Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 7, Issue 12, December 2003

Copyright 2003 Seattle Sun. Please feel free to use the article below in your research. Be sure to cite the Seattle Sun as your source.

AROUND THE HOME:

Christmas gifts for homeowners

By MATT MAURY

A few months ago I bought a digital camera. It isn't a fancy camera, just one that I can point and click. It does all the thinking it automatically focuses, it decides if the flash is needed, and it shows me the picture immediately so I can decide if I like it or not. "Easy to use," it said on the box.

I was quite amazed that with it came a 157-page instruction manual. It made me glad that I had not purchased a higher quality camera, which probably would have had a 300- or 400-page booklet.

As I was thumbing through the instructions, I realized that most every item we buy comes with some sort of instructions either printed on a label, in a booklet, or on a diskette.

The one exception is the most expensive thing we ever buy our home. If it's a new house, the builder has probably saved the instruction books for the appliances. But, nothing else is written down. If the home is a resale, there is usually very little left behind.

For many a homeowner, especially the first-time one, the question is: "What's a good resource for me?"

That's why these books might make great gifts ... for family, friends, or for yourself.

"How A House Works," by Duane Johnson (Readers Digest Publishing 192 pages) The author learned from his own home that "the more you understand the house you live in, the more you will appreciate and enjoy it, especially since you will no longer panic when minor disasters strike." In plain, everyday language, he talks about all the elements of a home it's construction, plumbing, electricity, insulation, roofing, painting, etc. The accompanying illustrations are equally easy to understand. From explaining why houses don't fall down to why a three-prong adapter usually won't provide any grounding protection in a two-prong wall outlet, this book provides most of the information a homeowner will every need to understand the workings of a house.

"New Complete Guide To Home Repair & Improvement," edited by Benjamin Allen for Better Homes & Gardens Books (Meredith Books 600 pages) This book moves from understanding a home to working on it. I believe that it is the most extensive book available to cover those projects that will face a homeowner sooner or later. With over 3,000 easy-to-understand illustrations, the book gives very detailed explanations of everything from replacing a lamp cord to constructing a brick patio; from replacing broken glass to installing new counters. Whether a do-it-yourselfer or a hire-a-pro homeowner, this book will explain what needs to be done for any upkeep, repair or improvement project. For those who are unsure of the need to call in a professional, each project lists the skills needed, the tools it will take, and the average time necessary to complete it.

"The Homeowner's Ultimate Tool Guide," by Sandor Nagyszalanczy (Taunton Press 288 pages) The author has been a "tool buff" from many years and knows what is best for both the first-time homeowner and the master craftsman. This easy-to-read book, including over 400 photos, helps a homeowner select the tools that should be in any residence. The book goes through 14 categories carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, etc. showing the right tools for any job. Even for those hoping to avoid any projects around the house, there are recommendations of the tools hammer, screw drivers, pliers, etc. that are needed for a basic toolbox in any home.

These three books are available in most bookstores brick-and-mortar or online. Happy holidays!