Bob Vila's Complete Guide to Remodeling Your Home [Paperback]

Bob Vila (Author), Hugh Howard (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Acknowledging that most renovations are performed for homeowners by professionals, TV host and author Vila explains how informed consumers should approach their project so that it is done properly. He provides a wealth of information on architectural styles (and how to integrate newly remodeled sections with the existing style), evaluating the house, dealing with building professionals, planning, financing, and more. Required reading for anyone considering a home renovation. (LJ 10/1/99)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Vila, the host of PBS home renovation programs, has authored more than a dozen how-to home-improvement books. In his latest, he steps back and observes the remodeling experience from an armchair perspective. Unlike most remodeling texts, which readers use like reference books, jumping section to section according to the day's project, Vila's new guide is intended to be read start to finish by first-time remodelers. It begins with an engaging account of Vila's own recent home renovation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, including the typical decisions and delays. A survey of the various types of U.S. domestic architecture follows, reminding readers of the importance of adding "sensitively" to existing structures. The second half of the book is more practical, with specific criteria for remodelers to use through every step of planning, designing, and implementing a renovation: Which projects offer the best return on investment? (Kitchens and bathrooms.) Will an architect or designer be needed, and if so, how to select a good one? What about contracts? Vila walks the reader through building codes and permits, getting and comparing contractor estimates, arranging for payment through bank loans, and basic lessons in plumbing, roofing, flooring, and the delicate task of working with laborers. Supplemented with ample photos and illustrations, Vila's guide offers readers the mental and verbal tools for nailing a challenging project on the very first try. James Klise --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (March 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380799553
• ISBN-13: 978-0380799558
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,978,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars remodeling review, March 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Bob Vila's Complete Guide to Remodeling Your Home: Everything You Need To Know About Home Renovation From The #1 Home Improvement Expert (Hardcover)

This book is interesting and will save a person from Some of the pitfalls that await the first time remodeler. There are many photos but most of those are rather extravagant remodels and not ones the lay person would do. A lot of reading and wading through material and details. This book helps one determine if they have what it takes to endure a remodeling experience!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Complete?, March 25, 2007

By	L. White (Fairfax, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Bob Vila's Complete Guide to Remodeling Your Home (Paperback)

I would expect alot of do-it-yourself information in a "complete" guide to remodeling. Disappointing in that respect. A fairly general discussion of thinking about, planning, and hiring a contractor to do your remodeling. This book will go directly back up on the auction site for sale.

5.0 out of 5 stars Was a huge help, February 4, 2010

By	Elisabeth Forrest (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)

This review is from: Bob Vila's Complete Guide to Remodeling Your Home (Paperback)

I was surprised looking over the other reviews because my experience with this book was very different, however that could be because what I wanted from it was perhaps different. I purchased an old house (built 1826) that needed some serious updating. I never for a moment thought of actually doing the work myself so I wasn't looking for a how-to book. What this book helped me with to a huge degree was making the decisions on style choices, the best way to proceed at each step along the way, and got me to consider options that had not occurred to me. It helped me to understand exactly what I could and should expect from architects and contractors. And it enabled me to feel confident that I was getting what I paid for. The back cover even states that this book is "an essential FIRST step" not the be all and end all of DIY home remodeling.