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Recommended Books

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

July 13, 2000

MORE than a few homeowners have admitted to me their fear of working with electricity. They'll try any number of do-it-yourself projects, but even the simple task of replacing a faulty wall outlet stops them cold.

If this sounds like you, then try "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Electrical Repair" (Alpha Books/Macmillan USA, $ 16.95, 410 pp.). It's one of four recently published books that I'd recommend homeowners add to their do-it-yourself library.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Electrical Repair" does a good job of trying to eliminate everyone's major concern - "The Fear of Frying"- in the opening chapter. Then it moves on to cover everything from replacing that simple wall outlet to tackling low-voltage projects like adding a security system, an intercom or a digital thermostat for the heating and cooling systems.

Like many home-repair books, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Electrical Repair" offers the standard advice on doing it yourself versus hiring out, calling it a "personal decision." But it does offer tips and how-to steps on bigger jobs you might have considered beyond your skill level, such as bathroom lighting fixtures and vent fans and even installing and testing ground fault circuit interrupters. There's a chapter on upgrading a service panel, and for this job, it wisely recommends hiring an experienced electrical contractor.

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Perhaps this guide won't eliminate your fear of frying, but it has a wealth of information and do-it-yourself advice. (I give it 3 out of 4 hammers.)

When most people think of Ortho they probably think of products that control insects and promote green lawns. But "Ortho's Home Improvement Encyclopedia" (Meredith Books, $ 29.95, 480 pp.) and "Ortho's All About Carpentry Basics" (Meredith Books, $ 11.95, 96 pp.) provide excellent tours through the interior of the home.

The Home Improvement Encyclopedia approaches a wide range of problems with workable solutions and is a great source for the novice homeowner. You'll find a lot of basic stuff-tips on screen-window repairs and how to replace your old toilet-but you also get some harder-to-find repair information, too. There's a section on wooden stairs that shows how to tighten or replace handrails and balusters, for example, and another on how to pick lumber for structural repairs in attics, floors and walls. (Its neat organization and great illustration make this a solid 3 1/2 hammers.)

Ortho's "All About Carpentry Basics" is one of eight in a series of all- about books. Like the Home Improvement Encyclopedia, it is well illustrated. It also predictably duplicates a lot of the information from the encyclopedia on wood-related projects, like cabinet and drawer repair, installing crown moldings and prehung interior doors. Unless you're only interested in solving carpentry problems, my advice is to spend a little more money and go with the encyclopedia. (Two hammers.)

"Better Homes and Gardens Paint Ideas & Decorating Techniques" (Meredith Books/Better Homes and Gardens Books, $ 19.95, 160 pp.) is a great resource on faux painting techniques and is beautifully photographed. The step-by-step, how-to photos are especially good. There are several chapters on the simpler techniques, such as ragging and sponging, so you won't feel intimidated if you don't want to try some of the more advanced concepts. If you can wipe up a spill on the countertop, you can probably get the hang of ragging and sponging. This is the perfect housewarming gift for a new homeowner with bright ideas and a do-it-yourself mindset. (Three and a half hammers.)