Customer Reviews

Remodeling a Kitchen: Taunton's Build Like a Pro: Expert Advice from Start to Finish

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

 

 

I just read the two previous reviews, and felt compelled to write my own. I've had this book a few months and haven't yet redone the kitchen. I worked in construction for many years, but never did kitchen design, though I did do some installations. I re-did the kitchen in our previous home, but didn't change the layout too much.

I'd hate for people to bypass this book based on the prior bad review. If you could only have one book to guide you through your whole project, this one would be hard to beat. It walks you through the process step-by-step, and warns you of potential issues like "hidden systems" - heat, electrical, etc. which can save you loads of aggravation.

I don't have a problem with a significant part of the book being dedicated to design. If you gloss over the design step and move right into construction and end up with a kitchen that doesn't quite fit your cooking/life style, what have you got?? You can get a design at a store that sells cabinets, and guaranteed you'll get a design that fully utilizes their pre-built, one size fits most cabinets they're looking to sell. Maybe that works for you, but maybe not. I find the design part the most challenging. If you don't want to get into it, think about finding a kitchen designer. You may get lucky at IKEA or another big box store. Personally, I have to know I'm getting what works best for us before the money starts going out.

As for needing more information on construction, I don't see it. I think this book has most of what you need. If you didn't quite get something, like installing tile, then there are many places to do research. To me, it's easier to find a description on how to build a cabinet than it is to get a good design. I feel that this book both covers design and takes a thorough look at construction. I have a few books on design alone, and would suggest that approach if you're serious about doing it yourself.

I've always been happy with Taunton Press books. [...]

The kitchen that takes up the majority of the book seems a bit dated to me. The ideas are useful, but not particularly good for inspiration. The how-to is alright, but honestly, I got a lot more help from free You Tube videos. (FYI, i'm a total amateur, and i've completed 95% of my full home remodel on my own.)

Quite disappointed with this book (plus a few others of the same 'Built Like A Pro' series). Nice pictures of what projects should end up as, but very little on the step by step to getting there.

and this one doesn't disappoint. They are always well done with lots of photos and good text to help you make decisions and complete a successful project.

After using the basement book in this series to finish my basement, I was excited to obtain the kitchen version to help me redo my kitchen. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The book spends 50-60% of the time talking about how to plan your kitchen. This is important but anywhere you get cabinets from these days will help you with this. Even Ikea has free online software. He spends all this time talking about the software you'd need to plan your kitchen but little time spent on how to do the installation.... Blah

Finally, on page 113 (out of 190 pages) he starts talking about demolition of your old kitchen and on page 163-173, he discusses cabinet installation. That's it. Not nearly as in-depth as other books in this series. Save your money.

I ordered "Remodeling a Kitchen: Taunton's Build Like a Pro: Expert Advice From Start to Finish"y Sam Clark on 4-9-09 and have not received it as of 5-11-09.