Reference Books
Listed are books relating to restoring and preserving “old” homes with a brief description of each. All books are available at the Cragin Memorial Library.
These books are provided through a grant from the Commission on Culture & Tourism with federal funds from the Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service, US Dept. of the Interior.
Caring for your Old House
by Judith L. Kitchen
Published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this is a solid introduction to ownership of an older house, including basic information on researching your home, preserving, and safeguarding your property.
A Field Guide to American Houses
by Virginia & Lee McAlester
This guide enables you to identify, and place in their historic and architectural contexts, the houses you see in your neighborhood. Hundreds of photo examples and line drawings to explain architectural details and construction methods. Well organized and readable.
Historic Millwork
by Brent Hull
A guide to restoring and re-creating doors, windows and moldings of the late nineteenth through mid-twentieth centuries. Also covers cabinets, store fixtures, built-ins, stairs, etc. Excellent source for design ideas
For Historic Buildings, Lighting
by Roger Moss
Guide provides both a history of lighting and a catalog of 481 suitable reproductions available today. Also included are chapters on street lighting and specialty items.
New Life for Old Houses
by George Stephen
This handbook and repair guide covers design and interior space planning, choosing materials and colors, and practical design and repair tips. Good section on conserving energy in older homes. Well illustrated with ‘dos and don'ts”.
The Old-House Journal Guide to Restoration
by Patricia Poore
Comprehensive manual of restoration and repair techniques, covering the large (water and insect structural damage) to the small (doors that don’t stay latched) problems of older homes. Extensive listing of sources for materials and supplies.
Paint in America
by Roger W. Moss
A history of exterior and interior paint, covering color, composition and properties, and techniques, including surface preparation and application. Quite technical.
Renovating Barns Sheds & Outbuildings
by Nick Engler
A practical guide to saving outbuildings and their unique challenges: lean, sagging, rot, split boards, etc. Includes evaluating structure, adaptive reuse, minor and major repairs, and additions. Well illustrated.
Renovating Old Houses
by George Nash
A comprehensive guide to understanding and prioritizing restoration and modernization work, including foundations, frame, roof, gutters, siding, trim, windows, doors, porches, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, electrical systems, plumbing and heating systems. Not overly technical, and loaded with helpful drawings and photos.
Restoring Old Houses
by Nigel Hutchins
A book filled with over 300 photographs, easy-to-follow diagrams and pen-and-ink drawings. Includes practical explanations indicating the right way a period house should be restored to its’ former glory.
Repairing Old and Historic Windows
by New York Landmarks Conservancy
This how-to guide covers the evaluation of window conditions and problems, and maintaining, repairing and retrofitting windows, as well as energy conservation concerns. Well illustrated and not overly technical.
This Old House Essential Home Repair
by This Old House Books
A guide to regular maintenance and repairs. Covers how to prevent problems with regular maintenance and make repairs before any damage gets out of hand. Covers houses from roof to foundation.
Walls & Molding
by Natalie Shivers
In-depth guide to rehabilitating woodwork, preserving plasterwork, and reviving decorative painted finishes. Includes extensive help for determining what you have, diagnosing problems, and the proper methods of restoration. Published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Working Windows
by Working Windows
Practical problem solving guide to window repairs covers sash, pulleys, stops, hardware, sill rot, proper tools, and everything you need to know to get your windows functioning. Quite witty and highly informative.