This book is designed to help homeowners repair, maintain, and improve their homes—and then some. I see it as an encyclopedia for the home, containing information that one will consult again and again.
Many home repairs are covered, and often we need a little help to get all the details right, even though we might have followed everything to the letter the first time. There are also checklists of things to do to maintain your home—not only for such things as clearing gutters and the like, but also hints to make your house impregnable to pests such as bats and rodents.
There are a variety of simple home improvements to do and information on ones you may not want to do because they would be too difficult. The facts are here so you can make an intelligent choice.
In compiling the contents, I tried to think of every area that the average homeowner would be interested in, a soup-to-nuts menu except instead of soup and nuts we talk about nails and paint. I also gave careful thought to the home-improvement skill level of the person who will be using this book, and the accent here is on helping the neophyte—those who want to learn how to wire a Nike missile better go elsewhere.
In providing that detailed help, I aimed to make the instructions as clear as possible—a job infinitely aided by artist Mary Nagin's line drawings, which will fill in the gaps when my golden words fail.
I was also very, very conscious of saving money—your money. Sprinkled throughout the book is, collectively, a bucket of tips on how to save on everything from buying washers to buying windows. Indeed, what one can potentially save is, in my opinion, quite significant.
I have also tried to write in a style that will be a bit entertaining while being informative. In my view there's no need to write in a dry, punishing, boring way when a lighter style will do the same job. On the other hand, I did not strive to be Henny Youngman, which wasn't hard.
All in all, I think the book will serve you well for many different repair, maintenance, and home-improvement jobs and be, hopefully, everything you need—The Everything Home Improvement Book.
NOTE:
Read this important note before you begin: Home repair work can be dangerous. Use the proper tools and materials for every job. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and make sure you know how to use these tools and materials correctly and safely. If you're not sure how to proceed—especially with mechanical devices or electrical systems or equipment-get help from a qualified professional in the appropriate field. The projects in this book are not intended for children. Adams Media Corporation and the authors disclaim all liability for any injury or damage related to the use of this book.