Pretty Good House provides a framework and set of guidelines for building or renovating a high-performance home that focus on its inhabitants and the environment—but keeps in mind that few people have pockets deep enough to achieve a “perfect” solution. The essential idea is for homeowners to work within their financial and practical constraints both to meet their own needs and do as much for the planet as possible.

 A Pretty Good House is:

 * A house that's as small as possible

 *  Simple and durable, but also well designed

 * Insulated and air-sealed 

 * Above all, it is affordable, healthy, responsible, and resilient.

Transform your living space into a model of self-sufficiency with this captivating collection of actionable insights from Martin Holladay, a leading voice in building science and energy efficiency.

This book compiles the 50 most popular posts from his renowned blog, offering practical advice to help homeowners embrace a greener lifestyle.

With Musings of an Energy Nerd, you’ll not only gain valuable knowledge but also the tools needed to make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable.

Key Features:

• Expert Insights: Holladay breaks down complex topics related to energy efficiency, making them accessible for homeowners of all backgrounds. Learn how to enhance your home’s performance while reducing energy costs.

• Practical Strategies: Discover actionable tips on improving insulation, selecting energy-efficient appliances, and implementing renewable energy solutions, all tailored to fit different budgets and lifestyles.

• Comprehensive Knowledge: The book addresses a wide range of subjects, including indoor air quality, sustainable materials, and the impact of design on energy consumption. Each post is backed by research, ensuring you receive trustworthy information.

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Martin provides clear, step-by-step instructions for various energy-saving projects, along with important safety considerations and best practices to ensure successful implementation.

• Inspire Change: Whether you're a seasoned energy nerd or a curious beginner, this book encourages readers to take charge of their energy use and create a home that is both comfortable and environmentally friendly.

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. 

Unleash your creativity with Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Grandeur​—a beautiful volume in which traditional quilting meets contemporary artistry.

This collection offers a fresh perspective on quilting, moving beyond the ordinary to inspire quilters of all skill levels to create stunning, large-scale designs that make a bold statement in any space.

With Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Grandeur, you’ll discover that quilting is more than a craft—it's a means of artistic expression. Dive into the world of Kaffe Fassett and elevate your quilting skills while creating beautiful pieces that will be cherished for years to come.

Key Features:

• Innovative Designs: Discover a variety of 20 unique quilt patterns, including Dotty Frames, Amber Snowball, Shadow Pinwheel, and Mirror Squares. Each design encourages customization, allowing you to select color combinations that reflect your personal style and seamlessly integrate into your home decor.
• Visual Inspiration: Immerse yourself in a gallery of breathtaking quilts that showcase Kaffe Fassett’s signature vibrant fabrics and bold patterns. Each page is a celebration of color, inviting you to envision the endless possibilities for your own projects.
• User-Friendly Instructions: The book provides clear, step-by-step guidance, making it accessible for both novice and seasoned quilters. Whether you're looking to create a cozy throw or a stunning wall hanging, you’ll find all the information you need to bring your vision to life.
• Versatile Aesthetic: Perfect for modern and traditional settings alike, these designs will enhance any room, transforming your space into a vibrant haven of creativity.

For the 27th book in his highly successful patchwork and quilt series, Kaffe Fassett has chosen London’s bustling, colorful, and funky Camden Lock as the inspiration for his new collection of quilts. Based around three locks on the Regent’s Canal, Camden Lock is home to Camden Lock Market, one of London’s top markets specializing in arts, crafts, and handmade items. The charming shops and market stalls at Camden Lock Market selling everything from vintage fashion, handmade jewelry, souvenirs, to beautiful homewares sourced from around the globe. Visitors and locals alike flock to Camden Lock to enjoy the views of Regent’s Canal and explore the creative graffiti and street art that serves as the background for Kaffe’s equally colorful quilts. The gallery section of the book showcases the 21 new quilt designs plus two new cushion designs, all brilliantly photographed on location at London’s Camden Lock by Debbie Patterson. The deep jewel tones of Kaffe’s Bright Bordered Diamonds and Cool Bordered Diamonds quilts are enhanced by the bold graffiti art found around the neighborhood. Kaffe’s Rich Dark Medallion quilt, featured on the cover, juxtaposes bright pops of floral against geometric dark shapes, brilliantly set against the backdrop of shiny tiles and a watchful tiger. The stunning Hot Economy quilt feels perfectly at home draped over rustic pallets overlooking a corner of the marketspace, while his geometric Stripes and Triangles cushions beckon the reader to get cozy on a bench and do some people watching on a sunny afternoon in London.

If you're looking to enhance your home with the unique texture and beauty of tile, Tiling Complete: 2nd Edition is the ultimate guide you need to achieve stunning results.

Crafted by two tiling experts, each with over 20 years of experience, this comprehensive manual covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques, ensuring you can tackle any tiling job with confidence.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced DIY enthusiast, Tiling Complete is packed with color photographs and actionable advice, making it easy to get the job done right. If you're ready to tackle the unique challenges of a home tiling project, this book provides the breadth and depth of information you need to succeed.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: This all-encompassing resource provides in-depth guidance on a wide variety of tile types, including standard ceramic, porcelain, terra-cotta pavers, natural stone, glass, specialty, and trim tiles.
• Material Insights: Learn about the natural characteristics of each tile type—such as hardness, softness, and durability—and discover which materials are best suited for specific applications.
• Design Options: Explore various design elements including color, décor, style, tile size, shape, and orientation, along with creative ways to combine tile with other materials for a truly unique look.
• Expert Techniques: Get detailed advice on essential tools and techniques for preparation, demolition, cutting, drilling, installing, grouting, and caulking tile, presented in clear, precise language.
• Installation Know-How: Gain a solid understanding of installation materials, membranes, substrates, adhesives, grout sealants, and caulks, helping you make informed choices for your project.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: With clear instructions for tiling floors, countertops, walls, and backsplashes, you'll be equipped to create a beautiful finished product that transforms your home.