Selecting And Renovating An Old House

Clearly written manual tells how to appraise an older home, develop plans for remodeling the kitchen, add a bath, replace floors, roof, windows, doors, interior walls, kitchen cabinets, more.

Through hundreds of inspiring photos and engaging text, the author describes what gives traditional homes their enduring appeal, and illustrates the creative work of builders who are forging the movement toward building new homes that capture old-home sensibility.

Homeowners can learn how to identify and economically add improvements to older homes without getting bogged down in never-ending repairs. This comprehensive guide teaches readers how to fix roofs, doors, windows, structural problems, plumbing and bathrooms for the least amount of money and the greatest reward.

Old homes come with a character unmatched by recently built houses on the market The craftsmanship is often more distinct, the architectural elements more refined, the wood floors and trims more detailed, and the structure more solid and settled. A certain amount of renovation must be done to the older homes, and remodelling your home can make it come alive, fix its flaws, enhance its interior, and even make it more eco-friendly. However, renovating can be time consuming, expensive, and nerve-racking, leaving the homeowner in a dust whirl-wind with everything that needs to be done. This guide helps you to overcome these challenges bringing you home-owner bliss. To begin, you will learn how to estimate and stick to your renovation budget, as well as some key cost-cutting techniques to help you come in under budget. You will learn what building codes to follow before your begin your project, as well as the projects you can do on your own and what you might need professional assistance on. This book takes you through the complete remodelling process from the bottom up, beginning with the foundation. The book also presents ideas for renovating your family room, bedrooms, attic, basement, kitchen, and bathroom, as well as a variety of floor plans to follow if you need some help getting started. You will learn how to select and install cabinets and counter tops, as well as how to fully update sinks, taps, appliances, baths, showers and toilets. You will also learn how to overcome the challenges associated with water, electricity, asbestos, tanks and wells, and cesspools. There are step-by-step instructions for some of the most common projects, including installing drywall, upgrading windows and doors, and installing flooring. There is a section on exterior renovations, which contains information on skylights, garage doors, sunrooms, decks, and pools. Whether you are attempting your first project or are a seasoned professional, this is an indispensable companion for any homeowner with a project or two in mind.

Restoring, Rehabilitating and renovating older homes.

Old houses are charming, but owning one can be a labor of love. Expert carpenter and house "doctor" Christopher Evers equates old homes with ailing patients, describing how you can successfully "treat" your old house and make it good as new. With over 300 clear, line illustrations, Evers provides a practical guide to repairing, renovating, and preserving your old house--basement to attic--so you can enjoy it for years to come. Evers gives detailed instructions on the "anatomy" of old homes as well as how to fix a variety of problems, including: Repairing old plumbing fixtures Replacing shingles on the roof Straightening the house’s frame Rewiring old electrical systems Removing old wallpaper Protecting against termites and other harmful pests Adding insulation for better energy efficiency Fixing old eaves Reinstalling windows and doors And more! A classic in old-home repair, The Old-House Doctor is an invaluable, and timeless, guide for keeping your old home in tip-top shape, while meeting your modern needs.

Martha Stewart guides homeowners step-by-step through every phase of the biggest, costliest, most demanding project many people will ever undertake--the renovation of an entire house. This is a virtual encyclopedia of essential information delivered with Martha Stewart's personal flair.Full-color photographs.