There’s no feeling of accomplishment like having built your own dream house.

This clear, concise, up-to-date blueprint for every aspect of the home building process answers all major questions. The new edition takes the reader from figuring a budget to finding labor and materials. Readers will discover how to be one’s own general contractor; the pros and cons of myriad options; and sample bid forms, project schedules, estimating worksheets, contractor agreements, and other forms not in the previous edition. Plus, there are 100 additional illustrations to enhance reader understanding.
...

This step-by-step, fully illustrated guide takes do-it-yourselfers through the process of designing, planning, and executing the finishing or remodeling of a basement-one of the most rewarding and popular home improvement projects for today's budget-conscious homeowners....

The perfect source for solar power—fully illustrated.

Solar Power (photovoltaics) is now a one-billion-dollar industry, and it’s poised to grow rapidly in the near future as more pressure is placed on limited fossil fuel resources and as advances in solar technology drive down the costs of residential solar systems. This book helps readers understand the basics of solar power and other renewable energy sources, explore whether solar power makes sense for them, what their options are, and what’s involved with installing various on and off-grid systems.

—Fully illustrated
—Covers every conceivable solar-power topic and concern, including updated information on the increasing number of state rebate and incentive programs...

Who wants to shell out money for maintenance and repairs that can easily be done at home? Teach Yourself VISUALLY Car Care & Maintenance walks you through the various tasks that don't require expensive equipment or years of expertise. Crystal-clear instructions show you how to change oil and other fluids; rotate tires; replace fuel pumps, air filters, and batteries; and much more. Plus, an easy maintenance guide helps you keep track of recommended service and maintenance tasks at key mileage and time intervals.

Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a task and are ideal for quick review

• Each task is defined and described

• Detailed color photos demonstrate each step

• Step-by-step instructions accompany each photo

• Helpful tips provide additional guidance

...

Every year, thousands of great business ideas languish because entrepreneurs don’t have a solid business plan. Business plans can be simple three-page documents or fill a large binder, but all have the same purposed—to plan for success. This book provides straight answers and expert advice on creating the right plan for any type of business. Fledgling business owners will learn how to:

• Analyze business opportunities
  
• Estimate costs
  
• Secure startup equipment
  
• Develop services
  
• Find the best location
  
• Pull the money together to make it happen
  

With this valuable resource, budding entrepreneurs will find all they need to write a plan that will succeed in the dangerous world of startups. The accompanying CD contains 60 sample business plans for a variety of popular ventures....

Consultants work in all fields. They operate from offices and from home, work for investment firms and as personal trainers, or have expertise as accountants and wedding planners. The independence, flexibility, and potential income it brings make for an exciting and satisfying career. And it’s an increasingly popular one for highly skilled, motivated professionals who’ve been laid off in this unstable economy.

This guide features tips and tricks to help beat the competition, including how to:

• Set—and keep—personal and financial goals
• Organize important paperwork
• Price and market specific services
• Create advertising and publicity plans
• Grow a business, from finding a partner to managing employees
• Minimize and eliminate business risks

Consultants are paid well for their advice—if they know how to operate a successful business. With advice from experts in a variety of areas, this valuable guide helps you create the business of your dreams!...