Customer Reviews

Build Like a Pro Windows and Doors: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Taunton's Build Like a Pro)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been trying to find all the information I can on the tricks to hanging doors. You won't find all the answers in one book, but this one has a lot of information on how to solve problems. I might add that there is a very good video by "Tom Law, Installing Doors and Windows" that gives you a good idea of how to properly hang doors. Seeing someone in action is a lot easier than reading a book. I've read this particular book 3 times now looking for all of the tricks of the trade. If you are like me, you've installed a door and said, "why is it doing that?". If you can identify a problem or prevent one, then that can save you a great deal of time. This book deals with a lot of issues, like out of plumb walls and cross legged jambs. I would also add "Gary Katz, installing and hanging doors" book to your library and you will have 3 fine sources to become a professional installer. I have all 3 and have recently installed 2 perfect exterior doors. I'm not a pro yet, but I am a lot closer. There is a lot of satistaction in installing a door correctly. Have fun.

Once again 'Build Like A Pro' series by Taunton Press, publishers of Fine Homebuilding, has produced another fine book.

This 'coffee table' size book has plenty of what makes the 'Build Like A Pro' series a success. Overall this is a very pleasant book to look through; great layout, lots of photos, and step-by-step details.

If you are new to construction and want to replace some of your own doors and windows, I am sure you will find this book very useful. If you are like me, and have a background in construction, I think you will still find a few great ideas to utilize.

Nearly every page offers a sidebar where you can learn a tip or two including; tools and materials, tips from a pro, what can go wrong, and much more. The photos are top notch and often a detailed sketch is provided to help explain a step in the process.

I have yet to see a 'Build Like A Pro' book that hasn't been well worth the price. Good luck with your window and door installation!

I'm a homeowner with plenty of construction experience...at least that's what I thought until reading this book. The author provides plenty of time saving tips for installing windows and doors in both new and old construction. I just finished my basement and wish I would have read this book a few months ago; It would have saved me a lot of effort.

I checked this book out of the library mainly for a few chapters that contained info on Pocket Doors and Fixing Door Problems. The book covers almost everything you can think of to address installing doors and windows, including putting new doors in old frames. It gives you pointers on choosing windows and doors including how various components operate. I didn't know there were so many types of windows operating styles to choose from out there!

I found this book very helpful and confirmed that I wanted to hire a professional! The pocket door section seemed a little slim to me, but that might be because I had no clue about what they were doing. It's definitely not a step-by-step. LOL. Even though some of the projects in this book might be DIY, many of the complex projects would probably require a professional, unless you've done some type of construction-type work.

I have read every book that I could find on windows and doors and found this one to be the best bar none. The pictures are fantastic and the helpful tips are worth the price of the book and then some. Also, the book is very easy to understand which is not the case with a lot of books out there on the subject.

This book is well written and professionally designed. It contains a breadth of information, but the coverage seems wider than it is deep. I was interested in learning more about my replacement window options, but was fairly disappointed. While the book treats many different remodeling subjects, most of us are trying to solve "one" type of problem. I don't have a dozen different types of windows in my house, I have two. Also, the author misses a few obvious details faced by a majority of who are replacing windows. That is, almost all replacement windows are built much thicker (due to energy star ratings), so that the framing is different than the original window in place. This means that the windows lays more on the sheetrock instead of ending at the point where the sheetrock begins. This is one obvious detail that should always be discussed- i.e. the windows you buy will sit much differently than the older windows in your home that you want to replace. Overall, the book seemed to have more 'shop talk' than accustomed to by the average DIY'er. Perhaps it was intended more for a professional audience, who need more of a variety of detail.

I have a 100 + years old house with the original windows. They have a section on Tuning Up Old Windows which I found very helpful. There are only a few pages on this subject for old windows. The information is straight forward and to the point.

Good book, but title is misleading, more about proper installation of windows & doors rather than fabrication of doors & windows. Title should be "Install Like a Pro"

Pretty general information and suggestions on interior and exterior doors, windows and skylights. Plenty of illustrations, tips, "trade secrets" and "what could go wrong" tidbits. There is enough information here to get the DIY'er in some trouble - not enough detail to really be able to DIY it, but enough to think so. Good general information, but I would not solely rely on this book as a "how to".

I have 15 neglected 80-year-old duplex pulley windows. Not a word about this type in this book.

Much good stuff if I were doing other projects; maybe I'll come back to this later.