From the Editors

<DIV>Bathrooms are one of the most popular-and expensive- home remodeling projects. Because of the expense, do-it-yourselfers can enjoy enormous savings over the cost of having the work done by contractors. In addition to the quality-of-life benefits offered by a new or remodeled bathroom, a new bath can add substantial equity to the value of a home-in some instances, the entire expense is offset by increased home value. A bathroom is one of the few remodeling projects for which this is true.<p><i>The Complete Guide to Bathrooms</i> is the only book homeowners will ever need on this important subject. It includes virtually every type of bathroom remodeling project, from the most cosmetic dress-up to the most complete renovation.<p>This comprehensive guide includes an impressive idea section to open readers' eyes to options. In addition to basic fixture replacement information, the book includes extended how-to information on creating a new master bathroom, basement bath, or half bath, from rough plumbing in exposed framing through final fixture connections. It also teaches how to install ceramic floor tile, install an adjustable slide-bar shower head, and create a glass-block divider wall. Finally, a section on Universal Design shows how to adapt a bathroom for someone with mobility limitations-an elderly family member, for example, or one with a physical limitation.</DIV>
Product Description

Customer Response

louise
My son-in-law had this to help him remodel his bathroom and recommended it highly. We borrowed it for a few days and decided we had to have our own copy to guide us along on our two bathroom remodels planned for this winter. We have already learned much.

Good overview but can't do it all
This is a nice overview of bathroom remodeling projects. It's targetted at the DIY-er but even if you're contracting out, it will give you some design ideas and help make you aware of the choices you'll need to consider. It contains a number of how-tos with lots of photos for both demolition and construction or remodeling. However, if you are serious about DIY, this book is just a start. It lacks detail in many important areas. For instance, the drywall section is a laughable 3-4 pages and the tub installation is definitely minimal. (Nothing in there about framing to make an enclosed tub fit the space!) I don't regret buying the book, but I ended up purchasing additional plumbing, eletrical, drywall, and tile books for my major DIY bathroom remodeling project. Also, for those who own several other Black & Decker home improvement series books, you'll find recycling of many photos and instruction in this book. There is clear duplication of content with the B&D plumbing and electrical books.

Excellent book
I'm reasonably handy but I don't have any professional construction experience. I'm in the process of completely remodeling a bathroom from the studs & joists in. In preparation, I've read a lot of books on construction and plumbing. This book is my favorite of the bunch.

First, it's VERY well illustrated--you could probably learn 90% of what you need to know just by looking at the photographs.

The captions accompanying the photographs are for the most part reasonably clear. I say "for the most part" because the instructions on installing fixtures suffer a little bitfrom a lack of specificity. You can't really blame the authors for this, though--copper pipes are more or less the same no matter who the manufacturer is, but what's true for a Price Pfister faucet may not always be true for some other brand. On the other hand, the professional advice given in the instructions and sidebars more than makes up for any shortcoming. Personally, I feel like I got my money's worth .

he Complete Guide to Bathrooms: Ideas & Projects for Building & Remodeling (
This is an excellent book for the beginner through pro. It provides many helpful insights.

Home Improvement projects
I bought several of the B&D books and they are helpful but they routinely copy items from the other books. The bathroom book and plumbing book share alot of the same content - disappointing when you purchase two books but you are only getting 1 1/2 of new material.

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