Customer Reviews
A practical renovation book vs. a nice picture book 
2007-07-22
I am never motivated to write a review for purchased books, but this book is so outstanding that I must. Essentially, this book actually provides useful information and a methodology of thinking which allows the home owner to solve problems in renovating for repairing his house. As other reviewers have noted, one reads the book looking to find answers to specific problems and amazingly the information is there! The reason for the success I believe is two fold. This author has done this work before, that is, renovate OLD homes, as apposed to a contractor who simply tears out and builds new. He has empathy with the home owner. And two, the author is succinct in his information. He doesn't waste page after page with reviews of tools you might need (don't you hate those!) He doesn't waste pages on photographs of workers holding up a level! He doesn't waste pages simply telling the reader, "oh, you better hire someone for that, and that, and that ..." And more importantly he is writing to the home owner who is a 'do it your selfer' is therefore is concerned about expenses. He simply has managed to provide information which is actually useful, in a well written, beautifully photographed, inspiring book. If you really need advice about old homes, I can't recommend this enough.
This Book Earned Its Five Star Rating! 2007-06-21
I pulled this book off a library shelf just to browse it. Wow! My house is 101 years old so maybe; I am biased. But George Nash is a very knowledgable lover of old houses. He must have worked as a building inspector since he knows so much. It is full of great information and photos. People who should read this book are; house lovers, real estate agents, restoration contractors, and anyone thinking about buying an older home. I love it!
Rebnovation 2007-05-26
I purchased this book for my 21 year old son who is an apprentice carpenter for a contractor who does renovation of houses. This is one of the finest renovation books I have had the opportunity to review. It has the renovation coverage that will be a great boon to my son in his learning of the carpentry trade. I have been an electrical contractor for over 40 years and have a lot of experience in all of the trades. I am impressed with this book. It will be of great benefit to my son as an overall reference book in renovation. Thank you!
The Bible for renovationg old houses 2007-02-06
This should be one of the first books on your new-old house's bookshelf when you move in. Its advice on a multitude of repairs including repairing the pulley systems in your old windows, how to repair rot damage anywhere inside or outside of your house, etc. is extensive and very helpful. This book is a great resource for the do-it-yourselfer...or, if you want to hire someone, at least you will be knowledgable enough after reading this book as to whether or not they are doing a proper job.
old houses 2007-01-16
it is a wonderful book with excellent ideas and sound information for the renovator and perspective old house owner.it is thorough and offers good solid comments and suggestions for the complete house. a must have book for the old house owner!
A must own for old house lovers. 2008-04-07
First things first.... This is not a fix-it book for the average homeowner. It is a renovation guide for older homes and covers everything from stone foundations to slate roofs and provides whole slew of major structural repair information. So if you are wanting to learn simple home repairs, like fixing a leaky faucet or quieting a squeaky floor you would do better to look elsewhere.
My first house was built in the 1890s and because I was very young and didn't know anything about how old houses were constructed, the construction behind those plaster walls, in the basement and attic looked shoddy to my uneducated eyes but it didn't matter to me, I was just grateful to be a home owner. My father told me this is how real craftsmen built homes during that era. He added: "Son, this house will be around and doing just fine LONG after you are gone!"
Even though I old that old house a long time ago, when I saw this book I knew I just had to have it. It takes a look behind the scenes of old houses and shows how they are broght back to their past glory no matter how much neglect they have suffered. Whether you currrently own an old house, previously owned an old house or just have an interest in construction methods of eras long ago, this book is perfect for your bookshelf!
A Must-Buy Book if You Own an Old Home 2007-12-16
Mr. Nash has written a wonderfully detailed and informative book that, I feel, is a must-own for anyone who owns or is looking to purchase an old house.
As someone who grew up in the building trade, I found my how-to construction and woodworking knowledge incomplete when my wife and I recently purchased our 1884 Victorian home. This book provided exactly the information I need to understand and recognize the challenges I will face when I perform the renovation. Since approximately 1950, homes have pretty much been built the same which is where my experience lies. But old houses were built in a different way, with different materials, and incorporated much different ornamentation and detail than modern homes. This book explains those differences and offers a myriad of excellent suggestion on how to bring old homes up to modern house standards.
Each owner of an old house has the same questions to answer, such as whether to repair or replace the original windows, whether to repair or replace the plaster walls, how to best increase insulation of the house without creating moisture issues, how to determine the state of the electrical and plumbing, etc. This book discusses each one of these issues, presenting the pros and cons of any decision in a way that is very informative and easily understood.
Though the author's experience and many of the examples given in this book seem to be based in the upper north-east regions, I found very little that was not applicable to my southern-Missouri residence. I may not have to worry much about frost heave on my cellar walls, but moisture is an issue where I will be taking many of Mr. Nash's recommendations to heart, especially his "Ground Roof" option which I have not encountered before.
All in all, this book will give those new to home renovation much needed information on how to recognize and deal with most all problems that will be encountered during a renovation, and will provide those who already have renovation knowledge additional concepts and tools to solve issues that are more prevalent to an old house.
Read it front-to-back, become a better, wiser person. 2007-11-23
This book is much like 'How to Keep Your Volkswagon Alive Forever', in the sense that yes, it is a how-to book. However, it is also a guide; not just to renovation/restoration but also to yourself: are you, like Nash, the die-hard romantic, the perpetually patient, are you - as Nash puts it- "..a peculiar kind of maniac who is one part ability, one part inventiveness, two parts determination, three parts romanticism, and six parts damn foolishness."?
If you just stood up, proudly, and yelled YES! with your fist high in the air (or at least in your mind, you did), or if you want to be, or know someone who is, or want to make sure the world is never bereft of these fine old houses (and full of soul-less tract homes and 'live-work' lofts), then do not hesitate one dang-gone second- buy this book. buy two, so when the first is covered in saw dust, concrete drips, laquer and stain; you (or others) can still go home and read Nash's superb writing.
chrismas gift for someone else 
2007-11-22
My review is based on information from others who have this book. They say it is well written and quite helpful. It is a Christmas gift for someone else and therefore I have not personally looked at it.
Spectacular and priceless textbook 2007-07-25
Have read it so many times the binding is broken. George Nash is an amazing craftsman and provides numerous time and money saving suggestions. Must have for buyers/owners of older homes.
