Basements often get a bad rap. They can be dark, dank, and depressing, and are some of the most challenging spaces in a home to remodel. But the rewards of tackling a basement remodel are potentially enormous--transforming an otherwise ignored space into a bright, open, and usable asset, perfect for a spare bedroom for guests, a game room for the kids, or a den for the adults. In Basements Complete, author Steve Cory covers the most popular remodeling approaches and projects for basements, including information on preventing mold and mildew, moving pipes up or over to make more headroom, bringing more light into a dark space, mitigating radon, and sealing floors and walls. Additionally, some of the projects--such as flooring, plumbing, and wiring--apply to other rooms in the house, but are treated here with an eye towards basement needs. Though the book is largely how-to, it also explores some design and planning issues, making it the truly complete reference title for all things basements. With more than 700 photos, 35 illustrations, and clear step-by-step instructions, Basements Complete is the only book that homeowners, remodelers, and builders will need to transform a damp basement into a warm addition.

Wiring repairs, replacements, and upgrades are among the most popular projects for home DIYers--and, potentially, the most fraught with risk. With an unerring emphasis on safety, wiring expert Steve Cory prepares homeowners for the most common situations they are likely to encounter and gives them the confidence to tackle their own home wiring projects. After introductory sections on understanding the residential electrical system and basic wiring techniques, projects include: replacing switches and receptacles installing lights and fans retrofitting under-cabinet lighting running cable and installing electrical boxes and more With quick tips throughout, this handy reference provides all you need to know to tackle any home wiring repair project.

A kitchen or bathroom renovation raises the value of a home, and kitchen cabinets (and bathroom vanities) are a large part of the cost. Yet cabinets and vanities are surprisingly straightforward to build. Strong, attractive and durable cabinets can be built for a fraction of what they cost to buy. In this heavily illustrated guide, Steve Cory shows how to build sturdy face-frame cabinets in a variety of styles (Shaker, slab, cottage) and also includes a chapter on building bathroom vanities. Steve takes readers through each step of the project clearly explaining step-by-step how a less skilled builder with basic tools can build each component. Then he takes the reader through more complicated construction techniques, making this book both accessible to the novice but also interesting and informative for more skilled builders.

Building Outdoor Kitchens shows budget-conscious homeowners how they can bring attractive and functional outdoor kitchens within their reach. It incorporates lots of design ideas, plenty of dream kitchens for inspiration, step-by-step instructions and more than 300 photographs.As well as showing readers how to build lightweight 'masonary' counters using steel studs and concrete backboard, the book offers alternatives to high-end appliances to save money.Also included are accessories and amenities to affordably customize an outdoor kitchen, including: fire pits, a variety of adobe / clay ovens, pergolas, awnings, TV and stereo equipment, mosquito abatement, misters and heaters, fireplaces, pizza ovens and stand-up 'churrasco' grills.Whether you have chosen to build an outdoor kitchen yourself or have hired someone to do the job for you, these DIY-friendly projects will help you to achieve the professional results you want at a fraction of the 'professional' price.