Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated

This is by far the best "Do-It-Yourself" book in my collection. We live in a 160 year old house that is has been added onto and repaired by previous owners, some who knew what they were doing and others who didn't.The book covers a wide range of subjects, including using common tools (both hand and powered) and all the expected basic and advanced project and repair sections on plumbing, insulation, wall construction, flooring, molding, cabinets, basement issues, etc. The instructions a easy to understand and have very clear pictures or illustrations that shows exactly what needs to be done. There are also a lot of very helpful tip boxes scattered throughout the pages and they are all very helpful and worthwhile noting. I recommended reading the instructions through at least once before starting to make sure you get all of the needed tools and materials.This covers every home repair issue I have needed, often saving me the expense if calling a handyman, and has even helped me decide when a project was above my skill level, which also saved us a lot of time and money.Highly Recommended!CFH

Highly recommend. Especially for folks who need pictures and clear explanations. Really great staple to have in the home. Great gift for first time home owners. Has color photos and diagrams. There is also an older one that is in black and white but has basically the same info. Super awesome book. Explains what tools are and has pictures of each ones. Steps for all kinds of different diy projects and what you will need in order to do it. Also clear explanations of how things work, common problems, and easy troubleshooting. Highly recommend.

I consider myself lucky to own this guide. The guide is straight forward and to the point, focusing not only on the steps to take, but also the precautions and pitfalls of projects. Even if you don't know a thing about home improvement this guide can walk you through many different situations step by step. It also features a good introduction to Do-It-Yourself(D-I-Y), the tools, the mentality, and the safety.The only problem I had with this guide, is that it made some projects look easier then they actually are (sort of like home improvement shows on the television).I would recommend this guide to anyone who is thinking about home improvement but isn't sure whether to hire a contractor or attempt to D-I-Y. I would also recommend this guide to people who like using the internet to learn D-I-Y projects as published printings tend to be more reliable then internet "hearsay".

This is a very good reference book, I would definitely recommend it for all new homeowners. It not only goes through a number of projects with excellent instructions, but the beginning of the book is basically an encylopedia of tools and equipment that show how everything works and the appropriate applications for each. Great pictures and illustrations, with cross-sections of a lot of home systems and an overview of how they work. Only neg is that the edition I got is from 2006 I think. Would recommend the current edition if you can spend a few more bucks.

Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated has a lot of information on various projects that can be solutions for basic needs around the house...From the table of contents (note there are subcategories to these main categories that I have not listed):Your Home; Hand tools; Power tools; Fasteners and Adhesives; Plumbing; Electricity; Home Climate; Interior Repairs and Improvements; Painting and wallpapering; Exteriors; Landscaping; Windows and Doors; Concrete, Masonry, and Asphalt; Woodworking and Furniture repairs; Metals and Plastics; Healthy Home and Emergency Repairs; Storage Projects; Resources; Index; CreditsExamples of items covered:Circuit breakers and FusesOutdoor wiringWhole-house heating systemsThermostatsDrywall/TapingBaseboard moldingsWarmer WindowsKitchens/planning and layoutBasement MoistureInteriors/ painting concrete floorsRoof repairs / locating leaksInstalling SkylightsWindows/ repairing gliding and jalousieDoors/ repairing and adjustingConcrete / Pouring slabsMasonry / Repairing bricksRegluing furnitureGarage storageKitchen storageLaundry Room StorageBookcases and shelvesCloset-Organizing systemsIt has some clever solutions.

I own a TON of DIY, tool, method, and Home Improvement books... but I have found this book to be one of the most comprehensive and helpful on the market. The TIPS alone are worth the price of the book, and the projects are functional, useful and easy to build.The repair methods and descriptions are well documented and easy to understand and complete.The section on tools and machines is great for those who don't fully understand the uses of various implements and power tools.All of this book is easy to understand; well-written, and complete in its material. A very very welcome addition to my DIY library!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Do yourself a favor especially if you are a woman: get your hands on as many do-it-yourself manuals whether it's Reader's Digest or Family Handyman books. They provide so much great information and you just can't beat the price! You can learn so much not only about how to do things yourself and save a lot of money, but you can see if the unscrupulous contractors are doing a good job when they come to your house to repair something. It's not just a book, it's an investment! I guarantee you that you can find something that can be used immediately!

Very happy.

IT WAS FOR A FRIEND

Not as good as expected.

Very useful information

good book!