Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies [Paperback]

Donald R. Prestly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 2003

Real estate, building, and remodeling surveys reveal that the one project likely to give you a 100 percent return on the dollars invested is a kitchen remodel. And whether the project is as involved as gutting the room back to the wall studs or as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint, each project is an investment in your home’s value and, ultimately, in your enjoyment of using the space.

Remodeling a kitchen is a big job, but it’s not so big that anyone – with the right guidance and understanding – couldn’t feel comfortable tackling at least some parts of the job. Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies is the reference tool to use if you

• Want to use the kitchen more efficiently
• Want to replace outdated, energy-gobbling appliances and gadgets
• Have attempted at least one or two home repair projects
• Are comfortable using both power and hand tools and probably own a few of each
• Want to know how a project should be done and then hire someone to do it.

The kitchen in today’s home has become a focal point for the family, as well as for entertaining. For those reasons, you want the room to be as functional as possible, without breaking your bankbook. With Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies in hand, you'll get the lowdown on the following topics and more:

• The kitchen remodeling process (knowing this makes you a smarter consumer)
• Critical design issues
• Working with the pros: architect, designer, contractor
• Establishing a budget and sticking with it
• Evaluating your plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems
• Selecting and installing cabinets and countertops
• Choosing sinks, faucets, and appliances
• Working on walls, windows, and floors
• Hot trends and easy upgrades

This handy guide shows you how to take your kitchen (no matter what shape it’s in now) and remodel it so that it not only fits your wants and needs but also becomes a room you can be proud to use and show off.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Install new fixtures, countertops, cabinets, and more

Upgrade your kitchen the fun and easy way®

Whether you want a simple makeover or a complete redo of your kitchen, this clear, concise guide walks you through the entire process, from budgeting to choosing materials to remodeling – or finding someone to do it for you. Numerous illustrations demonstrate how to add more space, build an island, install a sink, and much more!

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

About the Author

Donald R. Prestly is a former Senior Editor of HANDY, a national home improvement magazine. He supports and attends nationwide home improvement and construction industry events, including The National Hardware Show.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (September 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764525530
• ISBN-13: 978-0764525537
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #331,503 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Awful book., March 29, 2007

By 

Project Guy "Project Guy" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies (Paperback)

The majority of this book was painful to read. I mistakenly assumed that "For Dummies" meant that it was going to cover all aspects for all skill levels. Instead, the author made a point to decide what you are capable of understanding and undertaking. There were "Call a Pro" icons peppered throughout the book indicating that the reader does not have the skill level or the brain power to possibly get his hand around specific tasks. I think that a responsible DIYer has the capability to determine what is and what is not in their skill set. Just because you have never done something does not mean you cannot do it. I have no problems with warnings, but to not share information because the author feels the reader cannot handle it is just poor writing.

Here is a passage that illustrates the tone of this book (discussing installing sub flooring):

"You do this by installing blocking between the floor joists from below. If you're not familiar with this type of work, contact a professional to do it right. If you are familiar with it, you'll know what I'm talking about and how to do it correctly."

If you know how to do it than why are you reading a book on it? Everyone has to start from somewhere - even the pros. I knew nothing about electrical but I can install a new service panel if I needed to now. How? Information and experience - I was not born with the knowledge, neither was the author.

The unsuccessful use of humor in this book only served to clutter the pages and take away any amount of credibility that the author had as a professional. Furthermore, there were several points that I disagreed with him on. For example, he made a point to say DO NOT install your new flooring under the cabinets, instead install around them. His point was that you lose a valuable 1/2" between the countertop and the bottom of your wall cabinets. Forgetting even about aesthetics, have you ever tried to remove a dishwasher that was below your floor level? Trust me - it's no fun. Also, materials such as tile serve to protect the sub floor from water damage (which can happen to anyone).

This book did have some trivial information that I found interesting (like where the "d" in "10d nails" came from). Other than that, I found it a waste of money.

Look elsewhere for your kitchen remodeling information needs.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars waste of space on my bookshelf, November 28, 2007

By 

Stan "stan" (san diego) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies (Paperback)

this book was so worthless that I didn't even shelve it after reading. Nor did I consider giving it away. I tossed it straight into the recycling bin. The book is strong on advising the reader as to what tasks are simply to difficult. It fully lacks when it comes to detail/advice regarding the tackling of technical tasks. Really, it offers no advice on remodeling your kitchen. It is should be titled "How to hire someone to do your kitchen remode." This "book" is a waste of paper that does not diserve even one star.