A detailed guide to the technical aspects of refurbishing and upgrading buildings, this book provides solutions to a range of problems, challenges and issues and is essential reading for all students studying building refurbishment at all levels. Includes:existing floor and wall strengtheningfacade retentionintroduction of new floorstimber decay problemsfire-resistanceprevention of moisture and dampupgrading thermal ...

Working Wood, Not Machining ItIf you're more interested in working with wood rather than machining it, you will be relieved to learn that expensive powered machinery isn't required to build furniture. You can also forget the dust masks, face shields and hearing protection since many of the safety concerns related to woodworking-the use of power tools-are eliminated. In this book, you'll learn to set up a hand-tool woodworking shop, then discover the toolset, practi...

Written for those who want to enhance the quality and performance of their composite projects, Composites Fabrication Handbook #2 focuses on what it takes to truly optimize a composite lamination for high-performance use. Basic mold-making is covered in this book to help fabricators produce effective mold systems from a variety of molding materials. Several advanced molding techniques are demonstrated in-depth so the reader will be able to create their own parts using compression molding, ...

This practical and inspirational guide, in a handy sketchbook format, is aimed at the practised beginner and shows how to achieve successful watercolour landscapes in just 30 minutes – ideal for the busy amateur artist who doesn't have much time to paint.Many people think they don't have enough time to paint, but in this attractive guide Paul Talbot-Greaves encourages quick and simple painting. By working with just a few materials and focusing on the key techniques it is possible t...

The airbrush is an essential tool for modellers striving for professional-looking results. It can greatly enhance the quality of your modelling output, whether applying a full livery scheme or simply blending in areas of new paintwork. A good airbrush will offer unparalleled levels of finish and consistency, as well as the chance to create unique effects such as weathering and stencilling. This book reveals how anyone can use an airbrush effectively, provided that a few basic rules are fol...

Building with straw bales is being embraced by amateurs and professionals for its versatility, comfort, environmental friendliness and high insulation. New methods should expand its growing worldwide popularity. In Practical Straw Bale Building, Murray Hollis uses simple, easy to understand language to describe the established techniques of straw bale construction and ways in which they can be improved. He also presents a new straw bale construction system that has substantial benefits over c...

A new edition to the bestselling The Complete Guide to Kitchens, this updated book looks beyond the world of 500-square-foot kitchens with professional stainless steel appliances and presents a host of creative remodeling and updating projects that make sense for anyone. From converting a closet into a pantry to replacing old countertops and cabinets, this book is packed with clear photos and step-by-step instructions for the home DIYer.

This book offers readers the most popular patio and walkway designs complete with step-by-step, full-color photo instructions. The projects are affordable yet on-trend and highly valuable, as they increase house value and living space. With hundreds of styles of brick and stone now available, it's never been easier to build a dream patio-saving thousands of dollars in the process.

Save 30% on home construction!Whether you want to take on all the responsibility of contracting your home or simply want to intelligently communicate with your homebuilder, The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home can help you save 30% or more on the cost of home construction by teaching you the ins and outs of managing your construction project.Learn how to get your project off to a solid start. Get financial and legal details in language you c...

Master Basic DIY explains all the basic tasks and gives you all the information you need to undertake essential decorating and maintenance in an informed and sensible manner. It offers insight into complex options and methods, and is full of practical information and indispensable tips to enable you to quickly see the results reflected in your DIY projects.NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.AUTHOR INSIGHTS

Treehouses Anyone Can Build! Black & Decker Build A Treehouse! that is a basic yet complete presentation of how to plan, design, and build a safe, fun treehouse structure for children. The book begins with an inspirational chapter showing the many treehouse variations that are possible. Next, a chapter on basic techniques shows how the essential treehouse platform can be built and secured in any tree configuration-nestled high among the branches or designed so the trunk passes up through t...

Find extra room in your home and "inspiration for the storage-impaired" with these projects from the master carpenter and DIY Network host.Karl Champley offers fifty home improvement projects to maximize space in any dwelling, no matter how big or small. Keeping an eye on style and economy, Champley outlines tools, materials, and techniques for searching out and using hidden-away space to achieve incredible results.Learn how to carve out shelving niches betwe...