Home Design Books

Building Construction Illustrated

Francis D. K. Ching

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 65 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The classic visual guide to the basics of building construction, now with the most current information

For nearly three decades, Building Construction Illustrated has offered an outstanding introduction to the principles of building construction. This new edition of the revered classic remains as relevant as ever-providing the latest information in Francis D.K. Ching's signature style. Its rich and comprehensive approach clearly presents all of the basic concepts underlying building construction and equips readers with useful guidelines for approaching virtually any new materials or techniques they may encounter.

Laying out the material and structural choices available, it provides a full under-standing of how these choices affect a building's form and dimensions. Complete with more than 1,000 illustrations, the book moves through each of the key stages of the design process, from site selection to building components, mechanical systems, and finishes.
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Illustrated throughout with clear and accurate drawings that present the state of the art in construction processes and materials
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Updated and revised to include the latest knowledge on sustainability, incorporation of building systems, and use of new materials
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Archetypal drawings offer clear inspiration for designers and drafters
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Reflects the most current building codes and CSI Master Format numbering scheme

With its comprehensive and lucid presentation of everything from foundations and floor systems to finish work, Building Construction Illustrated, Fourth Edition equips students and professionals in all areas of architecture and construction with useful guidelines for approaching virtually any new materials or techniques they may encounter in building planning, design, and construction.

Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods

Edward Allen, Joseph Iano

Amazon Price: $76.23 List Price: $110.00 By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 77 new & used starting at $75.35

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good Enough 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I found this book to be very good. The materials and methods used in construction are vast and constantly changing. This book does well at giving the reader a good working knowledge of both. There may be better sources, but this one is good enough.

Excellent Resource 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I am still using my 1985 Edition! It is a resource you will want to keep around. The technical background and drawings are great! It has some of everything - residential and nonresidential. Thanks Edward Allen-great book.

Editorial Review:

Now in its Fourth Edition, Fundamentals of Building Construction is an essential textbook that has been used by thou-sands of students annually in schools of architecture, engineering, and construction technology. The best-selling reference focuses on the basic materials and methods used in building construction. Emphasizing common construction systems such as light wood frames, masonry bearing walls, steel frames, and reinforced concrete, the new edition includes new coverage of green design and energy-efficient construction energies, and is based on the International Building Code(r).

Solar Power Your Home For Dummies (For Dummies (Home & Garden))

Rik DeGunther

Amazon Price: $13.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 58 new & used starting at $10.69

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Want to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether you’re looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power Your Home For Dummies takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you!

This friendly, hands-on guide is packed with tips for making your home more energy-efficient though solar power—and helping the planet at the same time. You’ll see how to survey your home to determine your current household energy efficiency and use, and evaluate where solar power would best benefit you. You’ll also calculate what the return on your investment will be before you make any decisions. Once you’ve decided on a project, you’ll see whether it’s best to hire a contractor or do it yourself. We leave no stone unturned—you’ll also discover how to:

• Choose and install your best solar system
• Handle small to large solar projects
• Heat and cool your house with solar energy
• Install exterior solar lighting
• Handle swimming pool, water heater, or ventilation solar projects
• Create greenhouses or solar rooms
• Build, buy, or sell a solar home
• Finance your solar investments
• Take advantage of tax rebates and incentives associated with solar power
• Avoid the worst solar mistakes

Featuring ten of the easiest and cheapest do-it-yourself solar projects, Solar Power Your Home For Dummies is the fun and easy way to meet your energy needs with this clean power source!

2006 International Building Code - Softcover Version: Softcover Version (International Building Code)

International Code Council

Amazon Price: $94.50 List Price: $105.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Delmar Cengage Learning Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $85.81

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Esencial 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Es un producto de valor inigualable para los que nos dedicamos al diseño de estructuras

IBC 2006 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 4 people found this review helpful.

My son needed this for one of his college architecture classes. This was the cheapest site and had really fast shipment.

International Building Code 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Oh, this is good stuff! You know you hate to use these darned things, but if you're into any kind of commercial construction - you gotta have 'em!

International Building Code 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book provides me with all the information I need to do both residental and commercial building in the United States. Most states use most of the IBC with some amendments, which can be found on the state websites. Allows us to do business with ease.

Editorial Review:

The 2006 International Building Code® addresses the design and installation of building systems through requirements that emphasize performance. Fully compatible with all the International Codes, the 2006 edition provides up-to-date, comprehensive coverage that establishes minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. Content is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of materials and building designs. Structural as well as fire- and life-safety provisions covering seismic, wind, accessibility, egress, occupancy, roofs, and more are included.

Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2006 International Building Code (Building Codes Illustrated)

Francis D. K. Ching, Steven R., FAIA,PE Winkel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Get the easy-to-use, illustrated guide to the 2006 International Building Code®.

As the building industry moves toward a single set of construction codes that have no regional limitations, architects, builders, engineers, and interior designers need an interpretive guide to help them better understand how the code affects their practices. The seond edition of Building Codes Illustrated fills this need by interpreting the updated 2006 International Building Code® (IBC) in a visual format that designers both need and understand.

This unique marriage of bestselling author Francis D.K. Ching's illustrative talent and Steven Winkel's code expertise provides an accessible, time-saving companion guide to the latest code. The visual presentation of information extracts the core portions of the building code that are most relevant for professionals and hones building codes down to the essentials. Organized to correspond with related subject matter in the IBC, Building Codes Illustrated enables architects, engineers, and other design professionals to quickly find clarifying information on the nonstructural provision of the IBC. You'll gain a clear and complete understanding of those sections at a glance through enlightening computer-rendered illustrations and succinct yet thorough interpretations.

There's no excuse for not being up to code. Avoid costly mistakes with the invaluable help of Building Codes Illustrated, Second Edition.

The Renewable Energy Handbook: A Guide to Rural Energy Independence, Off-Grid and Sustainable Living

William H. Kemp

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

As oil prices continue to rise, many people are starting to think about how to unhook from the electricity grid. The Renewable Energy Handbook focuses completely on off-grid, sustainable living and rural energy independence.

Author/engineer William Kemp, who is a leading expert in small and mid-scale renewable energy technologies, designed and built his own off-grid home. The result is a house that has all the standard "middle class" creature comforts while using less than five times the total fossil-fuel energy of the average North American house.

The Renewable Energy Handbook focuses on the unique requirements of off-grid living and contains chapters on energy conservation, heating and cooling, backup power, domestic water heating, wireless communications, photovoltaic, wind and microhydro energy generation, battery selection, and inverters.

Since its release in 2003, The Renewable Energy Handbook has been a top-selling technology book and is recognized as the best book in its field.

The book is augmented with hundreds of illustrations, line drawings, photographs and appendices.

Green from the Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy, and Energy-Efficient Home Construction (Builder's Guide)

David Johnston, Scott Gibson

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $16.18

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

A thorough, informative, and up-to-date reference on green, sustainable and energy-efficient home construction that clarifies definitions of green and sustainable and guides builders and architects through the process of new or remodel green construction, including issues of site, landscaping, durability, and energy-efficiency. It starts with clear explanations of the concepts and fundamentals of green, healthy and energy-efficient construction and walks the reader through the entire construction process, injecting expert advice at every decision point. Construction techniques, materials, and products are thoroughly explained, making the often vaguely understood concepts cleanly understandable. The book gives builders and architects the tools to respond to growing requests from homeowners for green and energy-efficient houses, whether new or remodeled. Homeowners can use the book to understand the concepts, process, and options, whether they're doing it themselves or working with a professional.

2006 International Residential Code - Softcover Version (International Residential Code)

International Code Council

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Can a residential Architect live without this book? 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This Christmas we gave this book to our son, at his suggestion. He is a residential Architect working in Kansas City. I asked him what he thought about the book, after having time to review it. His response was, "Tell them its irritatingly indispensable."

Amazon is always outstanding in the supply and delivery!

Todays world 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.

In todays world this resource material is like another trool in my toolbox, a must have being a electrician.

Everything you need to build a garage (or house)! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

If you are acting as a contractor on your home or garage project, then this book is invaluable to make sure that the subs are building to code or making sure that you are building to code. As an retired contractor and engineer, I've come to realize over time that codes actually do have a purpose in life besides making the building process a pain. The old farm house I bought probably wasn't built to code and it shows. A lot of farmers around here have to get up on their out-building and shovel snow because every year one or two more of their buildings collapse.

The book is well organize by project phase so things are easy to find--cement pad, walls, floors, roof, etc.

Editorial Review:

The 2006 International Residential Code®brings uniformity to construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories high. A comprehensive code for homebuilding, this book brings together all building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical provisions. It establishes minimum regulations using prescriptive provisions, and is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and building designs.

Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home

Martha Stewart

Amazon Price: $29.70 List Price: $45.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Martha Stewart - Model: 4055 Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $17.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 147 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Creative Home Care Solutions... 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Martha's simplistic and realistic approach to caring for your home, shines through in this wonderful book. It is stuffed with useful and informative solutions to homekeeping. This book would make the perfect house warming or newly wed gift or tell-all reference guide for the bachelor too!

I purchased this book for recently married friends who are renovating a historic home in upstate New York. Along with this book, I also purchased Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint, by Curtis Heuser, which follows the author/artist's historic home creative re-birth. Where Martha's book guides the reader to keeping up the household, Heuser's shares the how-to secrets to reinventing the interior of your home with unique faux finishes and mural detailing. My friends loved the combination of these books, as they offer simple solutions, that can be easily introduced to any household. If you are looking for a gift to be remembered and referred back to again and again as Martha's HOMEKEEPING...is the only home reference volume you will probably ever need and Heuser's YOUR HOME...will offer you continual creative inspiration- then I highly reccommended these titles! In my opinion, the diverse domestic combination and value here, can't be beat!

Editorial Review:

A lifetime's worth of homekeeping know-how, this towering volume is sure to be one of the most comprehensive books on the subject. Let Martha show you around the home, teaching you everything you need to know in order to clean, care for and maintain it along the way.

Branningan's Building Construction for the Fire Service

Francis L. Brannigan, Glenn P. Corbett

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

THE book for the Fire Service. 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This should be required reading for anyone in the fire service who deals with Structural fire fighting. The book is pretty straight forward and in an easy to read font. I love this book. It also has a pretty decent index if you're using it for school. Out of all the books I've had to buy for school so far, this is the best one. If you're a fan of Brunacini, you may find a few points where they disagree, thus creating the great debate between which author is right. The principles of this book are easily put to use in day to day firefighting and could possibly save your life.

Must Read For All Fire Personnel 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is not an easy reading book. Dry and distant at times it is however the finest collection of fire dept related constrution information ever collated. Whether you like it or not you MUST read this book. The information within could make the difference when your backs against the wall.

Editorial Review:

The Fourth Edition honors Frank Brannigan s legacy by continuing his passion for detail and extensive practical experience. His motto, Know your buildings, impacts every aspect of this new edition. The Fourth Edition continues the Brannigan tradition of using plain language to deliver technical information about different building types and their unique hazards. .