House & Home

When it comes to home renovation, there's no substitute for experience. Renovation 5th Edition contains the collective wisdom of hundreds of remodeling 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 16 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 remodeling pros that other pros admire.

Both first-time renovators and professionals who want to supplement their knowledge of specific trades will find Renovation 5th Edition invaluable. Renovation 5 reflects the new realities of planning carefully, spending wisely, maximizing space and building durably. Its 656 pages contain extensively revised chapters on planning; doors, windows and skylights; electrical wiring; structural carpentry; masonry and foundations. Its illustrations are crisp and informative and its 1,000+ photos were selected from more than 45,000 that the author has taken over the years.

This classic work covers renovation from start to finish. Best of all, Renovation 5 is written in a down-to-earth conversational style that is clear and easy to understand. Written with a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor, Renovation 5 is not only immensely useful, but great fun to read. 

When it comes to home renovation, there's no substitute for experience.  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.

Best-selling author Sheri Koones presents the hottest trend in the housing market. The 25 small houses presented in Downsize are owned by people who have made a conscious decision to downsize from a larger home to a smaller home—or who just decided to build small in the first place. Some of the houses are new (site-built or prefab), others are remodels. All are 2,000 sq. ft. or less. The featured houses show how to use space efficiently through such strategies as:

• creative storage space
• multi-purpose rooms
• pocket and barn doors
• integrating smaller appliances

These exceptional houses show how small can be comfortable, practical, energy efficient—and beautiful.

Smaller is big, says architect and author Katie Hutchison, whose book The New Small House shows those looking to downsize how they can live smartly, economically and environmentally friendly in elegantly designed homes.

With 275 gorgeous photographs and 30 detailed illustrations, The New Small House takes the reader on a tour of North America and spotlights small houses in rural, coastal, and in-town locations. The book presents fundamental small-house design strategies, complete with whole-house case studies for homeowners eager to simplify.

Creating a great small house is illustrated in the opening chapter with 10 approaches, including:

• borrowed view and daylight
• multipurpose spaces
• privacy pockets
• using quality materials

Twenty-five stunning small houses are profiled in the second part of the book, organized by the nature of their locations.

A cramped kitchen. A bedroom that lacks elbow room. A living room that's no fun living in. It's the age-old dilemma of owning an old house...you want to add space by making an addition but don't want to damage your home's integrity. Now The Taunton Press and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have joined forces to bring you outstanding design solutions.

Renowned architect Frank Shirley will share dozens of proven ideas for expanding the space and comfort of your charming colonial, cozy cape, vintage Victorian, any classic home...all while preserving the look and feel you first fell in love with!

Teach an old house new tricks!

• 300 stunning photos of additions that work
• Reassuring answers to all your concerns about adding new space to your beloved old home:
  • A house in harmony - living in an old house and loving it
  • Preserving the all-important balance of your home
  • Creating "public" and "private" spaces
  • Making the painless transition from old to new
  • Crafting with materials that express your home's style
• Inspiring case studies - A Home on the Hudson, A Bay Area Beauty, A Victorian with Humility, Reviving a Retreat and more
• Pure pleasure to read...as a fellow old house owner and aficionado, Frank Shirley writes with warmth and insight
• A gorgeous book, the perfect gift for anyone who owns and loves his or her old house
• An unparalleled resource whether you're in the dreaming, planning or doing stage!

"Like you, I prefer old houses. For decades, I've helped home owners make their old houses more livable. With this book, you will discover a wealth of ideas and design strategies for additions that not only preserve but enhance the beauty that originally drew you to your classic home."

The Family Cabin: Inspiration for Camps, Cottages, and Cabins by Dale Mulfinger celebrates the cherished tradition of cabin retreats in American family life.

Exploring the profound role cabins play in family bonding and as repositories of nostalgia, this book captures the essence of these rustic getaways. With 37 beautifully showcased cabins from across North America, Mulfinger provides inspiration for anyone longing for a serene retreat.

Discover the magic of cabin life and the lasting bonds it creates with The Family Cabin, a perfect resource for anyone yearning for a peaceful escape and a connection to nature.

Key Features:

• Rich Visuals: Featuring 300 lush, full-color photographs and 78 illustrations, this book beautifully captures the aesthetics of cabin design and the unique charm of various settings.

• Emphasis on Family History: Mulfinger highlights how cabins serve as a backdrop for family stories and memories, fostering connections across generations.

• Diverse Locations: From mountain hideaways to lakeside escapes, the cabins featured in this collection demonstrate the enduring appeal of cabin life in the 21st century.

• Inspiration for All: Whether you're considering building your own cabin or simply dreaming of a getaway, this book offers ideas and insights to ignite your imagination.

• Timeless Ideals: The book reflects the rugged individualism and self-reliance that cabins symbolize, making it a tribute to the American spirit.

Would you like to make your outdoor living spaces a beautiful, functional extension of your home?

Home Outside will give you all the big picture design concepts you need to create an outdoor paradise -- and all the step-by-step details to bring your vision to life.

Acclaimed landscape designer and award-winning author Julie Moir Messervy takes you through seven key concepts that can help you transform your landscape -- and your lifestyle.

• Pleasure Ground
• Lay of the Land
• Big Moves
• Finding Your Comfort Zone
• Making It Flow
• Placing the Pieces
• Sensory Pleasures

For every part of your property, the author helps you see it through the eyes of a designer -- explaining concepts in simple, understandable language and providing great tips for pulling it all together.

You'll learn how to create a front yard that's warm and inviting to friends and neighbors. A backyard that's friendly, functional and relaxing for any kind of entertaining.

And for those quiet moments you may need from time to time, you'll learn how to create peaceful spaces that feel like your own private sanctuary.

With all the insights of Julie Messervy, 358 photos and 72 drawings, Home Outside delivers everything you need to make the great outdoors an important part of your home.

Wouldn't life be a whole lot better if somewhere out in the wild woody yonder sat a snug little cabin with your name on the mailbox? You know it would. If you have a cabin dream, this book is your ticket to making it real. With Cabinology as your map and architect and cabinologist Dale Mulfinger as your guide, you'll know the best way to approach every decision, from choosing a site for a new cabin, to remodeling an old one, to getting exactly the right fireplace for melting away all that ails you. Cabinology doesn't just guide you, it keeps you inspired. Throughout are photos of cabins small and large, great details and design tips, stories from other cabin owners around the country, and clever insights into getting a cabin of your own.

Mention hardwood floors and watch a homebuyer's eyes light up. What makes wood floors so desirable? Hardwood floors are unmatched for their beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance, so it's no surprise that the demand for hardwood has always been strong. In recent years that demand has been fueled by the availability of more types of wood, including exotic species such as Brazilian cherry, as well as engineered woods.

This professional-level resource, Wood Flooring, covers every aspect of installing residential wood flooring— from estimating and preparing the job site, through sanding and finishing, to repairs and maintenance. Hardwood floor expert Charles Peterson covers it all in this indispensable guide to the most popular flooring choice around.

Back to the Cabin: More Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway by Dale Mulfinger is a captivating guide for anyone longing for a simpler, more meaningful retreat.

Mulfinger offers fresh insights on designing contemporary cabins that embrace the timeless charm of the classic American getaway. From cozy bungalows to innovative cabin kits, this book showcases 37 unique cabins that inspire a return to a life close to nature, where simplicity reigns and everyday distractions fade away.

Reconnect with nature and rediscover the joys of cabin living with Back to the Cabin, a must-have for anyone looking to escape the modern world and embrace the enduring appeal of the classic American cabin.

Key Features:

• Modern Cabins with Timeless Charm: Discover 37 diverse cabin designs that blend rustic simplicity with modern comforts, offering a perfect escape from today's fast-paced life.

• Cabins for Every Taste: From log cabins and bungalows to eco-friendly designs and prefab kits, this collection features cabins that cater to a wide range of styles and preferences.

• Inspiring Design Ideas: Explore fresh strategies and insights for creating your own idyllic retreat, whether you’re building new or renovating an existing cabin.

• Celebration of Simple Living: Each cabin reflects a return to basics, where communal spaces foster connection and nature takes center stage.

• Sustainable and Unique Materials: Learn about cabins built from recycled materials, as well as creative construction approaches that blend old-world charm with contemporary sensibilities.

• Perfect for All Cabin Lovers: Whether you're planning your own cabin or just love the idea of a rustic getaway, this book provides endless inspiration for creating your perfect retreat.

A change is taking place all across the country and especially on the West Coast, a shift led by the younger generations. People who in years past might have headed for the suburbs are instead moving to the city or choosing not to leave. Many will live in apartments or condos. But in cities that have neighborhoods of detached dwellings (and most cities still do), people are buying, building, and fixing up little houses.

• Many people who already live in a little city house are staying put, remodeling perhaps, but not trading up or moving out.
• Others are building a little house in their backyard to serve as quarters for guests or extended family, or as a rental home for single people, couples, or small households, or even as an Airbnb for overnight visitors.
• A few intrepid souls are finding clever ways to fit a little house into novel spots in the city—building one on the rooftop of a warehouse, or repurposing an industrial structure, or transforming a two-car garage into a home.

The 35 houses featured range in size from 500 sq. ft. to 1,600 sq. ft. and include infill houses, remodels, and backyard dwellings from all across North America.

In Prefabulous Small Houses, best-selling author Sheri Koones showcases 32 stunning prefabricated homes from across North America, highlighting a new era of construction that combines style, efficiency, and sustainability.

Prefab home construction has finally come into its own, and this book allows you to explore its potential. Not just a collection of homes, an invitation to reimagine living spaces in a way that aligns with our evolving needs and values.

Key Features:

• Stunning Visuals: This captivating book is filled with 250 beautiful photographs and detailed floor plans, showcasing the amazing variety of styles available in today’s prefab housing market. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a prospective homeowner, these homes will inspire your vision of modern living.

• Small is the New Big: As Millennials search for their first homes and Boomers look to downsize, small houses are gaining popularity for their practicality. Ranging from 325 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft., these homes are not only cost-effective to build but also less expensive to heat and maintain, making them an ideal choice for various lifestyles.

• Eco-Friendly Living: Each home featured in Prefabulous Small Houses emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainability. The homes utilize local materials when possible, recycle metals and wood, and are designed to minimize their environmental impact while preserving the natural landscape.

• Addressing Climate Change: With a foreword by actor and environmentalist Robert Redford, the book underscores the urgent need for innovative housing solutions in the fight against climate change. Prefabricated small homes represent a viable path toward more sustainable living, addressing the challenges of modern society.

• Innovative Construction Methods: Discover construction techniques that are adaptable to any climate, offering homeowners the flexibility to create their dream homes while supporting environmental stewardship.

Foundations of Woodworking is a comprehensive guide that takes you through the core techniques of joinery and construction, providing the skills necessary to craft furniture and treasured wood objects with confidence and precision.

Whether you’re just starting your woodworking journey or looking to refine your skills, Foundations of Woodworking equips you with the knowledge and inspiration to tackle any woodworking project with confidence.

Key Features:

• Master Essential Techniques: Starting with an introductory chapter that covers fundamental woodworking strategies applicable to any project, Pekovich guides you through a step-by-step exploration of essential wood joints. From rabbets and dadoes to mortise and tenons, dovetails, and miters, you'll learn how to create strong, beautiful joints using both hand and power tools.

• Hands-On Projects: Foundations of Woodworking concludes with a selection of inspiring projects designed to challenge and enhance your skills. Build stunning pieces such as a wall cabinet, chimney cupboard, arched entry table, desk divider, and dining chair, ensuring you apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting.

• Expert Guidance: Michael Pekovich, known for his bestselling book The Why and How of Woodworking, continues to inspire woodworkers worldwide with clear instructions, expert tips, and a wealth of experience. His approachable style makes complex techniques accessible to beginners while still offering insights for seasoned woodworkers.

• Visual Learning: Featuring detailed illustrations and photographs, this guide provides visual clarity that complements the written instructions, making it easier to grasp intricate techniques and design principles.

Your essential resource for mastering the art of furniture making

This comprehensive guide empowers you with a working knowledge of woodworking materials, improved control over your work and tools, and an understanding of fundamental design principles, enabling you to create beautiful, functional furniture. With detailed explanations of various techniques, you'll learn how to select the best methods for your projects.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this guide provides the tools and knowledge needed to craft stunning furniture pieces that will last for generations.

Key Features:

• Component Breakdown: Understand the construction process by learning about each furniture component in detail.

• Techniques and Tips: Discover a variety of woodworking techniques and expert advice to elevate your skills and projects.

• Material Knowledge: Gain insights into different woodworking materials and their applications for informed decision-making.

• Design Principles: Learn essential design principles that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your furniture creations.

• Illustrated Guidance: Benefit from clear illustrations that complement the text, making complex concepts easy to grasp.

In Home by Design, Sarah Susanka presents the 30 key design concepts that can be applied to any home - no matter what the style or size. Using 28 of the best designed homes from around the country, Susanka brings these concepts to life with 150 powerful and inspirational examples: from something as simple as placing a rug under a table to renovating a whole second floor. Home by Design shows homeowners a new way to look at their spaces and provides ideas for how to make each home reach its full potential.

The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House by John Carroll is the definitive course in residential construction. This comprehensive guide combines detailed illustrations with expert instruction, making it an essential reference for builders, carpenters, and homeowners alike.

Covering every aspect of house building from foundation to finishing touches, this book is designed to eliminate guesswork and avoid costly mistakes.

With The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House in hand, you’ll be fully equipped with reliable information and clear visuals, empowering you to take on the challenges of residential construction confidently.

Key Features:

• Thorough Coverage: Learn every step of the building process, including foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, roofing, and finishing touches.

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the combined expertise of builder-author John Carroll and illustrator Chuck Lockhart, who together bring over 65 years of experience in the building trades.

• Detailed Illustrations: Over 1,200 full-color drawings clearly depict each process, providing visual aids that enhance understanding and execution.

• Step-by-Step Instructions: Each section includes expert step-by-step guidance, ensuring that you know exactly what needs to be done at every critical stage of construction.

• User-Friendly Format: This easy-to-navigate guide allows you to quickly find the information you need, making your building project more manageable.

This is the only book that gives homeowners who are dreaming about building or planning to build a new home the good and the bad on all types of prefabricated houses. Shows that prefabricated can be mainstream traditional design and does not have to look like a mobile home or a modular "Dwell" box.
Prefabulous describes the many systems available for prefabricating all or parts of a new home, including timber frame and log, as well as modular, panelized, structural insulated panels, steel framing and concrete systems, which are relatively new. Prefabulous describes these systems, compares their advantages and disadvantages, and shows beautiful examples of houses built using these techniques. Although all of these "prefabricated" houses look very different, all of them were manufactured partially or almost completely in a controlled factory environment and transported to the home site to be erected. As a group these systems offer a faster, more energy-efficient, and sometimes more cost-efficient method of building.
Includes a foreword by Not So Big House author Sarah Susanka, who writes: "For homeowners who want to know the options, the advantages and disadvantages of those options, and to see how those prefabricated parts come together into a good, attractive home, read this book."

The books in this series are filled with design ideas and inspiration for remodeling, renovating, and building houses in classic American architectural styles. Readers will discover innovative strategies for living comfortably in traditional-styled homes.