January 1961

No, there's NEVER A HOPELESS HOUSE-and this month's issue proves it!

If, somewhere in the pages ahead you see something that looks like your house, don't be surprised. We cover so many home improvement situations in this issue that you're sure to recognize one of them as your own. The only difference is, we show the completed job and you still may be in the planning and decision stages.

How much for materials?

Here are some approximate prices to help you estimate the costs of finishing some of your existing space. These figures will help give you an idea of the total cost and of the comparative costs of alternate materials before you get the exact prices from your building-materials dealer.

Add a sliding glass door

Few things make a more dramatic change in a house than the installation of a sliding glass door. It opens up the interior to the outdoors-- both visually and literally. Installing one of these doors is a fairly extensive job, but one which a homeowner can undertake himself if he has the time, and the know-how.

Install a skylight

One of the best ways to bring more light into an interior space is through a skylight. Using a prefabricated plastic skylight, you can install the unit yourself if you choose.

Add a prefab fireplace

There's something about a fireplace that appeals to the American temperament-- and today's manufacturers make it easy to add one in your present home. Prefabricated fireplace units are available everywhere in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and prices. Installation is comparatively simple; if you're handy enough, you can probably do it yourself. Or, with the instructions supplied with most units, you can supervise the installation by a pro.

Add a new closet!

Remodel an old closet

When you decide to remodel an old closet, you need to plan it so that you get more storage in the same floor space. Do this by rearranging the layout of the floor plan or changing the vertical storage arrangement, or both. The shallow reach-in closet is one of the common types and here are two ways to improve it

Remodel your wiring, too

When making plans for remodeling your house, don't forget the electrical wiring. Even houses built only a few years ago may have wiring that is inadequate for the added space and electrical equipment called for in your remodeling plans and the power requirements of future years.

Add dishwasher, disposer

Here are the important facts to keep in mind when you consider addition of dishwasher or food waste disposer. Several types of dishwashers are available, so you first must decide which you prefer. Then, because sizes vary, measure proposed location in your kitchen to make sure your choice will fit. Check local electrical and plumbing codes. Find out installation costs before work starts.

Add a small-space bathroom

A NEW LIQUID DIET

Shaping up like the fellow across the page? Then you owe it to yourself-- and to your family-- to try Better Homes & Gardens New Liquid Diet right away. This completely sustaining, all-in-one reducing diet is designed with both men and women in mind-- over-upholstered ones, that is. q On our diet you won't have to worry whether you are really getting enough to eat, because highly skilled nutritionists have already worried about that.

Disguise the size of a window

To add either width or height to a window, without marring the plaster, use extender plates attached to the window casing (note drawings below); to get both height and width, combine an extension traverse rod with a vertical extender plate. Cover the wall space above the window glass with a standard roller shade, a Venetian blind, or a fabric valance.

"EACH OF US NEEDS TO SHARE THE WORLD OF HIS NEIGHBOR"

What's NEW in MEDICINE?

Who needs peace and quiet? How long would it take you to suffer hallucinations and exhibit neurotic behavior, if your senses were' completely isolated from the outside world? Just about three hours, according to Dr. Robert L. Vosburg of Western Psychiatric Institute.

PLAN it on paper

Groundcovers you ought to know

Groundcovers can add a wealth of lush, green growth to your yard. They'll cover slopes and bare, shaded patches of soil, edge planting beds, and neatly encircle trees. Best of all, they require only a minimum of care after they're established.

It's time for cup and spoon

Most doctors consider 3 to 4 months the best age for beginning solid food, though they may suggest cereal earlier for a baby who appears to be always hungry despite adequate formula.

the man next door

I watched Christine buy an antique tea cart the other day, and I must say she was rather off hand about it. Didn't even kick the tires the way I do when I'm looking at used cars.