Whether you're looking for more usable outdoor space or you want to create more curb appeal to add value to your home, "Decks, Patios, and Porches" is exactly the resource you need. An easy-to-read guide that can save you thousands of dollars and prevent big, expensive mistakes, this book arms you with everything you need to know about hiring pros as well as designing and planning for a deck, patio or porch. Readers will learn about screening and selecting contractors, obtaining proper permits, avoiding zoning problems, choosing a design and having working plans and specifications prepared, specific code issues, selecting suitable sites, pros and cons of different materials, avoiding underground obstacles, such as utilities and bedrock, choosing a suitable foundation, sample pricing, and the bidding process.

FOLLOW THESE INSIDER TIPS -- AND GET THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS! Spending an hour or two with veteran remodeling professional R. Dodge Woodson will make your bathroom renovation go more smoothly -- and cost a whole lot less. Woodson shares his insider's tips and traps from more than 30 years' building experience, preparing you to avoid construction rip-offs ... get the best deal on materials ... understand the implications of design and planning decisions ... and virtually eliminate hassles in bathroom remodeling. If you're about to hire a contractor or tackle the job yourself, get the facts you need in an easy-to-read, enjoyable format. Packed with features designed to make it easy for homeowners to use, "Tips & Traps for Remodeling Your Bathroom offers a complete roadmap through the process. It helps you: Screen and hire honest, skilled bathroom remodeling professionals Spot and eliminate "bad apples" before they can become a problem Negotiate effectively Decide what to do -- and what not to do--yourself Estimate costs before you begin, with easy-to-use charts on labor and materials Understand the trade-offs in design, planning, and materials options Keep contractors and subcontractors on the straight and narrow--on time and on budget Move smoothly through every phase, from planning to code issues to completion Sample checklists, forms, illustrations, and contracts make it easier to handle every aspect of your bathroom remodeling project. Highlighted tips and traps warn you about money pits. Even if you have no prior experience with remodeling or construction, this book can help make sure the job gets done right -- at the right cost!

This book is a homeowner's ideal companion for any kitchen remodeling project. It's a complete overview that covers planning, estimating costs, choosing materials, hiring contractors and subcontractors, code considerations, HVAC issues, cabinets and counters, and the final punch-list phase, and homeowners get the benefit of the author's 30 years of experience as a construction and remodeling professional. Filled with tips and traps, illustrations, checklists, sample forms and contracts, this book is a roadmap that guides homeowners through the kitchen remodeling process.