It is hardly surprising that Kevin McCloud’s book, “Grand Designs Handbook: The Blueprint for Building Your Dream Home” has been so well received. The author of such other titles as “Kevin McCloud’s Grand Tour of Europe” and “Colour Now: An Expert Guide to Choosing Colours for Your Home” is, of course, best known as the presenter of the popular TV series “Grand Designs”.

In this particular edition, McCloud has used his expertise of building design and architecture to produce a book that is easy to follow and full of invaluable advice, from initial plans to overseeing the building of your dream home.

As much as McCloud permeates the grand dream of building the home you’ve always wanted, he is sure to add a healthy dose of realism and doesn’t put the reader under any false impression about how much work is involved. However, in saying that, his opinionated observations that are so much a part of the TV series are present throughout the book.

A polite notice introduces the book, in which McCloud informs the reader that if you don’t like his choice in houses, you are probably not going to like what he has to say about them; therefore, quite simply, you shouldn’t have bought the book.

There are many options to choose from in this category, but you will find that, provided you are a fan of McCloud, the “Grand Designs Handbook” is probably one of the most informative and definitely one of most entertaining out there. Its glossy layout and style will also make it a good choice for a stocking filler at Christmas.

If you are planning to carry out any type of repairs in your home, the “Collins Complete DIY Manual” will be the most indispensable tool at your disposal. From fitting your bathroom furniture to installing dry lining in your basement, this book clearly and concisely explains every step that needs to be undertaken.

Each DIY task is laid out in such a way that you will easily be able to carry out any repairs to your home, and should you be wary of tackling the more difficult jobs yourself, this book’s simple explanations will help you understand what will be happening when you get the professionals in.

Albert Jackson and David Day, who were also behind the publisher’s other popular titles, “Collins Complete Wiring and Lighting “and” Collins Complete Plumbing and Central Heating, wrote the “Collins Complete DIY Manual”.

You should be aware that due to the nature of the tasks included in the “Complete DIY Manual”, it would be fair to say that it is not for the complete beginner and is more suited to people with at least a basic knowledge of the subject.

Underfloor heating and other jobs such as capping chimneys are examples of the type of areas covered. However, though both are easily carried out, the most basic aspects of the tasks involved won’t be covered here.

The “Collins DIY Manual” will make a great Christmas or birthday present for anyone who likes to think they are good at DIY, but who is in need of some expert advice to top up their knowledge.

“1001 Ideas for Bathrooms: The Ultimate Sourcebook” is highly recommended if you fancy designing your own bathroom. Types of furniture, cabinets, bathroom furniture and bathroom sinks are all covered extensively and there are a wealth of inspiring tips and tricks for combining different styles. Its glossy and stylish layout makes it an ideal birthday or Christmas gift.

The book is published by Apple Press and was written by Jerri Farris, who was also the author of “Kitchens and Baths for Today and Tomorrow: Ideas for Fabulous New Kitchens and Baths”, “The Complete Guide to Decorating with Ceramic Tile” as well as numerous other titles. She is also a regular contributor to interior design and home-improvement websites.

No matter what style of bathroom you are looking for, it will be covered in this book. Farris looks into every aspect of bathroom design, including factors such as where it will be located within the house and who will be using it. As much as this glossy book focuses on the style and look of bathrooms, the less-glamorous side of fitting pipes and installing shower enclosures is still given plenty of coverage.

Every step of the installation process is explained clearly, so you will know how far you can go before you have to call on the professionals. Each chapter is conveniently split into sections, such as bathroom taps, shower enclosures, etc. It’s easy to follow layout and jargon-free explanations will make it a recommended read for anyone interested in designing and installing a bathroom.