Renovation, 3rd Edition
Expert Advice on Renovation Projects From The Pros Who Know

Introduction:

I’ve been writing and updating one edition or another of this book for nearly three decades. I started the first edition in 1978, when Jimmy Carter was President and most computers were the size of closets. Since publication of the second edition in 1990, building materials and tools have changed so dramatically that I decided to rewrite the book completely this time around, adding new chapters. All told, RENOVATION 3 represents thousands of conversations with carpenters, electricians, engineers, plumbers, painters, masons, architects, and other building professionals. And its nearly 700 new photos were winnowed from more than 9,000 shots taken on job sites across North America.

That last point-"on job sites"-is what distinguishes this book, and is what should prove most useful to you when you’re in the thick of your renovation: It tells which saw blade to use. What nail size and spacing. When to tear out and when to make do. How to lay out and prep a job so it goes smoothly. Because this book contains thousands of tips and techniques from contractors who had schedules and budgets to meet, it will also save you time and money. In other words, the methods in this book have been have proven themselves. So, supported with lifetimes of practical experience, you can proceed confidently.

This book is as much concerned with what and why as it is with how to. Thus, for every topic, from foundations to finish flooring, you’ll find the tools and materials you’ll need, the problems you may encounter, and workable solutions to see you through. Because the information in each chapter follows the sequence of an actual renovation, you’ll know what to anticipate at every stage. Equally important, R 3’s often-ingenious solutions will help you deal with the unexpected situations that are a part of every renovation.

Michael Litchfield

Contents:

Introduction

Chapter 1: Inspecting a House
Roof
House Exterior
Interiors
Mechanical Systems
Estimating Project Difficulty & Costs

Chapter 2: Planning
Creating a Home that Suits You
Documenting What's There
Design Constraints
From Preliminary Designs to Working Drawings
An Overview of Renovation
Case Histories

Chapter 3: Tools
Tool Safety
Tools to Own
Tools to Rent

Chapter 4: Building Materials
Standard Lumber
Engineered Lumber
Framing with Steel
Structural & Nonstructural Panels
Metal Connectors
Adhesives, Caulks & Sealants

Chapter 5: Roofs
Roof Safety & Equipment
Preparing to Install a New Roof
Roof Flashing
Asphalt Shingles
Wood Shingles
A Medley of Roofing Types

Chapter 6: Doors, Windows & Skylights
Ordering Doors: An Overview
Installing an Interior Door
Installing a Basic Exterior Door
Installing French Doors
Installing Hardware
Weatherstripping Door Frames
Installing a Basic Window
Window Choices
Window Repairs
Installing a Skylight

Chapter 7 Exteriors
Weather Barriers
Exterior Trim
Siding
Rain Gutters

Chapter 8 Structural Carpentry
Framing Walls
Demolition
Reinforcing & Repairing the Structure
Stair Repairs
Structural Remodeling

Chapter 9 Masonry
Terms, Tools & Tips
Working with Brick
Chimneys

Chapter 10 Foundations & Concrete
An Overview
Jacking & Shoring
Minor Repairs & Upgrades
Replacing a Shallow Foundation
Concrete Work
Damp Basement Solutions

Chapter 11 Electrical Wiring
Understanding Electricity
Planning & Estimating
Tools & Materials
Rough-in Wiring
Conduit & Flexible Metal Cable
Adding Outlets to Existing Circuits

Chapter 12 Plumbing
Planning
Tools
Working with copper supply pipe
Working with DWV Materials
Venting Options
Roughing-in DWV Pipes
Roughing in Supply Pipes
Installing Fixtures
Replacing a Water Heater

Chapter 13 Kitchens & Baths
Kitchen Planning
Installing Cabinets
Countertops for Kitchens & Baths
Kitchen Sinks
Bathroom Planning

Chapter 14 Energy Conservation & Air Quality
Sealing Air Leaks
Controlling Moisture & Mold
Insulation

Chapter 15 Finish Surfaces
Drywall
Plastering
Soundproofing

Chapter 16 Tiling
Choosing Tile
Tools
Materials
Getting Ready to Tile
Installing Setting Beds
Tile Estimation & Layout
Installing a Floor
Countertops
Tub Surround

Chapter 17 Finish Carpentry
Tools
Materials
Basic Skills
Casing a door
Casing a Window
Baseboard & Crown Molding
Chapter 18 Painting
Choosing Paint
Tools & Equipment
Painting Basics
Lead-Paint Safety
Painting the Interior
Back to Nature: Stripping & Refinishing Interior Trim
Painting the Exterior

Chapter 19 Wallpapering
Selecting Materials
Ordering Wallcovering
Equipment
Preparing Surfaces
Laying out the Work
Basic Papering Techniques
Complex & Special-Care Areas

Chapter 20 Flooring
Flooring Choices
Refinishing Wood Floors
Installing Strip Flooring
Resilient Flooring
Wall-to-wall carpeting

Hardcover, 8-1/2 x 10-7/8 in., 544 pages, with color photos and drawings - Published 2005