THE WEEK-END BUILDER

Using his own remodeled Colonial house as a case in point, Walter Fischman gives specific lowdown on how to redo a house, and put in all those improvements the house didn't come with. First he faces finding and buying a house; then he considers the times when an expert's advice is a good thing -- architect, lawyer, electrican. He tells about face-lifting on exterior and interior from heightening the door to paneling the living room. Installment of plumbing, heating, electrical equipment; insulation; laying wood and tile floors; the kitchen unit; all are here, along with some addresses for particular advice like electrical wiring codes and brand names for the garbage disposal unit and stove. The only thing missing is the price tag write your own (the author figures labor costs run to fifty or sixty per cent of the total cost, and here is where you save).