(Part 2) Best home improvement & design books according to redditors
We found 1,311 Reddit comments discussing the best home improvement & design books. We ranked the 586 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
If you move the decimal over. This is about 1,000 in books...
(If I had to pick a few for 100 bucks: encyclopedia of country living, survival medicine, wilderness medicine, ball preservation, art of fermentation, a few mushroom and foraging books.)
Medical:
Where there is no doctor
Where there is no dentist
Emergency War Surgery
The survival medicine handbook
Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine
Special Operations Medical Handbook
Food Production
Mini Farming
encyclopedia of country living
square foot gardening
Seed Saving
Storey’s Raising Rabbits
Meat Rabbits
Aquaponics Gardening: Step By Step
Storey’s Chicken Book
Storey Dairy Goat
Storey Meat Goat
Storey Ducks
Storey’s Bees
Beekeepers Bible
bio-integrated farm
soil and water engineering
Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation
Food Preservation and Cooking
Steve Rinella’s Large Game Processing
Steve Rinella’s Small Game
Ball Home Preservation
Charcuterie
Root Cellaring
Art of Natural Cheesemaking
Mastering Artesian Cheese Making
American Farmstead Cheesemaking
Joe Beef: Surviving Apocalypse
Wild Fermentation
Art of Fermentation
Nose to Tail
Artisan Sourdough
Designing Great Beers
The Joy of Home Distilling
Foraging
Southeast Foraging
Boletes
Mushrooms of Carolinas
Mushrooms of Southeastern United States
Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast
Tech
farm and workshop Welding
ultimate guide: plumbing
ultimate guide: wiring
ultimate guide: home repair
off grid solar
Woodworking
Timberframe Construction
Basic Lathework
How to Run A Lathe
Backyard Foundry
Sand Casting
Practical Casting
The Complete Metalsmith
Gears and Cutting Gears
Hardening Tempering and Heat Treatment
Machinery’s Handbook
How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic
Electronics For Inventors
Basic Science
Chemistry
Organic Chem
Understanding Basic Chemistry Through Problem Solving
Ham Radio
AARL Antenna Book
General Class Manual
Tech Class Manual
MISC
Ray Mears Essential Bushcraft
Contact!
Nuclear War Survival Skills
The Knowledge: How to rebuild civilization in the aftermath of a cataclysm
The most comprehensive how-to-do-chores book ever written is called Home Comforts; The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson. You will be able to clean and maintain everything in your house and lawn by the time you finish reading it.
This was probably done by some "Flip-the-house" wizard who thought he could do it all himself. If you're one of these people spend $20 for fuck's sake. It will pay off 100x in the long run.
I walked into a "flipper" house once...the guy was repainting the entire thing with forest green gloss paint that was being pasted on the walls so thickly you'd have thought it was done by a 5 year old. All over the baseboards, plug panels, switches, you name it. I thanked him for his time and laughed my ass off once I was out of earshot.
Shigley's is great for learning how to design and why you design the way you do. It's the book I used in college and still reference at work. I'm not so sure it'd be great for a novice engineer. For a more practical approach, I'd recommend a few below (not necessarily in this order):
A nice free reference manual that includes all sorts of design equations is the NCEES reference handbook. I used it back when I took my FE exam (the first exam you take before you become what's call a "Professional Engineer" in the US). It's a nice PDF to have around, though it doesn't go into a lot of explanation as to what the equations are.
A few web resources I use are: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/, http://www.roymech.co.uk/
I'm sure I'll think of some more and, if I do, I'll update this post.
Hope that helps.
Here is a link to the book's Amazon page
its even available on kindle!
I've already posted my dad a bit in DIY
I'm afraid people will think I'm just plugging his book
cough cough also available in kindle format
I'm a DIY noob. Here's some of the stuff that's helped me.
I got hosed a few times by contractors before I learned enough to start asking the right questions. This book helped me get onto the right path. Checklists and battle plan for remodels and new construction, based on the experience of 100s of projects. What Your Contractor Won't Tell You https://www.amazon.com/What-Your-Contractor-Cant-Tell/dp/0979983800
I bought some Journal of Light Construction books. True, their Field Guides are way overkill for me and my projects, but they're very cool. https://www.jlconline.com https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AJournal+of+Light+Construction&s=relevancerank&text=Journal+of+Light+Construction&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1
I like those Matt Risinger videos quite a bit too. https://www.youtube.com/user/MattRisinger
The most useful books I've bought are the Code Check short guides. I just read them until I kinda understand them. As a total noob, that takes a while. Here's the electrical title. https://www.amazon.com/Code-Check-Electrical-Illustrated-Wiring/dp/1631869167/
The knowledgeable staff at my local pro suppliers have been super helpful. Especially Ferguson's. I really can't say enough good things about all the people who've helped me. Sometimes you get lucky at Home Depot and the like. But they pay shit and they're understaffed, so don't judge.
it will prolly be harder than anything you've ever done but sticking with it will be worth it. specifically what you will be doing is up to the contractor and or plant. its always case by case. if you have little to no exp, i would expect to be given medial tasks like fetching stuff. you will start learning what’s needed in that position and build your skills from that.
http://www.amazon.com/Audel-Millwrights-Mechanics-Guide-Thomas/dp/0764541714
start reading this or something similar. that will keep you busy for a while.
good luck
Here are a couple for your consideration:
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Repair-Improvement-Updated/dp/158011783X
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Yourself-Manual-Newly-Updated/dp/1621452018
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Maintenance-Dummies-James-Carey/dp/047043063X
http://publications.gc.ca/site/archivee-archived.html?url=http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/schl-cmhc/NH15-386-2003-eng.pdf
I love this one and it's huge. I bought it used on Amazon. It's like the encyclopedia of running a house. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/068481465X/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
When I first started out with my home I picked up these two books:
Black & Decker Home Repair
and
Black & Decker Home Improvement
They served as great references and overviews for nearly every major challenge I faced in three years and were a great deal more handy than sometimes scattered Internet resources. Strongly suggest you pick up the red book, or they're almost certainly at your local library. They don't explicitly deal with maintenance unfortunately, but I recall them offering up lots of tips on how to maintain things before repairs are needed.
Good luck with your new home!
>possibly a basement but I think that might be beyond my expertise in building.. not sure yet.
Can you describe your building experience, please? Are you a builder? This will help us be more focused.
If you are interested in building it yourself, I suggest a book I just re-read called The Well-Built House, which will take you through one expert's process. It is not exactly the latest but it is very practical and useful.
I purchased that and the Graphic Guide to Frame Construction years ago, at Builders Booksource. I highly recommend utilizing all your local resources, too. Bookstores can be great. Designers, builders, planners can be an even bigger help. Try talking to anyone in the local planning departments about the process, pick the brain of your neighbor, the general contractor or your old uncle, the architect. Of course, the more we know about where you are from, the more we can offer advice.
Most importantly, whether you go with a strategy to build on your own or you hire an architect, don't be discouraged. I see this over and over with clients. Architecture is a long process. It can take (and almost always does take) a number of years to complete it. Take this in stride and you will do fine.
Best of luck and please do keep us updated.
https://www.amazon.ca/Uglys-Electric-Motors-Controls-2017/dp/1284119424/ref=pd_aw_fbt_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KX55HAHVG3W9EM5RYCHF
This is probably what you're looking for.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/128411936X/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A12UFBL1JPT2UF&psc=1
This one covers everything though.
I highly recommend THIS book.
Not so much to have on hand during the projects, but to browse and flip through while you're waiting in line, during TV commercials, using the toilet, etc.
More than anything it will help you realize how many things you don't know that you don't know. And once you realize "drainage friction coefficient" is a thing (it's not, I just made that up), then you know where to reference it to be sure you're not screwing up something you didn't even realize was a thing.
This is where a lot, if not most, home improvement projects go horribly wrong. Not because someone measured wrong, not because they didn't take their time, but because they didn't realize some key thing was even an issue.
this one should work. But considering that it's well below your price limit, you might consider getting something else as well.
If the engine is in need of a rebuild, this might be helpful as well.
As far as tools go, I assume he has a full socket set but does he have a torque wrench, breaker bar, and jack stands? If he's worked on his car before he probably already has that stuff but if not, those will be necessary from day one of working on the van.
First - politely inform them that you feel communications should cease as you are not a licensed contractor.
2nd - home chepot and Lowes and menards (if in US) have classes for this.
3rd - I have given this to a couple r/kevin ‘s in my life (people completely unable to adult or even aware that they needed to) and was amazed at how much it helped -
The First-Time Homeowner's Survival Guide: A Crash Course in Dealing with Repairs, Renovations, Property Tax Issues, and Other Potential Disasters https://www.amazon.com/dp/0814473725/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ugenDb8HMP6CA
This one may seem rude if they don’t get the pun or are sensitive type.
Home Maintenance For Dummies https://www.amazon.com/dp/047043063X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YeenDbPEBKNXW
This one is a great guide and I actually use it regularly for training in hotel maintenance and housekeeping classes.
The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything https://www.amazon.com/dp/1328927326/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wfenDb3KGNC5J
I'm reading Maximum Control and Motorcycling Excellence. I've been riding for 10 years and for the $13 dollars spent on Motorcycling Excellence, I've gotten a great refresher. Plus, the chapter on wheel geometry has given me more confidence in the WNC twistys. Totally worth $13 IMHO. Not Started Maximum Control yet.
If you've never done anything before, you need to start with the basics:
https://www.amazon.com/Do-Yourself-Housebuilding-Complete-Handbook/dp/0806904240
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Do-Yourself-Manual-Completely/dp/0762105798
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Repair-Improvement-Updated/dp/158011783X
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Maintenance-Dummies-James-Carey/dp/047043063X
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Book-Home-How/dp/0760354766
There are more, but that selection covers virtually everything you'd run into.
There are a ton of books on those topics but you'd probably need to buy them separately for home and auto. You can also search the For Dummies publications to see if they have a home/car maintenance once.
Edit: They do.
Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson is a good one, it's the one I use. Google books knows about it but has no preview of it though.
Get a service manual. Nothing is hard to service on that car.
I would recommend that you purchase some DIY books to help you with jobs around the home:
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Yourself-Manual-Newly-Updated/dp/1621452018
https://www.amazon.com/Renovation-5th-Completely-Revised-Updated/dp/1631869590
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Repair-Improvement-Updated/dp/158011783X
This is where I started years ago. https://www.amazon.ca/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589235371/ref=nodl_
Just my personal opinions. Learn how to use the Ohms Law Computation Wheel:
http://ohmlaw.com/ohms-law-wheel/
Purchase an Ugly's Electrical Reference, and read it:
https://www.amazon.com/Uglys-Electrical-References-Bartlett-Learning/dp/128411936X
Purchase some GOOD tools.
Learn to bend conduit:
https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/EMT-Electrical-Conduit-Pipe-Bending-Instructions-a-Conduit-Bending-Guide-for-Beginning-Electricians
Learn the NEC.
Listen, observe, anticipate. Don't back stab. Be motivated and have a good work ethic.
I haven't purchased it yet but I've seen http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589235371 get recommended a few times here.
Do not panic. You will want to get a book like this one of how to do things around the house. I've been using the big orange one from Home Depot for well over 20 years; how to change the wax toilet ring hasn't changed, but there's a lot of newer things out there. Now why the heck am I recommending a dead-tree resource? Because you might not have terrific internet access when Something Bad happens. Many of these books have a little index of "how hard is this job" so you'll have a good idea up front whether it's something you can do or something you should call a pro about. They also usually have a materials list, which will hopefully help with the "seems like every repair requires at least 3 trips to Lowes" problem.
You will also want a fairly basic toolset right now. Maybe something like this. I have one from Harbour Freight that is serviceable but not terrific (ex got the tools in the most recent divorce, didn't want the book). There's also a lot to be said for having a good rechargeable electric screwdriver, but that can wait. Don't cheap out on this if you get one, be prepared to spend at least $50.
You also might try talking to the maintenance guy at your complex if you think he does a good job and is trustworthy (my inner former apartment manager is laughing about the odds of this being true). Tell him you're buying a house and hey, if I get in over my head can I pay you to do a little side work (and if so, what's your number)?
You can find general handyman books on Amazon which will provide you with what you’re looking for.
Amazon link to book
“This Old House” and Craftsman used to make these back in the day and can still be found but the one in the link above is he newer version and helps the new folks a lot.
Also, check the book stands at Lowe’s and Home Depot as you might find this there. See which has the price as well.
Library books. Read them before you buy them. I've a HUGE collection of books, and quite a few are just crap.
I like:
Back to Basics - There's an updated version of this, but it really isn't an update as far as I'm concerned, just a re-edit. You may like the third edition updated one better, as it covers Adobe houses (better suited for Texas, no?)
http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Traditional-American-Skills/dp/0895770865/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416268351&sr=1-2&keywords=Back+to+Basics
The Complete Book of Self Sufficiency - I find I open this book all the time to reference gardening stuff, as well as just homestead improvements. It's British, but they know how to do it.
http://www.amazon.com/New-Complete-Book-Self-Sufficiency/dp/1405345101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416268500&sr=1-1&keywords=Complete+book+of+self-sufficiency
Home Repair - if you haven't fixed anything around the house (plumbing, patched walls, heating, some common electrical) I highly recommend something like this. It covers tools and their uses, and it breaks down almost everything in a home (or barn) into 'systems'. A lot of pictures. I recommend this to everyone I know that buys a house, or I give it as a house warming gift.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589235371/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416268592&sr=1-5&keywords=The+Black+and+Decker+Home
One thing I'd like to say too. And this may sound like I'm being harsh, but I'm not. Don't hope to start something. Do. Yes, I'm sounding Yoda. I've found (and I'm slightly guilty of this as well, but not so much anymore) that people tend to overanalyze the crap out of everything. Just do. Start small (even a 4'x4' garden teaches you a lot) and do. You WILL make mistakes. You WILL fail sometimes. You WILL start to be successful after you make the mistakes and you WILL learn not to fail as much.
The first attempt will never be pretty or go exactly as planned. If it is pretty and it goes exactly as planned, then you have spent way to much time in starting it.
Oh. And if you plan on raising any livestock, remember that they do die despite your best efforts to keep them alive. And don't invest in any sort of permanent fencing until your nearly 100% sure that you are going to be raising that animal for some years to come and your 100% HAPPY in where you are confining them. Pulse-portable fencing is the greatest invention in the history of mankind.
https://www.amazon.com/What-Your-Contractor-Cant-Tell/dp/0979983800/
Along with this one -
http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Official-Service-Manual-Karmann/dp/0837616239/
The Idiot's guide is a fun read, but the Bentley is how it should be done. Use them together for best results.
Just for example, Muir hates the autochoke and tells you to take it off.
The Bentley will tell you how to adjust it.
Additionally, theSamba.com is a massive aircooled VW forum. I usually start there to just get my bearings. If you Google search with [the issue site:thesamba.com] you're very likely to find posts where others have had the same problem.
Even better than that one is this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Station-Official-Service-Manual/dp/0837616352/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1413919702&sr=8-11&keywords=volkswagen+repair+manual
I have both. This one gives step by step details specific to your bus and the correct details pertaining to your engine.
Don't get me wrong, the keep your volkswagen alive book is good for encouragement and common sense, but the service manual is where it's at. On the Samba, it's referred to as the Bentley manual. It really is the gold standard.
and -- while it's more for homeowners, this is a great book on all things steam heat:
http://www.amazon.com/Got-Steam-Heat-Dan-Holohan/dp/0974396001
Large text book, covers everything you could ever want to know.
https://www.amazon.com/Refrigeration-Conditioning-Technology-Bill-Whitman/dp/1111644470/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500075961&sr=8-1&keywords=modern+refrigeration+and+air+condition
This book is amazing, it will talk about everything refrigeration based, has a chapter on everything, lots of great pictures, dumbs down every peice of equipment. you will look like a pro if you read this book a few times.
its always in my van, most questions i can answer with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Refrigeration-Air-Conditioning-Technicians/dp/1428335269/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500075993&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=refrigeration+for+airconditing+technicians
Price range?
A Leatherman Surge with 40-Bit Assortment, Extension Driver and Saw and File Blades is something she'll keep forever although not specifically electrical.
Ugly's Electrical Reference is something every electrician should have.
Home Maintenance For Dummies https://www.amazon.com/dp/047043063X/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_LcfGub1W6ZA4A
Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated https://www.amazon.com/dp/0762105798/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_3efGub0KSG133
Well I'm guessing you are probably going to learn about residential systems first. Easy to learn. I learned out of this book.http://www.amazon.com/Refrigeration-Conditioning-Technology-Bill-Whitman/dp/1111644470/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418598491&sr=8-1&keywords=air+conditioning+textbook
The instructor will have his own choice of book though....First things you learn are principles of pressure and temperature, and then the basic refrigeration cycle, and then basic electricity...I would say getting a head start is great but the on hands with the teacher is really going to be what sticks with you....Some of the guys in this sub might agree that after you have read or been taught a little bit about it, it will stick better when you do it yourself
Millwright Bible:
Audel Millwrights and Mechanics Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764541714/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_llPIzbD42SBGQ
In this electronic age, there are still some classic books worth having in the toolbox. I think if you want it to be useful and thorough it can't be small.
You can have anything done in one of the following three ways:
There are four main cost categories that go into a house:
Assuming you have the land, we will ignore this.
Permits:
---
These are typically a set price, so these can be ignored too; regardless of if you build or contract the build, the permits will be the same.
Labor
---
Figure out what labor you can do yourself and what you can't. Some people are real good with the framing and can do plumbing, but electrical scares them, so they contract that work.
Some people can do all things but need extra hands for some heavy lifting; many times laborers can be hired specifically for helping to raise walls and steady sheathing for attachment. Roofing is one that usually requires some level of hired help.
Most people do, and should, hire a contractor to prepare a proper foundation.
Materials
---
For the work you do yourself, you will be getting the materials yourself. When house plans are purchased, many times they come with the material requirements for the framing in terms of linear footage: every exterior corner needs 3 studs, every 16" of wall needs a stud. Every wall needs two top plates and a bottom plate. Every X sqft of floor needs y amount of plywood sheets. Many contractors have formulas that automatically figure this stuff out, but you will have to do it yourself.
Anything contracted comes with the materials included in the final price.
Buying in bulk is cheaper and many contractors have deals with their suppliers for lower-priced materials due to volume expectation and business history.
All that said, the median price for home construction including an unfinished garage is $155 per sq. ft. the low end is $125 per sqft.
For 850 sqft, that's about $106K to 131K.
This involved contracted work at every level, so everything you do yourself knocks off a chunk of that cost.
The first step is getting the plans. If you want to do this, buy the plans and build the house in sketchup or similar.
Learn the codes for building; Internet searches can help with this immensely and there are a few layman's guides for home inspections and code-adherence. This book helped me out a lot too.
Your house plans include the following:
This makes things very easy because it tells you how to arrange the foundation footings, how to lay the beams and joists, and how to frame the walls. A simple count of things will give you a cost break down for the materials, then add 10-15% of that for a rough estimate.
Next factor in contractors for things you can't do yourself. Remove the materials from your materials cost and then add in the contractor cost. This is your new estimate.
From experience I can tell you that framing is about the easiest part of the whole job. It's labor-intensive, but it's very easy to do. I recommend a nail gun unless you are an experienced carpenter or framer; those guys can drive a sinker in with a single whack... my money is on you taking at least 8 whacks, per nail.
I don't see this taking $50K or less. Price estimates look like this, for all non-framing:
Electrical plans for new home plans are usually pretty light (pun) on the illumination options. Many new homes don't have a light in the room at all except for the kitchens and bathrooms. With your electrical cost, plan for adding additional lighting like recessed, pendant, sconce, etc. Plan for ceiling fans
Dry wall you can do yourself easily. Hire experienced tapers to do the seams.
Painting can be done yourself.
Flooring can be done yourself, tile is harder than wood, is harder than laminate. Good tile guys can knock a floor out pretty fast.
Trim work can be done yourself. mind the studs.
Windows can be done yourself, but a set of guys hired to install the new-construction windows can pop them in in a hurry.
Hire someone to do the front door hanging; leaks are a bitch and front doors are heavy. Do the interior doors yourself.
Exterior siding is a big job. If it's stucco or brick, hire a contractor, especially for the brick. If it's vinyl, that's easy. Wood is about as easy as vinyl.
If you ever wonder what should or should not be done by a contractor: go here
[A book that might help.] (http://www.amazon.com/Working-Alone-Tips-Techniques-Building/dp/1561585459/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321449573&sr=8-1)
I do everything by myself, and I make a point of at least keeping my cell on my, so in the event that I do get injured, I can call for help.
I would worry about condensation and mold on your cool ceiling. If your summers are humid, that would be a bigger problem than if they're dry...
We just put in radiant heating in our home last year and had a very pleasant winter. It was a DIY job and the Siegenthaler book was extremely helpful. Definitely worth the money. Another excellent resource: heatinghelp.com
Good luck!
RSES has some great instructional stuff. The study materials for the NATE tests are also good. I feel it's really important to actually understand the refrigeration cycle and the physics behind heat movement.
If you can find a copy or PDF of this book it's the main text for most HVAC programs.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1111644470/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1488250772&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=hvac+book
Yeah look for idronics, you can request copies but they are all probably online. They also have monthly webinars that get put on YouTube eventually.
Another good read would be https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1428335153
Also anything by Dan Holohan
I recently had an architect design a house and bid out to general contractors to build it. I read "What Your Contractor Can't Tell You" before the process and found it very helpful. It covers some of your options and steps through the process from start to finish (it is both remodeling, additions, and full house info which is not all relevant to a new build). The big first decision is design-build vs independent architect and traditional bid process. Design-build would probably be a more smooth process, but it can lock you in depending on how the firm works. Some design-build firms will let you leave after the design process with the plans, but you need to know all that up front in writing. One thing that became apparent to me during the build that it would probably cost more and take longer if I tried to GC it myself. That would also have been a 50 hour per week job. I don't begrudge paying the GC fee at all.
While not what you specifically asked for, in the same vein I would suggest keeping a copy of both the Pocket Reference and the Handymain In-your-pocket good books to have on hand for lots of different situations.
Buy a good, basic repair book. I like this one.
http://epb.lbl.gov/thermal/hydronic.html
http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Hydronic-Heating-Residential-Commercial/dp/1428335153
Hydronics is a well tested and used technology, just that its expensive in the initial installation. Similar as with solar panels, you have to pay up front, but then it pays for itself.
Sinking an insulated tank containing a couple of tonnes of water in your basement is quite easy, easy also to heat up the water with water panels on your roof, then extract the heat later.
People use this to maintain 65F temps in their modern ultra efficient houses.
Google and read up on it.
As an EE, I learned all the theory at college, but when I need to reference what residential code requires instead of trying to work it out from code for industrial machines or first principles, I (and my Dad, a good carpenter but no training in electronics) use "Wiring Simplified":
http://www.amazon.com/Wiring-Simplified-Based-National-Electrical/dp/097929455X
Cheap, and it concisely covers everything you'd need to know to correctly wire a house. I think you can learn the basic mechanics of the wiring it won't cover (like "how to strip Romex without nicking the inner wires") from YouTube, a friend, or Hard Knocks.
here
Modern Hydronics is a great start.
http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Hydronic-Heating-Residential-Commercial/dp/1428335153
Look into the trade groups as well.
http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu
https://www.ashrae.org
The book on this is Home Comforts (new from $10). It is like the bible of taking care of the shit you own in your house. I bought a copy after seeing Jesse on Put This On recommend it about 12 times; I wasn't disappointed.
https://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Station-Wagon-Service-Manual/dp/0837616352
It has been a great tool in working on my bus.
The Black and Decker book somebody else mentioned is solid.
Wiring Simplified is a perennial classic and a must-own book for every homeimprover, IMHO. https://www.amazon.com/dp/097929455X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3T3yxbXVKFZQ4
It's been published for something like 70+ years and is updated by imminently qualified individuals with every NEC update.
Edit: I should add that this won't make you a master electrician but it will familiarize you with pretty much all foundational electrical considerations found within a normal household, give you reference points within the NEC, and empower you to do detailed research for any specific or unique items that might pop up around your house or barn.
I found this book at my local library when we first got our house with a single pipe steam system, it's an easy read and very useful.
https://www.amazon.com/Got-Steam-Heat-Dan-Holohan/dp/0974396001
Those look very interesting, and the first seems like it might specifically address techniques to build without others' aid. If that is OP's situation and intent then toward that end I might add John Carroll's Working Alone.
When the system was installed, that radiator got hot. figure out what's wrong with what you got. I sympathize with knucklehead contractors.
check out the steam forum at heatinghelp.com, and read Dan Holohan's we got steam heat!.
If all of the black trim is original, that is very likely a 110 "very stripped" standard edition. Originally would have come with partial headliner, cardboard door cards and more. It does look as though the seats have been replaced with something else, but otherwise not bad.
New running boards will improve the visuals by quite a bit.
As you've never owned an aircooled beetle before, the first step should be reading the owners manual cover to cover. Pay particular attention to pages 16, 17, 20, and the tick marks on the speedometer seen on page 12. The tick marks go with page 17, and are one of the tricks to keeping the engine running more than a week. A PDF of your owners manual can be found here: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/74beetle/1974_Beetle_Owners_Manual.pdf
Two books you should buy are the Orange Bentley manual. This is the factory repair manual, and should be your first stop for any repair steps: https://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Beetle-Karmann-Official-Service/dp/0837616239/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543597712&sr=8-1&keywords=Beetle+repair+bentley
You can find these used on thesamba.com, craigslist, used book stores or a VW show. But get one before you need it. I pay $15-20 for pristine used ones, $5-10 for ones that look used.
The second book a lot of people will recommend you is "How to Keep your VW Alive". It's a fun read, has a lot of good information in it, but should ONLY be considered a secondary source to the orange book. How to keep your beetle alive does have a fair bit of incorrect information in it. BUT if you're just starting out with cars, it is quite helpful. I do think new VW owners should read the book, but double check all his repair procedures against the orange book. The artwork inside is worth the $25 to buy a new one: https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step-Step/dp/1566913101/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1543597922&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=how+to+keep+your+volkswagen+alive&psc=1
If that right front headlight is filled with water, swap out both headlights for H4 lamps. They use a replaceable bulb, and are significantly better than what came with your car. A little bit of rewiring is required (I can help with that remotely), but otherwise they are drop-in. You can buy these from your Friendly Local AutoParts Store (FLAPS), a number of the VW online vendors or often Amazon. Heres the kit you want: http://www.myhellalights.com/index.php/products/auxiliary-lamps/sealed-beam-conversion-headlamps/vision-plus-7in-conversion-headlamp/ Order it at Autozone, Pep Boys, NAPA, etc by the part number. Often they have them in stock.
If you ever want to upgrade your car to chrome bumpers, trim, handles, etc. There are guys (like me) who will pay for your black stuff. It's generally undesirable except to the German Look guys.
Showing my age, but...yes, YouTube is GREAT, but I have really appreciated this series of books: http://www.amazon.com/Time-life-Home-Repair-Improvement-Set/dp/B008271QRE
I don't have all of them in the series, but the ones I have are well used. I can pour over them in preparation for a project and refer to them during. I don't need power nor internet to use them. I'm not a Luddite - I love technology. But when it comes to working around the house I go fairly low-tech.
My wife and I joke about how I measure the difficulty of a project; the formula is the number of Time/Life books + the number of trips to HomeDepot = project difficulty.
I'm a white-collar guy who has paid plenty of great tradespeople to do the "hard stuff" over the years. But at 52 I have a basement tool room filled with tools and gadgets I bought, used once, and said "next time I'm paying for someone to do that". But I wouldn't trade the bruised knuckles, sore muscles, and countless dust masks for anything given the satisfaction I have from doing stuff myself.
Good luck and have fun!
(BTW, the Habitat for Humanity suggestion is a GREAT idea!!)
I have a small section of these: https://www.amazon.com/Time-life-Home-Repair-Improvement-Set/dp/B008271QRE
And they are pretty awesome. While out of date, they provide an extreme amount of useful knowledge.
The Big Orange Book by Home Depot is also good.
buy a book http://www.amazon.com/Home-Maintenance-Dummies-James-Carey/dp/047043063X
Incredibly helpful book for dealing with contractors - written by a former construction manager:
What Your Contractor Can't Tell You: The Essential Guide to Building and Renovating
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction.
I love this book. It has great tips, structures, methods, and detailed pictures to show how to accomplish what you're looking for. Also mentions code requirements. In the link above, it goes to the third edition, which is what I own.
I haven't actually used it that much on jobs because I've gone union and work mostly commercial jobs, but I've used it on some other projects for straight framing and it was great.
Here is a link for the fourth edition.
Also to add, this is a very common circuit. If it looks foreign or strange to you, you may not know enough about what you're doing.
Might want to learn some more before you do something that ends with fire trucks.
This book is great: http://www.amazon.com/Wiring-Simplified-Based-National-Electrical/dp/097929455X/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51AzkPoYkkL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_&refRID=0C6HNSNPS5291MH60M73
I don't think you will find a single book that covers both of those adequately.
FRAMING REFERENCE GUIDES:
Complete Book of Framing: An Illustrated Guide for Residential Construction
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction (For Pros By Pros
LOAD CALCULATIONS:
Carpenter's Calculations Manual
This one is pretty thorough and goes into some detail about a lot of scenarios you may otherwise panic in as a beginner. Things like skidding, adverse weather and floods, sudden mechanical failure, debris in the road, cornering on cambers, loads.
Be warned it starts basic as hell, but it builds into some quite important stuff.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1884313477/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If altering walls/floorplans is important to you, definitely make sure to bone up on framing and carpentry - there are some great books on Amazon that are geared towards apprentices. They're very easy to understand and will help you figure out how to make changes to your home. At the very least, you'll be familiar enough with basic concepts to ask smart questions of any contractors you hire in the future.
Also, you'll want to learn about the difference between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.
If you're looking to find a professional for his/her opinion, assistance or labor, asking elderly neighbors for recommendations is a good place to start. Don't overlook asking around at your local mom & pop hardware, plumbing store or sawmill as well. The "gruff curmudgeon" working the counter for the last 20 years has seen & heard a lot and can be an invaluable resource.
If you find yourself buying supplies locally, it's almost always preferable to buy them on a 'cash and carry' basis at a source that sells to pro-contractors. Sherwin-Williams vs Home Depot, for example. These guys sell products that are meant to last (no pro worth his or her salt wants to come back and redo a job they just finished because something has failed or broken) and that aren't available in big-box stores. The more you buy, the more of a relationship you will build, and this is always a good thing when it comes to DIY. There are a lot of fantastic roofing/plumbing/tile shops in nondescript pole-barns out in the middle of 'nowhere'. You can usually find these shops by reading pro-forums online, searching for products that are mentioned, and then looking for distributors on those product manufacturer's websites.
Last but not least, if you ever find yourself looking for granite or marble counters, pay a visit to your local tombstone/monument company. You can often pick up amazing deals, and if your project is small enough, you can buy their "scrap" trimmings for far, far less than you would pay at Lowe's or a custom kitchen company. (We scored beautiful marble thresholds and window sills for our bathroom remodel for $20 each; the tombstone maker custom-cut them out of a piece of overage he had leaned up against the back of the building.)
They got the Time Life series.
Oh man half my wishlist would make me more productive/get me enough materials to start a project. Uhh.... uhhhhhhhhh this
As an EE that work closely with "the trade" for years - be sure to get a copy of Ugly's and the NEC.
Yes KahnAcademy would be good, you need to work the problems, not just read the content.
But the problems faced by a typical electrician - are not really address in circuit theory that EE would take.
I believe the Mike Holt forum can be a good guidance source as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Uglys-Electrical-References-Bartlett-Learning/dp/128411936X
Ugly's Electrical References is a phenomenal handbook. Filled with all sorts of useful information, including most NEMA connectors and their wiring guides. Definitely worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/Uglys-Electrical-References-2014-Edition/dp/1449690777
https://www.amazon.ca/Audel-Millwrights-Mechanics-Guide-Thomas/dp/0764541714
Most of us own this one.
Not sure if these have been mentioned, but I saw the one Pocket Ref.
I also have these...
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=geSZAwAAQBAJ&source=productsearch&utm_source=HA_Desktop_US&utm_medium=SEM&utm_campaign=PLA&pcampaignid=MKTAD0930BO1&gl=US&gclid=CMi438_3680CFZPgMgodqzMIEQ&gclsrc=ds
https://www.amazon.com/Electrical-Pal-Reference-Engineering-Publications/dp/0965217108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468258071&sr=1-1&keywords=electrical+pal
https://www.amazon.com/Handyman--Your-Pocket-Richard-Allen-Young/dp/1885071299/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468258247&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=handman+in+your+pocket
I recently re-ordered these. I tend to open them up and read them, but ultimately I end up using the conduit bending one most. They'd make a great gift and low-cost.
Capt. Crash Idaho has some good tips and techniques with his free videos.
Here are some basic parking lot exercises. A tip for laying out parking lot cones--get a bunch of bright yellow tennis balls and cut them in half. You'll get two "cones" for the price of one tennis ball.
There's a lot of good articles on Bike Safer.
There are some good books and DVDs if he's willing to spend a few bucks, get the Total Control or Ride Like a Pro DVDs. RLAP is mostly focused on slow-speed tight turning techniques (like the police bike "rodeos" do). More Proficient Motorcycling book is great for street survival tips. If he's willing and able to spend more money, then he could take a course, such as Total Control, MSF Experienced Rider course, etc. Speaking of MSF, you can get their book here.
When I took the MSF Beginning Rider Course, several of the other students already had experience riding and owned their own bikes. They, like me, were there to refresh the basic skills and maybe learn something new because we were all self-taught. BRC isn't cheap, but I think it's worthwhile, and being on a bike in a structured environment like that might be just the confidence-builder that he needs.
Edit: I found a link to PDF files from the MSF, including their textbook for the BRC.
The only things I'm going to say to add to this in depth post is that not all states require a permit before your MSF class. I didn't need one in Washington State. So look up your state's laws and see what you need to do. Also, my class was $125, I think.
You'll need boots that go above the ankle and gloves and long sleeves before you take the class. If you know you're going to be riding for sure, you can go and get good gear beforehand, but even someone as ATGATT as myself was fine with jeans and my regular jacket rather than full gear. The fastest I went was maybe 25 in a smooth parking lot without anything more dangerous than a cone to hit. Yes, there's the risk of injury, but my four layers (it was cold) would have protected me enough for that, I think. There was zero risk of hitting another car, and a small chance of hitting another bike (in most classes, mine had three people, one failed, and so it was two of us).
I agree with a 250 bike of some sort. I started on a Rebel 250 and loved it, but I'm 5'1" and a size four (I'm female) so it was fine for me. Anybody over about 5'5" would be too tall for the Rebel. But find what kind of bike you want -- sports bike, cruiser, standard, etc. -- and get one with a low curb weight and smaller engine. Just for now. I've actually never completely dropped a bike, but twice I've tipped bikes over. The Rebel was in my MSF class and I got it upright on my own. The second was my brand new Harley, riding it back from the dealership, and I couldn't get the bike up on my own, my husband had to help. Tipping the Rebel, and knowing how to get it upright on my own meant that when I tipped the Harley I didn't panic and I could hold it until my husband got over to me (he had followed me home, so I knew he was there and he could help). Had he not been there I would have figured it out, I'm sure, but knowing I could do it for a smaller bike at least caused me not to panic and not to let go.
Also, get this book. http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Safety-Foundations-Motorcycling-Excellence/dp/1884313477/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332116572&sr=1-1 The "textbook" I got during my MSF class was a light version of this. But I read this before my class, showed up an hour late accidentally (which is normally an immediate dismissal), and breezed through the classroom stuff because I'd read the book. That was the only reason I was allowed to stay. The other book was a joke compared to the amount of information in this one. I read it over the course of two weeks before my class. It was because of this book I knew how to stand the bike up after having tipped it, even on my own (my instructor came over, but didn't touch it). I was seriously the Hermione of the class having read this book beforehand.
Otherwise, I completely agree with the others. Take the class, start on a small bike, don't forget to buy gear enough to keep you as alive as possible, look up the laws of your state, and enjoy it!
Well to take your request fairly literal: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Maintenance-Dummies-James-Carey/dp/047043063X/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517604351&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=homewonwers+for+dummies
https://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Guide-Frame-Construction-Designers/dp/1600850235
Something like this Black & Decker The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair.
When I bought our first house, Home Depot / Lowes / Menards gift cards were the best thing I got.
I think you'll find the keep your house clean part is seriously helped with this book: http://www.amazon.com/Home-Comforts-Science-Keeping-House/dp/068481465X
OR get enough money 80 bucks weekly for a maid service is no big deal.
Keep in mind that you won't learn how to do these things, until you have to do them. The trick is that when you have to do them, you research on how to do it the right way.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589234170/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265391130&sr=8-1
Get this book. 6 months ago I wasnt able to use a hammer to save my life. Last week I put down a kitchen floor from scratch, the week before I completely redid a bathroom ceiling (drywall and edging), and so on and so on.
Congrats on your house, and good luck renovating! Here are some resources I found that I hope will help:
if you want to earn yourself an A while doing whatever you want. check out this book. will be the best 20 bucks you spend all year
https://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Guide-Frame-Construction-Designers/dp/1600850235
Before there was Youtube I used a series of how to books published by Time-Life. They were sold by subscription, you’d get one a month. Each would on s separate topic, framing, wiring, plumbing, building decks and porches, masonry repairs and so on. They were carefully illustrated and well written. I subscribed for a while and then came upon a big stack of them at a yard sale. I’m sure they still show up for sale, no one puts them in the trash.
https://www.amazon.com/Time-life-Home-Repair-Improvement-Set/dp/B008271QRE
A radon test and a set of these: https://www.amazon.com/Time-life-Home-Repair-Improvement-Set/dp/B008271QRE
Good luck! Here's some crucial literature as well!
http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Station-Official-Service-Manual/dp/0837616352/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416243503&sr=8-3&keywords=vw+bentley+manual
http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step---Step/dp/1566913101/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416243535&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+keep+your+volkswagen+alive
Read the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Safety-Foundations-Motorcycling-Excellence/dp/1884313477#reader_1884313477
We have the set listed below. Hopefully the link works, but it's for the Time/Life home improvement series. We bought a new one in the series every month or some such.
https://www.amazon.com/Time-life-Home-Repair-Improvement-Set/dp/B008271QRE
This may help
http://www.amazon.com/Uglys-Electrical-References-2014-Edition/dp/1449690777. For reference.
This is novel, I get to post on this sub as an answerer instead of a questioner lol.
So, I've got 6 VW busses. They are not really for sale so to speak but those are the credentials. I bought my first bus in 1998 for a $300 while still in high school with 0 mechanical knowledge other than changing my oil.
As some have said here the best way to start is to just jump right in! Find one you like and go for it. When I started buying VWs they were still trash vehicles, everybody had an old one in the backyard and they were just looking to get rid of them. Now they are a bit more precious, you will pay much more for a poor condition bus than I would have for a great one back then. But the upside is there are many more aftermarket places for things that were harder to find then. NADA, Edmunds and the like are useless to find out what busses are worth. It's best to get familiar with online VW communities like the Samba they also have an excellent classified section.
I used a book 60% of the time to figure things out on my bus. Two books you REALLY NEED are The Idiot's Guide and the Bentley book. Between these you are pretty much covered. The Idiot's Guide is similar to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, I would recommend reading it cover to cover.
For the other 40% of my VW learning curve I utilized people's advice. Air cooled VW enthusiasts are the best people to get to know. They will always wave and stop to chat when you finally get to drive your bus. Find your closest VW auto club and start joining in activities, make connections and offer to help people fix their cars, it will be a huge help and you will make friends.
Now just a quick final observation and opinion. You said you wanted a "camper van". From that description I can point you to a a '68 to '79 Westphalia. Those are what most people picture with that description. There are three main body styles for busses; Splitty, Bay Window and Vanagon all fall under the general model number Type 2 (beetles are type 1). I don't want to write a novel here so I'll cut it short. If you have any other questions feel free to ask here or PM me, if I don't know I'll know where to look.
Audel Electrical Course for Apprentices and Journeymen
Ugly's Electrical References, 2017 Edition 5th Edition
Ugly's Residential Wiring, 2017 Edition 2nd Edition
Wiring Simplified: Based on the 2017 National Electrical Code®
I did that test (ua787?) right out of college, it's not an easy one. The science is based around refrigeration theory and the math gets quite challenging without a calculator. The mechanical aptitude is easy enough if you're familiar with the questions. I recommend picking up "Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology" and study at least the first few chapters. Here's a link: https://www.amazon.ca/Refrigeration-Conditioning-Technology-Bill-Whitman/dp/1111644470
I hesitate to tell you, not because I'm being a troll, but because if you don't already know, you have some studying to do in order to do this project safely.
Here's a good start: https://www.amazon.com/Wiring-Simplified-Based-National-Electrical/dp/097929455X/
I too am going to be taking my safety course, next month. I got this book to help me before I take the course. They'll go over all of this stuff in the class, but I figured it can't hurt to study before! I've only read about half of the book, but I've already learned a ton. Definitely recommend you read it if you get the chance.
http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Hydronic-Heating-Residential-Commercial/dp/1428335153
this is a good one for hydronics. also can't go wrong with keeping a copy of pumping away and primary secondary pumping made easy
http://www.amazon.com/Primary-Secondary-Pumping-Made-Easy-Holohan/dp/0974396079
Need to adjust the air vents, not necessarily the main shutoff valve. The air vent releases air in the radiator, allowing the steam in. If you slow down this rate of release you slow down how fast the steam (heat) gets to the radiator. I'd recommend this book if you plan on staying at this home for a better understanding on how this heat system works: We Got Steam Heat! https://www.amazon.com/dp/0974396001/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_CCQQwbFQDG99S
I like the Black & Decker series of DIY books. Aside from those, I've always found Pocket Reference and Handyman In Your Pocket essentials for any toolbox.
https://www.amazon.com/Time-life-Home-Repair-Improvement-Set/dp/B008271QRE
Go get yourself this book. Read.
You can find a free PDF file if you know where to look.
https://www.amazon.com/Refrigeration-Conditioning-Technology-Bill-Whitman/dp/1111644470
https://www.amazon.com/Audel-Millwrights-Mechanics-Guide-Thomas/dp/0764541714
^ This book is a godsend.
Anytime... And this http://www.amazon.com/Uglys-Electrical-References-2014-Edition/dp/1449690777
The one we call 'Ugly's' maybe?
First off congrats on the job. When I was in college (millwright) one of the books required to buy and the best book I own is audels millwright and mechanics guide. If there is ever a question you have about how industrial mechanics work, conversion math for hydraulics and ratios I can’t list enough. this book has it. We call it the Bible because it literally has everything you need to know. I’m recommending it because you are a new industrial mechanic starting out and I think it would work wonders for you to learn the new trade.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764541714/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518832314&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=audels+millwrights+and+mechanics+guide&dpPl=1&dpID=51tK6Sw-fSL&ref=plSrch
Ugly's Electrical References is another good one I think
Would this be a good book to read? http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764541714?cache=3cd34ee3c888fad50c92172c9e028dd2&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1411129646&sr=8-35#ref=mp_s_a_1_35
Depends how deep you want to go, in my opinion. Personally I've got two of those Black and Decker books and I've used them for project ideas, but I always find them lacking when I actually dig into a project. I usually end up buying something very specific to what I'm doing. Here are a few of my favorites:
For Old Home Owners: Renovating Old Houses
Painting: Painting Houses: Inside & Out
Framing: Frame Construction: For Pros by Pros
Orange Bentley
Used ones are cheaper at swap meets/shows or on The Samba. The earlier editions have color coded wiring diagrams, but you can print those from the technical archives of off The Samba.
Not a tip, but a recommendation for the gold mine of all homemaking guidance. It’s a book called Home Comforts : The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson. It’s an incredible resource and has helped me so much!!
Seconded.
For only $18 on Amazon, the Black and Decker books are great.
There will be times you don't want to run back and forth to a PC, or watch a video on your phone (while elbow deep in a toilet) and having a book to sit beside you is more convenient.
In my limited experience, the better people are more matter of fact, willing to teach and not pushy. The detail on the quotes I've gotten weren't reflective of the experience, workmanship or honesty of the person involved.
If someone wants to take advantage of your (my) lack of knowledge, they will. I ended up going with the old school guy who emailed me his quote over the guy with the long pdf and gantt chart.
This book may be useful, though maybe more geared towards large projects with more formal requirements: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979983800/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I am going to have to say the Complete Guide to Home Repair. I have it and the Complete Guide to Wiring and both are excellent.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589235371