Whether you're pouring a concrete walkway or staking out the excavation for a basement foundation, doing the job right demands a thorough knowledge of concrete construction techniques. In Working with Concrete, veteran builder Rick Arnold explains everything from mix characteristics and formwork options to waterproofing details and repair procedures. You'll benefit from Arnold's years as a general contractor, framer, and foundation contractor as he offers time- and money-saving advice that comes from understanding the subject from all angles. Get the rock-solid results youre after with this comprehensive guide to building with concrete. This book will enable you to: prepare a site for excavation evaluate soil conditions lay out footings and foundation walls use site-made and manufactured forms install proper reinforcement in footings, walls, and flat work estimate and order ready-mix concrete test and evaluate concrete quality before the pour build walkways, patios, steps, and slabs from start to finish

Top upholsterer Lorraine Osborne guides you in how to unleash creativity and flaunt your style through upholstering old chairs. Far too much furniture is thrown away -- and with it the perfectly good materials and resources it contains that ought to be reused. Its time we changed that. Its not the furniture thats lacking: its our imaginations. Includes how-tos and encouragement for designing your own fabrics. Choosing to reinvent a forgotten chair not only gives it new life, but inspires you to see the new in the old and the fabulous in the drab. All that you need are a few basic upholstery skills, an ability to work three-dimensionally, and an eye for shape and design -- plus your own personal style and a bit of flair. Insider features include ways to calculate quantities of fabric accurately, and 12 of Lorraine's top tips for making your furniture projects amazing.

Constructing your own small barn, shed, or utility structure will improve the value and appearance of your property whether you have one acre or a hundred. Plus, building it yourself can save as much as half the cost. Now expert help for the do-it-yourselfer arrives with How to Build Small Barns & Outbuildings, the long-awaited sequel to the classic Garden Way Publishing bestseller Building Small Barns, Sheds & Shelters (more than 200,000 copies sold). In his new book, Monte Burch begins by taking the reader through all the basics of construction, from planning to finishing--both inside and out. This is followed with more than 20 new designs and projects appropriate for both rural and suburban homeowners, including a livestock shelter, add-on garage, small guest house, and home workshop. How to Build Small Barns & Outbuildings offers projects with multi-use flexibility, so you can tailor your project to your specific needs. For example, there is an all-purpose barn design that can be adapted to serve multiple functions, as well as a combination greenhouse/woodshed and a home office/garage/guest-house.

Concrete countertops are on the cutting edge of todays interior design and outdoor kitchen trends. Kitchen designers, contractors, architects, and homeowners alike can use this book to learn the detailed process of creating amazing concrete countertops. Here Ralston shows how to plan, execute, and complete a concrete countertop cast-in-place for ease and convenience. This book is a great inspiration for anyone interested in concrete countertop fabrication. Beautiful images of kitchens both indoors and out will inspire you, and step-by-step imagery will walk you through the process of creation.

In "Working Windows, 3rd Edition," Terry Meany (aka Mr. Window) explains with detail, humor, and accessibility everything you'll need to know to repair, replace, or restore almost any window--regardless of its age.
Inside you will find:
- detailed instruction for disassembling and repairing various types of wood windows
- repair hints and tricks of the trade you won't find anywhere else
- easy ways to clean and restore original hardware
- safe and efficient methods of stripping, refinishing, and painting
- effective ways to eliminate drafts and rattles
- methods for glass cleaning
- invaluable information on tools and materials and more.
"Working Windows, 3rd Edition" is the only fully illustrated guide to repairing and refinishing every part of an old window, from weather stripping, pulleys, sashes, hopper vents, and casings to old hinges, paint, and glass.
Whether you are a craftsman or a do-it-yourself homeowner, you will find "Working Windows, 3rd Edition" packed with essential advice and instruction to get your windows looking great and operating smoothly.

The question of reparation remains. As South Africa prepares to enter its second decade of democracy, there are no easy answers about how to best repair the damage inflicted by the past. The wounds are deep and they haunt. If left unresolved, apartheid's legacy of inequality may come to thwart ongoing efforts to build a culture of human rights, nurture democratic politics, and move forward with the project of reconciliation. A difficult concept and an even more difficult process, reparation in South Africa appears to require a sustained combination of resources, will power and committed dialogue. Beginning with a detailed analysis of the TRC's recommendations for reparation and the ensuing public debate over their implementation, To Repair the Irreparable features over twenty essays from leading commentators about the past, present, and future of reparation in South Africa. What are the benefits and limits of current reparation policy? How can South Africa best balance the demands of reparation, democracy-building and justice? How does the South African experience contribute to international debates over reparation? What is the best way to resolve ongoing debates over land redistribution, the reconstruction of civil society, the promise of restorative justice, and the legal disputes that surround calls for reparation? These problems are urgent. For both citizen and scholar, this book makes an important case for why reparation matters and offers a timely discussion of how South Africa can best continue the work of reconstruction.

This book is a clear, lively and fun introduction to sculpting in wire. Very much aimed at beginners, there are 6 projects of increasing difficulty, aiming to teach the beginner how to sculpt in wire from the most basic starting point up through to soldering. The projects start off by learning about wire and using simply pliers, and then how to incorporate other materials such as tin, feathers and material. Finally the last project includes the use of some simple silver soldering. Clear step-by-step images show the processes involved in every project. Images of fantastic sculptures in wire by contemporary artists are scattered throughout, showing everything from hats and shoes, to life-size figures, sheep and even elephants.

Simple green roof design and installation for the do-it-yourself builder Essential Green Roof Construction is a comprehensive, in-depth guide to building simple green roofs for houses and small buildings. Packed with detailed photos, illustrations, case studies, and code compliance advice, it offers clear step-by-step instructions necessary to create your own living roof on a new build or as a retrofit. Coverage includes: The benefits of a green roof The basics of planning and design Assessing site conditions such as aspect, slope, and loads Navigating building codes and working with building officials Material options, including professional grade and economical or local alternatives Planting suggestions for different roof climates and conditions, including food production When to call on professionals to ensure safety and integrity Step-by-step guidance for safe roof installation and detailing Annual green roof maintenance. Where common sense meets beauty - a green roof is a system of layers that work together to support plant life, insulate homes, and make the world a greener place. Essential Green Roof Construction will give you the knowledge and confidence to install your own green roof.

Loaded with complete plans and easy-to-follow construction tips, Garden DIY offers a creative mix of both practical and decorative projects for gardening enthusiasts. Brother and sister team Samantha and Daniel Johnson present 25 hands-on projects for aspiring horticulturalists. From a hummingbird feeder, bee-friendly flower gardens, cold frames, and trellises to compost bins, birdbaths, sundials, and a mason bee lodge, clear step-by-step colour photographs guide the reader through each hands-on project. An introduction to the DIY mind-set explains the positive benefits and satisfaction of building things yourself and provides an overview of the basic tools and skills needed to complete each task.

You'll learn:

-- How to shape logs, make corner joints, erect walls, fit joists, add decks and porches, and much more.

-- How manufacturers' kit homes differ, illustrated by many photographs and detailed drawings.

-- How to pick the best site for a house and plan your foundation, driveway and landscaping.

-- What the manufacturer of a kit log house can do for you -- and how to be sure you get what you want.

-- The secrets of how to save the most on building your log home -- what you can do best yourself and when to get professional help.

-- Tools you'll need and ways to simplify hard jobs like raising logs and planning for chimneys.

This is the basic book for the log house builder, with those special tips that come only with much experience.

'Helps motivate you even after reading one page' Reader Review, Welcome to The Easy Life, where your kitchen always sparkles, your closet is organised and your to-do list has an end. It sounds almost too good to be true, but TV's Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie - mother of three, pet owner, Instagrammer, This Morning cleaning expert and head of her own cleaning business - has all the tips, tricks and routines you need to create a happy and healthy home environment. In her latest book, Lynsey expands on her eco-friendly, tried-and-tested tips for cleaning, while also providing a series of interactive to-do lists, quick cleaning challenges and hacks to take the stress out of managing your home. Organised by season, the book's bright, colourful design aims to make cleaning quick, easy and fun. Whether you're finding you now have time to finally get to all those deep cleaning tasks or that having all your family at home means you need every trick to keep life organised, Lynsey has you covered. What readers are saying about The Easy Life: 'So bright & cheery, as well as being packed FULL of so many hints & tips! Seasonal cleaning starts here' 'Home, Cleaning and Family Life all rolled into one to help achieve the perfect life balance!' 'Packed with amazing cleaning tips and various To Do lists ... very colourful and very enjoyable to read' 'This book is absolutely brilliant, it has everything to keep your home clean and organised throughout the year' 'I like the fact it goes by season so works all year round and has some amazing tips' 'Amazing book! Not just lists to tick, but structure, tips, hints and recipes'

Preserve the original charm of any outbuilding while making it usable again!

From the foundation up, from the walls in, and from the roof down, craftsman Nick Engler shows you how to save money, history, and architecture when you renovate or restore, rather than replace, you barn, shed, or outbuilding. You'll learn how to square and strengthen the structure, repair or replace the roofing and siding, enlarge and modify the building, install new windows and doors, and add electricity and plumbing. Engler also includes practical information on how to evaluate an old structure in light of current building codes.

PRAISE FOR NICK ENGLER'S PREVIOUS BOOKS:

Nick Engler is quite simply one of the best how-to writers in the woodworking and home-improvement fields today. He is a master at showing you how things work, and a writer who will make you laugh and make you think. (Christopher Schwarz, Popular Woodworking)

Engler's experience as a woodworker and teacher shines through with straight forward text, clear drawings, and invaluable tips. (Mario Rodriguez, author of Traditional Woodwork: Adding Authentic Period Details to Any Home)

This homeowner's guide shows you how to build 35 useful and attractive outdoor features to enhance your garden. Complete Book of Outdoor DIY Projects is the ultimate resource for constructing a wide variety of professional-looking, stylish structures, using stone, brick, wood or water. With step-by-step instructions and clear colour photographs, all you need is basic equipment and easy-to-learn skills. Projects include stone paths, garden archways, Japanese stone gardens and bamboo fountains, raised and free-standing brick planters, pavers, decorative screen walls, rustic benches and much more. Each project is accompanied by detailed information on which tools to use, exactly what materials are required, how long it will take to make, and the level of difficulty involved, along with handy tips and time-saving techniques.

From the stars of the Netflix series Get Organized with The Home Edit, here is an accessible, room-by-room guide to establishing new order in your home.

Believe this: every single space in your house has the potential to function efficiently and look great. The mishmash of summer and winter clothes in the closet? Yep. Even the dreaded junk drawer? Consider it done. And the best news: it’s not hard to do—in fact, it’s a lot of fun.

From the home organizers who made their orderly eye candy the method that everyone swears by comes Joanna and Clea’s signature approach to decluttering. The Home Edit walks you through paring down your belongings in every room, arranging them in a stunning and easy-to-find way (hello, labels!), and maintaining the system so you don’t need another do-over in six months. When you’re done, you’ll not only know exactly where to find things, but you’ll also love the way it looks.

A masterclass and look book in one, The Home Edit is filled with bright photographs and detailed tips, from placing plastic dishware in a drawer where little hands can reach to categorizing pantry items by color (there’s nothing like a little ROYGBIV to soothe the soul). Above all, it’s like having your best friends at your side to help you turn the chaos into calm.

In a perfect world you wouldn't need to be living in your home while on the market. However, the list of reasons why someone sells is endless and in many cases forces a homeowner to stay put when selling. The experience can be grueling for sellers when your personal lives become public displays to strangers and their criticisms. If you're going to be living in your home when selling you have to willingly be inconvenienced---not only emotionally, but physically. So what's the best way to get out from under the microscope? Sell fast. In this game-changing book by Tori Toth, founder of the Stage 2 Sell Strategy and Stylish Stagers, Inc. you'll discover: how home staging can change habits and emotions that will benefit your bottom line---and ultimately put a "sold" sign on your property. Preparing your home for sale is more than just cleaning and decluttering, learn insider home staging secrets on how to make your space feel like home to potential buyers. When buyers feel at home, they're more comfortable and can relate to the space, which ultimately gets them to make an offer. How fast can you sell your home? See for yourself. In"Feel at Home", home staging expert Tori Toth pulls back the curtains on the home staging industry and shows you a simple 10-step plan for making an impact on your housing market. The place that you've called home is about to become your greatest asset, I'm here to help you get the best return on your investment.

This book was written for people who have never used a 3D carving machine. It teaches the basics of designing and making things with Inventables' software (Easel) and 3D carving machines (X-Carve and Carvey). We'll take you step-by-step through five projects you can build yourself as a beginner: an inspiration tile, kitchen cutting board, custom block stamp, fidget spinner, and balsa wood glider. The book also features aspirational projects from makers in the community, like an electric guitar, to show what is possible through 3D carving. The design files and instructions for projects - ranging from beginner to expert - can be found on the Inventables website.

Nothing matches the look and feel of stone structures in and around your home. Yet most people are intimidated by the very thought of masonry, despite the obvious rewards. In Stone Building, Kevin Gardner distills his decades of experience building and maintaining iconic New England-style stone walls into this concise, informative guide. Gardner offers step-by-step instructions for building everything from flagstone walkways to classic patios and ornate fire pits. He also offers time-tested tips to help care for your stone, as well as repair and restoration advice for existing structures.

Gergely Bajzath has made a good number of engine coffee tables, and constantly enjoys positive feedback and comments about his work. Now, in 'How to Build your own Engine Coffee Table', he has decided to share his methods and tips with you, so that you can make one of your very own! Whether in your living room, workshop, den, man cave, or girl shed, an engine coffee table is a great talking point, and is almost guaranteed to become the main topic of conversation when friends visit.This book shows you everything you need to know to create your very own furniture centrepiece. From the best choice of engine base, to instructions on design and fabrication for appearance and safety. Hand painted finishes are covered, and a dedicated section shows how to safely plan, prepare, and fit a glass top for a serviceable, and safe, end result.You'll know that you want one of these tables as soon as you see the examples in the book!

A handy, practical resource that makes it easy to keep track of your essential homeowner information for future reference As a home buyers, you have a million things to deal with. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to overlook some. By prompting you with the right questions, providing fill-in-the-blank spots, and addressing everything from foundation to roof, this helpful journal takes the hassle out of organizing your house files. It offers a single, go-to source for recording everything. From up in the attic to down in the basement, this book highlights more than 25 different areas, making it easy to record information about any size or type of home. Each chapter focuses on a separate room and includes prompts like model number and warranty info on appliances, type and color code of paint, and year and make of roofing materials. Also included are handy sidebars with tips, tricks, and reminders for keeping information up to date and performing regular maintenance. Perfect as a housewarming gift or just as a way to stay organized, New Home Journal is a valuable resource for homeowners who want to take care of their home for years to come.

In Owner building made easy, Tamara Aspeling takes the would-be owner-builder through all the steps involved in the process in a way that's logical, accessible and chronological. She leads through the apparent minefield of regulations, estimating, drawing-up of building contracts and dealing with contractors, suppliers and professional people to the end result – your new home, just as you envisaged it, built the way you wanted it and with the minimum of fuss and expense. The book deals with the preparation of plans, obtaining local authority approval, costing and estimating, putting the project out to tender and selecting a contractor as well as negotiating a building contract that’s fair to both owner and contractor. Filling a much needed gap in the South African market, Owner Building Made Easy shows the first-time owner-builder how to anticipate and thus avoid unexpected pitfalls, and follows the house-building or renovation process sequentially from design to completion. Where appropriate professional help might save costly headaches later, Aspeling says so, thereby helping to avoid expensive lessons in false economy.

This is a practical guide to tools: how to choose and use them, shown in 220 photographs. It is a simple and accessible guide to do-it-yourself tools for a wide range of jobs, including tiling, painting, flooring, woodwork and general repairs in the home. It includes photographs for easy identification of the tools. It shows you how to use planes, chisels, saws, drills, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, sanders and many more. It includes instructions on making the best use of each tool, with hints and tips on selecting the right types. It offers guidelines that show you what to wear, how to handle tools with care, and how to tackle jobs safely to avoid accidents. For any task around the home, tools will be needed. Knowing how to use them efficiently is vital if you want a good result. This book discusses preparation, the right tools to use for a particular job, and how to use them safely and effectively. Useful tips point the way to improving your skills to get the most out of your tools.

The rustic farmhouse interior design style has exploded with popularity in recent years. A Touch of Farmhouse Charm is just what home crafters have been waiting for - simple yet stunning decorations and standout furniture pieces they can make themselves. Liz Fourez, of the website Love Grows Wild, has spent the last several years renovating an old farmhouse into a home filled with love and handmade things, the inspiration behind this book. The book features more than 70 projects - each one including helpful step-by-step photos - organised room by room as Liz has them arranged in her own house. She also gives design and style advice to help readers implement the look and lifestyle in their own homes. Most of the projects are quick and easy to make, and even the more complex furniture pieces are within reach of a beginner DIY-er. Sample projects in the book are a Monogram Doormat or Family Sign in the entryway, Drop Cloth Curtains or a Barn Wood Sofa Table in the living room, Vintage Breadboards and an Herb Planter Box in the kitchen, Fabric-Covered Books in the office, Hanging Crate Storage or Pressed Fern Art in the bathroom, a Vintage Map in the kids' playroom or a Wood Toy Crate in the kids' bedroom, and a Chair with Upholstered Seat and Rustic ;Wood Photo Frames for the master bedroom. With so many options to choose from, readers will be delighted as they create a home with simple, rustic handmade charm!