Renovation 4th Edition: Completely Revised and Updated

Renovation 4th Edition contains the collective wisdom of hundreds of contractors, architects and tradespeople who shared their first-hand experience with Mike Litchfield as he interviewed and photographed them on job sites across North America.

As a founding editor of Fine Homebuilding magazine, the author of 12 acclaimed books, and a home renovator himself, Litchfield was able to record lifetimes of practical, field-tested solutions and trade secrets from the cream of the crop--the pros that other pros admire.

Both first-time renovators and professionals who want to supplement their knowledge of specific trades will find Renovation 4th Edition invaluable. R4 reflects the new realities of planning carefully, spending wisely, maximizing space and building durably. Its 614 pages contain extensively revised chapters on planning; doors, windows and skylights; electrical wiring; and energy conservation. Its illustrations are crisp and informative. And its 1000+ photos were selected from more than 40,000 that the author has taken over the years.

This classic work covers renovation from start to finish surfaces. Best of all, R4 is written in a down-to-earth conversational style that is clear and easy to understand. Litchfield has a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor that makes this book not only useful, but great fun to read.

It has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States—home renovation. And with that boom comes a timely focus on spending more cautiously, increasing energy conservation savvy, and creating a space that homeowners can live in longer. With these trends in place, now is the perfect time to “renovate” the bible of all home renovation guides to bring homeowners the 4th edition of Renovation, the gold standard reference for the last 30 years.

In this brand-new edition, Renovation continues to guide homeowners on every topic imaginable, from foundations to finish flooring, and also addresses new elements such as affordability, adding value, multi-functional use, and flexibility of design. Replete with strategies, tips, and solutions for tackling renovations from start to finish, Renovation is a critical tool homeowners, and even builders, will want at hand.

MICHAEL W. LITCHFIELD has been renovating houses or writing about them for more than 35 years. Best known as the author of the home renovation bible, Renovation: A Complete Guide, he is the founding editor of Fine Homebuilding magazine and also the author of In-Laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats; Decorating with Architectural Details; Encyclopedia of Home Improvement; Salvaged Treasures; and House Check.

1. Inspecting a House

2. Planning

3. Tools

4. Building Materials

5. Roofs

6. Doors, Windows, and Skylights

7. Exteriors

8. Structural carpentry

9. Masonry

10. Foundations and Concrete

11. Electrical Wiring

12. Plumbing

13. Kitchens and Baths

14. Energy Conservation and Air Quality

15. Finish Surfaces

16. Tiling

17. Finish Carpentry

18. Painting

19. Wallpapering

20. Flooring