Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This eye-catching, photo-packed companion to the DIY Network?s "Bathroom Renovations" television show works better as an idea book than as a how-to guide. Writer and TV show host Matthews offers a wealth of tips on topics like unifying bathroom styles and choosing the right material for countertops, but when it comes to doing the actual work, information is lacking. Whether it?s replacing a pedestal sink or pouring a new concrete floor, few of the projects garner more than a two-page spread of instructions. In some cases, vital steps for a particular task-such as adding spacers to ensure even grout lines while tiling-are skipped in one project but appear in another, similar project. To make matters worse, the book?s brief index offers little in the way of help if you?re stuck. Perhaps the best advice is her frequent admonishment to call a professional if you?re intimidated by a project?s scope or are unable to do the work yourself. The how-to aspect works better in small projects such as hanging wallpaper or installing a shower door, and it doesn?t hurt to have a general overview of a particular task even if you?re not doing it yourself. Those looking for an in-depth, step-by-step guide, however, will probably end up frustrated. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Review by Library Journal Review
Updating your bathroom can add real value to your home. In this successful book spin-off of the DIY Network's Bathroom Renovations, host Matthews and Bradley (Ideas for Great Baby Rooms) cover ten renovation projects. The text is upbeat and encouraging and includes cautionary tips for calling in professional help when needed. Be aware-the title is deceiving, as most of these projects take several weekends to finish. Complete with planning advice, an introduction to bathroom styles, and features, each project emphasizes a different part of renovation, avoiding duplication. The illustrations-particularly the before-and-after shots-are colorful and inspiring. While not the absolutely best bathroom renovation book, this comes pretty close. Similar to Bathroom Makeovers (Taunton Press, 2005), which also touts weekend-long renovations, it covers more dramatic changes. Highly recommended. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
