Here's a book to help you renovate it yourself ...
The Pocket Renovator: An Illustrated Guide to the Language of Home Improvement and Renovation. By Leslie and Pamela Banker. Universe, $19.95
PURPOSE: To introduce first-time buyers and renovators to home improvement terminology so that they know how to speak to and hire contractors or do the work themselves.
AUTHORS' CREDENTIALS: The Bankers are a mother and daughter duo with design expertise. Pamela Banker has more than 30 years' experience in the decorating and design profession; Leslie Banker, her daughter, is a journalist whose work has appeared in Architectural Digest, House & Garden and Town & Country.
EXCERPT: "Roofing materials come in a wide variety: Thatching with straw or reeds was common hundreds of years ago and is still seen in the English countryside, among other places; medieval churches sometimes were built with lead roofs; and some environmentally friendly designs have turf roofs. When considering the options, be sure to find out how long each material is expected to last. Remember that climate is a factor in roof material longevity."
EFFECTIVENESS: This compact encyclopedia includes everything from bathrooms to built-in furniture to bugs (yes, the book mentions beetles and termites in "Appendix B: A Safe and Healthy House").
The subjects in every chapter are grouped alphabetically, so it's easy to look up something even if you don't know the name for it. In fact, you may recognize certain items from their pictures and be surprised they even have names (That thingamabob that surrounds the bathroom towel bar is called an escutcheon).
The chapter progressions make perfect sense, starting from external to internal structures, and moving on to kitchens and bathrooms, and ending with mechanical systems in the home. Illustrations with fine lines and shading, instead of photos, further demonstrate structural differences, such as those between closed-string and open-stringed stairs.
Aside from basic descriptions, the Bankers also offer a little architectural history and trivia, so even if you're not planning any renovations, it's worth reading for the facts. And if you are thinking of undertaking a new project, the book can take you in the right direction.
-- BY MEREDITH DANIELS
Comments (1)
Great book! I found this really useful in mapping things out with my contractor.