Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes (For Pros By Pros)

by George Nash

Book Overview

The definitive book on how to bring an old house back to life -- without destroying its spirit -- is now updated with all new color photography in Renovating Old Houses . Experienced contractor George Nash covers everything -- from replacing foundation walls to repairing old windows, including how to save what's irreplaceable, where to use the best materials, when it's necessary to update (and when it's not), and how to make repairs that will endure...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561583251
• ISBN13: 9781561583256
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Taunton Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 2.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 0.8" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Yep! It's the bomb!

I am very glad I bought this book! It is one of about 1000 I've read but this one zeros in on the things you really want to know "how to do it" or what to do, or what the heck can I do about that? I've been renovating an 1861 farmhouse for 4 years, and oh how I wish I'd had this book on day one! I still have a lot of work to do and this book has the answers of the issues I've "back burnered" because I was clueless. I am 66 year old woman and I've been climbing ladders 3 stories, I painted my whole house myself. I've put in floors, trim, wainscot, locks, windows, faucets, built mantels, you name it. And if I can do it, so can you! Saving thousands upon thousands of $! Books like these enable one to achieve what once seemed impossible, but this book is so comprehensive and detailed, it makes sense! If you are redoing, looking for ideas, complete renovation or just fixing up, it is the one to get. Its better than ALL the DIY books out there, old or new. It only has BW pictures, but actually I find that better, you can zone in on the subject better & see what he's showing you for instruction. I am very impressed with the way this book is written in such an understandable, "oh that's how you do that" manner. For the small cost you gain a fortune in knowledge.

Simply Great

Fantastic, comprehensive book on old house restoration as well as maintenance. This one book contains more useful real-world information than a whole shelf's worth of those Home Depot, Black & Decker, etc. DIY books. And it's all delivered with intelligence, character and an occaisional dose of humor. This is a must have for anyone restoring or renovating and old house, living in and maintaining an old house and would be especially helpful to anyone who is about to 'go shopping' for an old house!

My Renovation Companion

This is a GREAT reference for home renovation. I recently purchased a Queen Anne home, built in 1885. Of all the books I have on restoration, this one is by far the best. Thanks George, for your effort.

Best house renovation book I have ever read

Having renovated 3 houses, I am always looking out for good books on the topic. Sadly, many of them are very superficial. This book is the exception. The information and attitude that Mr. Nash puts forth in this book is deep and highly informative. A must read for old house nuts.

Somewhere to start.

From the moment you open the cover, you are reassured of your decision to buy this book. It offers an overview of many options of renovations. From Basement Casement walls, to roof-top peeks, this book supplies you with the information to base your projects on. Before YOU start a renovation project, or are just in need of ideas to creating additional living space in YOUR old house, get this book. You will not regret it.