This book is designed to show you both how your home is constructed and functions, and how you can tackle repair or remodeling projects. After you have browsed the home magazines and watched the TV makeover shows, this book will both tell you, and show you, how the job is really done. We don"t make suggestions about color choice, direct you toward styles of light fixtures, or guide you toward the designer look of a particular kitchen. Those are all personal choices. Instead, we show you how to care for and maintain your home. After reading this book, you"ll know how to make improvements that may have seemed unachievable in the past. If for any reason you decide you don"t want to do the job yourself, we also offer some advice on hiring outside help. This book will arm you with knowledge of correct building practices, so that you can more easily talk about your home improvement needs with whomever you hire to help accomplish your projects. The key to Do-It-Yourself is...