Renovation Book Excerpts

A collection of how-to and inspirational excerpts from Renovation 5th Edition, the “bible” for home renovators for over 35 years, which offers a wealth of information for planning carefully, spending wisely, maximizing space, and building durably.

Planning and Acquiring Building Permits for Renovation Projects: A Simple Chart
Get an overview of the typical steps it takes to get approval from your local building department before starting a remodeling project.
Soundproofing: A Successful Hybrid Approach
A combination of special clips, channels, and acoustical sealants adds up to the perfect solution for building a quiet room.
Using Metal Studs to Level a Sloping Ceiling
Metal studs are light enough to go up quickly, but sturdy enough to support a new drywall ceiling.
How to Level an Exterior Doorsill
Leveling the doorsill is important to ensure your door sits correctly. Here's how to do it.
When Do You Need a Permit?
When it comes to permits, every city is different, but here are some general guidelines for when you'll likely need one.
Mat Slabs: An Inventive Foundation for Difficult Sites
For building sites with tricky soil conditions, mat slabs provide an effective solution.
Early New England Post-and-Beam Construction
Vermont settlers trying to get a roof up before winter built spare, but with great integrity.
Dovetailing Two Worlds: A Frontier House Survives Two Centuries
See how one couple renovated this 1830s log cabin on the Canadian frontier to create a modern rustic home.
Making Solderless Copper Connections
Making solderless copper connections has never been easier.
A Midcentury-Modern Makeover
This Post-War Eichler got a major facelift to make it more aesthetically appealing and energy efficient.

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