The Pocket Renovator
by Leslie Banker and Pamela Banker; Illustrations by George Marshall Peters
Published by Universe Publishing
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Connie Anderson
Written by a mother and daughter team, this like their earlier book, The Pocket Decorator, was born out of necessity. Leslie was totally remodeling her condo and wanted to know and use the correct terms when talking with the various craftsman.
Designed for anyone remodeling, renovating or building, this book is a tremendous resource. The terms are listed alphabetically to allow easy access.
I loved their tips for “smooth sailing” when working with construction people. Their suggestion is to work as a team as much as possible with architect, builder and designer. They suggest you learn the symbols used on a design plan so you understand what is being done and where.
Not only do we learn a term, each has an illustration–and when relevant, we can read about its history and how the word was derived.
Do you know the different between undermounted and drop-in sinks? I do now. Each has a different look and demands certain know-how when being installed. What do you know about toilet heights, shapes and flush/water efficiency?
The chapters cover construction issues like cabinetry and built-in furniture, interior layouts, kitchen, baths and vital systems like heating, cooling, etc.
The authors also added four newly important areas: green design, safe and healthy home, financing and real estate transactions.
I found the safe and healthy house interesting as it covered the toxic things in our homes like lead, carbon monoxide, asbestos, mold and radon, as well as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
This writing team is very thorough. If it isn’t in this book, I wonder if the average homeowner really needs it.
The Pocket Renovator would make a great gift for yourself and anyone who is buying their first home, building a new one or remodeling/renovating. Carry the book with you in case someone uses an unfamiliar building term.
Armchair Interviews says: With The Pocket Renovator, you will have the answer at your fingertips.