Here is a FREE full color guide all about home improvements, home design, and architecture.
This image-packed glossary introduces the equipment, tools, tips, techniques, structural components, and design elements involved in architecture, landscaping, and interior design.
View a diverse selection of stunning architectural forms, exquisite landscape designs, and elegant interiors.
Dream up your own ideas from this carefully curated collection of images with concise, instructional definitions.
Let this guide help you decide which home improvements to make.
Once you are armed with basic knowledge, the home design possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Scroll further down for related links.
Also see links to other Free Books by this author.
by Judee Shipman
RANGE: A stove installed in the kitchen and used for cooking. Typically includes a full sized oven and several heating elements.
In home improvements of today, ranges are losing their usefulness, as most people are quite happy buying the parts separately to save space.
Need advice on home improvements? Save space by purchasing a small convection oven and a plug-in heating element (or two). These will serve about the same purpose as a full sized range.
Above image credit: thebrick.com
RASP: A grooved metal tool with raised teeth, often used in drywalling. A rasp is used like a file, but a file gives a finer finish. Also see Riffler.
Above image credit: youtube.com
RATCHET WRENCH: A wrench that can be turned back and forth without being removed from the nut or bolt.
Above image credit: lowes.com
RAW LUMBER: Wood that has been cut, but not yet manufactured for home improvements.
Above image credit: familyhandyman.com
READY MIXED CONCRETE: Concrete that is premixed at a local plant, then delivered ready to use for all sorts of home improvements and landscaping projects.
Above image credit: knightscompanies.com
REAMER: A rotary tool used for cutting metal, especially for enlarging holes.
Above image credit: amazon.com
REBAR: (reinforcement bar) A ribbed steel bar designed to strengthen concrete walls.
Above image credit: tekla.com
RECEPTACLE: An opening into which a plug can be inserted, and through which electricity comes out. Also see Outlet.
Above image credit: trufig.com
RECESSED LIGHTING: Light fixtures placed in hollow openings, so they do not protrude from the surfaces to which they are attached.
Above image credit: ccrcroselawn.com
RECIPROCATING SAW: A power tool that cuts by way of the back and forth motion of a saw blade. Often used for demolition work.
Above image credit: drillpressview.com
REDUCER: An adaptive pipe fitting with the opening at one end smaller than the opening at the other end.
Above image credit: bhaviktubes.com
REDWOOD: A species of tree among which are some of the largest trees in the world.
Redwood is popular for making furniture because of its gorgeous appearance, and also works well for exposed structural beams, patio decks, and other home improvements.
Above image credit: yallabook.com
REFLECTIVE INSULATION: Insulating sheet material covered with aluminum foil.
Above image credit: Alibaba.com
REFRIGERANT: A substance that can transfer heat, such as the freon in air conditioning systems.
Above image credit: youtube.com
REGENCY ARCHITECTURE: Refers to a style of classical buildings constructed in the UK during the early 19th century.
Above image credit: fineandcountrydrayton.wordpress.com
REGISTER: A grill placed over a heating duct or cold air return.
Above image credit: homecomfortexpertsinc.com
REGLAZE: To replace a broken window with a fresh pane of glass.
Above image credit: murrayglass.com
REPOBLACIÓN ARCHITECTURE: An architectural style popular in the Christian Kingdoms of Northern Spain between the 9th and 11th centuries.
Above image credit: wikipedia.org
RETAINING WALL: A structure that holds back a slope of earth and prevents erosion.
Above image credit: countymaterials.com
RETURN: Refers to the depth or thickness of a large board, such as the ping pong tabletop shown below.
above image credit: gosportsreviews.com
REVERSIBLE SCREWDRIVER: A screwdriver with bits of different sizes on each end of a removable shaft. Also see Screwdriver.
above image credit: 123rf.com
REVOLVING DOOR: A door that rotates around a central axis.
above image credit: ponzi-in.it
RIBBON: A short, horizontal board that supports ceiling joists.
above image credit: thistlelandscapesandbuilders.co.uk
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
Chapter 47 (You Are Here)
S
T
U
V
W
X-Y-Z
RELATED LINKS
Shipping Container Homes and efficient home improvements
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT Architecture and unique home improvements
Interesting facts about the Empire State Building
Interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty
Interesting facts about Willis Tower
Crazy Horse Appearing - Introduction
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 1
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 2
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 3
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 4
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 5
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 6
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 7
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 8
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 9
Crazy Horse Appearing - Chapter 10
Crazy Horse Appearing - Appendixes
Look Here Right Now To See A Long Lost Portrait Of Emily Dickinson!