The sixth edition of The Construction of Houses builds on the success of the previous five editions. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and processes of the construction of houses and their services. As such it is aimed at providing a broad understanding of domestic building construction for students as part of their academic studies and as a useful information source for practitioners.The existing chapters have all been updated and most of th...

Understanding Housing Defects provides a concise, coherent and comprehensive introduction to the causes, investigation and diagnosis of defects in domestic buildings.For this new edition, many of the chapters have been substantially updated and new photographs have been added. There are four new chapters covering:How defects are definedAn overview of building and architectural historyExternal joinery and paint...

This bookis a concise and comprehensive guide to building defects and building inspection. Whether, as a practitioner you are employed in buying, selling, managing or maintaining houses or whether, or as a layperson, you are buying a property to invest or live in, this book will help you make sound decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Written by two highly experienced authors, House Inspector is a general and accessible book which describes how and why house construction has chang...

A new edition to the bestselling The Complete Guide to Kitchens, this updated book looks beyond the world of 500-square-foot kitchens with professional stainless steel appliances and presents a host of creative remodeling and updating projects that make sense for anyone. From converting a closet into a pantry to replacing old countertops and cabinets, this book is packed with clear photos and step-by-step instructions for the home DIYer.

This hands-on guide will help you prepare for and manage simple home repairs and improvements. Jeff Howell (the Sunday Telegraph's DIY columnist) and a host of other experts guide you through the trials and tribulations of DIY, helping you to carry out a range of projects - from fixing a leaky tap to hanging wallpaper - safely, cheaply and with minimum disruption. The full-colour drawings illustrate the step-by-step techniques and the lay-flat binding is perfect for on-the-job DIY...

Written for students taking courses in building and surveying, 'Estimating for Builders and Surveyors' describes and explains the method used by the estimator to build up prices or rates for items described in the SMM7 format. Each chapter is a self-contained unit related to a particular element in the building. Worked examples throughout reflect both traditional and up-to-date technology. Written by an author team of academics and professional surveyors, this book continues to be an inval...

Finding adequate storage space is an ongoing battle in every household. The Complete Guide to a Clutter-Free Home provides inspired answers and dozens of step-by-step projects that offer creative solutions to common storage challenges. From understairs shelving to full-height medicine cabinets to laundry rooms and lumber racks, this book shows you how to find hidden storage space around your home and how to put it to use efficiently. It is an up-to-date guide to modern storage pro...

Building with straw bales is being embraced by amateurs and professionals for its versatility, comfort, environmental friendliness and high insulation. New methods should expand its growing worldwide popularity. In Practical Straw Bale Building, Murray Hollis uses simple, easy to understand language to describe the established techniques of straw bale construction and ways in which they can be improved. He also presents a new straw bale construction system that has substantial benefits over c...

Master Basic DIY explains all the basic tasks and gives you all the information you need to undertake essential decorating and maintenance in an informed and sensible manner. It offers insight into complex options and methods, and is full of practical information and indispensable tips to enable you to quickly see the results reflected in your DIY projects.NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.AUTHOR INSIGHTS

This volume shows DIY homeowners the tips and techniques pros use to get beautiful precision when installing crown moldings, chair rails, paneling, and window & door millwork. It’s a book for the serious DIYer looking to elevate his or her handiwork from the realm of basic competence to fine craftwork.

A modern twist on a nostalgic favoriteNothing 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, flexibl...

This is a comprehensive guide to woodturning which will be of value and help to both new and experienced woodturners.Hugh 0'Neill covers the tools and woods used in turning, the principles of design, the lathe, wood finishing, and the techniques of turning spindles, bowls and decorative works. The book also covers the workshop and a selection of projects including bowls and table legs.