The Complete Do-it-Yourself Manual Newly Updated by Editors of Family HandymanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
EXCELLENT resource book!
When I first saw this book, I wondered, "Why would someone utilize this big heavy book when they could just use Google and/or YouTube?" Well, I had both my 21-year-old son and my 48-year-old husband read through this book, and here are their answers to my question:
My son said, "I'd use this book instead of Google, because it's not going to disappear on me ... where the power or the Internet connection could."
My husband said, "I'd use this book instead of YouTube, because I can easily carry this book into another room with me. And the layout is great for easy reference, versus YouTube where I'd have to keep replaying the video."
My son also had other comments regarding this book. He thought it was very complete with simple to follow instructions. He was also impressed with the progressive project instructions.
My husband loved the large pages and the well-designed layouts for each project page. He appreciated how the book covered so many basics - like why there are so many different types of nails. He did wish that more of the projects offered "home remedies" for issues (like a stuck screw) versus needing to go out and buy more equipment to solve the problem. He also wished some of the projects went further into detail. But overall he said he'd love to own a copy of this book and it would be an excellent resource for anyone to have on hand.
So what about my opinion of this book? Well, to be honest, I do not like to fix things myself. However, when I looked at the table of contents in this book - - - I was surprised to find organizational and storage tips to maximize the space in your house. Here's a simple tip that never ever even occurred to me:
"It seems like you never have enough wall space to put hooks or towel bars in your bathroom, so why not make your shower walls do double duty? Hang two shower curtain rods instead of one. Hang your shower curtain on the inside rod and use the second rod to hang towels." (page 505)
Sure ... that might not look pretty if you're entertaining guests, but if you're living in limited space with multiple people (or teenagers) that's an awesome solution to the problem of wet towels on the floor!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review, and I can assure you that my review was in no way influenced.
Bottom line: If you haven't finished your Christmas shopping, newlywed shopping, birthday shopping, or housewarming shopping ... buy this book as a present!
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