Reviving Old Houses [Hardcover]

Alan Dan Orme (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 5, 1994

A compendium of more than five hundred practical ideas for repairing and caring for old homes shows readers how to evaluate a house before purchase, organize supplies and equipment, and deal with windows, doors, attics, floors, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With the inspirational tone of an old-time preacher, the author implores, "You can do it! You can renovate your own house." His folksy manual addresses the beginning do-it-yourselfer who is about to buy or has already bought an old house. But if Orme now and then seems coy or archaic in addressing his audience as "my dear reader," the information dispensed is up-to-date nonetheless, including discussion of such controversial matters as radon seepage and the use of polyvinyl chloride pipes in plumbing. Useful checklists are provided, outlining materials and procedures, but technical information beyond the basics is scant. Money-saving tips range from using a marble or ball bearing for testing the levelness of a floor to cadging leftover supplies from building sites and recruiting friends to aid your cause. At times Orme modifies his call for self-sufficiency, admitting, "You may find it economical or convenient to hire a reputable home inspector." Illustrated.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Is it reverence for old things or simply the dreary economic realities of the housing market that sustains the apparent demand for still more old house books? Whatever the case, this makes a solid contribution to a crowded field. Orme is mostly realistic when it comes to assessing the inevitable trade-offs one faces in rehabbing. His opening section on inspecting old houses is especially thorough and, by itself, is worth the modest price of the book. Orme goes on to review the variety of repairs necessary to bring the old homestead back to a livable state, providing cost-conscious options and urging the reader to trust his or her instincts and ability to learn the required skills. Less a detailed how-to manual than a good overall guide for the would-be owner of an old house. Recommended.
- Bill Demo, Tompkins Cortland Community Coll., Dryden,
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Random House Value Publishing (April 5, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 051710105X
• ISBN-13: 978-0517101056
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,930,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Restorers and Renovators Need This Book, February 7, 2000

By 

Joan (Columbus, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reviving Old Houses: Over 500 Low-Cost Tips & Techniques (Paperback)

This handy book includes information and handy tips on making an older home livable and lovely in a relatively inexpensive way. Although I would like the book to give more attention to "Restoration" which includes keeping as much of the historic character of the home as possible, the book is still useful for an owner of an older home. The tips and techniques are also applicable to many maintenance needs in a newer home.