by Steve Chandler ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 2, 2013
A solid, discerning starting point for larger projects.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
In his latest how-to offering, Chandler (Property Development For Beginners, 2013, etc.) attempts to help investors, homebuilders and renovators avoid the possible pitfalls of construction projects.
Working in the property-development industry for 30 years, Chandler has seen problems—e.g., projects that go over budget, conflicts with builders, bureaucratic headaches—that could have been avoided or at least alleviated with effective communication and due diligence. Chandler’s easy-to-read strategy begins with some personal questions to ponder, such as how a construction project will affect a person’s work or family life. As a rule of thumb, and to avoid unexpected stress, Chandler suggests allowing two years for a renovation project. A plethora of construction and commercial-acquisition subjects are briefly discussed, including cost planning, obtaining authority approvals and permits, and how to compare different builder “tenders” or cost proposals. However, this isn’t a detailed, step-by-step guide for building a home or acquiring properties for profit. Though homebuilders and renovators can utilize the general ideas presented, the overall tone is geared for large-scale projects and sometimes feels like a pitch for the author’s current career as a building and property-development consultant. Nonetheless, Chandler’s calm, clearheaded advice is valuable, with the crux of his message revolving around careful planning and good communication with all persons involved—designers, builders, authorities, etc. For example, instead of telling a designer what he wants, Chandler either uses a red pen to alter a real estate agent’s brochure floor plan or draws his own. These rough sketches can then be professionally changed to fit reality, since, as Chandler says, showing instead of telling gives the designer a better idea of a person’s vision and reduces the chances of disappointment with the final product. Likewise, says Chandler, well-drafted building contracts can help eliminate future problems with builders, and knowing about different types of insurance, like “Professional Indemnity” versus “Construction All Risk,” can reduce liability. Novices may be overwhelmed with all of the information presented, but the author includes a glossary of terms and urges readers to seek experts for further professional help.
A solid, discerning starting point for larger projects.Pub Date: April 2, 2013
ISBN: 978-1481137379
Page Count: 210
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: June 17, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2013
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Share your opinion of this book
by William Strunk & E.B. White ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 15, 1972
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
Share your opinion of this book
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
Share your opinion of this book
More by E.T.A. Hoffmann
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.