Renovating and Restyling Older Homes: The Professional's Guide to Maximum Value Remodeling [Paperback]

Lawrence Dworin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1996

Homeowners can learn how to identify and economically add improvements to older homes without getting bogged down in never-ending repairs. This comprehensive guide teaches readers how to fix roofs, doors, windows, structural problems, plumbing and bathrooms for the least amount of money and the greatest reward.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Home buyers with the time and the talent to make an older home completely livable all by themselves may find this book that emphasizes getting the best result for one's money and effort mighty helpful. Chapters on inspecting a structure for renovation potential precede sections on all manner of repair and remodeling, and no detail seems too small to escape notice. An excellent chapter on recycling what the renovator cannot use and chapters on outbuildings and landscaping are especially rewarding. Dworin's enjoyable discussion of Victorian architecture (a catchphrase for many architectural styles) enables better understanding of his later discussions of Craftsman and Prairie-style homes. Consider this book a boon to contractors and home owners alike. Mike Tribby

Product Details

• Paperback: 414 pages
• Publisher: Craftsman Book Company (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572180293
• ISBN-13: 978-1572180291
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #333,053 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Best for specific styles of homes..., August 28, 2001

By 

B. Newman (Silver Spring, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Renovating and Restyling Older Homes: The Professional's Guide to Maximum Value Remodeling (Paperback)

I was disappointed when I received this book to find that much of it is devoted specifically to Victorian and Craftsman homes and architecture. While these styles are mentioned in the book description, you should realize before you buy that this book really is best if you own one of these two styles of homes...otherwise 150 of the 400 or so pages don't really apply. Sure, some of the general information is universal but I was looking for something particular to older homes in general and something about my style of home. My husband and I are experienced do-it-yourselfers of Cape Cod-style homes and we have more Capes and Colonials in our neck of the woods than Victorian and Craftsman homes and found little for us in the second half of this book. However, it is certainly a fine book for anyone who owns a style emphasized between its covers. The author applies his experience and expertise on specific styles to provide nice detail for the right homeowners and renovators.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedic coverage of renovation., July 18, 2001

By 

Rose Wood "Luci_D" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Renovating and Restyling Older Homes: The Professional's Guide to Maximum Value Remodeling (Paperback)

For all who dream of fixing up their homes or buying older homes and repairing them, this is the book. It contains detailed information on every part of a house from roof to basement. It tells you what to look for in all parts of vintage houses and how to estimate the work involved in rehabs. The information is valid for newer houses also because it covers basics such as heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, porches, roofs, attics, kitchens, bathrooms, floors, walls, ceilings, windows, architectural styles. It describes inspection, repairing, restoring, landscaping, and additions. This book is comprehensive, objective, detailed and educational.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thorough, professional, quality guide, September 8, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Renovating and Restyling Older Homes: The Professional's Guide to Maximum Value Remodeling (Paperback)

Renovating & Restyling Older Homes: The Professional's Guide To Maximum Value Remodeling by home remodeling and renovation expert Lawrence Dworin is a thorough, professional, quality guide written specifically to address the difficulties of restoring the beauty and practical function of homes built before 1930. Dworin effectively covers the technique of maximum value remodeling; reveals the substantial potential available for renovators in the older home market; and how to raise profit margins while giving customers their money's worth in restoration/renovation services. With an equal-handed approach to cost sensibility, top quality, and preserving history, Renovating & Restyling Older Homes is a superbly presented primer for anyone interested in upgrading property and living fixtures that were built before modern standards of convenience.