Best Contracting How-to & Home Improvement Books of 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement is the most comprehensive home improvement manual available. It includes over 2,300 photos, 800 drawings, and practical text to guide you through more than 325 step-by-step DIY projects. The book covers essential information on tools, materials, and basic skills, as well as comprehensive sections on wiring, plumbing, roofing, siding, heating, cooling, flooring, cabinets, and more. It also includes a remodeling guide, a resource guide, and a thorough index and glossary. This updated third edition provides information on recent code updates and changes, making it the most trusted resource book for DIY projects and repairs to save you money when maintaining your home.

The Code Check 9th Edition is an essential reference guide for builders, home inspectors, and building inspectors in the U.S. The book focuses on the safety principles underlying building codes and provides users with the latest changes in the International Residential Code. The laminated flipbook format is designed for on-site use, allowing for quick access to information. The authors are experts in the field and offer seminars and classes nationwide on building topics. Overall, the Code Check 9th Edition is a reliable and accurate source of code information, endorsed by the International Code Council.

The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling, 4th Edition is a comprehensive guide for homeowners, builders, and remodelers alike. With 25 chapters, 688 pages, and over 1,700 full-color illustrations, this book covers all aspects of home design and construction, including new chapters on solar power and best-practice insulating. The book also includes the latest code information and updated sections on framing, sheathing, air sealing, and heating and cooling. Written by Charlie Wing, an expert on home building and remodeling, this book is a must-have resource for anyone involved in the construction or renovation of a home.

The Ultimate Guide: Walks, Patios & Walls is an excellent resource for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living areas with walkways, patios, and garden walls. With dozens of design ideas, over 500 photos and illustrations, and easy-to-follow, step-by-step sequences, the book covers popular landscape projects such as setting pavers, creating a new patio with tile or stone, and building a wall that will stand the test of time. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a valuable tool for any DIY homeowner looking to improve their landscape design. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to add value and curb-side appeal to their home.

The Ultimate Book of Home Plans, Completely Updated & Revised 4th Edition offers over 680 home plans from the top residential architects and designers in North America. With more than 1,600 photos, renderings, and drawings, readers can explore a wide range of home styles, from farmhouses and country cottages to luxury estates and vacation retreats. The book also provides practical tips and advice on selecting a site, hiring a contractor, and landscaping. The new updated edition features 282 new plans and 9 new articles on home design trends and smart home tech ideas. The 3D plan section allows readers to visualize and manipulate the house on their lot before building. This book is an excellent resource for those looking to build their dream home.

The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home is a comprehensive guide that teaches readers how to manage their home construction project effectively. The book covers every phase of construction, from selecting a lot to landscaping, and includes financial and legal details in easy-to-understand language. The updated edition also includes a new section on sustainable building and a comprehensive building resources section. With schedules, order forms, control logs, contracts, and checklists, readers can keep their project on track and save up to 30% on home construction. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to build their dream home.

The Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Fourth Edition, Revised and Updated (For Pros by Pros) is a comprehensive visual handbook that provides up-to-date code information, the latest material advice, and detailed construction methods. The book covers a broad range of projects, including footings, foundations, wall framing, and roof framing, among others. With over 500 meticulous drawings, the author precisely explains best practices for energy-efficient construction, advanced framing techniques, and installation information for new building materials. This book is an essential resource for builders, architects, and homeowners looking to tackle a wide range of framing projects with confidence.

Cozy Cottage & Cabin Designs, Updated 2nd Edition is a comprehensive catalog of over 200 functional floor plans for cabins, cottages, A-frames, vacation homes, sheds, and apartment garages. It includes construction blueprints and CAD packages to bring your future home to life. The book also features 35 new house plans and insightful articles on downsizing, decor ideas, and more. This essential guide is perfect for anyone looking to customize and plan their ideal small home. Overall, Cozy Cottage & Cabin Designs, Updated 2nd Edition is a must-have for those seeking to make their dream of owning a tranquil cabin or sunny cottage a reality.

The revised edition of Pipe & Excavation Contracting is a comprehensive guide for those interested in entering the underground utility business. The book covers modern earthmoving and trenching equipment, excavation techniques, safety rules, and materials. It also provides hands-on instructions for operating equipment, laying pipes, calculating estimates, and handling safety issues. The book is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced contractors. The Craftsman Book Company has done a great job in updating and improving the book to make it more current and relevant for today's industry.

"Markup & Profit: A Contractor's Guide, Revisited" is a comprehensive guide for contractors who want to run their business profitably. The book covers essential business basics, including pricing jobs, writing contracts, managing crews, working with subcontractors, and collecting payments. It includes tried and tested formulas, step-by-step instructions, and easy-to-follow examples to help contractors learn how to operate their business successfully. What sets this book apart is that it applies to all construction-related businesses, whether it's remodeling, new construction, or commercial work. The free downloadable forms and checklists make it even more valuable. Overall, this is a must-read for any contractor looking to succeed in the construction business."