Housebuilding: A Do-It-Yourself Guide - Softcover

DeCristoforo, R. J.; DeCristoforo, Mary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080695521X ISBN 13: 9780806955216

Publisher: Sterling, 2003

Synopsis

For more than a quarter century, and at more than 350,000 copies sold, this has been the classic book on housebuilding. Now, for the first time since its publication, R.J. DeCristoforo's indispensable guide to home construction has had its own sparkling renovation, with many newly revised drawings, additional photos, and a thoroughly updated text. First-timers tackling the ambitious project of building a house will find the most comprehensive, helpful how-to available: everything is here, from permits to framing to installing trim. Procedures such as positioning doors & windows, laying a foundation, and setting up a drainage system are simplified so that you know exactly what you need to get the job done. Consult the detailed diagrams to keep yourself on track as you complete each step. Whether you want to do it all yourself or involve professionals, this all-inclusive volume will prepare you financially, psychologically, and practically for the entire job, from the first shovelful of soil to the last nail in the roof. And it is an incredible value: 640 pages for only $19.95!.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

Most do-it-yourselfers are part-timers and only a few are likely to attempt to build a house from scratch, but in this Popular Science reworking of the author's 1977 book, they will find everything they need to know about home construction and improvement. In clear text accompanied by tables, photographs and line drawings, DeCristoforo describes the basics and many options concerning, for example, site selection, tools and materials, foundation, frame, roof, walls and partitions, doors and windows, stairways, chimneys, flooring, plumbing, heating and electricity. This manual is an excellent guide to more limited projects, such as refinishing an attic or adding a room, for making repairs or for dealing knowledgeably with hired professionals. Of particular interest is DeCristoforo's advice for using maximum solar energy and minimum outside fuel consumption.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“Do-it-yourselfers will find everything they need to know...”—Publishers Weekly.
 
“It’s still one of the easiest books to follow...It outlines how to get from planning to completion.”—Washington Post.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sterling
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 080695521X
• ISBN 13: 9780806955216
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 672
• Editor: McClintock Mike