"Which?" Book of Do-it-yourself ("Which?" Guides) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0852028024 ISBN 13: 9780852028025

Publisher: Which? Books, 1999

Synopsis

Whether you want to paper a ceiling, build a shed or plan and plumb a new bathroom, this book tell you what tools you need and what materials to buy, with fully illustrated instructions on how to complete the task safely and with the minimum of fuss.

The Which Book of Do-It-Yourself first looks under the "skin" of your home, showing how its structure, materials and services work. Then it explains how to build up toolkits for particular DIY tasks and how to make the best use of the latest in materials and equipment. Easy-to-follow illustrations show how to tackle different jobs, including:

* fixing
* woodworking
* plumbing
* decorating
* building
* wiring and lighting

Also provided are step-by-step guides for more than 60 home improvement projects, from installing a loft ladder or an outside tap to fitting double glazing and dimmer switches. Instructions are given for essential repairs and household maintenance tasks such as patching damaged plaster and curing condensation. And there's a troubleshooter's guide to what to do in a household emergency.

Whatever your level of DIY knowledge and experience, this book will help you achieve professional results and save both time and money in the process.

About this title

Review

If DIY is a scary prospect for you, then The "Which?" Book of Do-it-yourself can certainly help. But be careful, it may just tip you over the edge as you realise that there is now no excuse for not getting those pesky jobs around the house done right! Mike Lawrence will astound and enlighten as he guides you through a huge diversity of information, from how your house is actually constructed to the knowledge you need to build a custom tool set to cater for the most obscure demands property ownership can throw at you.

There are four major sections in the book. "Around The House", "Materials", "Tools" and "Techniques". The first, as previously mentioned, explains how your house is actually put together, meaning you'll have knowledge that will prepare you for what you might find behind that wall or under that floor. "Materials" completely demystifies the world of the builders yard and this will help you get the trade discounts and not appear to be a complete idiot when you go to buy the raw materials you'll need. "Tools" will mean there's now no excuse for using a piece of household cutlery to undo a plug, while "Techniques" will help you lend professional insight and flair to your projects so that the finished result isn't the dogs dinner it might otherwise have been.

The projects cover everything you can think of, from servicing the expansion tank on your central heating system through to erecting a garden shed and all the information is supported by great illustrations. It's genuinely amazing. Every topic covered also has a handy "Life-Belt" paragraph, so if you do botch up the task in hand you have the information to allow you to back track and start again. Some tools seem to have American names, a crow-bar or jemmy is known as a "wrecking bar", but this is just nit picking. The "Which?" Book of Do-it- yourself is otherwise almost perfect.

Did you know a good way to remove excess paint from a brush is by dabbing it against a piece of string tied across an open paint tin? No, neither did I. It's that kind of detail that'll keep you awake at night wondering what to take on next. Don't over do-it-yourself it! --Tony Martin

Synopsis

For all DIY enthusiasts, whether absolute an beginner or an expert, this accessible, fully illustrated book shows how to achieve professional results and save both time and money in the process.

Edition details

• Publisher: Which? Books
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0852028024
• ISBN 13: 9780852028025
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 320