Good house, cheap house Adventures in creating an extraordinary home at an ordinary price

These books take a look at the reuse of materials for the home, each with a slightly different approach. Obolensky (The Not So Big House) presents the reuse of materials as a way of saving money. She describes 27 homes located across the United States that have either been renovated, adapted from other spaces, enlarged by additions, or newly constructed and explains how builders and inhabitants approached the design. Color photos show the completed dwellings with captions pointing out the cost-saving details (e.g., formica countertops, prefab cabinets). Roberts (Good Green Homes) examines "green" design-homes that are eco-sensitive, energy efficient, made of recycled materials, and yet comfortable and attractive. She visits 11 homes that have been renovated, adapted from another use, or newly constructed. Sidebars provide tips on finding recycled building materials and organizations involved in eco-sensitive design as well as explanations of the complications that can arise from constructing an energy-efficient home. A resource guide provides a wealth of contacts for locating builders, architects, and designers and suppliers of energy-efficient and recycled building materials. Both books are recommended for academic, professional, and large public library collections. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.