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Message |
    
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 115
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 9:00 pm: | 
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I have been a home owner before but that one was a comparitive teenager (built 1964) next to my new one (built 1920s). Both former cowboy and I have learned a few things from our experience, but are clueless when it comes to a lot of things down in the basement (pipes, water heater, furnace, electrical panel).
Anyone recommend a good go-to book for reading up on certain basic things to know when living in an older home, or just important things for homeowners to know in general? Sort of like the "Worst Case Scenario Guide" or the "Dummies" line of books.
I know nothing beats an experienced plumber or electrician when you have big problems, but I'd like it if at least one of us know a little bit of something to avoid calling in a plumber for something super basic. TIA. |
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 1680
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 9:17 pm: |
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There are a few good books - Home Depot has a 'big orange book' that has been useful, and Black and Decker puts out a similar title.
I think the Lowes down on route 22 has a good book selection as well.
Believe it or not, using MOL might be one of your best resources. For example, there's a plumber on here that gives away some incredibly valuable information - and there are other folks that are almost as good.
Things like the water heater and the furnace are important to understand - I think the books I mention above will get you a good start.
Good luck! And remember, post your questions here.... |
Sherri De Rose
Citizen
Username: Honeydo
Post Number: 238
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 9:19 pm: |
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Check out "The Complete Book of Home Repairs". Good luck in your venture. In your spare time you could rent "The Money Pit" or better yet, "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dreamhouse" with Myrna Loy circa 1940 something. I love that movie. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1591
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 10:01 pm: |
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My daughter loves the big orange book from Home Depot, with all of the step by step drawings. When she was 4 or 5, I had to hide it for a while, because I just couldn't stand the idea of reading the section on how to lay a tile floor as bedtime reading again!
But still, much of what is in it is miles beyond what I would take on myself! I think the book lives in her room, on her bookshelf now. |
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 897
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 11:20 pm: |
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Owning an older home EQUALS dummies.
Good luck and keep posting. If you figure it out, let us know.
J.B. |
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 117
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 6:46 am: |
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I found a few books listed online at amazon.com. There actually is a Dummies book on Home Maintenance (but I would love suggestions on any of these from people who've actually tried to use them). Thanks for the info on the orange book at HD. And, YES, thank goodness for MOL!
JB: While this may be true, IMHO the people buying brand new McHomes right now are going to be in a lot more trouble 15 years from now than any of us with older homes.
BUMP!
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Travis
Citizen
Username: Travis
Post Number: 431
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 7:49 am: |
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Here are a couple:
"Your Old Wiring" by Shapiro.
"Renovating Old Houses" by Nash.
I'd take anything in a HD or B&D book with a pinch of salt. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11633
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 8:20 am: |
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The problem with most current home improvement books is that they really don't cover older homes. Years ago I picked up a 1950s home improvement book at one of those remainder/used book stores in downtown Manhattan. The diagrams, pictures and instructions actually resemble what you are going to find in most older homes and are invaluable for plumbing and electrical.
I suggest that you poke around in old book stores to find something that might be helpfull.
Susan1014, does your daughter also watch the DIY channel all the time?  |
Rick B
Citizen
Username: Ruck1977
Post Number: 1113
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 8:31 am: |
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Cowgirl (former),
Get a subscription to "This Old House" magazine. Every month there are really good articles in there and its written in a manner that anyone can understand. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1721
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 9:04 am: |
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With MOL, who needs a book? I'm convinced you can get the answer to anything here.
I have the Home Depot Big Orange Book too. I have referred to it from time to time. |
parkah
Citizen
Username: Parkah
Post Number: 174
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 9:31 am: |
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bob k has pretty much summed it up.
we have a couple of the home improvement books from HD, etc., given to us by friends when we moved it. not once, when working on a project, has any of the books helped me. we don't have pvc pipe in our house, we don't have anything close to new wiring, most of the tile we've picked up so far has had asbestos backing, we don't have drywall, etc. etc.
mol is a good source... as is probing all of the contracts you have in to do work on your house. when working on a project, stay away from getting advice from HD employees, go to specialty stores like palmer plumbing, etc. most often they can identify parts from your house that haven't been manufactured in 75 years and provide you with a replacement as well as sound direction on how to correctly install it. |
James
Citizen
Username: Mcgregorj
Post Number: 112
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 10:07 am: |
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I second Nash's "Renovating Old Houses". |
gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 355
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 10:36 am: |
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Third for Nash's "Renovating Old Houses," a great reference.
"We Got Steam Heat!" from heatinghelp.com if you have steam.
Taunton's also has a large line of books covering many home repair subjects.
As noted above, the big "Complete" books cover mostly newer construction techniques and don't go into much depth on any subject they cover. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14480
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 11:33 am: |
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susan1014, you have a really cool daughter. How old is she now? I'm teaching my 14 year old daughter bicycle mechanics.
As for old houses, well, as of three years ago, this is the first house I've ever LIVED IN, and it was built in 1888. I think the first resource you need is a therapist.
You know what I'd like? I'd like a contractor who can also be a mentor. Do they exist? He would do the repairs and teach me how to handle it for next time.
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Sherri De Rose
Citizen
Username: Honeydo
Post Number: 242
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 5:54 pm: |
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Tom, funny that you say that. I told Rich to hold classes. Any students? |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1592
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 9:36 pm: |
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Tom, she's almost 7, and loves anything with lots of sequenced instruction pictures, or puzzles. Now mostly puzzles, although I do notice that the Home Depot book has made it downstairs to the family room!
Bob K -- no, actually my babysitter is the one who watches all the DIY shows (I know because Tivo keeps taping all of them thinking we want them).
Now if only my husband or I had the more serious DIY gene, or even the brave-enough-to-hire contractors gene... |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14496
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 9:42 pm: |
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I'm becoming increasingly fascinated with your daughter. And she's not even 7 yet. Hmm, maybe you should try teaching her programming. I don't know how realistic it is for a kid that age.
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Nancyjay
Citizen
Username: Nancyjay
Post Number: 11
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 10:03 am: |
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Look for "Renovation" 3rd edition by Litchfield, refered to by some reviews as "...the
bible for home renovators for over 25 years". Definitely also get Renovating Old Houses as recommended above. For me it helps to have a few books like this, as sometimes one will cover a specific topic in a little more detail than the other, and vice versa, etc... Good luck! |
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