Renovation 4th Edition: Completely Revised and Updated

I inherited the 2nd edition of this book from my father, and found it to be one of the most comprehensive books I've read on home renovation. I still find that 'job specific' books are required when I'm working on a particular task (eg plumbing, wiring, drywall books when I'm doing respectively plumbing, wiring, or drywall), but for getting the 'big picture' the Renovation book is a winner.The 1st and 2nd editions were published by Prentice Hall, and the 3rd and 4th by Taunton Press (the Fine Woodworking / Fine Homebuilding folks). My 2nd edition was published in 1990, and I recently bought this 4th edition as my 2nd edition is now 25 years old. Since other reviewers have already covered the benefits of this book, I'm instead going to review some of the differences I've found between the 2nd and 4th revisions.The 4th edition definitely has a more modern Taunton Press style (same for the very similar 3rd edition judging from the Amazon Look Inside preview). The pictures are in color instead of black & white, there are 'Pro Tip' sidebars everywhere, and the font is slightly larger and easier to read. Naturally, the content has also been updated to reflect some of the latest technologies now available: Pex plumbing, laminate flooring, laser tools, etc. Overall, the 4th edition is a nicer looking book, however, that seems to have come at the cost of some useful content. Comparing the two, I find the 2nd edition not only has more content but also more detail in general. For example, Chapter 9, Masonry, has an entire section on using concrete block. That material is completely missing in this 4th edition, in fact, you won't even find concrete block in the index. Same for the discussion of Post & Beam, Balloon, and Platform framing in Chapter 8--no mention at all in the 4th edition. Might be an issue for those with (much) older houses. In the 2nd edition, Chapter 14 was titled 'Cooling and Heating' and covered vent fans, whole house fans, thermostats, furnaces, heat pumps, and even briefly mentioned solar. That entire chapter is now titled 'Energy Conservation and Air Quality', and basically just discusses the latest insulation techniques that were found in Chapter 13 'Conserving Energy' in the 2nd edition. All the HVAC, furnace, fan stuff is gone. On the bright side, the new 4th edition Chapter 13 'Kitchens and Baths' has a comprehensive section on building and installing cabinets. Taunton Press strikes again. The 2nd edition also has seven appendixes including a useful overview of dealing with contractors, architects, and banks; other appendixes include complete detailed instructions for building a set of stairs, a deck, and a fence. That, and much more, is all missing from the 4th edition.Judging from the Amazon Look Inside preview of the 3rd edition, this 4th edition is very similar but is more up-to-date and has more content, making this edition the one to get for the latest materials, tools and techniques. However, if you still have a copy of the earlier Prentice Hall editions, don't consider these Taunton Press editions a direct replacement. There is still plenty of useful content and detail in those earlier editions that is now gone from these latter two editions, particularly if you're renovating an older house. I took a star off for that, because I now need bookshelf space for both books. However, I'm still quite happy with my purchase of this 4th edition for its up-to-date coverage of the latest building materials and techniques.

This is one of the most well written and insightful 'how-to' books I have ever read.(and I own a few!). The author separates each genera of a remodel into chapters. The chapters (plumbing, electrical, etc..) are detailed and explicate. The page margins are filled with quick tips and helpful comments. The color photo's are pertinent to the work description and not added to increase the page volume. I especially noticed that details of work common to all construction trades and repeated in most 'how-to' books were unique ,but still within building code standards. I found the pages detailing how to match a textured wall with joint compound very helpful (I was able to complete a remodel job with out using subcontractors). The book is in it's 4th edition and is update to present building codes. I've been a repairman/carpenter for 25 years and try to increase my understanding and knowledge in all aspects of renovation. This book did provide new ways to complete repair tasks. The book is 614 pages of concentrated information. No hyperbole nor 'fluff'. And the hardcover version is less expensive than the paperback! ****ADENDUM: the bindings are weak and will fail!. The pages are falling out whenever the book is opened. .

Do you live indoors? If so, you want this book! Even if you're not the "do-it-yourselfer" type and you prefer hire contractors and handymen to work on your house, how do you know they're doing the job right and not cutting corners, or ripping you off? Get this book and read the relevant chapter(s) before every home project, and compare the advice and "Pro Tips" contained therein with the proposed scope of work specified by your "highly rated professional". This book arrived a few days before we had our new front door installed, and without it I wouldn't have recognized that the installers were ID Ten Tees* in time to stop them and call their boss. Thanks, cool Renovation book!Our next project is finishing the basement, and there's a great chapter all about basements. Did I tell you I love this book?

Excellent book for fixing and remodeling your home. Advisement on the right way to do it the first time and advice on materials for that work.It's like have a contractor there and telling you what to do to get it done right. Have several upgrade projects planned for my house and this book puts me one step ahead towards getting them done and to last. A lot of detailed tables and photos on just about any phase of repair. If you are planning work around your house and doing it your self, this book needs to be in your library. I imagine it would also serve to tell you if the contractor you're having do the work knows what he's doing. Very pleased with my purchase.

If you read construction books this one is a good way to stay up on skills in one book. This book also helps to deal with old homes which can save you money on unnecessary full overhauls when u just need an upgrade.

As a super diy'r I have a collection of what I call my coffee table books for general perusing and knowledge enhancement. This book by an editor at the cream of the crop of building magazines, Fine Homebuilding, will put you right in the middle of the job site where you will learn many tricks of the trade and other useful information. Forget all the oversimplified fluff magazine articles and HGTV shows out there and buy this book and embrace your inner home renovator! Yes, you will become frustrated and enraged at times as I have but your sense of accomplishment at doing something with your own hands as you embrace old world craftsmanship and techniques can not be over stated! You may even consider yourself a journeyman when done as you look over what you have created!

A very good book packed with excellent advice...if you live in the U.S. or Canada. There are useful parts of it but it is not really slanted towards older UK homes.

As the book is American lots of plumbing and electrical info is as expected for the US market, but the quality of the work, especially carpentry shown puts our UK work to shame. Some good tips.

Great book, very clearly written with a lot of detail on a wide variety of areas in and around a house, which was exactly what I was looking for as most other renovation type books I've seen only cover things from an extremely high level or in a much more limited scope. It was quite helpful as a point of reference during a pretty extensive renovation and I think it will continue to be useful for projects in the future.

Like others have said this is by far the best overall home renovation book I've come across. This 4th edition is from 2012. I would consider this updated for about 99% of your purposes. It contains enough broad concepts to provide a level of understanding as well and digging into details about exactly what to look for when doing your own renovations or relying on a contractor. I have a level of DIY and construction knowledge so it may have been easy to read for me but diagrams and labels help to bridge some knowledge gaps. Highly recommend.

I spent many an hour on the computer researching which book to buy...honestly, it was a waste of time. I should have just picked up this Renovation Book. It had all kinds of information which is not easily found on this new technology thing called The Google. I am glad I picked it up before starting anything as I can take the time to digest the information and do the reno right the first time. Certainly the best book I came across.