Review: A must-read BEFORE undertaking a home remodeling project!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 21, 2012
Unfortunately, we had already done one painful remodeling project before I got this book. As I read it, I found myself re-living the various nightmares of permits and inspections, running over budget, surly flooring vendors, the dust and debris, and contractors who didn't show up when promised. We have plans to do some more remodeling as our budget and nerves allow, and we'll be much better prepared after reading this book.This is an excellent book for anyone planning or dreaming of remodeling some or all of their home. It takes the reader all the way from the dreams to the reality, and covers the many details that the average homeowner would never think of beforehand (like the sheer number of professionals each step of the job requires).It also goes into great detail on subjects such as liability insurance, property liens, contracts, the process of getting permits to alter historic residences, the hidden cost and potential problems with energy codes and septic capacity. At the end of the book are two chapters on remodeling kitchens and baths - the two most common remodeling projects done on existing houses. I found a wealth of good information and tips and will refer back to this book many times.The book has a lot of real information from contractors, designers and subcontrators, who gave their honest advice because their names weren't used in the book. I appreciate knowing what the people in this industry think, because any type of home project needs trust and clear goals for the homeowner and the people doing the work.This is the first book published by Familia Publishing and I hope they will continue to publish more books on other subjects.