Houses are Designed by Geniuses & Built by Gorillas: An Insider's Guide to Designing and Building a Home

Book Description

This book is a must for anyone planning to have a home built or contracting it themselves. Full of helpful hints,flow charts, and step-by-step planning advice, it shows a perspective seldom seen in home building. Written in a light-hearted manner with wit and wisdom, it is high-lighted by dozens of "war stories" of building problems and how they were solved. This book will keep you out of trouble while providing a fuller understanding of the building process and the home building industry.

Customer Reviews:

Builder Written... Builder Apologist.......2003-02-25

I read this book immediately after reading the Alan and Denise Fields book on building a new home. I had saved this book for last because it looked like it had a lot of good information.

What I found through reading it, though, was that a lot of the time the author (a builder) was giving the lines that the Fieldses had warned about.

The book is fine. It just seems to be more of a "Give the Builders a Break" kind of book compared to the Fields' "Trust but Verify these Things" kind of book.

I came away from the Fields' book thinking that they were looking at things from the Consumer point of view much more so than this book.

Good outline, something here will save you $.......2002-10-31

There is a lot of good information in this book and if you are considering doing an owner/builder project I can almost guarantee that the price of this book will be negligible if you read and apply even one tip. The two lists on how to spot a good sub or a bad sub easily make this book worth buying.

There are good overviews of the complete process of building a home and point the prospective owner builder in the right direction. This book is not an end all be all of the building process, however, it is only a guide. Get more information on each subject.

I had a few problems/disagreements with some of the material such as the following:

He mentions vinyl/lino as a good kitchen/bath flooring choice. While he does mention in his section regarding final walk through that vinyl is easy to rip so make sure you check this, he never mentions what a good choice (and probably cheaper in the long run) it would be to just install tile or stone instead.

In scheduling and planning a job he gives the approximate days it takes to do each trade or process. While he mentions that this time table is based on perfect conditions and full professional crews I feel he does a disservice to the reader because nobody reading this book and considering doing an owner builder project is going to come close to having perfect conditions and full scale professional crews doing the kind of "track" or "production" work that the author has spent many years working as a super.

The person planning on using this book for its intended purpose isn't building a track or production home. They aren't in the business of building homes (presumably) and they aren't going to get the same response from sub contractors that a general with lots of business will. I think he'd have done the reader a better service by describing how long it is going to take, how many unforeseen problems are going to come up and that the person(s) thinking that they are going to move in during March might want to be very certain that they have alternative summer accommodations.

Things always go wrong in building something. Always.

He mentions using flat paint on walls and semi-gloss on doors/trims. What? I think what he meant to say was talk to a professional painter unless you really know what you're doing. Flat paint on walls will look like crap in weeks, unless of course you don't have kids, pets or anyone that ever puts their hands on walls. I only mention this because such bad advice on such a simple topic makes me wonder what other information he gives that is erroneous on subjects I don't know much about and therefore would really need to rely on the advice of others.

He mentions that scheduling subs to work concurrently is rarely done. What? Not where I live and work. While it's true that you don't want to schedule a job like a recent one I was on where we were getting our final electrical inspection yet the dry waller was still taping, the painter still painting and the carpet layer started installing carpet. It was a commercial job, yes, but it is not uncommon to be on the job with other trades during regular old residential work. Sometimes it is good. If you don't have some overlap of trades you run the risk of having to call the plumber back because he ran some pipes where a light needed to go. It is not good to have every mechanical trade show up on a Monday, but it doesn't hurt to have the electrician start before the plumber is totally done with rough. Often they'll know each other and if they are true professionals they'll help each other out and give you a better job.

While I do recommend reading this book, it is worth the money and time, I also strongly recommend either reading other books on building as well as consulting with at least one seasoned construction pro that is familiar with your region. Even if you have to hire a contractor has a consultant, perhaps a day or two a month, it will be money well spent.

Everything and anything can go wrong in construction. If you think it will take a week it'll take two. If you think it will cost a dollar it'll cost three. Beware of anything that sounds too good or too easy or too quick or too cheap.

That being said, I'll say this: work with professionals and you'll get professional work even if you don't know thing one about construction management but if you work with anyone that is less than a real pro, you'll pay twice in the long run.

This is a very good book to read before you get too involved in your building process. He gives some great ways to plan on paper what it is you are trying to achieve in a house. Following his advice will make you look better when you first start to talk to designers or architects and will probably make the job of getting plans ready a smoother process.

All in all I recommend this book, read it and then plan, plan, plan.

great title, mediocre book.......2001-05-21

I bought this book expecting to get lots of useful advice regarding building a new home. No such luck. These is very little content that I actually found useful in a practical way.

What I would have found useful would have been chapters on each major phase, and explanations about the impact of the many decisoins that have ot be made. Instead I was addled with lots of war stories that somehow didn't seem relevant to my situation.

Though I must admit that the book title does ring true, as we are working with both an architect and a builder who prove it out.

A gem of a book.......1999-12-04

Houses are Designed by Geniuses and Built by Gorillas by Bob Johnson

The book's subtitle --"An Insider's Guide to Designing and Building a House -- while not as glitzy as the main title, accurately describes the book's contents. This book is crammed with straight talk about building a house. Bob Johnson sounds like one who's been there and done that, and he gives it to you straight, in an in-your-face, no-holds-barred style -- as though he's sitting with you over coffee at the local diner. He holds nothing back, telling you everything you need to know, and more. More than half the book is devoted to matters that need attention before the first nail is driven -- everything from siting a house on a piece of land to getting building permits. Bob is also a raconteur. He illustrates many of his points with so-called "war stories" that recount his own experiences on the job. Even within chapters, he doesn't mind digressing a bit. So, he spices up what could be textbook-dull narrative with his opinions. He tells you flat-out what is stupid and what isn't, what works and what doesn't. As a result, this is one of the most readable and entertaining building books I've come across.

Great Book, Bad Title.......1999-11-08

I've built one house, remodeled another, and now starting to build on my first rural location. I've done a lot of research over the years and spent a lot of money learning lessons the hard way. THIS IS THE BEST BOOK IN ITS CATEGORY. Great attitude and writing style, complete ideas that are clearly communicated, and "Case Studies" peppered throughout that reinforce the points Bob is making.

"Reviewers" who don't get past the title haven't read the book.

Book Description

Mike Chaplin's compositions tell a story. Full of light, texture and mood, they embody everything developing artists struggle to create in their own work. Here Chaplin reveals his simple, but highly effective techniques for capturing the soft light and vibrant hues that make watercolor come alive.

Chaplin explains his techniques with clear, full-color examples of each step. Four complete painting demonstrations cover every detail, including color selections, brushes, paper, thumbnail sketches and detailed captions. In addition, artists will draw limitless inspiration from Chaplin's eclectic range of examples, featuring everything from landscapes and still lifes to seascapes and exotic cityscapes.

Ideal instruction for intermediate artists who want to reach the next level; features the vibrant, "loose" style artists strive to achieve; includes four complete step-by-step demonstrations.

Customer Reviews:

Great impression of this expressive book!.......2002-08-23

It may not be my absolute favorite (Nita Engles book "How to make a watercolor paint itself") but it is a fantastic book! The illustrations are very fresh and loose, very expresssive indeed! The pictures are soo good I tend to forget reading the text, and that is a shame because every page is filled with good thoughts, hints, tips and tricks. There are a few very clear step-by-step demonstrations as well.

This is easily among the best "how-to" art books I have seen. Get it.

Average customer rating:
Watercolor Made Easy: Expressive Color: Discover easy methods for keeping your watercolors fresh & lively (Watercolor Made Easy)
Joseph Stoddard
Manufacturer: Walter Foster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1600581188

Book Description

This book offers a unique insight into the character of Austrian economics. This work also collects the recent work of the leading authorities in this area, and will be an indispensible tool for all those interested in the implications of Austrian approach on economics. The author also examines
*the market economy
*theories of Competition and Entrepreneurship
*the Mises-Hayek legacy.

Driving Force of the Market: Essays in Austrian Economics (Foundations in the Market Economy)

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Driving Force of the Market: Essays in Austrian Economics (Foundations in the Market Economy)
Israel Kirzner
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Economic Conditions | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Theory | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Austria | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0415228239

Book Description

This book offers a unique insight into the character of Austrian economics. This work also collects the recent work of the leading authorities in this area, and will be an indispensible tool for all those interested in the implications of Austrian approach on economics. The author also examines *the market economy *theories of Competition and Entrepreneurship *the Mises-Hayek legacy

Average customer rating:
Owner's Manual: Thomas Yannitte Innermatrix Owner's Manual. Fitness for Parents, Kids and Everyday People
Thomas Yannitte
Manufacturer: Innermatrix Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Education | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0974770604

Average customer rating:

SNAPP up this accessible and practical book

Make it Happen!

I still pick it up every week!

ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN ONLY FIVE STEPS

A former Lifetime

Make it Happen! SNAPP Your Way to Success in Business and in Life
Ron Biagi , and Tresa Eyres
Manufacturer: It's the How, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Motivation & Self-Improvement | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Happiness | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0967777305

Book Description

In business and in personal life, success depends not so much on WHAT is attempted or WHY. When it comes to success, it's nearly always the HOW of execution. Make It Happen! SNAPP Your Way to Success in Business and in Life spells out the practical and concrete steps people need to take to meet and exceed all their goals. In this practical guide to managing people and projects, authors Ron Biagi and Tresa Eyres reveal the SNAPP process they developed to use in their management consulting practice. Through case examples, success tips, tools and humor, Biagi and Eyres show readers exactly what to do, when, why and HOW. Among other techniques, readers learn how to avoid costly mistakes by asking the right questions up front; save time through careful advance planning and tracking; stay in control of goals, the budget and timing; and get everyone focused on the goal and successful project completion. And here's the bonus. The techniques that work so well in business apply equally as well in personal life. Because people learn by doing, Make It Happen! interweaves opportunities for practice throughout the text. Readers who apply the principles can set a goal and meet or exceed it by the time they finish the book. Make It Happen! is designed for anyone who wants to make a change and needs a helping hand.

Customer Reviews:

SNAPP up this accessible and practical book.......2002-02-14

I like the SNAPP acronymn, the chapter summaries, and appendix that collects all the tips in one place at the end of the book. An excellent example of a well thought out and planned book.

I came across it when looking for Project management books, primarily thinking in terms of "work" projects. There are plenty of books that address "Why" and "What" to do. I'm sure I would have plently of company when, after reading them, I get left with a feeling like "interesting, but what do I actually do now?". Successful doing requires help with "How", and this is the focus of "Make It Happen". This books strength is about implementation. Biagi and Eyres help you with this by walking you through their SNAPP method (read the book). The beauty of this method is that it is readily applied to all sorts of projects, not just the "work" ones e.g. the garden fence etc.

I can vouch first hand that Tresa Eyres and Ron Biagi people practice excellent customer service.

Make it Happen!.......2002-01-28

In today's fast paced world which requires all of us to do more in less time, the book "Make it Happen" and the SNAPP approach provides the tools and methodology to ensure you can "get it all done." It's simple, it's logical, and most important, it gets results!

I still pick it up every week!.......2001-09-16

I liked this book because it allowed me to take my own complex project and break into meaningful pieces. I started reading this as an aide to start a whole new job - I finished the book and keep it close - to start a whole new life! It gave me a few simple concepts to apply to many different aspects of business and life. I grew more confident as I saw other people "get it" as quickly and simply as I did. Simplify, simplify, someone's job or goal and they will look to you as a leader. It started to become invectious no matter where I applied the concept. I pick this book up and no matter where I open it a pearl of wisdom is reinforced. Always gives me a boost when I need it because it reminds me the answer is always so close if you follow some simple steps - you'll never forget. Thanks to the authors - I am off to a fast start and enjoying every minute by laying the right foundation the first time. Novice to experts will cherish these "smart ideas". Great gift for a person you mentor on or off the job.

ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN ONLY FIVE STEPS.......2001-08-22

This book begins with the simple facts; what went wrong and what could have been done to avoid its happening.

What business professional has not experienced the grace and glory of a flawless project or event? What personal experiences have I started only to have a few flaws somewhere in the middle? It is so frustrating to want to be the "perfect" person, putting on the "perfect" business meeting or event, only to have an overwhelming feeing of knowing "something is missing....something is going wrong." I have learned in my life that it makes a difference to plan an event using a map. This book IS a map and eliminates the guess work to a project from beginning to end.

The authors of this book explain their step-by-step outline to make any business professional, as well as someone handling a private event, know where to start, how to accomplish, and how to accept the recognition for a job well done.

Each time I have a project, whether at work or at home, I utilize the five easy steps to help me start, plan and finish my project. By using this book I know where and how to start, how to stay on track with the project's objectives, and how the project will be completed with praise and recognition. The steps are easy, fun, and logical. A perfect book to have by my desk and at home for quick reference!

It is my opinion that this book should not be limited to the business professional. It should be read by anyone who wants to succeed in life! I call this book my "training manual for success" and keep it near me when I begin any major (or minor) project!

A former Lifetime.......2001-03-27

This book took me back 26 years. To the former company that I retired from in 1979. It is written in the present tense, but if I had read it in 1975, it would have told my story of how we prepared a company to show the pentagon this company was able to build a product that is still being used by the US Navy today. I had the privilege of spending 14 days as a Tiger Cruise participant on the aircraft carrier "USS CARL VINSON".It was such a thrill to see four Phalanx missile systems being used on this ship. It was a bigger thrill to see this system being fired at night and knowing I had something to "Make It Happen"

Customer Reviews:

Poder De La Mente Subconsciente/power Of Subconscious Min.......2005-12-12

ESTE LIBRO NOS AYUDA A ENTENDERNOS MEJOR Y A LOGRAR NUESTRAS MAS AVANZADAS METAS!

Mente De Prosperidad / Prosperity Mind: Como Aprovechar El Poder Del Pensamiento / How to Harness the Power of Thought

Average customer rating:

Mente De Prosperidad / Prosperity Mind: Como Aprovechar El Poder Del Pensamiento / How to Harness the Power of Thought
Randy Gage
Manufacturer: Panorama Mexico
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

Acepta Tu Abundancia/ Accept Your Abundance: Por Que Se Supone Que Debes Ser Rico / Why you are supposed to be wealthy

ASIN: 9683813615

Average customer rating:

Multiplique El Poder De Su Mente
Jean Marie Stine
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Memory Improvement | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Personality | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Accessories:

ASIN: 0735202095
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Book Description

Based upon easy-to-use, scientifically based tools and techniques, Stine provides a proven step-by-step program to help unlock the hidden abilities of the mind and make mental powers soar. Stine explains that using twice as much of the brain doesn't have to take twice as much effort. She teaches how to use the brain more efficiently-producing double the results without using any more mental energy than before.

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El poder curativo de la mente
Rolf Alexander
Manufacturer: Inner Traditions en Español
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Mental & Spiritual Healing | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Diseases | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Enfermedades | Medicina | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Book Description

Based on more than thirty years of research gleaned from Tibetan, Indian, and other cultures, The Healing Power of the Mind provides both spiritual insight and practical advice concerning the true nature of healing, showing how imagination, desire, the power of suggestion, psychic influence and the removal of limitations are valuable tools for maximizing our innate capacity for self-healing.

In the spirit of Bernie Siegel's Love, Medicine and Miracles, Dr. Alexander's book explores the body/mind connection and its enormous relevance to health. Originally published as a handbook for Dr. Alexander's patients and later as a popular paperback published by Warner Destiny books, this is a classic which has helped thousands find their way to health.

Average customer rating:

Obtenga Exito: Use el poder de su mente
Adrian Calabrese
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Espanol
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Mental & Spiritual Healing | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ESP | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Spiritualism | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0738702153

Como Transformar Tu Vida Con El Poder de La Mente

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Como Transformar Tu Vida Con El Poder de La Mente
George Chandryam
Manufacturer: Planeta
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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El Magico Poder de La Mente
Duncan MC Coll
Manufacturer: Heptada
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Padres y familia | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 8478920013

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El Milagroso Poder de La Mente
Dan Custer
Manufacturer: Edaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

El Poder Creador De La Mente (Fuera De Coleccion)

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El Poder Creador De La Mente (Fuera De Coleccion)
Rene Sidelski
Manufacturer: Robin Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Reference | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Padres y familia | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 8479270160

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El Poder Curativo De La Mente
Richard Shames , and Chuck Sterin
Manufacturer: Selector
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 9706431756

Book Description

Richly colored, hand-tinted prints portray the gamut of U.S. army uniforms, from fatigues to full dress, between 1774 and 1889. Absolutely authentic in their painstaking detail, the 44 beautifully reproduced plates depict all ranks in complete regalia, with accessories such as weapons, horses, and other accoutrements. Captions.

Customer Reviews:

great resource book.......2000-09-22

I bought this book a few years ago, and i would buy it today. the color plates are wonderful to look at, and the units depicted are varied. The only drawback is the lack of campaign uniforms in the latter half of the book.

Average customer rating:
Statistical, Historical And Political Description of the Colony of New South Wales And Its Dependent Settlements in Van Diemen's Land
William Charles Wentworth
Manufacturer: Paperbackshop.Co.UK Ltd - Echo Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1846375940

Average customer rating:
A statistical, historical, and political description of the colony of New South Wales, and its dependent settlements in Van Diemen's Land: With a particular ... possessed by the United States of America
W. C Wentworth
Manufacturer: G. and W.B. Whittaker
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008CIDD6

Book Description

Grab your binoculars!

Long overdue, the first comprehensive, authoritative, witty, insidery, beautifully illustrated, must-have guide to birding in New York City is now in print.

Watch thousands of pure white snow geese suddenly take to the air and float like confetti before the NYC skyline, two miles distant across gleaming Jamaica Bay.

Stand on a platform 50 yards from a spectacular Atlantic Ocean beach and observe 5,000 hawks cruise by in an afternoon.

Search for intensely-colored warblers in Prospect Parks Vale of Kashmir, Central Parks Strawberry Fields, Forest Parks Watering Hole, or High Rock Parks Loosestrife Swamp.

Visit a reservoir where upwards of 30 eagles swoop in before dusk to roost in vast stands of white pine that border the water and cover the surrounding hills.

Check out the Wood Ducks on Van Cortlandt Park Lake, the Harlequin Ducks that winter at Point Lookout, the tens of thousands of broad-winged hawks that pass over the Audubon Center in Greenwich, the colony of monk parakeets that established itself at Green-Wood Cemetery, the yellow-throated and cerulean warblers that nest on Bulls Island.

Go birding in the Big Apple, with John Thaxton and Alan Messer as your guides to one of North Americas finest birding hotspots: New York City.

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