For 10 years, Jeff Howell has been answering readers' queries about property through his very popular 'Ask Jeff' column in the "Sunday Telegraph". This book, in user-friendly Question and Answer format, addresses all the issues every home owner needs to know. Packed with expert tips, Jeff Howell offers comprehensive and authoritative advice on everything from boilers and builders, to central heating, condensation, damp proofing, dry rot, plumbing and woodworm. Using readers' stories as case histories, this authoritative book is the key to understanding how to maintain your home properly. How do you decide what needs doing and when? How do you find a decent builder? How do you judge if the work has been done to the right standard? All the answers and more are here in this clearly presented, accessible and practical book.

Illustrated throughout in full colour; practical guide to repair and conservation of old buildings and theoretical concerns of sustainability and the environment; comprehensive and detailed; for owners, builders, and architects

About the Author

Cliff Blundell is an historic buildings expert and a building limes consultant

House history has recently become a boom business, thanks partly to such television programmes as "The House Detectives", "The 1900 House", "The 1940's House" and "The Edwardian Country House". Every property, even a relatively modern one, has a unique story just waiting to be discovered. If you don't know where to start, the "House History Starter Pack" should be of use. A booklet packed with expert information accompanies 21 record sheets based on the main house history sources, enabling users to plan research and record findings. Readers will uncover not only the history of the fabric of a house, but also fasciniating clues about the people who used to live there. The contents include: census record sheets for 1841, 1851-1881 and 1891-1901; a wills record sheet; a 1840s tithe apportionment survey sheet; a 1910 valuation office survey sheet; an Ordnance Survey summary sheet; an estate map sheet; a tithe deed sheet; and an ownership summary sheet

This title should help owners, builders and all construction professionals make the decisions that are right for old buildings. It illustrates the long term benefits of using more traditional solutions on older houses rather than modern materials like cement based mortars, sealants or impervious paints. It offers practical guidance on: how to get the right professional advice; legal requirements for listed buildings; problems with damp and rot; use of lime mortars, plasters and renders; the benefits of using water based paints; why old buildings need to breathe; planning applications; and trees, outbuildings and gardens.

This visual survey covers the styles that have had the greatest impact on the interiors of British and American domestic architecture. The book is designed for owners of period homes, restorers, architects and those interested in building heritage.

Houses and Cottages is based on Professor Brunskill's considerable research work and on archaeological and documentary discoveries. It looks inside the buildings and shows how and why they were originally planned and how they have evolved, often from very simple structures. In the process, a great amount of fascinating information is revealed about the lifestyles of the people for whom the houses were built, both in terms of their work and of their social lives. In addition there are detailed chapters on materials and methods of construction and on rooms and their uses, all of which provide further insights into why structures as we see them now evolved in the way they did from the original plans.

Probably the largest and most valuable asset that anyone has in the world today is their property. But the path to owning one is fraught with pitfalls which this book can guide you through. Written by Richard Hodgson, a retired surveyor with a wealth of experience, it sets out in clear, concise and detailed sections, what to look for, what to avoid and how to remedy some of the most common, and not so common property defects - clearly defined with diagrams and pictures. As property values escalate almost daily it is imperative for all buyers to check out every aspect of the purchase before committing to a large mortgage which will be with them for many years to come. Prospective property purchasers, armed with this book, should be wide-awake to the many problems they may face when buying a property. With numerous illustrations, this book is an aid to buyers, homeowners, estate agents, working surveyors and property professionals wherever they may be.

An updated edition of this practical conservation guide which offers advice on cleaning and caring for the fragile interiors of historic houses and their contents.

Selling property is not rocket science - though some agents would have you believe otherwise. With this unique book you benefit from the inside knowledge of an estate agent, cut out the middle man entirely, and keep the commission fee to yourself. You will discover the following essentials: The best times to sell; The secrets of successfully marketing your property; How to prepare for the viewing; How to negotiate the best deal; Full understanding of the legal processes; How to work efficiently with your solicitor; The top ten selling and moving tips.