Customer Reviews

How a House Works (Family Handyman)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a rare blend of the fundamentals of residential construction, expressed in the most friendly language. Duane has an unusual two-fold gift to understand all the technical aspects of our homes and the ability to communicate that expertise in the most approachable manner. It's like having the 60-year wisdom of a construction foreman and a dutch uncle in your back pocket. I have given copies of this fine book to all my nephews and several friends.

I've looked at a lot of "home" type books and this is the best one that I have seen. It takes a home and explains in the simplest terms, how it works ('wonder where they got the name of the book?). The illustrations are absolutely top notch. Buy this book!

This is the book to buy before you read the how-to books.

It presents a concise evolution of the American home, explaining the rudiments of its construction and systems from the timber frame to the postwar eras.

The illustrations are excellent.

Beware, you may be tempted to subscribe to The Family Handyman.

This books explains how a US single family house evolved to its current standard, including structure, plumbing, electrics, etc. The author is both knowledgeable on how things in our houses work and very good at communicating his knowledge to a lay person. Although there are a few "fix it yourself" or "complete guide" books that are good at providing quick solutions, this book will help you understand how some of the solutions work. The book is less than 200 pages and takes only a few nights to read. You will benefit from it for your whole life.

Overall this is a great book for anyone that owns, rents or is thinking of buying a house. It has excellent illustrations with easy to read and understand explanations. It filled in many gaps in my knowledge about my home.

I was a little surprised that in section/chapter 4: Heating and Cooling that he never even mentioned evaporative coolers/Swamp Coolers. Granted, one has to live in a fairly dry climate to get the best use out of them, but surprise........ lots of people do.

I'm guessing he grew up on the east or west coast and never had much exposure to them, but they at least warrant mention.

Otherwise an excellent, well written book for those of us that are curious about "How it Works"