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Product Description
BBC Good Homes, October 2007
'covers everything you need to know from easy-to-accomplish tasks to advanced jobs'
Review
“A book that does exactly what it says on the tin” – Sarah Vine, The Times
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
155 of 156 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
There is no denying the scope of this book is, to say the least, comprehensive. It covers almost every topic imaginable in DIY from dry lining your basement to capping the chimney and covers it at every range whether you just want to change a fuse or rewire the entire building.
That scope though is both its virtue and its problem. Yes I can pick this up and be fairly confident that it will tell me how to go about building a stud wall but I know that it is also likely to be something of an overview of the subject rattled off in a few paragraphs. Often that is enough. There are a lot of jobs where a grasp of the basics and a willingness to have a go are good enough and if I'm laying new paving slabs I'll read this and go for it. Alternatively there are some jobs where I'd like a little more expertise than this can provide. Yes this book will tell me how to change the main fuse box but I'm not going to do that when it means working on the live side of a 100 amp line! In those cases though at least it lets me know roughly how difficult the job is so that I don't sound like a complete numpty when I call an electrician and ask if they could replace the 'thingummy by the front door with the fuses in it'.
The new (2007) edition has some changes most are improvements, some are not, but the improvements could be sufficient to make it getting the new edition. On the downside the binding is not as good as previous issues so this is a book which could suffer in use. On the upside there is more detail about building regulations and approval. Not in so much detail that it gets in the way of what you want to do but enough to give an overview of the process and in a nod to the way the world moves there are now sections on 'communications' and the 'office at home'.
I'd say to anyone that they should buy this book even if you don't ever intend to do the DIY yourself. If you do the DIY this is a good first reference to find out what to do. If it's not comprehensive enough then it will give enough of an overview that you will know what to look for when searching for more detail and if you do get someone else to do the job you've a better chance of knowing if they're doing the right thing.
That scope though is both its virtue and its problem. Yes I can pick this up and be fairly confident that it will tell me how to go about building a stud wall but I know that it is also likely to be something of an overview of the subject rattled off in a few paragraphs. Often that is enough. There are a lot of jobs where a grasp of the basics and a willingness to have a go are good enough and if I'm laying new paving slabs I'll read this and go for it. Alternatively there are some jobs where I'd like a little more expertise than this can provide. Yes this book will tell me how to change the main fuse box but I'm not going to do that when it means working on the live side of a 100 amp line! In those cases though at least it lets me know roughly how difficult the job is so that I don't sound like a complete numpty when I call an electrician and ask if they could replace the 'thingummy by the front door with the fuses in it'.
The new (2007) edition has some changes most are improvements, some are not, but the improvements could be sufficient to make it getting the new edition. On the downside the binding is not as good as previous issues so this is a book which could suffer in use. On the upside there is more detail about building regulations and approval. Not in so much detail that it gets in the way of what you want to do but enough to give an overview of the process and in a nod to the way the world moves there are now sections on 'communications' and the 'office at home'.
I'd say to anyone that they should buy this book even if you don't ever intend to do the DIY yourself. If you do the DIY this is a good first reference to find out what to do. If it's not comprehensive enough then it will give enough of an overview that you will know what to look for when searching for more detail and if you do get someone else to do the job you've a better chance of knowing if they're doing the right thing.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book will give handy hints and tips when undertaking any domestic DIY project.
It is not the most comprehensive manual but is great for simple reference, enabling those with a view to further investigation to seek answers elsewhere - hence 4/5
It is not the most comprehensive manual but is great for simple reference, enabling those with a view to further investigation to seek answers elsewhere - hence 4/5
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book was a Christmas present and have found it fairly useful. But be warned this book is not for total beginners like myself, it doesn't give basic step-by-step instructions on simple D.I.Y jobs so you do require some prior knowledge but this book is packed with information.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Its been our bible!
This book has been the best purchase we've made whilst completing our extension. I've refered to it 100's of times over the last few months and usually find the answers to any... Read more
Published 9 months ago by madmax
The only book a man will ever need...
The Collins DIY Manual is in a class of its own. Whether you are a first time amateur or an experienced DIYer this substantial book covers every household task from fitting a light... Read more
Published 16 months ago by The Last Son
Instant Expert
The Collins DIY Manual should be in 'pride of place' in the bookcase of every household. Be it for an emergency repair or major DIY project, the concise written and visual... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Robert Howell-jones
does what it says on the cover
every thing you need to know and more for all your home improvements inside and out. a brilliant buy for all those diy enthusiast out there
Published 17 months ago by shimmering tinkerbell
Houseowners necessity. Save ££££s
At the risk of sounding like a review written by Collins or Amazon, I think that this book is fantastic. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Jon
Must have DIY book
We purchased this book as we had a previous very old one and as we have just brought our old house we needed a bit of guidance! Read more
Published 19 months ago by Cas
Top Rate
Extremely pleased with the COLLINS DIY MANUAL. Very good price, excellent delivery time and of course superb DIY instructions.
Published 19 months ago by DKG
The only DIY book you'll probably ever need (seriously)
This is genuinely a fantastic book. So good in fact, it motivated me to write a few paragraphs.
I'm a fairly experienced DIY'r and I bought this book purely off the back... Read more
I'm a fairly experienced DIY'r and I bought this book purely off the back... Read more
Published 21 months ago by thejoneseys
Too advanced??
Comprehensive book, my only slight critisim is that it's full of things that as a lay homeowner I wouldnt be doing myself - such as works to radiators - and perhaps omits some... Read more
Published 23 months ago by plipz
As useful as it's ever been
I fitst used this book many years ago and found it as useful now as I remember it was back in the day. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Adrian Halifax
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