Experienced contractor George Nash covers everything -- from replacing foundation walls to repairing old windows, including how to save what's irreplaceable, where to use the best materials, when it's necessary to update (and when it's not), and how to make repairs that will endure. This revised edition also contains a new chapter on preventive maintenance plus a resource guide.

Throughout the book, Nash balances an abiding love of old houses with a common-sense understanding of modern-day needs. Whether you already live in an older home or are contemplating buying one, this hearty book gives you detailed, professional-level information you can't find elsewhere.

Table of Contents
Introduction— Why Buy an Old House?; Conscious Renovation: Philosophies Defined; A Manufacturer's Warning and Limited Warranty; Chapter 1. Evaluating a House Before You Buy; Chapter 2. Organizing Priorities: Chapter 3. Foundations; Chapter 4. The House Frame; Chapter 5. The Roof and Gutters; Chapter 6. Siding, Trim, Windows, and Doors; Chapter 7. Porches, Verandas, and Additions; Chapter 8. Insulation and Ventilation; Chapter 9. Walls, Ceilings, and Floors; Chapter 10. The Electrical System; Chapter 11 Household Plumbing; Chapter 12 Home Heating Systems; Afterword; Readings; Index.