Buildings & Construction Books

Building Construction Illustrated

Francis D. K. Ching

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 68 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.

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

International Code Council

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

It is what it is... 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Not really sure how to review this, but it is necessary for those of us who want to stay compliant and up to date with building regulations. It isn't necessarily easy to read, but like I said, it is what it is. :)

International Building Code 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 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!

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.

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: 22 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.

Content from this book is available as an online continuing professional education course at http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-320255.html#int_building_code.  WileyCPE courses are available on demand, 24 hours a day, and are approved by the American Institute of Architects.

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.
2 of 5 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!

Everything you need to build a garage (or house)! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 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.

Drywall: Professional Techniques for Great Results

Myron R. Ferguson

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 60 new & used starting at $4.93

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

3rd Edition is also a great addition to your library 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I noticed that the 3rd Edition of this book has a copyright date of 2008 and the cover of the book notes that it is completely revised and updated. Any review written before 2008 is almost certainly for the second edition. The 3rd edition is a reasonably hefty 210 pages of content; it is printed on nice paper, is nicely organised, and has an index.

I am an experienced do-it-yourselfer and bought this book to get an update on the latest corner beads made of vinyl and some made of metal and paper. I also wanted a little more knowledge on available types of drywall and joint compounds.

This book is very comprehensive and covers drywall techniques, tools, and materials. Consistent with the reviews of the earlier edition(s), this book focuses almost exclusively on drywall (which is also consistent with its title). There is a section on soundproofing which I believe is very useful.

I would rate this book as a must read for anyone who wishes to learn about drywall techniques. The text is clear and there are many photographs to illustrate the points that the author is making.

I would have liked it if the author covered skip troweling but this is a little tricky to learn from a book (so this omission did not bother me much).

I already had a good amount of knowledge about drywall and this book has given me another step up in knowledge. I am completely satisfied with this book.

Editorial Review:

The most thorough and concise guide to hanging drywall available. This revised edition features new material, additional pages and color photographs. With more than 87,000 copies sold, Drywall is a mainstay of any comprehensive home-building library.

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

David Johnston, Scott Gibson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 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.

How to Build Animal Housing: 60 Plans for Coops, Hutches, Barns, Sheds, Pens, Nestboxes, Feeders, Stanchions, and Much More

Carol Ekarius

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Storey Publishing, LLC Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $12.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Cows and horses, donkeys and mules, sheep and goats, pigs and fowl, even llamas are living on small farms and in backyard barnyards throughout the United States. But how and where are these critters being housed?

Author Carol Ekarius knows. In How to Build Animal Housing, she provides dozens of plans--with illustrated, step-by-step instructions--for species-specific shelters that are well ventilated, safe, appropriate for the animals, appealing, convenient, and a solid value for their owners.

The book is essential reading for anyone interested in animal health and welfare. It includes complete plans and step-by-step, illustrated instructions for sheds, coops, hutches, multipurpose barns, and economical easy-to-build windbreaks and shade structures. Ekarius covers new high-tech, portable structures made of plastics and fabrics, such as hoop houses and hen spas, as well as more traditional alternatives, such as straw-bale structures. Always practical, she enumerates the advantages and disadvantages of ready-to-build kits and modular barnyard buildings and includes designs for watering systems, feeders, chutes, stanchions, and more--the essentials that help owners keep their animals healthy and happy.

Ekarius wisely emphasizes the importance of careful planning, choosing an appropriate housing site, and complying with local zoning regulations; pest control, basic housing maintenance, and insurance costs are also discussed. Real-world advice from farmers and veterinarians on the types of housing and facilities animals like best enliven the text throughout.

How to Build Animal Housing is the most comprehensive and useful guide of its kind. For small-scale farmers, hobby farmers, do-it-yourselfers, and animal lovers, this book is indispensable.

Chicken Coops: 45 Building Plans for Housing Your Flock

Judy Pangman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Plans? What plans. Pencil drawings are not plans 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book was money thrown away. There are no plans here that would allow any builder to make one of these. No dimensions, no schematics. Just cutesy little drawings. This is mistitled at best, misconception at worst.

A Ripoff 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is supposed to have plans on building a chicken coop. All of the drawings are incomplete and have no detail at all. We sent the book back.

I bit off the Norm! 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

While this book does have a variety of coop designs, they are mostly more whimsical and labor intensive then I needed. For a small backyard coup that is a landscape or art piece they work fine, but not very practical for most chicken coops that have flocks of any size.

Chicken Coops 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book has all kinds of chicken coops, whether you are on a large farm or just a small lot. It shows what you need and how to build them. This is an excellent book to get started at raising chickens.

very good 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The product was exactly what I asked for and it was a great price. I will definatly shop with amazon again.

Measuring, Marking, and Layout: A Builder's Guide

John Carroll

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

Good book except for page 27 & other similar "metric" references 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 21 people found this review helpful.

This author is in the dark ages with respect to the use of the metric system. As a country, we've been there / tried that. We can't help it if the rest of the world is backwards using the metric system! Why was at least a whole page WASTED in talking about this? How ridiculous! It is an okay book, but mostly black and white drawings and lots of text. Perhaps if the author, and Taunton, had spent more time with the content of the title and included some color in a book that is the same price as their other titles with LOTS of color, they would have had a good book.

Editorial Review:

"For Pros By Pros." You don't have to invest a fortune in space-age gadgetry to make accurate measurements, and you don't need advanced training in math to build complex houses. Author John Carroll provides dozens of beautifully simple techniques for highly accurate measuring, marking, and layout using a number of basic tools. Good habits of measuring and marking not only ensure high quality but also save materials and money and increase productivity. Measuring, Marking and Layout shows how to do the job right the first time. If you find it more enjoyable to end up with clean, professional-looking work than with sloppy work, Measuring, Marking Layout gives you what you want.

How to Build Your Own Greenhouse

Roger Marshall

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

For avid gardeners, the biggest downside of the hobby is the limited growing season in much of the country. Gardening during the winter is often reduced to tending houseplants and browsing seed catalogs for next summer’s tomato choices.

Master Gardener and builder Roger Marshall enthusiastically presents his case for home greenhouses with a thorough examination of everything the potential builder needs to know. Marshall’s coverage of the subject begins with a careful consideration of the various purposes served by greenhouses. Will the structure be used as a damp, warm hothouse for rare orchids? A tropical paradise for banana and citrus trees? A friendlier environment in which to get a jump on a summer vegetable garden is the goal for many gardeners, while an inviting setting for a year-round hot tub surrounded by lush greenery has an undeniable appeal. Whatever its eventual use will be, Marshall helps the reader examine every option and make an informed choice.

After determining the type and style of the structure, Marshall progresses, chapter by chapter, through the construction elements of the greenhouse — from choosing a site, to laying the foundation and determining which glazing material will work best. Plumbing, heating, supplemental lighting, misting, and automatic venting systems are also covered for the truly committed reader/gardener.

The final section of the book includes detailed plans for nine actual greenhouses, from a simple cold frame to an elaborately detailed framed, detached structure. Whatever the greenhouse goal, Marshall opens the way to longer growing seasons, abundant organically grown fruits and vegetables, and many more happy months playing in the dirt!