Sign-In
Cart
Things Nobody Taught You
Paperback
CleaningGeneral Construction & Renovation
Currently unavailable to order
Please enter your email and a message will be sent to you when this product becomes available on our website.
Publisher: Mercer Dowd
Pages: 166
Weight: 0.51
Height: 0.35 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Nobody sat you down and explained where the water shut-off is. This is the book that does - 120 basic skills every adult is assumed to have already.
There is a particular silence that falls when something breaks and nobody in the room knows what to do. It is not the silence of stupidity. The people in that room can run a department, raise a child, read a contract. They were simply never shown this one thing, and there was never an obvious moment to ask.
THINGS NOBODY TAUGHT YOU is the written-down version of the knowledge that used to be passed on and now mostly isn't. One hundred and twenty entries, two or three minutes each, in plain words with no assumed tools, no workshop and no lectures about self-sufficiency. Every entry tells you what to do, in what order, and - just as importantly - where to stop and call somebody.
WHAT IS INSIDE
- Water, power and the things behind the walls - finding the stopcock, resetting a breaker that keeps tripping, bleeding a radiator, stopping an overflowing toilet in ten seconds, what to do if you smell gas
- Fixing what breaks without a workshop - the eight tools that cover most of it, hanging something heavy so it stays up, rescuing a stripped screw, stopping a dripping tap, patching a wall so it disappears
- Food, heat and keeping things - rice that works every time, stock from what you were throwing away, telling spoiled food from food past a date, four meals from one chicken, a loaf you would actually buy
- Cloth, thread and more years out of your things - a button that stays on, a seam repair, a hem, getting stains out, what a cobbler can and cannot save
- Paper, money and the admin nobody explains - reading a payslip line by line, a filing system that takes ten minutes a month, cancelling something that does not want to be cancelled, disputing a charge, making a will exist
- When something goes wrong - a first aid kit that matches real accidents, recognising a stroke, the kitchen fire you must never put water on, a frozen pipe, changing a tyre, jump-starting a car in the right order
PERFECT FOR
- A first flat, a first house, or the first winter alone in one
- Anyone who has nodded along to a conversation about stopcocks and quietly resolved to look it up later
- A graduation, housewarming or eighteenth birthday gift that gets used rather than shelved
- Readers who want the steps and the reasons, not encouragement
This is general information for a general reader, not professional advice. Rules and standards differ by country, several entries end by telling you to call a qualified person, and the first aid chapters are written to send you to a practical course rather than to replace one.
Also in
General Construction & Renovation
City Witchery: Accessible Rituals, Practices & Prompts for Conjuring and Creating in a Magical Metropolis
Basile, Lisa Marie
Paperback
Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American House
Susanka, Sarah
Hardcover
Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home
Stewart, Martha
Hardcover
Small House, Big Life, in 400 Square Feet: Tips and Strategies for Living in a Small Space
Bryant, Megan
Paperback
Best-Selling 1-Story Home Plans, 5th Edition: Over 360 Dream-Home Plans in Full Color
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home
McGee, Shea
Hardcover
Small Engines and Outdoor Power Equipment, Updated 2nd Edition: A Care & Repair Guide For: Lawn Mowers, Snowblowers & Small Gas-Powered Imple
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Big Book of Small Home Plans, 2nd Edition: Over 360 Home Plans Under 1200 Square Feet
Design America Inc
Paperback
Black and Decker Advanced Home Wiring Updated 6th Edition: Current with 2023-2026 Codes - Featuring Instructions For: Backup Power, Panel Upgrades, Af
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Ultimate Guide: Small Space Kitchen Gardens: How to Plan, Plant, and Harvest High-Yield Vegetable Gardens
Koziol, Nina
Paperback
Good Character: Design with Intention to Reveal Your Home's Personality
St Russell, Stephen
St Russell, David
Hardcover
Building Outdoor Kitchens for Every Budget, 2nd Edition: DIY Instructions and Over 300 Photos for Attractive and Functional Kitchens No Matter Your Bu
Cory, Steve
Slavik, Diane
Paperback
DIY Solar Projects for Beginners: Small and Easy Projects to Whole-Home Systems That Use the Sun
Smith, Eric
Paperback
The Layered Home: An Interior Design Book: Inspiration for Crafting Cozy, Collected Rooms
Reynaert, Benjamin
Hardcover
Martha Stewart's Organizing: The Manual for Bringing Order to Your Life, Home & Routines
Stewart, Martha
Hardcover
Ultimate Book of Home Plans, Completely Updated & Revised 4th Edition: Over 680 Home Plans in Full Color: North America's Premier Designer Network: Sp
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Ultimate Guide: Decks, Updated 6th Edition: Plan, Design, Build
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement, 3rd Updated Edition: Proven Money-Saving Projects; 3,400 Photos & Illustrations
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Hardcover
Tree Houses Within Reach: 30 Lofty Cabins, Playhouses, and Getaways You Can Actually Build
Diedricksen, Derek
Paperback
Best-Selling House Plans, Updated & Revised 5th Edition: Over 240 Dream-Home Plans in Full Color
Design America Inc
Paperback
Cozy Cottage & Cabin Designs, Updated 2nd Edition: 200+ Cottages, Cabins, A-Frames, Vacation Homes, Apartment Garages, Sheds & More
Design America Inc
Paperback
Budget Luxury: Your Guide to Creating a Beautiful Home Without Breaking the Bank
Sullivan, Clare
Hardcover
Trellises, Planters & Raised Beds for Beginners: 30+ Easy, Unique, and Useful Projects You Can Make with Common Tools and Materials
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
This Oak House: A Renovation Story with Interiors to Inspire Your Own Home
Meyers-Shyer, Annie
Hardcover
The Smart Approach to Design: Bathrooms, Revised and Updated 3rd Edition: Complete Design Ideas to Modernize Your Bathroom
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening: Practical Tips for Growing Your Own Food
Wilhelmi, Christy
Paperback
Interiors: A Home Renovation and Interior Design Book: Curated Spaces from Start to Finish
Lewis, Amber
Hardcover
Stuff Every Adult Should Know: A Pocket-Sized Guide to Grown-Up Know-How, from Taxes to Small Talk
Favreau, Alyssa
Kalb, Alanna
Cohen, Brett
Hardcover
Black & Decker the Complete Guide to Wiring, Updated 9th Edition: Current with 2023-2026 Electrical Codes
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Dare to Repair: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home
Sussman, Julie
Glakas-Tenet, Stephanie
Paperback
The Dorm Room Guide: The Complete Handbook for Preparing, Packing, and Living Well in College
Becker, Lara
Paperback
Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-To-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes
Zimmerman, Elizabeth
Paperback
Ultimate Waterfront Home Plans: 179 Designs Ideal for Personal, Family, Company Retreats
Design America Inc
Paperback
The Hand-Sculpted House: A Practical and Philosophical Guide to Building a Cob Cottage
Smith, Michael G.
Evans, Ianto
Smiley, Linda
Paperback
The Complicated Roof - a cut and stack workbook: Companion Guide to "A Roof Cutters Secrets"
Holladay, Will
Paperback
Tiny House Design & Construction Guide: Your Guide to Building a Mortgage Free, Environmentally Sustainable Home
Louche, Dan S.
Paperback
Pretty Good House: A Guide to Creating Better Homes
Kolbert, Daniel
Mottram, Emily
Maines, Michael
Hardcover
Engineering in Plain Sight: An Illustrated Field Guide to the Constructed Environment
Hillhouse, Grady
Hardcover
All New Kitchen Ideas That Work: Solutions for Planning, Remodeling, and Optimizing Your Kitchen's Style and Workflow
Paper, Heather J.
Paperback
Storied Style: The Book about You, Your Story, and How to Design Your Home with It
Mitchell, Grace
Hardcover
Van Conversion Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Converting a Campervan
Comley, Dale
Low, Charlie
Hardcover
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life
Paxton, Matt
Paperback
Building a Sustainable Kitchen: A Practical Guide to Prioritizing the Planet from the Heart of Your Home
Hansen, Naomi
Paperback
The Laundry Book: The Definitive Guide to Caring for Your Clothes and Linens
Pozniak, Jerry
Pozniak, Zach
Hardcover
Wiring for Beginners: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide To Mastering Electrical Wiring, Blueprint Planning, And Building A Profitable Career As
Murillo, Jack Murillo
Paperback
Black & Decker the Book of Home How-To, Updated 3rd Edition: Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair and Improvement
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Barkitecture: Explore the World of Innovative and Sustainable Pet Architecture
Thomasson, Joshua
Hardcover
Homesteading for Health: One Farm Family's Guide to Food, Land, and Self-Sufficiency
Malone, Robert W.
Malone, Jill Glasspool
Hardcover
Essential Off-Grid Survival Projects: 50 Life-Saving Solutions for Shelter, Water, Food, and Safety
Furneaux, Ky
Hardcover
New Home, New Story: A Comprehensive Workbook To Help You Achieve The Most Successful, Least Stressful Moving Experience.
Planners, Milania
Paperback
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Workbook
Althouse, Andrew D.
Turnquist, Carl H.
Bracciano, Alfred F.
Paperback
The E-Myth HVAC Contractor: Why Most HVAC Companies Don't Work and What to Do About It
Gerber, Michael E.
Goodrich, Ken
Hardcover
A Kid's Guide to Sewing: Learn to Sew with Sophie & Her Friends: 16 Fun Projects You'll Love to Make & Use
Kerr, Sophie
Paperback
Black and Decker the Complete Guide to Plumbing Updated 8th Edition: Completely Updated to Current Codes
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Peterson, Chris
Paperback
The Home Edit Workbook: Prompts, Activities, and Gold Stars to Help You Contain the Chaos
Teplin, Joanna
Shearer, Clea
Paperback
Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness
Fetell Lee, Ingrid
Paperback
Homesteading: Is It The Lifestyle For You?: Is It The Lifestyle For You?: Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy Land
Nickling-Riddle, Aly
Paperback
Your Space, Made Simple: Interior Design That's Approachable, Affordable, and Sustainable
Magidson, Ariel
Hardcover
Essential Knots: Secure Your Gear When Camping, Hiking, Fishing, and Playing Outdoors
Berger, Karen
Paperback
California Coastal: Seaside Living from Sea Ranch to San Diego
Ewald, Chase Reynolds
Hebert, Heather Sandy
Hardcover
The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals
Shearer, Clea
Teplin, Joanna
Paperback
Practical Color Combinations: A Resource Book with Over 2500 Sample Color Schemes
Kuno, Naomi
Paperback
Home EC for Everyone: Practical Life Skills in 118 Projects: Cooking - Sewing - Laundry & Clothing - Domestic Arts - Life Skills
Bowers, Sharon
Bowers, David
Paperback
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Althouse, Andrew D.
Turnquist, Carl H.
Bracciano, Alfred F.
Hardcover
Code Check Electrical 9th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Wiring a Safe House
Walker, Skip
Paperback
Living Off Grid: 50 Steps to Unplug, Become Self-Sufficient, and Build the Homestead of Your Dreams
Mitchell, Ryan
Paperback
Never Too Small: Vol. 2: Reinventing Small Space Living
Van Vuuren, Camilla Janse
Beath, Joel
Hardcover
A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?: An Introduction to Building Science
Bailes, Allison A., III
Paperback
Dr. Chase's Third, Last and Complete Receipt Book and Household Physician: Or, Practical Knowledge for the People
Chase, Alvin Wood
Paperback
Code Check Building 5th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to the Building Codes
Hansen, Douglas
Paperback
Upholstery School: Practical Projects for Updating Furniture and Furnishings in Your Home
Nooranvary, Sonnaz
Hardcover
The Beginner's Guide to Cheese Making: Easy Recipes and Lessons to Make Your Own Handcrafted Cheeses
Santogade, Elena R.
Paperback
Code Check Plumbing & Mechanical 6th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to the Plumbing & Mechanical Codes
Hansen, Douglas
Paperback
Crochet Patterns: Creating Beautiful Dolls: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Cute and Unique Crochet Dolls.
Crochet, Tokki
Paperback
The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner: What to Do & When to Do It in the Garden, Orchard, Barn, Pasture & Equipment Shed
Hansen, Ann Larkin
Paperback
Small-Scale Homesteading: A Sustainable Guide to Gardening, Keeping Chickens, Maple Sugaring, Preserving the Harvest, and More
Bruhn, Michelle
Thurow, Stephanie
Paperback
Black and Decker Deck Codes and Standards 2nd Edition: How to Design, Build, Inspect, and Maintain a Safer Deck
Barker, Bruce
Paperback
The Home Edit Life: The No-Guilt Guide to Owning What You Want and Organizing Everything
Shearer, Clea
Teplin, Joanna
Hardcover
The Rocket Mass Heater Builder's Guide: Complete Step-By-Step Construction, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Wisner, Erica
Wisner, Ernie
Paperback
Welding for Beginners: Learn Everything You Need to Know to Weld, Cut, and Shape Metal in Your Home Studio
Christena, Stephen Blake
Paperback
The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish: An Interior Design Book
Cumberbatch Anderson, Jessica
Henderson, Emily
Hardcover
Code Check Electrical 10th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Wiring a Safe House
Hansen, Douglas
Kardon, Redwood
Mathewson, Glenn
Paperback