Product Description

The new bible of home improvement from America’s go-to expert and DIY Network television star

On his popular television show on the DIY network, master contractor Ed Del Grande rolls up his sleeves with millions of viewers to teach them how to tackle home improvement projects with skill, confidence, and, most important, a good sense of humor. Now, he brings his expertise to the page in Ed Del Grande’s House Call. Ed starts with the basics for all projects, big or small, and explains his essential rule: a house is a living machine. It can "tell" you when something is wrong, but only if you know how to listen. Then Ed arms you with the skills and knowledge you need to hear what your house has to say so you can make the "house call" yourself.

From simple repairs like fixing a kitchen clog or installing a door to more ambitious projects like installing new faucets, custom showers, and even a wet bar, Ed Del Grande’s House Call will transform any house into a well-oiled dream home. With Ed’s step-by-step instructions and illustrations throughout, inside tricks from his years of experience, and essential advice for hiring contractors for bigger renovations, Ed Del Grande’s House Call should be on the bookshelf of every homeowner.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #822131 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Master plumber, contractor and host of his own TV show on the DIY Network (Ed the Plumber), Del Grande puts his experience to work in this helpful guide to basic home maintenance and repair. Operating under the premise that a homeowner knows his or her house best, Del Grande explains, in simple terms, how homeowners can diagnose common problems and fix them. He covers day-to-day issues such as clogged drains, replacing light fixtures and resetting circuit breakers, as well as bigger projects such as installing a new dishwasher and laying down laminate flooring. Most projects are complemented with time- and money-saving tips, as well as easy-to-follow illustrations. While it's far from comprehensive, this book is an excellent primer for first-time homeowners and others unfamiliar with home maintenance.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Who could resist a home repair pro who launches his first book with this introductory homily: "Get to know your home like you get to know a friend." So begins this systematic do-it-yourself manual on repairs and renovations almost any homeowner can tackle—with strong words about those jobs only professionals should handle. This Rhode Island contractor and media host knows well the fear and dread behind the "Honey, will you fix this?" request; he starts quite simply by defining tools and demystifying house systems, the latter accomplished through black-and-white illustrations, uncomplicated narrative, and plenty of Ed's pro tips and Ed's trouble tips as guides. Not only does Del Grande explain the most common how-to procedures, from unclogging toilets and sinks to repairing small drywall holes, he also counsels readers on a host of non-DIY projects: for instance, selecting shower grab bars, monitoring the three Gs (gutters, proper grading, and groundwater), and considering important items before singing a contractor's contract. Easy-to-use, lingo-free directions. Jacobs, Barbara
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author
Ed Del Grande is a three-time master plumber and contractor and the host of Ed the Plumber on the DIY Network, and is featured on HGTV pro broadband media. A former comedian, Ed has made appearances on NBC’s Today show, CNN, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and MSNBC. He writes a Q&A column that is featured in Scripps Howard News Service newspapers across the country.

Customer Reviews

Excellent book for all your household needs!
This book is excellent if you want to fix things around the house and aren't an expert. Ed's tips are useful, informative, and humorous. His tips are time- and money-saving, and I've saved 100s of dollars by fixing and installing things myself rather than hiring a contractor. I am no expert in the house, but with Ed's easy-to-follow instructions, I sure feel like one. I definitely recommend this book!!!