Renovation: Completely Revised and Updated [Hardcover]

Michael Litchfield (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These are hefty works from two veteran home remodeling/renovation writers. Renovation: A Complete Guide was first published in 1982 ( LJ 10/15/82), about the same time Litchfield started Fine Homebuilding magazine. The first edition was comprehensive, clearly written, and soon became a standard. The differences in this volume are matters of refinement rather than large-scale revamping. Some topics (roofing, the case histories, ceramic tiling, and security) have been noticeably expanded, but others (assessment and planning, tools, demolition, structural carpentry, plumbing and wiring, and finish work) have been only modestly revised. This remains one of the essential guides to renovation; any library lacking the earlier edition (or having a well-worn copy) will want it. Wing has written several how-to manuals, mostly on heating and energy conservation. While covering some of the same ground (and more) as Litchfield, Wing approaches the topic quite differently. Wing reverses the organizing principle of most how-to books by subordinating the explanatory text to the graphic information displayed in diagrams, line drawings, charts, and graphs. This works remarkably well, not only as a visual reference but even as a comprehensive building manual that includes--in equal measure--materials, techniques, and design specifications. Everything from the commonplace (lumber specifications, nailing schedules, interest tables, and wiring diagrams) to the more esoteric (soil classification tables, snow load maps, steel beam specifications, and Spanish tile roofing methods) is addressed. This outstanding compilation of home construction and remodeling information is highly recommended for all libraries serving amateur or professional builders.
- Bill Demo, Tompkins Cortland Community Coll., Dryden, N.Y.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

" The most comprehensive single volume on home renovation ever."
--"Popular Science
"
" This is, hands down, the very BEST home renovation book I've ever read. And as former editor of This Old House Magazine (2001 to 2004) I've seen em all. Author Mike Litchfield (founding editor of Fine Homebuilding magazine) has written about 7 books on home renovation and this third edition of " Renovation" (completely updated from earlier versions) has got to be his masterwork. Whether you're a homeowner who can't bang a nail or a professional tradesman, you'll learn a lot from this book. " Renovation" covers the entire home renovation process, from inspecting an old house before you buy it to the hundreds of steps and decisions you'll encounter in the renovation process. Litchfield clearly knows what he's talking about. He writes in a down-to-earth conversational style that's comprehensive, practical and easy to understand. He also has a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor that makes this book, not only useful, but great fun to read. Excellent drawings and photos show you just the information you need, and the book is liberally sprinkled with pro-tips and insights that will save you time, money and heartache-guaranteed. Case histories of real renovation jobs with first-hand accounts of what worked and what didn't give you the benefit of other people's experience. Renovating an old house is a big, messy, expensive, emotional process, but one of the most satisfying projects you can tackle in life. If you're even thinking about taking the plunge, there's no better roadmap to follow than Mike Litchfield's book." --This Old House
" A classic inthe first edition, a masterpiece in the second, this work is the last word in renovation-- Litchfield is cited again and again by other authors in the field, and rightly so-- and the new edition will serve to introduce a new crop of renovators to the art....If you are renovating a house or only thinking of it, this is the place to start."
--"Library Journal"
" Simply the best book we've seen on the subject." --"Toronto Sun"

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press; 3 Rev Upd edition (September 6, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561585882
• ISBN-13: 978-1561585885
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #36,429 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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  Books > Home & Garden > How-to & Home Improvements > Remodeling & Renovation

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best single-source guide for your home, July 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Renovation: A Complete Guide (Updated 2nd Edition) (Paperback)

I whole heartedly agree with other posters that if you buy only one do-it-yourself style book for your home, this is the one. Even if you plan on hiring a contractor to do the work, this book will help you clearly understand the tasks at hand. If you ever wondered what lies behind the walls of your home, here's your own inexpensive x-ray machine! The figures & photos are excellent and are a great compliment to the writing.

I showed my copy of this book to someone at work and they went to the book store the next day to buy their own copy. Yes, it's that impressive. Maybe a professional contractor would argue against my point, but for the average person, it's fantastic.

Once you read it, you'll go back to it again and again. In my opinion, it's well worth the cost.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, for learning or for reference, January 19, 2006

By	C. VanDoren "chris_v" (Albany NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Renovation: Completely Revised and Updated (Hardcover)

I rehab 100 year old houses for a living. I do it all from elctrical to plumbing, heating systems, etc. Since I am a jack of all trades, I am a master of none, and when I need to do something for the first time, I reach for this book. Jacking up a foundation? Custom stair stringers? Learned it here.

I also keep it on the job site as a reference. How high should the showerhead be? Where should the kitchen supply lines and drain be? It is all here. Would by another copy immediately when this one gets lost or damaged (which it will).

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book takes the mystery out of renovation, January 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Renovation: A Complete Guide (Updated 2nd Edition) (Paperback)

I am a first-time female homeowner of a pre-war apartment. It is amazing what you can do after reading this book. Most people I know find doing-it-yourself an intimidating process and wouldn't conceive of undertaking the simplest of jobs themselves. They just wouldn't know where to begin. "Renovation" has taken me from life-long yuppie renter to where my power drill is now my best friend.

Litchfield does a great job of guiding you through each aspect of home renovation. The explanations are well-written and clear, the illustrations are extremely helpful, so while it does not seem dumbed-down in any way, the first-time DIYer will find it very useful. Now when I go to Home Depot, I can ask intelligent questions about what I need to buy.

It's going to become a regular housewarming gift for my friends.