"House Call: Foolproof Tricks of the Trade from a Master Contractor” by Ed Del Grande (Viking Studio, $15.95): The author, host of HGTVPro.com and DIY Network shows encourages homeowners to know what their house is all about before taking on projects -- learn about the plumbing, heat and electrical systems first. Then he takes on a series of projects and through easy directions and illustrations, he shows us how to clear a sink clog, replace a showerhead, change ceiling light fixtures, install wainscoting, repair damaged drywall and a lot more. His biggest emphasis, though, is knowing what the house already has and making sure homeowners understand how their house functions so they know realistically what jobs they can safely tackle.
- PAM ROBINSON