If you are tired of the ho-hum of life and tend to spread a little, maybe you should get a kit hobby. Many different hobbies have kits that can help a beginner learn about the hobby quickly and easily. It is not easy to teach yourself some hobbies, but with a hobby kit, you can learn from the kit.
For example, if you've been wanting to learn to do embroidery and cross stitch or crewel embroidery, there is no better way to start than with a computer. In a hobby kit, you receive a piece of cloth with the design already printed on, or silk thread in the appropriate colors, and possibly already is cut to the adequate length, and a needle. You can even get an embroidery hoop in the kit. When you buy a hobby kit, be sure to read the package to see if other materials or tools will be needed to make the hobby.
A hobby kit is also the best way to learn a hobby like building model cars. In a model car kit, you get all the parts you need and detailed instructions. On some computers, you may also receive the paint, brush, and glue, but read the label. You may have to provide these things separately.
When choosing Christmas gifts or birthday for a young person, consider a hobby kit, like a candle making kit or a rock rolling kit. In the fall, the shops are full of games that could start a child on a hobby that would last a lifetime. You can find small loom kits, glycerin soap making kits, craft kits accounts, wood kits and art kits. There is a line of coloring books published by Klutz that each company gives instruction in a hobby and has a package of learning materials for the fans. Some of the topics covered are Klutz books found in polymer clay modeling, hairstyles and creations pompon. They are cleverly written and fun.
Another pastime that can learn from a team is starting garden plants, especially herbs. A seed starting kit typically contains a pot, a small trowel, seeds, fertilizers, and a greenhouse dome or cover. potting soil may need to be purchased separately.
When choosing an amateur team, be careful get one that is appropriate for the recipient. Sometimes, a hobby kit is a challenge. An example of a difficult project is an electronic kit for the radio wiring itself. If the kit is a gift for a child and it is too hard, you end up gathering dust on some shelf. Indeed, it could gather dust, even if you buy it for you! Consider getting a smaller project that could end in a short time for you to get a feel for the fans. The next order hobby kit may be more difficult if you find that you enjoy the hobby and have a real desire to learn more about it.
From buying land and drawing floor plans to choosing log styles and joinery, every phase of construction is covered in over 800 photos and drawings with complete how-to instructions. From the experts at Popular Science. “Whether you need to know about slab walls or building that first fire in your new home’s fireplace, the Guide covers it.”—Country Journal.
Features
Planning and Preliminaries: Planning, The Land, Tools and Labor
Logs, Foundations and Building Sites: Timbers and Materials, The New Homestead, Building the Foundation
House Raising and Finish Work: First Logs, Walls, Second Stories, Roof Framing, Roofing, Doors and Windows, Stairs, Finishing the Interior, Cabinetmaking and Millwork, Decks, Porches and Balconies
Extraordinary Log Styles: Hewed and Square-Milled Log, Other Log Styles
Heat and Utilities: Solar Heated Log Houses, Water and Septic Systems, Plumbing, Wiring and Lighting, Be Your Own Power Company, Heating with Wood
Reviews
Homestead living! by Ryan Cawdor from Tampa, FL USA on 2009-05-25 This is an excellent book for those who want to live on their own in the wilderness or for anyone wanting to "Go Green". The cost of building a log home is low with high rewards to those that actually build one. My purpose for getting this book is to have the knowledge to build a log home once I get myself and my family out of the "lower 48" and into the last frontier away from our ever increasing socialist government. The book is great as are many others! If for nothing else, learn how it was and is being done all around the world.
Log Home Building by J. Ware from Lakeland, TN on 2009-03-29 Book is what I ordered, price was OK, shipping was fair and fast. Condition of book was not as good as described, if it was new the ghosts musta' been reading and underlining, then again I might of clicked used when I thought it said "new". None the less, the content is what was important...Jim
very good book by Robert Janiga from Slovakia on 2007-01-15 complete guide to build log house from cutting the trees to switch on the lights in living room.
I missed coloured pictures but anyway thick enough to explain everything step by step.
has info others don't. by R. Kendall from Montana on 2005-02-06 This book is a bit out of date and geared toward the outback builders who want to build a cabin cheap. I'm one of those so I liked it but there's no color pictures etc. Has lots of information on how to get the job done without a lot of money and deals with the complete house including site selection all the way through move in. 400+ pages where most are only around 200. I'd get another book if I was just getting one, but makes a good addition to the newer ones.
12 year old out dated book by from Kirtland, Ohio United States on 2002-07-19 Do not recommend buying, black and white old, old pictures, unless you feel like taking out a chain saw (or axe) and using antique tools to build one, forget this book.
Building Your Own Home For Dummies List Price:$19.99 Sale Price: $13.59 You save: $6.40 (32%) Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:
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Keep construction on track with helpful checklists Turn your dream of a custom home into reality! Thinking about building your own home? This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to plan and build a beautiful home on any budget. From acquiring land to finding the best architect to overseeing the construction, you get lots of savvy tips on managing your new investment wisely -- and staying sane during the process! Discover how to: * Find the best homesite * Navigate the plan approval process * Obtain financing * Hire the right contractor * Cut design and construction costs * Avoid common mistakes
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ISBN13: 9780764557095
Condition: New
Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Reviews
Wonderful transaction. by Taylor Wall from on 2009-09-09 Shipping was fast and very efficient. Book was in great quality when I received it.
Good not Great by Brent A. Wahl from on 2009-03-19 I have many Dummy books and this is better than most but not great. So a nice place to start
Mis-titled by The Old Skipper from Wild Pines, NY USA on 2009-03-14 This book should be titled: "Financing Your Own Home for Dummies"
as it has very little info about building or construction techniques.
If you need to know about construction loans, working with banks, dealing with architects and contractors; this is the book for you.It is not for the do-it-your-self home builder.
Learn about building by Cliff A. Rittel from Cincinnati, OH on 2008-11-25 We are at the begining stages of learning about dealing with builders. We reviewed many books on this subject. Traditionally, I cannot stand anything referring to "Dummies" as I feel it not positive, but this book is filled with great information and I highly recommend it.CR
Excellent, practical, detailed information! by Bailey Milan from Midsouth on 2008-08-26 Alot of information packed into this one. Very practical, detailed, useful information. Recommend for anyone buying land or a lot, and building a custom home. Read this before you do...
There’s no feeling of accomplishment like having built your own dream house. This clear, concise, up-to-date blueprint for every aspect of the home building process answers all major questions. The new edition takes the reader from figuring a budget to finding labor and materials. Readers will discover how to be one’s own general contractor; the pros and cons of myriad options; and sample bid forms, project schedules, estimating worksheets, contractor agreements, and other forms not in the previous edition. Plus, there are 100 additional illustrations to enhance reader understanding.
Reviews
so good I bought the book by Matthew Gaskins from Spring ,TX on 2008-02-06 My wife and I are working through a construction company to build a new home. This book provided such great, specific suggestions, we are buying the book as opposed to borrowing from the library.If you want to pick up a hammer and nails and build your own house, this won't get you there. But if you want to negotiate specific terms w/ your construction firm and build a house economically, the book is great help.
Still afraid by Bobo Majors from Tullahoma ,TN USA on 2007-01-04 Still going to try. Nice materials. Nice layout. Easy to follow. I think I can.
okay for general intro by casual.remark from Texas on 2006-06-08 The Complete Idiot's Guide to Building Your Own Home does okay as an introduction; it is an easy read and has some good tips and refreshing humor too. However, it seriously lacks in its commission when it comes to actually doing anything beyond the 'kicking the tires' stage of building.
Just OK by misterbeets from Safe Harbor, MD USA on 2003-04-26 This book is strong on charm but weak on expertise. For example I think whenever your explain there are two styles of wood framing, balloon (as in light as a ...) and platform, you should point out the former, requiring studs two stories long, was replaced by the latter a hundred years ago, and is virtually unused today. On the other hand he recommends having a portable toilet on site so as not to "upset your new neighbors". Best as an introduction for beginners. You'll need to read others.
Dean Johnson says so. by from on 2003-01-21 I *love* Dean Johnson's HOMETIME TV show! He makes an idiot like myself figure out how to do repair jobs around the house. Now he has a rival: Dan Ramsey, author of an idiot's guide to building a home. Dean even wrote the foreword to Dan's book! Lots of practical advice on building a new house including whether to, instead, buy a kit home or a manufactured home. Thanks Dean. Thanks Dan!
Constructing a straw bale solar home requires the merging of solar design with alternative building techniques. Books are useful for accessing information on these topics quickly and easily, while videos are a great way to show actual building methods and techniques firsthand. The Building with Awareness DVD/guidebook combination brings you the best of both worlds. The award-winning DVD is inspiring and informative, with over five hours of material on every aspect of building a green home. The handy reference guidebook complements the DVD, with color photographs, diagrams, suggestions, and step-by-step methods, all condensed into a nuts-and-bolts format. Used together, these two valuable resources provide a visually dynamic and easy-to--understand library of information. • Take a front-row seat on the work site, learning from the experts as they notch and stack the straw bales and mix the mud. • Learn about foundations, post-and-beam wall framing, roof construction and insulation, interior thermal mass walls for improved efficiency, rain-water cisterns, electrical wiring, and photovoltaic systems. • Learn earth-plastering techniques that create beautiful wall finishes. • Understand how window placement and other structural elements can help to heat and cool your home and lower your energy bills. • See how the structure works as a whole and how both energy efficiency and superb aesthetics can come from the same materials.
Reviews
Excellent in every way! by Jason Schultz from Southern Saskatchewan, Canada on 2010-03-01 I highly recommend this resource if you are thinking of/are building with straw or other alternative materials. Ted Owens fuses practical functionality with green design that ends up being both beautiful and environmentally friendly! The product comes with a paper back guide book that details the construction of the strawbale/adobe house (that is very photo rich), as well as a DVD of the building process that is very detailed, yet doesn't drag out - despite it's 2h 45min length! Additionally, there is another audio track on the DVD that you can select to gain Ted's own further commentary on the various parts of the building process. The book, the DVD and the DVD's second audio track provide an enormous wealth of information, especially for the price for which it is listed. His project is only 800 square feet, but his principles can be utilized and maximized for a larger family dwelling. He also details rainwater harvesting & grey water recycling systems that are very informative. I have watched this video 3 times already and have enjoyed every minute. Strawbale, Adobe, Post & Beam construction, water systems, photovoltaic systems, plumbing, wiring, earth plastering, and concrete work are all highlighted in this book and DVD. I would consider this resource a "first place to start" if you are interested in learning about or are undertaking a strawbale home. Excellent all around product in every way, I have not been disappointed!
Great service, even though the product didn't work (DVD no good) by Raynard Alexander from on 2009-10-16 Great transaction, when notified that the product was faulty company was quick to apologize, return money and send RMA. Would do business again..
Fabulous Resource by David Stebbins from on 2009-10-03 This is a great resource for anyone considering building their own home from alternative building materials. Although the emphasis is on construction of straw bale walls, the use of adobe for both interior (for heat storing mass) and exterior walls is covered in detail. Additionally, the use of earth-based plasters and mortars is demonstrated. The use of a rubble footing is demonstrated. Rainwater collection for non-potable use is covered in some detail. The use of sun powered electricity for an off-grid installation is also covered, but with a little less detail. I like the fact that a couple of the building techniques did not go exactly as hoped for, and the author was honest about how he fixed them, and how he would have done things differently. I also appreciate that the author admitted he was not an authority in certain building/electrical/framing areas, and for these topics he recruited experts who do a great job of explaining and demonstrating their areas of expertise. The amount of detail and information is almost awe inspiring. I know that last sentence sounds a little cheesy, but I live off-grid in a self-built home of tires and compacted earth, so I have some appreciation of what the author of this DVD accomplished. Not only did he build a home of mostly sustainable materials, but he was able to demonstrate and explain how and why he did things in ways the average viewer can understand.The production quality and editing are outstanding.
And here's something interesting about the DVD...if you hit the "audio" button on your remote control, you can hear a second track of audio, which explains stuff in even greater detail! A great value!
a must see for all future straw bale home builders by S. Owens from Tulsa,OK on 2009-03-25 I don't understand some of the other some what neutral or negative reviews, we are in the process of building a straw bale home and this book/dvd has proved to be priceless. Ted takes you meticulously thru every phase of construction with nothing left to the imagination. Do not build until you watch this video and read this book! We have read other books but this is in a class of it's on.
Good, especialy the DVD by Nitsan Levy from on 2008-09-07 The combination of a book that summerize skills and a DVD that shows how to do in details, is the best I know to learn any skill.
In a culture where families are seemingly under siege and in a constant state of conflict, there is hope that comes through taking some simple but profound steps designed to build family harmony and love. Includes 4 interactive Bible studies for individuals or small groups.
Features
Reading level:
Paperback: 64 Pages
Publisher: Integrity House; edition (2007-01-01)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1591455618
ISBN-10: 9781591455615 Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
Condition: NEW
NO remainder mark. Excellent condition.
Reviews
Great study by S. Sandefur from Louisville, KY on 2009-01-20 The small group that I am a part of recently completed this study. It was a great study for our group, which is married couples ages 25 - 40. It fostered some great discussions and we really liked that it was only a couple of sessions rather than many other studies we have seen that were 10 or more.
Let Barb Schwarz----the creator of the Home Staging concept----show you what it takes to make it in the Home Staging industry. In 1972, Barb Schwarz coined the term "Staging" to refer to the process of preparing a home for sale, and turned her idea into a brand new industry. Today, thanks to Schwarz's pioneering efforts, Home Staging has become a big business with enormous profit potential. If you are thinking about starting a Home Staging business of your own or just want to improve upon an existing one, then Building a Successful Home Staging Business is the book for you. Written in a straightforward and accessible style, this practical guide will show you exactly how to set up a Home Staging business, and help you run and maintain the business as it grows. Some of the issues outlined throughout these pages include: * How to write a business plan, market your company, and make the most of your resources * How to work through the consulting, bidding, and Staging processes * How to establish solid relationships with real estate agents and brokers * How to obtain your Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) designation Filled with in-depth insights, expert advice, and proven strategies that Schwarz has developed over the course of her stellar career, Building a Successful Home Staging Business will put you in the perfect position to profit from the many opportunities that exist in this dynamic market.
Features
ISBN13: 9780470119358
Condition: New
Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Reviews
Out of touch by USA Native from Florida, USA on 2009-03-18 Barb has become out of touch. She is in a moat of self promotion & has lost touch with the consumer and Staging Industry. She may have coined the title of Staging and meant well originally however she needs to learn to let the brand speak for itself and not "I'm Barb THE brand - you must listen to me." Poorly written, little meat. Time to move on, Barb.
barb schwartz must have dislocated her arm patting herself on the back! by Diana Rose Dupre from Santa Cruz, CA on 2009-01-13 Not only is this book written to sell Barbs worthless certification but the limited staging suggestions in this book consist of casting a "throw" over a bed or a chair and adding an ugly rooster ornament to a room. This is not staging, its following a recipe from 20 years ago that was always dubious in nature. Anyone that claims to have invented home staging would surely have more credibility than this book exudes. AVOID THIS BOOK. I would have given it NO STARS if that was an option.
Rip Off Artist by tellthetruth from on 2008-12-14 In my research of beginning my career, I naturally looked in to all the available courses. First of all you don't need certification, but having it will get your foot in the door with Realtors, and you DO need to know something about interior design. If you don't, and aren't willing to at least get SOME training, then please don't enter the field. Secondly, be wary of anyone claiming to be the "creator" of home staging and charging over $1800 for a 3 day workshop. Barb also set up the IAHSP - but you can't become a member until you complete her ASP training and become listed in her directory of stagers. How convenient. Another $150/year out of you. My advice, skip this book and don't put any more $$ in Barb's wallet. There are better courses for less money that will give you all the benefits. Check out RESA for more reliable info.
Was There an Editor? by Eco-Friendly Interior Designer from New York, New York USA on 2008-12-09 Building a Successful Home Staging Business does contain some useless information.But...there is so much redundancy--mostly over how great Barb Schwarz thinks she is, how she invented staging and an endless amount of pr for taking her classes. I just don't understand why much of it wasn't edited out.Anyway, there is some useful information for starting your own staging business, so there is something to the book.
Should be better than it is. by Donna Ross from Woongarrah, NSW, Australia on 2008-10-17 Especially for a writer with these (self proclaimed) credentials in home staging. There is some good information to help start your own home staging business - like keeping good financial records,insurance, and some sample documents. But the big downside to all that is that the reader has to wade through the constant referances to Ms Schwarz's expensive training courses, website plugs, books and reminders of just how long she's been doing her thing in home staging in nearly every paragraph. Don't waste your time or money on this title. The author should have done better to help others wanting to start out in home staging, instead of giving herself a big round of applause in print. Very disapointing.
6 x 9 25 b/w photos 40 drawings Complete, inexpensive guide to building log homes Kits, financing, and construction How to be your own general contractor "For enthusiasts and would-be inhabitants of log homes, Cooper provides concise and sensible information . . . Recommended." -Library Journal The revised and updated edition of this best-selling guide (first edition, 0-8117-2422-0) outlines what every owner-contractor needs to know before beginning a dream log home-getting started; comparing price quotes; researching on the Internet; choosing an architect; planning the site, road, well, and septic systems; finding and managing subcontractors; and scheduling and controlling costs. The author also explores the myths and realities of log home life, including maintenance and energy efficiency. Jim Cooper owns Oak Ridge Log Homes in Frederick, Maryland.
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ISBN13: 9780811728478
Condition: USED - Very Good
Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Reviews
log cabins are cool by Scott Kellar from on 2008-01-14 This book is a winner if you're contemplating building or even renovating a log home. The author is a builder of great experience and gives alot of information and advise I have not seen elsewhere. The checklists in back are handy too. Highly recommended.
Great first book to buy on log home building! by S. Matula from Austin, TX on 2007-11-26 This is a great first book to buy if you are considering a log home. The author goes into the right amount of detail on everything you'd need to know about building one. It is a perfect overview of what you'd be getting yourself into and covers everything from finding the lot to being your own general contractor.
Information regarding building a cabin or house. by Kathleen Lee Anderson from Los Angeles, CA USA on 2007-09-29 This book had all the information regarding building, purchasing land, forming the foundation, getting contractors, - everything necesary to start a home from nothing. While containing all the information I needed, it informed me I am not willing to go through this much work to get my own house. I would rather purchase a pre-built home.
The Best! by JOYCE B. FROST from MISHAWAKA, IN on 2007-03-12 I GOT THIS BOOK FOR MY SON, FROM THE LIBRARY, AND HE LIKED IT SO MUCH THAT HE WANTED TO 'HIGHLITE' SO MANY THINGS. I ORDERED IT FOR HIM AS HE IS INTERESTED IN BUILDING A LOG HOUSE, BUT THEN HE FOUND A 6 YR. OLD LOG HOUSE, BUT THIS BOOK HAD ADVISED HIM AS TO THE BEST TYPE OF TIMBERS, AND MANY OTHER THINGS. HE WAS ABLE TO ASK QUESTIONS OF THE OWNER THAT HE WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT WITHOUT THE WONDERFUL INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK.
Not very good or inspiring by from on 2004-03-15 This book is not for anyone who wants to build there own log home. It is clearly written from someone who wants to continually sell log home kits. There is a wonderful book called Home from the Woods that is much better and describes the details of building a log home from an everyday persons perspective.
Build your dream house without getting a headache! From selecting the property and meeting with an architect through resale considerations and construction, So You Want to Build a House walks you through every step of the building process painlessly, on-time, and on-budget.
Reviews
More misinformation by John Milnes Baker from Kent CT on 2009-08-27 Written by a real estate broker and a builder/developer, this book informs the reader on page 11 that "When you hire an architect or a draftsman to design a house, the house plan becomes your property." Not So! The AIA Document B151 tates that the plans are "instruments of service." It goes on to say that "The architect and the architect's consultants shall be deemed the authors and owners of their respective Instruments of Service and shall retain all common law, statuary and other reserved rights, including copyright." So much for the real estate broker and builder's advice!
Unike most of the miriad books advising people on the subject, however, the authors at least suggest that the owners might want to "get aquainted with an architect." They point out that "... some circumstances or communities may require a [architect's] seal for your house."
This is definitely not a book for anyone with a serious interest in architectural design. There is nothing about what an architect does to increase the value of your investment.
John Milnes Baker, AIA (author of "how to Build a House with an Architect" and "American House Styles: A Concise Guide)
Not recommended on a regular Kindle! by Thomas Vaughan from Seattle, WA USA on 2009-08-02 I think this is a pretty good book, and I would recommend the print version. It sounds like the Kindle DX version may also be good.However, the whole point of the book is the worksheets. I suspect you'll want to photocopy these and play with different options as you figure out how to build your house.The worksheets are pretty much illegible on the original Kindle (1.0 or 2.0), and even on the DX, I think they would be awkward to photocopy.Other than that, this is a reasonably useful book, content-wise. I also recommend Building Your Own Home for Dummies (Brewster) and Designing Your Own House (Hirsch). Both of those titles are fine on the Kindle (no worksheets).
future home builder by B. Hollabaugh from on 2009-06-26 This book is too basic with not enough real substance. There are certainly valuable points, insights, and recommendations, however there isn't enough "meat" in the book compared to other books on the market. I would not recommend this book unless it were only going to be used to add to an already well-read library on the topic. If you're looking for "the" book on building/designing your own custom home, look elsewhere.
Great book for those interested in building a house by Mom of 2 from Texas on 2009-02-23 This book was an easy read and had some good information in it. It also has helpful worksheets that I intend on using as a template to make my own.
good overview by J. C. from Los Angeles, CA on 2007-08-06 I bought this book to see what the process of building a house is all about and this book provided just that, a brief overview of whats involved. I finished this book in about half an hour (didn't do the worksheets) and while its helpful, it lacked the specific information I was looking for (for ex., where should I submit the house plan? what exactly is a lien?). For first timers like me, this book generates more questions than answer. Overall a good starting point, with the dozens of worksheets which may prove to be helpful later on, but if you are looking for detailed information... you need another thicker book.
Building the Alaska Log Home List Price:$32.95 Sale Price: $21.75 You save: $11.20 (34%) Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:
Description
"This thorough book on traditional hand-hewn log construction has a warm, friendly text and 192 pages of full-color photos of work at some amazing home sites" ("Washington Post"). "A unique and valuable guide".--"Country Living Magazine". 210 color photos. 41 drawings. This book is considered to be THE source for information about how to build a rustic, Alaska-style cabin home.
Reviews
Best first log book if you are serious by Ellen D. Jorgensen from New York, NY United States on 2008-04-17 I am planning to build a log cabin in Alaska, and did not know anything about it. After buying at least eight different books, I found that this one is the best at inspiring me, at teaching me, and at showing me how great my cabin could be. His explanation of why and how to proceed at each step of the building process (from choosing the site and felling the trees, to stove selection and outbuildings) is very clear, even for a non-carpenter like me. And he LOVES log building. It shines through his descriptions of 600 year-old European log houses and through all the beautiful color photographs of cabins built by him and his friends in Alaska. So it's a great read too. Then, I was able to tackle Robert Chambers' "Log Home Construction" book (which is widely believed to be the best guide to log construction available) and understand all of the details of state-of-the-art scribe-fit logwork. Before reading Walker's book, I would have been intimidated by the more serious Chambers book. So together they have given me all I need. All the other books contained little information beyond what's in these two, if you are planning on building yourself in a remote area such as Southcentral Alaska. The only other great source was the free guide "Alaska Log Building Construction Guide" which is available online from a number of sites. I found its organization confusing, though, and would recommend reading the books in the order of Walker, Chambers, and the Guide. Even if you are contracting your house and not building it yourself, read these and you will know what questions to ask to get the best house.
Revised edition out this April by Kit Carson from on 2007-03-13 I just talked to Alaska Northwest books, they said it will be avalible in April,$37.
Recommended! by L. Ulissey from on 2006-07-14 Well written with no nonsense and easy to understand terms. Actually exciting to read because the author lends brief, interesting stories from his own experience of building log homes. Sufficient details of the building process and appropriately explains why certain methods work better than others. Nice pictures and diagrams to support the text. Found myself wanting even more information than the book offered, such as techniques/considerations on building an outhouse in very cold climates, construction of the roof around joints/vents/stovepipe, suggestions for optional building materials in areas where items cannot be trucked in. Regardless, the book was thorough and I highly recommended it.
Reasonble price for Building the Alaska Log Home by a reader from on 2006-05-08 I called the publisher, Alaska Northwest books (ph# 1-800-452-3032). They will do another reprint of this book toward the end of the summer of 2006 (Aug/Sept). The cost of the book will be $29.99 plus shipping and handling. So why is the seller judioops trying to sell a used copy of this book for $87.99? If you want this book, wait until the publisher releases the reprint or call the publisher directly and place a order for this book.
Highest quality log cabin building book I've seen by R. Kendall from Montana on 2005-02-06 Excellent all color on glossy high quality paper. A real pleasure to read with lots of information. Concise chapters dealing with most every aspect of building. A great history section in the back. Not as much technical info as some but the pictures make up for it.
Everything a homeowner needs to know about designing a custom work space at home. Includes information on building home-office furniture, space planning and ergonomics, materials, lighting and computers. Featuring 12 projects, complete with measured drawings and cut lists.
Reviews
Great ideas and my project came out great by PC IndustryVet from Tampa, FL on 2006-06-07 I used this to build my custom workspace after checking around for prices on commercial office cabinets. The plans worked great, the tips were helpful and I really like the style of the clean lines of the euro style faceless cabinets. As others have said, I bought ALL the tools, all the materials, had a great time and saved a bundle. And, best of all the sense of accomplishment and knowing that I have a unique layout with features you couldn't get with prebuilt cabinets.I even modified my design to fasten my cabinets to the wall and created a 9' formica countertop with a rounded corner (and my own matching custom design rounded shelf unit underneath) to create my dream space to mount my 27" TV / PC monitor above.Doing it myself let me design unique features in such as where I wanted cords to come up through the countertop and even a shelf in a cabinet that didn't extend all the way to the back to allow cords to pass freely between the two shelf levels. Definitely pre-think every detail of how you'll use the cabinets and you can build in lots of custom touches.
I highly recommend the book and have received numerous compliments on my work, AND, this was my first go at building cabinets. Happy to email a photo to anyone interested, brianmi@rocketmail.com
Building the Custom Home Office by Frances H. Mullane from Jupiter, FL United States on 2006-01-27 This has to be the worst book I have ever seen on the subject. 154 pages dealing with ONE home office layout/concept. AND this is from 2002. Very difficult to get ideas as it deals with one outdated office concept and explains how to build the components from scratch. In this day and age most components can be bought it is the ideas that are needed. Useless book. Don't know how it had over 4 stars when I bought it.
Good starting point by Andrew Violette from Hoffman Estates, IL United States on 2005-01-12 This book is a great book for designing and building a home office solution. The cabinetry he builds in this book is what most people call European (or frameless) cabinetry. All the units are cut from plywood and edgebanded. The top and sides of the desk unit he builds are of a torsion box type construction. This is completely strong and imparts a modern, minimalist look. I like the way he used modern mounting hardware for the computer and desk drawer which elminates some of the more complicated parts of building a desk. One reviewer had problems getting the 32mm hinges: both Rockler and Woodcraft, among others, carry these products.I am still in the planning stage with regards to my office, but I have built both frameless and face-frame cabinetry around my house and I have this to say: the pitfalls with European-style cabinetry is that the measurements have to be much more precise when building your cabinets because there is no way to dress up the edges. Also, unless your walls are completely flat and plum, there will be gaps where the units meet the walls (a good portion of this is solved in his design by developing that space as a place to put cords). This is no biggie, but if you want to use more traditional-style, built-in cabinets, I would suggest getting both Taunton's Workspace Idea Book and Jim Tolpin's Building Traditional Kitchen Cabinets (which you can adapt easily to office cabinetry).
Fantastic! by from Spring Valley, CA United States on 2004-04-21 Hi to everyone interested. I want to let you know what a fantastic book this is. I just completed an entire office consisting of 10' desk with 2 sitting areas, a computer caddy, dual lateral file cabinets, two banks of drawers (5 drawers each), upper shelves above the file cabinets (hutch), dual printer cabinet and narrow shelves with lucite inserts. I have to say, it is beautiful. Now, for the best part. I had never touched a piece of wood in my life. I had not done any wood work at all. None, nada, zip. After getting bids for my office in the 12K TO 13K range, I dediced to get some books to see if I could do it myself. I ordered The Custom Home Office: Building a Complete Workspaceby Niall Barrett along with 2 Danny Proulx books as well as others (6 total). I read everything and decided that I could do this. When I acutally got involved with the planning and design, it was Niall Barrett's book that lead me through. I used his book exclusively throughout. I purchased the tools he recommended, even my own table saw. I spent $1000 on tools and about $1500 on materials for a saving of nearly $10,000!!!If anyone wants to see pictures of my office just to verify, you may email me at reidfinancial@cox.net. To all other gals out there considering something like this....GO FOR IT!
Close, but not perfect by Gawaine from Bristow, VA USA on 2003-09-22 The book does a great job of covering both ergonomics and the furniture building side of things. It includes plans for desk cabinets, book shelves, and desks that are actually sturdy enough to support a real monitor. We're still building out our home office, using the book, and have run into only a few frustrations.It only falls short in a few ways. The worst problem is that some of the hardware that's needed is hard to find. The duplex hinges that are used for the cabinet doors are rare, and need to be mail-ordered from no-name specialty shops. It would have been helpful to have either had a web companion where you could buy the products, or to have had alternate plans showing more common alternatives, instead of using something that he's in love with.I also would have liked to see, for each project, a cutting plan. Cutting plans were only supplied for the file cabinet and the bookshelves. Since we tend to get our wood rough-cut at the lumber yard, it helps to have something we can print out. It would also have been good for each project to have a list of the tools needed.
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