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Both are great, as I can cross reference both of them, and the "instructions on the box." Further, when it's a job I think that's too big for me/beyond my skill set, I at least have a clue as to what is going on and can have an intelligent conversation with the handyman. A little background: the bad news is I didn't grow up with Saturday power tool time with Dad, and I now just bought an old, old house that needs lots and lots of renovations. Great book(s) for anyone owning a home, and doesn't have the money/luxury of affording a gc. Plus, I can pick his brain on his experience on other issues not related, and get check it against what I read as well. The good news is that I do like to learn, and after calling a few all-inclusive contractors, I found out quickly that it's much cheaper to do it myself (if/when I find the time). I bought both this and the Reader's Digest.
I would have been quite a bit better at what I was doing than I am. I wish I had read it when I was 20 years old. I am an old carpenter/repairer/remodeler/preservationist. This book stands out with talent and efficiency, rendering some of the better and best ways to accomplish 350 home repair tasks.
This book gives you the know how to work your way through any home project. I am not a handyman by any means.
It is very good with details for the novice to understand and follow directions. This is a Good Buy for the average home owner DIY.
In my opinion, if this book is supplemented by focused books for specific bigger jobs (such as electrical wiring) and with a magazine subscription (such as The Family Handyman), the practitioner will be able to accomplish most home repair tasks.Overall, an excellent and thorough treatment of most of the jobs a homeowner would want to accomplish by himself. I have used this book for several small around the house projects, but found it to have some limitations. This book doesn't go into detail on how to do some jobs that are "second level" skills, but these can be filled in by other more focused books.
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