Customer Reviews

Black & Decker The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: with 350 Projects and 2000 Photos

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book right after I bought my first house (which was 12 years old at the time I moved in). I have owned the house for 2 years now and have owned a copy of this book for the same time.
1. I had no idea how the systems (ac, plumbing, various kithcen appliences, etc.) of the house worked when I moved in. This book gives a clear overview of the various systems and how they work. I could easily figure out the items that needed a maintenance schedule. I was also able to talk to various service providers (plumbers, electrical contractors, etc.) meanigfully as I was armed with the appropriate information.
2. I was struggling finding the right tools that I needed to have for various "do it yourself" repairs. This book clearly lists the tools that need to be used for every repair with pictures. You will never be lost in "Home Depot" again.
3. I have had a few unplanned repairs that needed to be made. I was easily able to look up the index to go to the relevant section and carry out the repair (after a couple of visits to Home Depot to get appropriate tools).
This book was worth every penny. Anyone moving into a new house should have a copy of this book with him or her.

gift for boyfriend, shipped so quickly. received like the next day. Doesn't say "use your Black and Hammer this" or "Black and Hammer that." Saw it at Chapters and it was half price, if not less, with free shipping! Excellent value!

Having just retired,I decided it would behoove me(and my budget)to learn how to fix things around the house myself,instead of paying someone else to do it.I know I won't be tackling major projects,but if I did,the info on how to complete the project would surely be in this terrific book.I was overwhelmed at the size of the book,initially,but as I read through it,I realized that each page contains a step-by-step photo sequence from the beginning of the job,to the end.Wonderful for someone such as I who has a difficult time remembering "righty-tighty,lefty-loosey." I think this massive book, crammed full of top-notch advice is going to save me a bundle in home repairs.So I will be able to spend more money at my other home...amazon.

Just bought a house that needed minor work, such as painting, floor repair, wire repair, etc. This book gave detailed descriptions on how to reapir all my needs. I have looked at several books and liked this one the best. This book lists most of the repairs that any home owner will need to do.
Even if you decide to pay someone to do the repairs for you this book will give you an idea of what the repair man should be doing. This will help you from being taken advantage of.

Good book that covers basic how-to in every area of your house. Slightly basic, but has everything in color pictures and illustrations.

Lots of basic repairs and some more advanced repairs. I would say every home owner could use this book

An excellent "do it yourself" "PICTURE" book which is quite fitting for the home improvment newbie. Everything from "A" to "Z" is practically covered. Also receommended are the Black and Decker specific projects books, i.e. wiring, plumbing, baths, carpentry, etc...

There are certain skills that are "wasted" on no one. Home repair is one such skill. I believe that 5 weeks after purchasing this book - the book has already paid for itself. My parents moved back into my grandmother's 1960-era house after she passed away last year. The house was in need of a few repairs, but money was a limiting factor. I had to find a way to teach myself (and my dad) how to weatherproof the basement, replacing an ancient water heater & dishwasher, replace several outlets with new GFCI (p. 397!) outlets, and finally, how to update the upstair's faucets and fixtures. I logged onto Amazon.com and typed-in HOME REPAIR. To be honest, I chose this book because it had 500+ pages and two 5-star reviews. When this book arrived, I instantly felt the weight and quality of the binding.(think college textbook material) I quickly found DETAILED descriptions of the tasks I would soon have to perform. I called my father and said "Get ready we're going to Home Depot!" On the phone, my father expressed concern over our lack of experience. When my father got in my truck, I handed him the the Black&Decker text. I had put PostIt's on the pages with our projects. He slipped on his glasses and peered through his bi-focals and didn't say a word on the way to purchase tools & supplies. Once in the parking lot, I could hardly turn-off the engine before he was pointing to pictures saying "Ours looks just like this! I want some gloves like that!" And he was making a bee-line for the door!(the old man can move!) He was excited and so was I. Now, it has beeen 5 weeks since that first trip to Home Depot. Both my father and I have the cuts and scrapes and the ever present sore backs to prove that we have done our own home repairs. My father now keeps the Black&Decker text at his house "for safe keeping." He cleans the text with a moist cloth after each project. The projects don't seem to have an end in sight, which I believe is a direct result of my dad reading the text for "suggestions." My suggestion....don't let anyone "borrow" this text, unless of course - you love him!

How I wish this book had been around when I needed it most. As a single mother who was working, finishing my eduation and raising three daughters in the 70's and 80's, money was scarce and one learned how to do what had to be done. So, through a variety of good but not great books, a few friends, and trial and error(more error than trial,) I repaired the plumbing, replaced the light fixtures, painted, papered, patched and mended! Life would have been so much easier with a book like this one.

There is not a thing about general home repair that cannot be found here and the photographs make the task a breeze. No more sketchy illustrations or trying to follow instructions with a diagram that best resembles Heiroglyphics! For anyone who is a novice at home repair, this book is a must, and even the more experienced person is sure to find some excellent tips and techniques to make the job easier. I now have a husband who looks after the household repairs, but even "Mr. Fix-it" could benefit from this terrific book. Black & Decker "really know their stuff" and have come up with a fantastic, indispensable book!

Very useful reference and how-to book. It helped me through greatly some electrical wiring in our new bathroom. I highly recommend this book as it provides info on so many common jobs and repairs that we have around the house.

Excellent Book, helped my husband a great deal when he was wiring his garage, then bought a copy for our son-in-law!