Renovating Old Houses (Best of Fine Homebuilding) [Paperback]

George Nash (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is a reincarnation of Nash's out-of-print classic, Old House: A Rebuilder's Manual ( LJ 1/15/80), substantially rewritten and reorganized. The focus is the major defects of old houses: the heaved foundation walls, defunct mechanical systems, rotted structural timbers, damaged roofs, and broken staircases. Nash is both an artful writer and a knowledgeable renovation specialist. He writes with poetic grace about the unique character and hidden beauty of old houses, yet he's remarkably clearheaded and resourceful when dealing with their often maddening irregularities. There isn't a better sourcebook on the larger structural challenges of renovation. Most libraries should have this as a companion volume to Michael Litchfield's Renovation: A Complete Guide ( LJ 8/90. rev. ed.).
- Bill Demo, Tompkins Cortland Community Coll., Dryden, N.Y.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

"Plain talk for restorers, from soup to nuts (and bolts). Here's thorough, practical advice that's sensitive to both history and budget."--The Old House Journal.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press; Updated edition (February 29, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561581283
• ISBN-13: 978-1561581283
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,640,526 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have resource if you're even thinking about the topic, November 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Renovating Old Houses (Best of Fine Homebuilding) (Paperback)

Don't touch your old house until you read this book. Its an eye opener about what to do and what not to do to renovate an old house and keep it from looking like you did. Didn't notice how many remodels in my neighborhood had been "remuddled" until reading what Nash has to say about keeping architechtural integrity. I live in a historical district, and this book has helped me maintain my 1860s house and given me insight as to how it was built, and how to fix it. Get this book FIRST!

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Somewhere to start., January 4, 1998

By	Heather M Hine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Renovating Old Houses (Best of Fine Homebuilding) (Paperback)

From the moment you open the cover, you are reassured of your decision to buy this book. It offers an overview of many options of renovations. From Basement Casement walls, to roof-top peeks, this book supplies you with the information to base your projects on. Before YOU start a renovation project, or are just in need of ideas to creating additional living space in YOUR old house, get this book. You will not regret it.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best house renovation book I have ever read, September 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Renovating Old Houses (Best of Fine Homebuilding) (Paperback)

Having renovated 3 houses, I am always looking out for good books on the topic. Sadly, many of them are very superficial. This book is the exception. The information and attitude that Mr. Nash puts forth in this book is deep and highly informative. A must read for old house nuts.