Renovation has been the standard reference on the subject of renovation for 40 years. This revised edition will address the new realities of the housing industry in the 21st century, where homeowners are spending more cautiously, staying put longer in their homes, and becoming more savvy about energy conservation. Recurring elements in this new edition will address affordability and adding value, space conservation and multi-functional use, and flexibility of design. This revised 5th edition includes expanded sections on: planning (including two new featured house renovations) structural carpentry electrical wiring (including new information on EV chargers) masonry and foundations Renovation is a truly comprehensive reference, as much concerned with what and why as it is with how to. For every topic covered, from foundations to finish flooring, readers will find the tools and materials they need, the problems they may encounter, and workable solutions to see them through. "When it comes to home renovation, there's no substitute for experience. Renovation 5th 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 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 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"--Amazon Dedication Acknowledgments Table of Contents Introduction 1 Reading a House 2 Planning Your Renovation 3 Tools 4 Building Materials 5 Roofs 6 Doors, Windows, and Skylights 7 Exteriors 8 Structural Carpentry 9 Masonry 10 Foundations and Concrete 11 Electrical Wiring 12 Plumbing 13 Kitchens and Baths 14 Energy Conservation and Air Quality 15 Finish Surfaces 16 Tiling 17 Finish Carpentry 18 Painting 19 Wallpapering 20 Flooring Glossary of Building Terms Index Credits "Renovation", used by home renovators for over 35 years, has now been completely revised and updated to reflect the new realities of planning carefully, spending wisely, maximizing space, and building durably
