From the Publisher

Your #1 Resource—Updated!

This up-to-date edition includes:

Green Solution tips & projects to help you save money and the earth at the same time

Updates on plumbing and electrical work

Energy-efficient product & material suggestions

Energy saving building techniques and improvements

Money Saver tips & projects to help you tackle small problems before they get bigger

Ultimate Guide Home Repair and Improvement

Your Definitive “How-To” Reference

Wouldn’t it be nice if your home came with a user’s manual? That’s where Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement comes in!

This 600-page manual is your comprehensive handbook for day-to-day repair, maintenance, home improvement, and upgrade projects.

Eliminate the need to call a professional—just grab your trusty guidebook to confidently tackle any household job!

Over 3,000 color photos and illustrations

325 step-by-step projects for home improvement and repair

Comprehensive sections on wiring and plumbing

Do-it-yourself wisdom on how to save money while making the most of your home

Remodeling guide covering planning, contractors, and project management

Tech-reviewed by over 20 industry experts

Clear, Thorough Instructions Guide You Through Every Project

Project Photo Sequences

Step by step, you’ll find clear how-to photos to guide your work, each provided in sequence along with concise instructions to help demonstrate the task you’re undertaking.

Schematic Diagrams

Clearly labeled diagrams, exploded views, and illustrations break down the anatomy of everything from circuit breakers to roofing, guiding you through the inner workings of your home—and helping to troubleshoot when things aren’t working properly.

Step-by-Step Directions

Find over 325 step-by-step projects for everything from pouring a patio or installing surface wiring to insulating your attic or restoring bath tile. The detailed, straightforward instructions help you ensure the job is done right.

Tools & Materials Guides

Special tools and materials required (or suggested) for larger projects are provided with helpful illustrations and lists, so you can be sure you have everything on-hand you’ll need for the job.

Electrical

Inside this book, you’ll get acquainted with how electricity is provided and distributed throughout your home, and learn foundation techniques like testing fuses and stripping cable sheathing. You’ll get all the guidance you need to tackle common repairs like replacing your thermostat or fixing your doorbell, as well as improvement projects such as installing a recessed light fixture.

Plumbing

Learn about the anatomy of your home plumbing system and how it works. You’ll be able to apply that knowledge to home improvement projects like installing a new sink or shower stall, as well as perform common repairs such as fixing a leak with a new seat washer or quieting noisy pipes.

Heating, Cooling, & Ventilation

Brush up on the different options for heating and cooling systems and understand ventilation basics. You’ll utilize your new insight to execute common repairs like furnace or dehumidifier maintenance, as well as undertake home improvement projects like installing a masonry fireplace or new ceiling fans.

Roofing and Siding

Discover the anatomy of a roof, roofing language, and siding choices. With your newfound knowledge you’ll be able to successfully and confidently execute home improvement projects like installing wood roofing or a skylight, as well as common repairs such as repairing or replacing roof shingles.

Cabinets & Counters

Learn cabinetry basics and discover the special tools you’ll need to succeed!

You’ll be prepared for new home improvement projects such as installing wall cabinets or post-form counters and making helpful repairs such as retrimming bases or refacing your cabinets.

Windows & Doors

Learn the inside & out of your windows, how to prep before any window or door project, and the material choices available to you.

Complete repairs your home needs, like replacing glass or repairing a slider, or begin a home improvement project such as installing window trim or a new garage-door opener.

Floors & Stairs

Discover the importance of subfloors, floor-trim options, and more!

You’ll be equipped to successfully complete home improvement projects like installing floating floors or carpeting stairs, as well as handle needed repairs such as replacing floorboards, repairing tile, and patching damaged carpeting.

Walls & Ceilings

Learn about the basics of paneling, wallcoverings, drywall, and more.

Get started on home improvement projects like installing a suspended ceiling or constructing sound-absorbing walls, or handle repairs such as patching paneling, fixing large holes, or stripping old wallpaper.