The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: With 350 Projects and 2300 Photos (Black & Decker)

Complemented by 2,500 photographs and illustrations, this comprehensive guide to home repair, renovation, and improvement features 350 practical projects that range from replacing old windows, to combating mold and allergens in the home, to childproofing, along with new sections on choosing and sele

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! --James J Bell--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.--JO--A good home repair guide is an absolute requirement for those of us who know very little about home repair but feel the urge on occasion to tackle some of those odd jobs around the house. While there are many guides on the market today the best ones have an abundance of photographs or detailed illustrations to help the reader see what they are supposed to be doing. With over 2,300 photos Black and Decker's The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair is the epitome of this class of books. Processes and techniques are described step by step in detail with no prior knowledge assumed. Everything is so well done anyone can complete any of the projects if they can read and follow directions. I've had several home repair books, but this one just became my top choice for the one I want to have around as my primary reference. --Harold --Dan --Dan Gates

Now in it's third edition, theis comprehensive guide contains more photos and useful advice than ever...this book focuses on selected home repairs. giving good instructions and larger photos to illustrate steps and techniques...In all, this guide is a usefull supplement to any home repair collection. Highly Recommended. --Library Journal, December 2008

Having just retired,I decided it would behoove me(and my budget)to learn how to fix things around the house myself,instead of paying someone else to do it.I know I won't be tackling major projects,but if I did,the info on how to complete the project would surely be in this terrific book.I was overwhelmed at the size of the book,initially,but as I read through it,I realized that each page contains a step-by-step photo sequence from the beginning of the job,to the end.Wonderful for someone such as I who has a difficult time remembering 'righty-tighty,lefty-loosey.' I think this massive book, crammed full of top-notch advice is going to save me a bundle in home repairs.So I will be able to spend more money at my other home--ellafan--How I wish this book had been around when I needed it most. As a single mother who was working, finishing my eduation and raising three daughters in the 70's and 80's, money was scarce and one learned how to do what had to be done. So, through a variety of good but not great books, a few friends, and trial and error(more error than trial,) I repaired the plumbing, replaced the light fixtures, painted, papered, patched and mended! Life would have been so much easier with a book like this one. There is not a thing about general home repair that cannot be found here and the photographs make the task a breeze. No more sketchy illustrations or trying to follow instructions with a diagram that best resembles Heiroglyphics! For anyone who is a novice at home repair, this book is a must, and even the more experienced person is sure to find some excellent tips and techniques to make the job easier. I now have a husband who looks after the household repairs, but even 'Mr. Fix-it' could benefit from this terrific book. Black & Decker 'really know their stuff' and have come up with a fantastic, indispensable book! --Sandra D Peters Seagull books--Good pictures, good text, and good coverage of basic repair tasks for a house. Though not a reference guide, this provides a good foundation for handling basic home repairsThis is my 2nd book for our house. I have no idea of tools and what should I do to maintain our house. There are photos ad instruction to interior and exterior repairing and installation. Plus introduction to tools and materials to work with.This book is not only good for DIY project, also a good reference to establish the foundmental knowledge of the general house. was looking for a book with many visuals and pointers, in the style of DK books. The library had the usual books of mostly text and poor visuals, but this one really breaks ranks and stands out to help as a instant information assistant. Being a first-time homebuyer, I knew i would have many projects to accomplished. After purchasing my home, I quickly realized my lack of both skills and knowledge of basic home improvements and or repairs. I decided to shop around for a home improvement book. After a couple of hours, I came upon a pot of gold(The complete photo guide to home repair). This book is filled with useful information. If you are looking for the perfect home improvement book, do purchase this book.--Samuel Francis Jr-- I just bought a house and have never done much home repair. I needed to put in 2 new toilets and do some other work. This book is perfect for such things. The pictures and descriptions are outstanding. Don't hesitate to buy this. Great for Newbies like me. --Dan Gates