Intended for undergraduate students in built environment courses, this text on building maintenance and facilities management provides a nuts and bolts approach to the profession. Author Wood (School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes U., United Kingdom) stresses that building maintenance should be a significant part of a building's initial design and that a well-maintained building will function efficiently and be an appreciating asset for its owners. The list of topics is comprehensive and includes: deterioration, the client, defects and avoidance, organization of maintenance work, foundations and basements, chimneys and roofs, external walls and windows, flooring and stairs, upgrading and improvement, and rehabilitation. The writing is clear and concise, and several photographs are included. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)