This comprehensive how-to manual covers all the information you need to maintain and improve your house or apartment, with detailed instructions and helpful hints and tips from expert authors to ensure success. It shows the beginner the best way to tackle everyday problems and gives advice on floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, drains, gutters, roofs, paths and drives, insulation and ventilation. There is a focus on security, with information on how to fit window and door locks and bolts. All the basic woodworking skills are covered, from the correct way to put up shelves, fit hinges and catches, to more complicated jobs, such as rehanging doors. This handy, easy-to-use reference will give you confidence to tackle jobs around the home and achieve professional-looking results every time.

Consultant editor John McGowan has written about home maintenance and improvement throughout his career. He is an author and contributor to newspapers, magazines and partworks, and has consulted, written and collaborated on many DIY books.