Readers Digest DIY Manual with CD Rom [Hardcover]

Just like the first reviewer says himself, this book was a lifesaver for me too when I got my first home. My stepdad bought it for me (along with a BBQ - proper MAN presents, hey!) as a house warming gift when I moved in. Since then it's given me the confidence to tackle all manner of jobs around the home. Even (and perhaps unwisely, although I'm still here to tell the tale and the house hasn't burnt down yet), small electrical tasks like changing light fittings.

It covers absolutely everything - at least everything that haunts the minds of us everday folk. Putting up shelves: Ha!! Easy. Wallpapering: Ha! I laughed in the face of my wall when I papered it! Easy! Taps: Changed! No flooding!! - the list of my domestic victories goes on, and I'm even now thinking of tackling tiling my floors, because this book takes you through everything, step by step, with well written words - and for those of us who a re a little slow - pictures too. The pictures are clear and in colour too which makes a nice change from a lot of instructional books which leave you to struggle with murky black and white splodges, sorry, I mean photographs - or even worse - terrible line drawings that look like they're been done by either the writer himself, or the same guy who illustrated that 70's book you found in dads bedside drawer - 'The Joy Of Sex' back... wow... that was a life changing moment and a real eye opener about many things too - just like getting this book in fact. Now there's a parallel I didn't see coming.

Actually in all seriousness, the book- sorry - Bible!!, has to be commended here. A book like this could easily turn out impossible to follow. Even with its good quality pictures, if written poorly, it could be a disaster (just think of the instruction you get with flat pack furniture - now imagine a REAL DIY project, with the only guide you have, written in gobbledygook and terms only professionals would understand), but as a working copywriter myself, I can assure you the book is clear, and well written. The pictures are a bonus, but you could probably follow this stuff even without them. Another great thing I really like about this book is it gives you little pointers; check lists and Pro-tips on every job - little things to watch out for, make sure you get before hand, tools and techniques that make jobs go a lot more quickly and smoothly.

There's a DVD that came with it too - but to be honest I've never even looked at that so have no idea what it's about. But what I have looked at, over and over, is this book. I have even sometimes just found myself picking it up for a quick read, as it's quite inspiring in some way, and gives you ideas of jobs you could to around the house. It's all colour coded in little section, so everything is quick and easy to find and its a nice, big, good quality and heavy hardback (just what a manly DIY book should be). If you're not a plumber, carpenter, electrician, general handyman/home-improvement-god, then this is quite possibly an essential book for every guy to have around the house.

10/10: Buy it - it's great value for the knowledge and mountains of info inside, plus it'll save you a fortune anyway, as you'll save when you start to do all your odd jobs yourself.

If you found this review helpful please give it the thumbs up - thanks! :-)

This is a must for any D.I.Y person,covers both indoor,and,outdoor jobs.
The better part is,it does it in terms a layman can understand.I needed jobs doing that would have cost a fortune to get done professionaly,but once studied the book,i felt able to try myself.
IT WORKS!!

I got this book as a present a few years ago and it is extremely useful. It tells you how to do everything DIY related and has great diagrams and instructions. I have now bought two copies for other people as gifts.