The Pocket Renovator

I loved this book. I am a typical homeowner with better than average skills. I renovated our kitchen myself and used the book to plan my layout and select materials for countertops, cabinets, sinks, etc. All options were clearly laid out for me enabling me to make the best decisions. This is a great resource for do it yourselfers like me or those wanting to best educate themselves before going the contractor and/or architect route.

Written by a mother and daughter team, this like their earlier book, The Pocket Decorator, was born out of necessity. Leslie was totally remodeling her condo and wanted to know and use the correct terms when talking with the various craftsman. Designed for anyone remodeling, renovating or building, this book is a tremendous resource. The terms are listed alphabetically to allow easy access. I loved their tips for "smooth sailing" when working with construction people. Their suggestion is to work as a team as much as possible with architect, builder and designer. They suggest you learn the symbols used on a design plan so you understand what is being done and where. Not only do we learn a term, each has an illustration-and when relevant, we can read about its history and how the word was derived. Do you know the different between undermounted and drop-in sinks? I do now. Each has a different look and demands certain know-how when being installed. What do you know about toilet heights, shapes and flush/water efficiency? The chapters cover construction issues like cabinetry and built-in furniture, interior layouts, kitchen, baths and vital systems like heating, cooling, etc. The authors also added four newly important areas: green design, safe and healthy home, financing and real estate transactions. I found the safe and healthy house interesting as it covered the toxic things in our homes like lead, carbon monoxide, asbestos, mold and radon, as well as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. This writing team is very thorough. If it isn't in this book, I wonder if the average homeowner really needs it. The Pocket Renovator would make a great gift for yourself and anyone who is buying their first home, building a new one or remodeling/renovating. Carry the book with you in case someone uses an unfamiliar building term. Armchair Interviews says: With The Pocket Renovator, you will have the answer at your fingertips.

First off, do not buy this book if you are looking for a how to book. This guide is not intended to show you how to complete a project. It is intended to show you, the average homeowner, with little or no construction experience what materials and techniques are available to do projects around the home. The authors cover a broad range of subjects, but not in depth. This book will enable you to communicate more effectively with your architect, builder or home improvement contractor.They cover alot in 200 pages, however there is so much to know in this field, that you could spend 200 pages alone on one subject such as fireplace techniques. However, for its intended purpose I rate it 5 stars.

An extremely useful reference guide for navigating the jargon of renovation and construction. A visual dictionary, the book helps you figure out what it is you're looking for by matching illustrations with terminology. Now, when your contractor asks whether you want your new sink to be drop-in or undermount, you'll understand what he means. The entries frequently contain useful guidance points and tips, though that's not the primary point of this book. I really enjoyed the Pocket Decorator, this team's previous book, and am glad to see they've pulled off another success.

This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when experiencing all aspects of a home renovation. To be able to speak the same language as your contractor is priceless, and to understand what he is talking about makes all of the difference. Built-ins, cabinetry, bathroom and kitchen projects, etc. are all addressed in this handy book. The book includes all sorts of vocabulary previously foreign to me, and is written in a refreshing, accesible style. Would be a great gift too.