

LEED NC Sample Exam: New Construction

Meghan Peot, Brennan Schumacher

Amazon Price: $61.25 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Professional Publications, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $50.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Buildings & Construction
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> General
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Successfully prepare for the USGBC's® LEED-NC (New Construction) 2.2 exam. This sample exam provides a realistic simulation of the actual exam based on the topics covered, the number of questions, and the format of the questions.

Updated to cover version 2.2 of the LEED for New Construction exam.

Realistic practice for the LEED-New Construction and Major Renovations exam 80 questions covering the subjects on the exam Solutions guide to check your answers Mentally prepares you for the pressure of working under timed conditions Helps you identify topics that require extra review

Looking for a LEED exam review course? Register here.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC®) did not participate in the development and/or publication of the LEED NC Sample Exam: New Construction, and does not participate in the development or administration of the LEED exam review courses. The USGBC is not affiliated with PPI. LEED and USGBC are registered trademarks of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Building a Shed: Siting and Planning a Shed, Building Shed Foundations, Adding Custom Details (Build Like a Pro Series)

Joseph Truini

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 68 new & used starting at $4.94

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Gardening & Horticulture -> Outdoor & Recreational Areas
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Buildings & Construction
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Design & Construction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Better than I hoped it would be 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book has far exceeded my expectations! I feel confident that I can plan and build my own shed (suited to my needs and budget) and do it for far less money than a chintzy pre-fab one from a DIY store. This book has a great format and loads of helpful information, things only someone who builds sheds for a living would know. I can't wait for the ground to dry a bit so I can get started building!

Disappointing 1 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The shed on the cover is the best one. If you want that specific one buy it, but if your looking for ideas find another book.

Building a Shed 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Glad I bought this one. I had a customer looking for a shed that didn't look 'prefab' and was rustic, but "cute" (her term). I showed her the cover of the book and, with a few modifications, she was sold.

I've never built a shed but I do have some framing knowledge The info on roofing is very helpful to me. I was also psyched the section for the shed on the cover had measured drawings for the trim boards and keystone pieces for the gable ends and over the windows. Should make life a little easier for me.

Editorial Review:

This well-illustrated guide offers a range of building options, with complete instructions and plans for four popular projects: saltbox potting shed, garden storage shed, storage barn, and lean-to tool locker. Author Joe Truini walks the reader through each step, from evaluating storage needs to basic construction to putting the finishing touches on the roof. Over 350 color photos and black-and-white illustrations are included.

Homes & Courtyards: 28 Beautifully Designed Homes for Outdoor Living

Amazon Price: $23.07 List Price: $34.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Designs Direct Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 22 new & used starting at $20.06

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> General AAS
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Building Types & Styles -> Residential

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

brilliant 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

For an architectual point of view, it covers superb floor plans, internally it gives you a peek into another world and the out door finishes are to be seen to be believed. These are coffee table books for just not any home, but every home.

Awesome 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

OK maybe I am biased but when it comes to residential architecture they all look the same. Not when Bassenian/Lagoni Architects design there homes. Granted I was an Arch. major in college and dreamed of one day working at their firm I just knew people were going to love it when they saw their designs. They have put out three books and I recommend each and everyone.

Editorial Review:

Filled with stunning color photos, floor plans and site layouts, this book takes readers on an amazing tour of 23 new homes and 5 to-be-built projects featuring marvelous courtyards, patios, decks and other outdoor spaces. Published by the creators of the national bestseller, Tuscan & Andalusian Reflections, this new book is a "must-have" for consumers, home planners, builders, architects, interior designers or anyone who enjoys superb indoor and outdoor living.

Smart Guide: Basements: Step-by-Step Projects (Smart Guide)

Editors of Creative Homeowner

Amazon Price: $8.95 List Price: $8.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: CREATIVE HOMEOWNER PRESS - Model: 287938 Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $4.75

Buy at Amazon.com

Features:

• Creative Homeowner Press #287938 Basement Book
• CREATIVE HOMEOWNER PRESS

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Design & Construction
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Remodeling & Renovation -> Basements & Attics
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Remodeling & Renovation -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring and more 5 out of 5 stars.
47 of 70 people found this review helpful.

Part of the outstanding "Smart Guide" series from Creative Homeowner, Basements: Step-By-Step Projects is a no-nonsense, "user friendly" collection of step-by-step projects to insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring, eliminate moisture problems and much more in the basement of one's home. Color photographs, diagrams, and detailed instructions distinguish this excellent do-it-yourself resource which is confidently recommended for personal "do-it-yourself" and Interior Design technical reference shelf collections.

Editorial Review:

Basements can be used for more than just storage, and Smart Guide: Basements can help homeowners claim that found space. Readers will learn how to maximize usable but unfinished areas in the basement as new living space for their families. Through clear, step-by-step text and color illustrations, the book shows readers how to frame and insulate walls, replace windows, construct a suspended ceiling, and more.

More than 200 complete and full-color how-to illustrations

Over 30 color photographs

Turn a dreary basement into a bright and cheery living space

Eliminate moisture problems

Relocate plumbing supply lines

Run new wiring and finish walls, ceilings, and floors

Clear, concise instructions for do-it-yourselfers to follow

Comprehensive index and glossary of important terms