"Sheetrock and Shellac: A Thinking Person’s Guide to the Art and Science of Home Improvement,” by David Owen

Sheetrock and Shellac: A Thinking Person’s Guide to the Art and Science of Home Improvement, by David Owen, (New York: Simon and Shuster; 2006), 303 pages.

Sheetrock and Shellac is the reminisces of the lessons learned by David Own in almost 30 years of home improvement projects, home renovation projects, and home construction. Owen recalls the lessons learned, mistakes made and general improvements he and his wife made o their New York City apartment, and later to their 200 year old house in Connecticut. Having learned many lessons, Owen also tells the story of how he and his wife built a cabin, from site location and land purchase through to the final finishing touches.

The book is arranged somewhat chronologically. Owen starts with his recall of alterations they made to their New York apartment as newly-weds through the arrival of their children. Owen then tells the story of their purchase of a 200 year old house in Connecticut, and the various renovations they made (e.g., yard and house exterior, basement, office, and kitchen). Having learned much along the way by asking questions and watching experienced contractors, Owen does more of the renovations and, where necessary, with the help of experienced tradesmen. Almost half of the book details the construction of their cabin. Owen explains the reasons for his compact and economical design (no McMansion in the woods for him) and the reasons behind every construction decision. In providing such detail, he also explains why certain construction methods are used (and not used) why specific techniques have to be followed, and demonstrates how his decision to build a well constructed cabin was the culmination of information and knowledge acquired over the years.

Owens’s Sheetrock and Shellac is an entertaining book that combines memoir, lessons learned in home improvement, and precautionary advice for potential home renovators and builders. It’s the story of how home owners with no formal training in the manual arts can, with curiosity, interest and initiative learn and acquire the skills necessary to maintain, improve and build a home. Owen demonstrates how homeowners can achieve such feats, not be overconfident in their own abilities and know when to pay an expert to do specialist jobs. Neither encyclopedic nor instructional in the manner of how-to books, Owen’s book contains a wealth of practical information learned through experience, and to our benefit, he shares them with us. His hand on tips, canny insights and interesting stories (such as the history of Portland cement and concrete) entertain both the budding handyman and curious observer.