Renovation

by Michael W. Litchfield

When it comes to home renovation, there's no substitute for experience.
Renovation 4th Edition contains the collective wisdom of hundreds of contractors, architects and tradespeople who shared their first-hand experience with Mike Litchfield as he interviewed and photographed them on job sites across North America.
As a founding editor of "Fine Homebuilding" magazine, the author of 12 acclaimed books, and a home renovator himself, Litchfield was able to record lifetimes of practical, field-tested solutions and trade secrets from the cream of the crop--the pros that other pros admire.
Both first-time renovators and professionals who want to supplement their knowledge of specific trades will find Renovation 4th Edition invaluable. R4 reflects the new realities of planning carefully, spending wisely, maximizing space and building durably. Its 614 pages contain extensively revised chapters on planning; doors, windows and skylights; electrical wiring; and energy conservation. Its illustrations are crisp and informative. And its 1000+ photos were selected from more than 40,000 that the author has taken over the years.
This classic work covers renovation from start to finish surfaces. Best of all, R4 is written in a down-to-earth conversational style that is clear and easy to understand. Litchfield has a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor that makes this book not only useful, but great fun to read.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, How To, Home Improvement, Construction

624 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1983

Reviews

[Alexandria Blaelock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some useful information on researching, planning and carrying out a renovation. There are plenty of “how too” guides with photos for clarification.

However, it’s written for an American audience, based on American standards, regulations, tools and supplies which makes a proportion of the information irrelevant or incorrect outside of that context. And if you have to research what’s correct in your jurisdiction, you’ll be happier with a book based on your local requirements.

[Vinod Kurup · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book, if I were a little more knowledgeable, but most of this is above my head and beyond my abilities. It's also focused (as the title makes clear) on renovation, with much less attention on repair and maintenance, which is what I'm looking for.

[Oliver Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renovation – 4th Edition de Michael W. Litchfield est une véritable référence pour toute personne impliquée dans des projets de rénovation, qu’il s’agisse de particuliers motivés ou de professionnels du bâtiment. Ce livre se distingue par la richesse de son contenu et surtout par son approche extrêmement concrète, issue de décennies d’expérience sur le terrain.

Litchfield réussit à condenser le savoir-faire de centaines d’artisans, entrepreneurs et architectes en proposant des solutions pratiques, réalistes et éprouvées. La force de l’ouvrage réside dans sa capacité à couvrir l’ensemble d’un projet de rénovation : planification, choix des matériaux, menuiserie, électricité, efficacité énergétique et optimisation des espaces. Les nombreuses photos et illustrations rendent les explications claires et facilement applicables.

Ce livre prend tout son sens dans un contexte actuel où la rénovation intelligente, durable et maîtrisée est devenue essentielle. Les principes développés font écho aux pratiques mises en œuvre par des professionnels spécialisés dans la rénovation intérieure et structurelle, comme on peut en retrouver dans des projets présentés sur https://dmebatiment.fr notamment en matière d’optimisation des espaces, de durabilité et de qualité d’exécution.

Enfin, le style d’écriture fluide et accessible, ponctué d’un humour discret, rend la lecture agréable malgré la technicité des sujets abordés. Renovation n’est pas seulement un manuel technique, c’est un compagnon de confiance pour mener à bien des projets de rénovation solides, durables et bien pensés.

[Mikael Ellingson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book to familiarize myself with some structural terms around housing. While it was not laid out perfectly for that purpose, there are some good diagrams which gave me a leg up. I cannot speak to using it as a reference during renovation/construction, but the sections seemed detailed enough for me to follow.

[Joanna Clausen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much literary merit, but very helpful for novice carpenter...

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and thorough.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the Fifth edition! This book is updated on a regular basis and while not as up to date as stuff you can find on the web, it serves as a valuable resource and verification that your contractor mostly on the up and up. There's a fair amount of sketchy tutorials and contractors so be aware. This book is also limited to North American construction practices, so not to useful for anyone else unless your house was stickbuilt.

[Sarynette Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book on working on old homes

If you read construction books this one is a good way to stay up on skills in one book. This book also helps to deal with old homes which can save you money on unnecessary full overhauls when u just need an upgrade.

[Kathee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed how-to book. Not an idea book.