Guest Author - Donna Coogan

DK's Step-by-Step Guide to Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement by Julian Cassell, Peter Parham and Theresa Coleman is a really big book of over 500 pages, 3000 photographs and literally hundreds of projects.

The book is broken into 9 sections: Tools, Equipment and Materials, Alterations and Repairs, Kitchens and Bathrooms, Decorating and Finishing, Improving Home Performance, Outdoor Alterations and Repairs, Electrics, Plumbing and Heating. Each section is color-coded at the top of the page so you can find it in a glance. This is a nice feature and one I especially appreciate because I rarely use bookmarks.

Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement is so big that there is a 2-page illustrated spread in the beginning explaining how to use the book. Every section is broken down into “subsections.” These subsections introduce you to each project, provide prep information, list all the tools required and provide specific step-by-step details. At the end of every subsection is a “problem solver spread” that lists possible difficulties and how to correct them.

When you read this book, you will walk away with an excellent understanding of how a house is built from laying the concrete foundation to applying the roof shingles. You’ll learn about the inner workings of your home’s plumbing and electrical systems. Every imaginable hand and power tool you might need is explained. You’ll get a solid overview of different types of drywall, lumber, brick, flooring, lighting, windows and more.

You’ll be introduced to hundreds of simple projects to more in-depth projects – all with explicit photos, instructions and fresh insight. These include adding a skylight, replacing a stair railing, laying wood floors, replacing a bathtub and installing trim molding. Maintenance and repair projects include unclogging a sink drain, waterproofing a basement and fixing paint flaws.

There’s a whole section on installing child safety measures and home security. Improvements for your home's landscaping and exterior structures are also provided. These include adding fencing, brick walls, decks and patios.

Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement offers specific insights to each project, too. For example it not only explains different fireplace surrounds, but also goes on to discuss different types of fires, how a flue works and what a chimney cap is for. There are even tips on opening up or closing an old fireplace. Thus you learn not only the function of a fireplace, but also the overall importance or benefits to your home. This insight is repeated throughout the book.

Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement is a very comprehensive book on home improvement, maintenance and repair. I am very impressed by the depth and quality of the information presented. I would recommend this reference for every homeowner’s library, and especially if you are or interested in being a do-it-yourselfer.