Books: Dare to Repair, Replace & Renovate

There is a reason why Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet's previous two books, "Dare to Repair" and "Dare to Repair Your Car," made the "New York Times" Best Seller list: These two ladies know home improvement. If you have ever looked at a home repair project and thought you couldn't do it, Sussman and Glakas-Tenet are here to prove you wrong.

"Dare To Repair, Replace & Renovate" is part instruction manual, and part cheering section. The authors present 35 common renovations in accessible detail. Using layman's language, they make doing things like replacing your toilet, installing a bathroom vanity, and burying an outdoor lighting cable look doable to the average lady (or man). While the book is marketed to women, it could be the first stop for anyone who doubts their own mechanical acumen or needs to brush up on construction technique. The authors don't miss a detail - they cover every aspect of the project, from buying supplies to installation to clean up. You'd think that all that mechanical detail might get boring, but their prose is not only readable, it is friendly and entertaining.

The book's message can be summed up by the phrase, "Work smarter, not harder." For instance, the chapter on painting walls emphasizes preparation and proper materials so that one need not repeat the project. The authors cover every possible scenario that could sabotage your painting effort. In the section on preparing the walls for paint, they warn readers, "The reason for cleaning the walls is to remove the dirt so that you're not painting over it, and also because a clean wall will allow the paint to adhere better. And if you have pets in your home, this is really important to do because otherwise you'll find yourself painting over cat and dog hairs that landed on the walls." Would you have thought of that?

Each chapter contains beautiful illustrated diagrams and an illustrated supply list. Of the book's many cute quirks, the supply lists in a few sections include a picture of a lady wearing trousers and the caption, "Helpful friend." Readers will take comfort in the diagram of "Removing the P-trap and Garbage Disposal" in the chapter "Replacing a Garbage Disposal."

The safety risks of doing your own electrical work can be deadly, and one of the most reassuring features of "Dare to Repair, Replace & Renovate" is the repetitive emphasis on safety. Sussman and Glakas-Tenet never miss an opportunity to instruct readers to check that their power is off before beginning electrical projects, and they note when it's critical to throw in the towel and call a professional electrician. They never fail to remember ladder safety, and there are chapters dedicated to safety-promoting projects, like "Installing a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter," "Installing a Shower Grab Bar," and "Installing a Motion-Activated Security Floodlight."

The authors seem very mindful that most people turn to do-it-yourself projects in order to save money. Accordingly, they stress value, mentioning what's worth spending extra on for quality. They push saving money on labor but investing in high quality, long-lasting renovation products. For example, in the section on installing a ceiling fan, they say, "You can typically tell if the motor is of good quality by the higher cost of the fan ($15 vs. $150), the length of the warranty (five years vs. fifty years), and if it contains sealed bearings, which are permanently lubricated (providing quiet operation)." In the chapter on installing solar outdoor lights, they say, "We think it's worth spending the extra money to buy the best or premium grade product."

The sheer variety of projects in this book is impressive. The authors address all of the minor renovations that maintain and increase home value. They don't tackle the really big stuff, like the roof, although they do discuss gutter maintenance in a couple chapters. "Dare to Repair, Replace & Renovate" is one empowering book. Projects that seem way beyond reach suddenly seem reasonable. The authors say, "In Dare to Repair, Replace & Renovate, we're challenging you to take those home projects that are on your wish list and move them to your new can-do list." The book definitely delivers their promise.