1200 Household Hints You Wanted To Know

Anne Szalavary was an author in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Harris Mitchell, writer and editor of Today magazine, has been producing feature articles pertaining to home construction, maintenance, and general improvement for more than 30 years.

During his tenure as editor of Western Homes and Living, he began writing a column called “You Wanted To Know,” dealing with questions and answers on practical tips for home improvement. This column is now syndicated to at least a dozen Canadian newspapers. Harris has combined the best of the questions and answers in 1200 Household Hints You Wanted To Know. Updated and revised, this volume is a larger edition of his former tomes, which have become bestsellers.

In this gem of a handyman’s bible, Harris covers such important areas as carpets (the laying of and the problems confronted); repairing, restoring, and painting of brick; gardening how-to; humidity on walls (reduction and prevention of); painting and panelling; homemade putty; and even a pointer on how to read electric and gas meters properly. In addition, a section on insulation is of particular importance for homeowner and handyman alike, as it deals with different types of insulation available and the pros and cons of each one. (For example, did you know that you can use newspapers as an effective ceiling insulator under certain circumstances?) Stain removal (grass stains, grease stains, brown stains, and ball point pen marks) is also included among a great variety of other handy hints.

Alphabetically arranged, this volume is well researched and has a broad appeal for do-it-yourselfers. A must in every homeowner’s library!