Only I get better over time says my wife, but not this book. I just bought a new home and needed a general maintenance / project book. The basics of this book are pretty good. Layout is user friendly. Some repair basics never change. BUT...it was first published in 1986, introduced in the USA a few years later. Many illustrations of tools, parts, room design info are d-a-t-e-d. Books like these don't get better with time, they just make you fustrated. Time to MODERNIZE. The 2000 version (if there is one) will be a great "How To..." book for the new millenium. In the mean time, buy a newer "How To..." book, there lots of good alternitives listed with Amazon. Happy hunting!