Here is a passage that illustrates the tone of this book (discussing installing sub flooring):

“You do this by installing blocking between the floor joists from below. If you’re not familiar with this type of work, contact a professional to do it right. If you are familiar with it, you’ll know what I’m talking about and how to do it correctly.”

If you know how to do it than why are you reading a book on it? Everyone has to start from somewhere – even the pros. I knew nothing about electrical but I can install a new service panel if I needed to now. How? Information and experience – I was not born with the knowledge, neither was the author.

The unsuccessful use of humor in this book only served to clutter the pages and take away any amount of credibility that the author had as a professional. Furthermore, there were several points that I disagreed with him on. For example, he made a point to say DO NOT install your new flooring under the cabinets, instead install around them. His point was that you lose a valuable 1/2″ between the countertop and the bottom of your wall cabinets. Forgetting even about aesthetics, have you ever tried to remove a dishwasher that was below your floor level? Trust me – it’s no fun. Also, materials such as tile serve to protect the sub floor from water damage (which can happen to anyone).

This book did have some trivial information that I found interesting (like where the “d” in “10d nails” came from). Other than that, I found it a waste of money.

Look elsewhere for your kitchen remodeling information needs.

We recently purchased an old home with lots of “problems”. I borrowed this book from my local library (along with Black & Decker’s Home Improvement) and was amazed at how clear and detailed it was. I think the best part is how they use real photos of everything, and not sketches. There are well over 2000 photos. Within days, I was dealing with and solving basement issues, plumbing problems, electrical outlets, and many more things that I did not even thing of. The books helped so much that I decided to go ahead and purchase them here on Amazon. There are countless home improvement books out there and some rank better than others. From what I’ve seen, the Black & Decker series ranks at the top and are an invaluable resource. It literally pays for itself with all the money saving tips and instructions. I recommend this book, along with Black & Decker’s Home Improvement and Outdoor to anyone looking to save money on home repairs.

There are certain skills that are “wasted” on no one. Home repair is one such skill. I believe that 5 weeks after purchasing this book – the book has already paid for itself. My parents moved back into my grandmother’s 1960-era house after she passed away last year. The house was in need of a few repairs, but money was a limiting factor. I had to find a way to teach myself (and my dad) how to weatherproof the basement, replacing an ancient water heater & dishwasher, replace several outlets with new GFCI (p. 397!) outlets, and finally, how to update the upstair’s faucets and fixtures. I logged onto Amazon.com and typed-in HOME REPAIR. To be honest, I chose this book because it had 500+ pages and two 5-star reviews. When this book arrived, I instantly felt the weight and quality of the binding.(think college textbook material) I quickly found DETAILED descriptions of the tasks I would soon have to perform. I called my father and said “Get ready we’re going to Home Depot!” On the phone, my father expressed concern over our lack of experience. When my father got in my truck, I handed him the the Black&Decker text. I had put PostIt’s on the pages with our projects. He slipped on his glasses and peered through his bi-focals and didn’t say a word on the way to purchase tools & supplies. Once in the parking lot, I could hardly turn-off the engine before he was pointing to pictures saying “Ours looks just like this! I want some gloves like that!” And he was making a bee-line for the door!(the old man can move!) He was excited and so was I. Now, it has beeen 5 weeks since that first trip to Home Depot. Both my father and I have the cuts and scrapes and the ever present sore backs to prove that we have done our own home repairs. My father now keeps the Black&Decker text at his house “for safe keeping.” He cleans the text with a moist cloth after each project. The projects don’t seem to have an end in sight, which I believe is a direct result of my dad reading the text for “suggestions.” My suggestion….don’t let anyone “borrow” this text, unless of course – you love him!

Every other trade skill required to remodel a bathroom gets only a little less coverage. But there are better, much more focused books available specific to framing, plumbing, drywall, electricity, tiling, and trim carpentry. The Taunton Press offers complete and thorough books on these subjects I fully recommend.

Most people will DIY part of the remodel work and subcontract out work they’re uncomfortable with or feel unqualified to tackle. Planning the remodel and subcontracting out work get some mention in chapter 1, but far too little.

There’s little information on building mud-set showers or shower pans, but considerable information on tiling that shower.

There are chapters devoted to framing, doors and moldings, drywalling, but no mention of removing or refinishing or installing a traditional steel/cast-iron bathtub.

Page 59 illustrates a solderless copper pipe joining system and describes its advantages; It pictures the required electro-hydraulic installation tool, but then goes on to same that this is a system for professional installation only. The same chapter purports to teach copper piping system design and soldering technique on page 56 to 58.

Most of Taunton’s “Build Like A Pro” series are really good, but this one misses the mark.