A Guide to Major House Repairs

A concise, easy-to-understand guide to building damage and how to fix it

Detailing different types of damage, this guide outlines steps for both DIY and professional repair work. It also examines how major damage can develop from less serious problems that can be fixed earlier in the process, saving the homeowner time and money. It advises readers on understanding the survey when buying a home; the different types of construction trades and professions, and how to find a builder; and getting finance. Specific issues it goes into include subsidence damage, wall and roof problems, issues arising from damp and flooding, rots and infestations, and accidental and weather damage. It also discusses correction of poor DIY work, issues to consider when repairing listed buildings, materials and how they're used, and how a house is built, and offers comprehensive glossaries of trade terms.

Geoffrey West is a freelance journalist and author who specializes in writing articles about the refurbishment of older houses for magazines and newspapers, including Period House & Its Garden, Period Living, Practical Householder, the Sunday Times, and the Times.