A consistent seller for nearly two decades, this practical handbook is an indispensible guide for all owner builders.

This edition has been completely revised and updated to take account of changes in building legislation, new building techniques, and contemporary architectural, design and decor trends. This is a practical, easy-to-read reference book that will enable the owner builder or home renovator to tackle a project in a logical manner and with confidence. Sound advice is given on making an offer to purchase land, how to calculate costs and raise the finances, the preparation and submission of building plans, and how to quantify the actual cost of building.

The bulk of the book covers all you need to know to build your own home, including building methods and materials, the construction schedule, tools and plant hire, siteworks and excavations, foundations, damp-proofing, wall structures, roofing, flooring, ceilings, plumbing, drainage and sanitation, electrics, plastering and screeding. Decorative finishes, fixtures and fittings, verandahs and porches, patios and paving, landscaping, and security are also included.

Brickwork made easy - a step-by-step guide provides an introduction to the materials and techniques used when working with bricks or blocks made from concrete and clay. It details methods used to mix and lay concrete for foundations or garden paths, walkways and stairs, and illustrates techniques for plastering walls. There are also easy-to-follow guidelines to familiarise the amateur with the vital building principles required to succeed with an impressive range of brickwork projects.

Projects made easy is a guide for making metal items and furniture. It has easy to follow step-by-step instructions that will help you tackle welding techniques, even if you have never welded before. Profusely illustrated with more than 350 colour photographs, the title introduces you to different types of metalworking techniques and the best tools and equipment that you can use. There are also helpful hints for cutting and bending metal, and you will see exactly how to make a variety of jigs. The most common finishing techniques and paint finishes that you can use on metal are well illustrated. These include popular contemporary techniques like faux verdigris and fake rust finishes. There are more than 17 different items of varying complexity that you can make just by following the step-by-step projects that are illustrated. All materials and the tools required for each project are listed and explained. Suitable finishes are suggested. If you enjoy making your own designs, you can adapt the different projects to create your very own furniture and stylish accessories. The range of projects includes a table and a chair, candlesticks, lamps, a garden bench, burglar bars and security gates, as well as a handy wine rack, a mirror and an attractive plant stand. The items range from very simple, ideal for the beginner, to relatively difficult.

Tales of a Toothmouse is a delightful story about Timothy Toothmouse that aims to educate children about teeth and the need for dental hygiene, in a fun and whimsical way.

How To Weld the easy way is a clear, concise and essential book for all metalworking enthusiasts who want to get started or improve their welding skills. How To Weld the easy way provides a simple and easy-to-follow introduction to the full range of techniques needed when working with metal of various kinds. Detailed information about metalworking tools, materials and equipment, together with photographs and detailed step-by-step instructions, will enable you to successfully cut, bend and join metal using the most popular techniques and processes used by professionals worldwide.These include soldering, brazing, brazewelding, gas welding, arc welding and MIG welding.The most common finishing techniques are also covered.These include farily straightforward painting as well as special effects you can do yourself, as well as specialist coatings and finishes such as galvanising and powder or epoxy coating. Whether you want to make practical items like burglar bars or garden gates, produce your own metal furniture or simply repair existing metalwork, this book will show you how to plan and execute the projects you choose with ease. Along with a host of good ideas, there are more than ten sample projects of varying complexity you can make, simply by following step- by-step photographic instructions. A list of materials is given for each project, and essential tools and equipment are listed.These projects are quite varied, and they include several that are suitable for complete amateurs, as well as others that require more advanced skills. You can start working on the simpler designs with no prior experience; perhaps make a handy hanger or barbecue tongs, and then move on to the drinks stand or candle stick project. Once you are feeling more confident, you will be able to tackle burglar bars, gates and furniture with ease, and you can then move onto more complicated projects such as fireplaces and built-in barbecues.

How To Build a Carport the easy way provides simple and easy-to-follow instructions that will enable you to build a carport using bricks and mortar, wood or metal, combined with a variety of roofing or cover-protection options. It explains the basic principles involved in planning a carport project, from choosing a suitable design and style for your home, to quantifying and costing the materials required to build it. All the necessary building basics are covered, including construction methods, the tools needed to complete carport projects, and the full spectrum of both roofing and parking possibilities. There are three fully illustrated step-by-step projects that show how to mix and cast concrete, how to lay brick paving, and how to build a carport with brick or block pillars. There are also instructions on how to mix mortar and set out structures. How To Build a Carport the easy way will guide you through all stages of your carport project, with hundreds of full color photographs and a selection of imaginative carport plans. There are lots of pictures to give you good ideas that you can copy or adapt. Written for an international audience, it also explains the importance of building codes and regulations in the USA, UK, Australia and South Africa, and suggests ways that professional people can help with your project. With How to Build a Carport the easy way, you can increase the value of your home and protect your motor vehicle assets.