Let’s face it: old houses are like the lovable weirdos of the real estate world. They’ve got charm, history, and the occasional creaky floorboard that makes you think maybe the place is haunted. But restoring one? That’s a whole different game—and if you’re not prepared, it’ll eat you alive.
Enter these seven absolute bangers of restoration books that will take you from clueless clown to restoration royalty. Whether you’re looking to save your wavy-glass windows, ID a Victorian from a mile away, or just survive your latest fixer-upper adventure, these reads have you covered.
How do I know? Well, these eight books are the foundation of my historic restoration knowledge and I was able to build a seven-figure business based off what I learned between the covers. So, let’s dig in!
1. Old Windows In-Depth
Yeah, I’m biased since I wrote this one, but really it’s my fav. Old Windows In-Depth is the only step-by-step book showing you the entire restoration process for wood and steel windows on the market. I wrote it because it was the book I wanted when I started restoring windows but couldn’t find. After reading this, you’ll be the person yelling, “Save the sashes!” at your neighborhood HOA meeting.
2. The Window Sash Bible
If you’ve ever stared at a stuck sash and thought, “What fresh hell is this?” then you need The Window Sash Bible by Steve Jordan. It’s not just a book—it’s a Jedi-level training manual for old windows. Less nuts and bolts restoration steps than Old Windows In-Depth, this book covers a metric ton of window history and theory that will make you wise beyond your years. Plus, it’ll save you a fortune versus replacing them with those soulless vinyl knockoffs.
3. Field Guide to American Houses
Want to win at cocktail parties? Learn to casually drop phrases like, “That’s clearly a Queen Anne with Eastlake details.” Field Guide to American Houses is your ultimate cheat sheet for identifying and understanding the history of every house style you’ll ever encounter in America. Once you’ve flipped through this, your neighborhood strolls will turn into a live episode of Antiques Roadshow. Warning: architectural snobbery may result from reading this.
4. Audel’s Carpenters and Builders Guide (Vol. 1-4)
This four-volume beast is the OG of carpentry books. The Audel’s Carpenters and Builders Guides were written back when craftsmanship was a religion (the 1920s), these guides teach you the techniques, tools, and trade secrets of 19th-century builders.
Whether you’re restoring a staircase or just want to understand how your house was built, Audel’s will make you feel like a time-traveling master craftsman. Before there were buildings codes there were the Audel’s Guides.
5. The Old House Journal Guide to Restoration
Got an old house that’s a little… rough around the edges? The Old House Journal Guide to Restoration is your renovation therapist. With expert advice on everything from peeling paint to sagging porches, it’ll help you turn your fixer-upper into a showstopper without losing your mind (or your savings). Think of it as HGTV, but smarter, way less gimmicky, and less obsessed with shiplap.
6. Living in the Past
Why live in an old house? Sure, the drafty windows and creaky floors are charming, but Living in the Past takes it deeper. This was my first book, and it is a love letter to historical homes and the people who care for them. It’s packed with stories, inspiration, and practical advice that’ll remind you why these houses are worth saving. Warning: May cause spontaneous urges to buy an 1800s farmhouse.
7. Renovating Old Houses
Restoring an old house can feel like trying to climb Everest with a backpack full of bricks. Renovating Old Houses by George Nash is the Sherpa you need. It’s full of practical, no-BS advice on how to tackle everything from foundation repairs to cosmetic updates without losing your sanity. By the end, you’ll be tackling weekend projects like a seasoned pro—and loving every minute of it.
8. Save America’s Windows
Written by the Godfather of window restoration, John Leeke, Save America’s Windows changed the way we all thought about the act of restoring a window. John is basically the Yoda of historic window restoration, and this book is a masterclass in saving those irreplaceable wavy-glass beauties.
From DIY fixes to deep dives into why old windows outperform modern ones (yes, really!), Leeke gives you all the tools and knowledge to bring your windows back to life. It’s part history lesson, part how-to guide, and all about preserving the soul of America’s historic homes—one window at a time.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re knee-deep in sawdust or just dreaming about your first restoration project, these books are your ultimate toolkit. They’ll teach you how to save your old house, one sash cord, gable, and floorboard at a time.
Grab a copy (or eight), and get ready to fall head over heels for the quirks and charm of old homes. Trust me—your future self (and your house) will thank you.
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
I love old houses, working with my hands, and teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself! Everything is teachable if you only give it the chance.