Book excerpt: The Complete Guide to Renovating and Improving Your Property helps readers make the right decision about every aspect of property improvement - what is worth the effort and what will be a good investment. Informative and enjoyable, it provides expert advice on a wealth of topics, including arranging the finances, finding a good builder, project management and planning regulations. Whether you are planning to undertake major renovation work, home improvements, conversions, or even build a house yourself, this practical book is essential reading. Full of eye-opening real-life stories and a resource section filled with useful addresses and websites, anyone facing the minefield of home improvement will find this book indispensable.