Great Houses on a Budget

David Giffels

All the Way Home: Building a Family in a Falling-Down House

As wry as Bill Bryson's I'm a Stranger Here Myself, as insightful as Tracy Kidder's House, here is smart, engaging tale of one man's stuggle to restore his family's new home--a decrepit old mansion--and discover himself With his pregnant wife and their 18-month-old son in tow, David Giffels scoured the environs of Akron, OH, in search of the perfect house. But nothing seemed right . . . until he spotted the beautiful, decaying Guilded Era mansion. A former rubber robber baron's domain, the once grand house does need some repair . . . okay it's a dump. So what if, there's “nothing holding this place up but memory,”--the assessment of his father, a structural engineer? It wouldn't be perfect if it were easy, and Giffels relishes the challenge. He's a committed do it yourselfer who fears a life without struggle--and Home Depot. All the Way Home follows Giffels's funny and sometimes frustrating journey as he and his young family turns a decrepit money pit into the the home of their dreams. From outwitting squatters (both four- and two-legged) to rebuilding termite ridden walls, battling wisteria vines and finding $14,000 in Depression-era cash hidden in a bathroom wall, ...

Cartwright Peter, Peter Cartwright

Bricklaying

8,Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.BRICKWORKING FROM "A-Z" . . .FOR NOVICES TO EXPERIENCED PROSWhether you're a homeowner wanting to do your own repairs, a trade apprentice seeking to sharpen your skills, or a veteran craftsman or contractor with years of experience, you'll turn to this complete guide to bricklaying again and again. There is no more comprehensive or up-to-date reference available on the subject.Written by a pro with over 25 years in the field, Bricklaying features: * Over 560 technical drawings and diagrams illustrating technique and clear text that guides you every step of the way * Skill-building projects with start-to-finish instructions* Electricity and plumbing integration in brick construction* Solutions and preventive methods for high-wind concerns in cavity brickwork* Table for calculating how many bricks are needed for a job* Brick design for handicapped* Engineering properties* Essential topics such as damp-proofing, repairing and carcking mortor, window and door cutting, cleaning brick, and much moreAn ...

Paul K. Dempsey

How to Repair Briggs and Stratton Engines

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.Learn the Latest Money-Saving Techniques for Troubleshooting and Repairing Any Briggs & Stratton Engine, New or Old! /p> Turn to the Fourth Edition of How to Repair Briggs & Stratton Engines for expert guidance on completing any Briggs & Stratton maintenance and repair job quickly and easily. This money-saving resource now includes the latest information on overhead valves (OHV), carburetion advances, new muffler designs, and cutting-edge alternators. Filled with proven techniques for fixing both brand-new and older model Briggs & Stratton engines, the Fourth Edition of this hands-on reference covers everything from ignition, fuel, and charging systems...to starters and engine mechanics. You will find step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and repairing magnetos...carburetors... governors...alternators...main bearings...flywheels...coils...fuel pumps ...air filters...rewind and electric starters...and connecting rods. Using more than 190 detailed illustrations, the Fourth Edition of How to ...