General Books

Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated

Family Handyman Magazine Editors

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> How-to & Home Improvements -> Do-It-Yourself

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Complete Do-It-Yourself manual 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

So glad I upgraded my copy. It really is a must have for the homeowner, even if you have to understand the jobs you contract to others.

Must-have for new homeowners! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this book as a gift for my husband. Being new homeowners, we're often frustrated not knowing how to take care of issues around the house. This book has EVERYTHING you need to know to do almost any project around the house. Great illustrations, photos and directions. I know we'll be reaching for this book again and again! Would make a great housewarming gift!

Very Helpful Information 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I remember reading the first edition in the mid '70s, and this new edition has all the information I was hoping it would have. It is perfect for me, someone who is somewhat handy when a problem presents itself. I need a reference to give me the correct information about solving problems involving home repair or DIY. I would suggest that you get this out of the library first to see if it is helpful to you. You just might get a copy because it is so useful.

Book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Gift for my son-in-law who's a landlord for the first time. He says it's really helpful, complete and easy to use instructions.

Creating a New Old House: Yesterday's Character for Today's Home (American Institute Architects)

Russell Versaci

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 38 new & used starting at $11.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

At the beginning of the new century, there's a groundswell of popular nostalgia for period houses with an authentic pedigree. Regional styles of old homes in all parts of the country have captured the imagination of homebuyers who are disillusioned with the cookie-cutter sameness of new home construction. Many are turning to the history and tradition of their own neighborhoods for inspiration in old houses--themes that will inspire and inform them in building a new home that will preserve a sense of place and the feeling of "home."
Creating a New Old House explores how architects, builders, and craftsmen are reinterpreting the traditional American house. Through photographs and engaging text, brief discussions of history and craftsmanship, and occasional sidelong glances at the workings of real old houses, Versaci employs his "Pillars of Traditional Design" to explain how traditional houses go together and what gives them their unique design appeal. The author explores the creative work of architects, builders, and craftsmen from all corners of America who are creating new "old" houses in a revival of the distinctive traditions of American homebuilding--and refitting them to work for the demands of modern family living.

A Field Guide to American Houses

Virginia McAlester, Lee McAlester, Juan Rodriguez-Arnaiz, Lauren Jarrett (Illustrator)

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Knopf Amazon Marketplace: 83 new & used starting at $5.48

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Building Types & Styles -> Residential

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 50 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A great description of historical architecture styles 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

After some introductory chapters on the history and theory of homebuilding, the McAlesters commence with descriptions of the different styles. Each major style is described with a large stylized diagram with its identifying features labeled, a description of the major subtypes, descriptions of the style's unique elements, a paragraph on the frequency and locations of its occurrence, some historical comments, and then dozens of black and white photographs. The styles are ordered roughly chronologically, from native dwellings and colonial houses in 1600 to the neoeclectric houses of the 1970s and 1980s. (Even my 2006 printing ended with the 1980s.)

I read the field guide cover to cover - something I never before done with a field guide. By the end, it seemed repetitive, but overall I was impressed with almost everything about this book from the introductions to the last diagrams. Every time I travel though a historical neighborhood, I am glad that I read this book.

Editorial Review:

The guide that enables you to identify, and place in their historic and architectural contexts, the houses you see in your neighborhood or in your travels across America. 17th century to the present.

Cabinology: A Handbook to Your Private Hideaway

Dale Mulfinger

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Editorial Review:

Wouldn't life be a whole lot better if somewhere out in the wild woody yonder sat a snug little cabin with your name on the mailbox? You know it would. If you have a cabin dream, this book is your ticket to making it real. With Cabinology as your map and architect and cabinologist Dale Mulfinger as your guide, you'll know the best way to approach every decision, from choosing a site for a new cabin, to remodeling an old one, to getting exactly the right fireplace for melting away all that ails you. Cabinology doesn't just guide you, it keeps you inspired. Throughout are photos of cabins small and large, great details and design tips, stories from other cabin owners around the country, and clever insights into getting a cabin of your own.

Atomic Ranch

Michelle Gringeri-Brown

Amazon Price: $26.37 List Price: $39.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Gibbs Smith, Publisher Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $24.97

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Recommended 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I love this book!! I live in an "Atomic Ranch" and this book covers the subject very well. Not only are the pictures great, the text is informative. I also subscribe to Atomic Ranch Magazine published by the same authors. If you are a fan of this genre, both are highly recommended!

This book is chock-a-block full of great info 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I love this book! The author's magazine (of the same name) is awesome and this book covers homes from the early issues which are no longer available (issues, not homes). I love seeing the beautiful interiors and exteriors of modest size homes which most people consider beneath their notice because they aren't historically "old enough" or architecturally significant.

I have learned a lot about mid-century modern homes from reading this book. The photos are great and the book is very informative.

If you live in a plain ranch home, and enjoy a streamlined style of living, then I highly suggest you get this book. It is full of practical tips and resources.

Editorial Review:

Atomic Ranch is an in-depth exploration of post-World War II residential architecture in America. Mid-century ranches (1946-1970) range from the decidedly modern gable-roofed Joseph Eichler tracts in the San Francisco Bay area and butterfly wing houses in Palm Springs, Florida, to the unassuming brick or stucco L-shaped ranches and split-levels so common throughout the United States.

Detail in Contemporary Residential Architecture: Includes CD-ROM

Virginia McLeod

Amazon Price: $31.50 List Price: $50.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Laurence King Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 42 new & used starting at $26.40

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good, but kind of misses the point. 3 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

An account of the 2 hours I spent flipping through this book after it arrived at my door:

1. When I saw that the intricacy of the illustration on the cover is produced by overlapping several drawings, I thought, "uh-oh."

2. After looking through a few projects, I was a little disappointed with the haphazard organization of the "details." For example, full wall sections were more often than not excluded. Envelope details were presented as partial sections, thereby losing the context. The different lineweights were also practically indistinguishable.

3. I was impressed, however, with the comprehensive list of materials/components accompanying the drawings.

4. I was disappointed with the choice of photographs, in general, of the projects. Most projects had photos that basically show the same part of the building, but from a different angle, or slightly zoomed in.

5. More overlapping drawings. This bothers me quite a bit, since these are just page-fillers, and do not offer anything except examples of what not to do when presenting construction details.

6. One project was entirely devoted to the detailing of a window box, when that building had used a very interesting roofing material (handcrafted lead sheets), what appeared to be hidden gutters, and a very well integrated envelope from roof to grade. I flipped through this section repeatedly to check if I had missed some pages, then I grew a little angry that these very worthwhile details were forgone in favour of a single window.

7. After going through the entire book, I flipped through it quickly to see if there were any projects from South America since I didn't remember seeing any. I recalled only two projects from Central America. A quick look through the list of projects seem to indicate a coastal North America and Western European bias.

8. I wished I could afford a subscription to the German version of Detail.

I would not recommend this book for something that one expects from well-drafted construction documents. The method of reference and presentation is a little messy. Drawings seem to be organized by how well they fit together on a single page, rather than their as-built relationship. Given the precious lack of real-estate dedicated to photos, certain photographs could be omitted and replaced by more telling shots. Perhaps coordinate the details presented with a photo of the detail in situ and in context? A larger-scale foundation-to-roof envelope section can be a good organizational tool for subsequent details. Did I mention that overlapping drawings bother me?

What I find good is the abundance of projects, the organization by material, and the list of components used. While I have a lot to complain about in terms of the drawings, there is still quite a bit one can take away from them. It would be a good book to go to for initial ideas.

In short, this book is a coffee-table architectural book - a lot of pictures without definite purpose - disguised as a technical book. Sort of misses the point for a book that's about details.

Editorial Review:

Architectural detailing makes a building unique and an architect outstanding. This book provides analysis of both the technical and the aesthetic importance of details in the development of contemporary domestic architecture from 2000 to 2005. Featuring many of the world's most highly acclaimed architects, the book presents over 50 of the most recently completed and influential house designs. For each house there are color photographs, plans of every floor, sections and elevations, and numerous construction details. The book also features in-depth information for each project, including the size, the client, the architectural project team, main consultants, and contractors. With CD-ROM.

Modern Cabin

Michelle Kodis

Amazon Price: $26.37 List Price: $39.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Gibbs Smith, Publisher Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $16.00

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

Editorial Review:

Modern Cabin turns a true icon on its head-radically redefining what a cabin can be. For those who've always wanted a woodsy retreat but want to create a softer environment footprint, Michelle Kodis has gathered twenty-two examples of mountain retreats that push the envelope of cabin architecture and lead the way for the cabin of the future. Architects are creating structures that showcase inspiring and innovative construction methods and materials-including prefab components, environmentally responsible and energy-efficient building techniques, and even "smart" house technology.
Sections include:
Updated Rustic Charm: past meets future
Beyond the Traditional Cabin: fresh architectural solutions
Into the Future: ultra-modern cabins constructed with cutting-edge building methods and materials.
Michelle Kodis has been featured on The Jane Pauley Show as well as in such publications as the Los Angeles Times and Time magazine. She is frequently featured on MSN.com as an expert in homes and architecture.

Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid

Marianne Cusato, Ben Pentreath, Richard Sammons, Leon Krier

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Even as oversized McMansions continue to elbow their way into tiny lots nationwide, a much different trend has taken shape. This return to traditional architectural principles venerates qualities that once were taken for granted in home design: structural common sense, aesthetics of form, appropriateness to a neighborhood, and even sustainability. Marianne Cusato, creator of the award-winning Katrina Cottages, has authored and illustrated this definitive guide to what makes houses look and feel right—to the eye and to the soul. She teaches us the language and grammar of classical architecture, revealing how balance, harmony, and detail all contribute to creating a home that will be loved rather than tolerated. And she takes us through the do’s and don’ts of every element of home design, from dormers to doorways to columns. Integral to the book are its hundreds of elegant line drawings—clearly rendering the varieties of lintels and cornices, arches and eaves, and displaying “avoid” and “use” versions of the same elements side by side.

The Big Book of Small House Designs: 75 Award-Winning Plans for Your Dream House, All 1,250 Square Feet or Less

Don Metz, Catherine Tredway, Lawrence Von Banford, Kenneth R. Tremblay

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $7.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Waste of Time 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I knew the book wouldn't be a great resource but I thought it might have some reason for having been published other than the author and publisher just trying to cash in on the "not so big" / "green" trend.

There is really no redeeming quality in this book. Most of the houses are severely outdated and are poorly proportioned. Except for one or two, they don't even look designed by an architect, they just look like run-of the mill cracker boxes, some with poorly planned additions. There's no useful information on how to best economize space or anything. The "design" information is useless because the illustrations are so bad they are painful to look at. Some are so muddy, it looks as if the book were published using water damaged drawings and a broken Xerox machine.

I apologize for not editing this review, but this book has already wasted enough of my time. If you're looking for something more current, try James Grayson Trulove's 25 Houses Under 1500 Square Feet. It's more design oriented, even if does have a lot of filler. It's not a 5 star by any stretch of the imagination. At least his illustrations are legible and the photos make the book look produced by professionals that actually care about design and architecture.

Editorial Review:

The Big Book of Small House Designs is a collection of more than 500 drawings illustrating all aspects of 75 small homes of various styles, from a New England farmhouse to a sophisticated steel frame to a Santa Fe ranch. Each design includes detailed floor plans, section drawings, elevations, and perspectives, as well as a description of the materials used and landscaping around the home. Keeping in mind that a chief priority for a small home is often energy efficiency, most of the plans incorporate some energy-efficient element. There are dozens of plans suitable for every environment and climate in the country. The designs are all a direct result of several international competitions that solicited from architects the best homes of 1,250 square feet or less. Contact information for the architects is provided in the back of the book.

Gilded Mansions: Grand Architecture and High Society

Wayne Craven

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

Editorial Review:

A lavishly illustrated history of the opulent art and architecture of the Gilded Age.

The Gilded Age (1865-1918) saw the sudden rise of America's first High Society, including such prominent families as the Astors, Whitneys, and Vanderbilts. As an aristocracy based on fortunes recently acquired, these families endeavored to live like Europe's blue-blooded nobility, shedding Puritan restraint as they joyously flaunted their new wealth—especially where their homes were concerned.

They erected French chateaus and Italian palazzos on New York's Fifth Avenue, at Newport, and elsewhere, often taking inspiration from Parisian styles of the Second Empire. They rejected more modest American styles just as they rejected middle-class society, and for interior decoration they turned to such artisans as Tiffany, Herter Brothers, and Allard's of Paris.

Immensely readable and illuminated with 250 stunning color and black-and-white illustrations, this is the fascinating story of America's first millionaire society, the way they lived and partied, and the lush artistic and cultural legacy they established. 100 color, 150 black-and-white illustrations.