Successful Homebuilding and Remodeling [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ Barbara B. Buchholz (Author), Margaret Crane (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Buchholz and Crane, both authors and journalists of significant tenure and stature, have put together a well-crafted volume on the real consumer issues of home building and remodeling. Part of the interest here is the comparatively unique perspective of women in a male-dominated field. For each point under discussion, they use personal anecdotes from recognizable names; these people speak in a manner generally outside their individual "expertise." The inclusion of these voices lends a "ground-level" feel to the discussion, a welcome addition to what can otherwise be a daunting task. The forethought and process required for successful completion of a project is lucidly detailed. Upbeat, funny, and caring suggestions enliven the text. Illustrated sparingly with figures, this volume is highly recommended.AAlexander Hartmann, Bloomsburg Univ., PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

For most people, building or remodeling a home is the single biggest investment they'll ever make. But, too many uninformed homeowners blindly wander into a construction minefield and can wind up spending thousands of extra dollars as a result. "Successful Homebuilding and Remodeling: Real-Life Advice for Getting the House You Want without the Roof (or Sky) Falling In" provides a down-to-earth, engaging analysis of everything you need to know about building and remodeling before you move one ounce of dirt or choose a contractor.

Nationally known journalists Buchholz and Crane take consumers through every step of the homebuilding and remodeling processes, including:

* To build or remodel--which is best for you?

* Hiring the right contractor and negotiating a contract

* How to spot construction red flags

* Making wise design decisions and setting a construction time line

* Establishing a budget and financing your dream home

* Making wise investments and smart upgrades

* Increasing the value of your home

* Decorating ideas

* Resources to tap, including an exhaustive resource guide of manufacturers and associations

"...an outstanding book, filled with practical advice and lots of humor...full of useful and concise information, well-organized and fun to read." (Robert Bruss, Tribune Syndicate)

"This is the remodeling handbook that every homeowner should read. Barbara and Margaret provide real life experiences, making this the best guide for saving time, money, and energy." (Mick de Giulio, president, de Giulio Kitchen Designs, Chicago)

"...provides every tool you could possibly need to minimize stress and add fun to the process of remodeling your home." (Danny Meyer, co-owner, Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern, New York City)

"...very informative book! There isn't a mistake to be made if you read this book cover to cover!" (Mario Buatta, interior designer, New York City)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Kaplan Business; illustrated edition edition (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793128838
• ISBN-13: 978-0793128839
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,242,946 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very useful..., March 20, 1999

By A Customer

This book was written in an easy-to-digest manner. I was first worried that two women couldn't tackle the difficult tasks of dealing with the contractor/architect, but they offered very useful information.