Remodel book: This very practical book by Fernando Pages Ruiz shows all kinds of upgrades, from using a little paint to brighten an entrance way to converting a two-car garage into living space. There are lessons in everything: different kinds of stucco, ways to build a skylight, insulation, cabinet overhauls, crown molding and much more. "--Newsday" (New York)

Fernando Pages Ruiz believes high style shouldn't be limited to those with high incomes. His book "Affordable Remodel "helps homeowners add upgrades without breaking their budgets. Ruiz, a builder and remodeler for more than 30 years, targets his book toward do-it-yourselfers with more desire than dollars. He offers guidance on such topics as budgeting, space planning, construction basics and making affordable choices, and he provides ideas for high-end-looking improvements that can be made on the cheap well, relatively so. --Mary Beth Breckenridge, "The Beacon Journal" (Akron)

Affordable house book:

"An insider's view of the construction biz with a ton of anecdotes that will make you smarter and save money." -- Log Home Living

"One of the most comprehensive and thorough guides of its kind." -- ToolBase News

Architecture For Neighborhoods Book

"This book is an addition to the New Urbanist literature because it introduces simple and economical design principles such as: don't clutter the individual facade with articulation and ornamentation; rather pay attention to the whole block face as a unified design. It discusses what to require by code, and perhaps more importantly, what not to code: costly materials will not overcome dismal suburban site plans. Instead, a proper designer will guide developers to invest in what will create the most value." -- Andres Duany