Synopses & Reviews
A home within a home … is there any living arrangement that holds more appeal? Carving out in-law (or other) quarters from an existing home is a win-win any way you look at it — financially, practically, and emotionally. The audience for this book is broad — from the baby boomer caring for elderly parents, or returning kids, to the homeowner who is simply in search of a smart way to help pay the mortgage. It puts a wide range of options out there, including attic conversions, bump-out additions, and even freestanding structures. This book covers every eventuality involved in creating a secondary living space in your home or on your property — from planning and soundproofing to safety and security, even how to deal with damp basements.
Review
" The most comprehensive single volume on home renovation ever."
--"Popular Science
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" This is, hands down, the very BEST home renovation book I've ever read. And as former editor of This Old House Magazine (2001 to 2004) I've seen em all. Author Mike Litchfield (founding editor of Fine Homebuilding magazine) has written about 7 books on home renovation and this third edition of " Renovation" (completely updated from earlier versions) has got to be his masterwork. Whether you're a homeowner who can't bang a nail or a professional tradesman, you'll learn a lot from this book. " Renovation" covers the entire home renovation process, from inspecting an old house before you buy it to the hundreds of steps and decisions you'll encounter in the renovation process. Litchfield clearly knows what he's talking about. He writes in a down-to-earth conversational style that's comprehensive, practical and easy to understand. He also has a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor that makes this book, not only useful, but great fun to read. Excellent drawings and photos show you just the information you need, and the book is liberally sprinkled with pro-tips and insights that will save you time, money and heartache-guaranteed. Case histories of real renovation jobs with first-hand accounts of what worked and what didn't give you the benefit of other people's experience. Renovating an old house is a big, messy, expensive, emotional process, but one of the most satisfying projects you can tackle in life. If you're even thinking about taking the plunge, there's no better roadmap to follow than Mike Litchfield's book." --This Old House
" A classic inthe first edition, a masterpiece in the second, this work is the last word in renovation-- Litchfield is cited again and again by other authors in the field, and rightly so-- and the new edition will serve to introduce a new crop of renovators to the art....If you are renovating a house or only thinking of it, this is the place to start."
--"Library Journal"
" Simply the best book we've seen on the subject." --"Toronto Sun"
Synopsis
The "bible" of home renovators for over 25 years, "Renovation" has now been completely revised and updated with all new color photography.
Synopsis
One of the greatest collections of home renovation brainpower has been completely revised and updated with all new color photography and content. More than 1,000 photos are included in this "bible" of renovation.
About the Author
Michael Litchfield has been renovating houses or writing about them for more than 40 years. During that time he has been a founding editor of Fine Homebuilding magazine, the author of 12 acclaimed books on home design and renovation, and editor of a CNET/Yahoo! Gold Star home improvement site. He is also a certified green building professional. Michael McAlister is a licensed electrician, C-10 Electrical Contractor, and B General Building Contractor in California and is currently Division Manager-San Francisco for Sprig Electric. He has worked in a design/build capacity in single-family residential, multi-family high density residential, commercial TI, biotech, high-tech, manufacturing, and alternative energy. He lives with his wife and two sons in San Francisco.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Is an In-law Unit Right for You…
Chapter 2: Designing In-laws
Chapter 3: Choosing Appliances and Materials
Chapter 4: Planning and Building
Chapter 5: Basement In-laws
Chapter 6: Garage Conversions
Chapter 7: Stand-alone In-laws
Chapter 8: Bump-outs, Carve-outs, and Attics
Afterword
Appendices/Resources
Index