Freshen Up the Place

The calendar says that Spring will be here soon, inspiring some people to tackle home projects. If you happen to be one of them, you should check out Refresh Your Home. The editors of The Family Handyman magazine have compiled hundreds of fantastic, practical ways to make your home nicer, one project at a time.

Efficiency in 2011

Perhaps one of your resolutions this year is to reduce your energy use. Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits has 140 simple solutions to help you achieve that goal. Many of the tips are common sense reminders (as in: "Do Not Sightsee in the Refrigerator" and "Turn Off Lights When Not in Use") and others are more labor-intensive ("Use an Outdoor Clothes Dryer" and "Add More Insulation"). Every little bit counts--and adds to your savings account!

Outbuildings Galore

Thinking about building additional storage for your outdoor treasures? Barns, Sheds, & Outbuildings is a great resource for ideas. It contains practical information about designing structures, foundations, framing, roofing, wiring and plumbing. The section with projects and plans has detailed drawings with dimensions. Great color photos accompany the detailed instructions for every step of the process, characteristic of Creative Homeowner Press books.

Home Sweet Home

This guide is full of ideas to inspire you to refresh your home. Home Decor has projects accompanied by photos for every room in the house, no matter what your style. Insets scattered throughout the book lend experts' words of advice and wisdom to assist you in your design process.