This is a comprehensive manual of design and building methods for owner-builders as well as professional builders and
their clients.
In addition to presenting specific building techniques, this invaluable and detailed reference book explains the design principles and planning processes that underlie all good building, so that readers can develop their own exceptional designs, independently.
The Real Goods Independent Builder develops subjects not covered thoroughly in other books, but which are critical to success:
designing small houses that seem big
understanding innovation
estimating and controlling costs
incorporating ergonomics and accessibility
doing drawings and scale models
making contracts that work
Reviewers uniformly praised it for its all-round usefulnes:
"Clark takes a pragmatic approach, combining the best new technologies with more traditional, time-tested methods [the main criteria being whether the construction is cost-effective and can stand the test of time]. This tome is
chock-full of information [for] even the most ardent do-it-yourselfer." - Library Journal
"I am planning to build an owner-built house next summer, and have read upwards of 50 books on the subject. "The Independent Builder" is by far the best. It shares wisdom in addition to information. - Mark Harrison, Jaffrey, New Hampshire
"A successful project generally requires getting a lot of simple decisions right. My goal is to help readers succeed at this
process, and also realize their imaginative design goals." - Sam Clark
CONTENTS
NEW APPROACHES TO DESIGN: ergonomics and accessibility * pattern languages * sustainable design: a builder's approach
DESIGN AND PLANNING: resources, goals, and priorities * choosing a house site * preliminary design work * making scale drawings and models * layout * elevations, sections, and models * kitchen and bath design
BUSINESS: hiring builders and designers * making good contracts * estimating
BUILDING BASICS: wood * the structure of a house * strength of timbers * heat * heat loss calculation and sun paths * summer cooling and ventilation * plumbing and water systems
CONSTRUCTION METHODS: building in the right order * post-and-beam construction * foundations * floors * walls * roofs * roofing and flashing * windows and shutters * doors * siding * insulation and vapor barrier * finish work * stairs * scaffolding * using tools
APPENDICES: F and E values for timber calculations * joist, rafter, header, sill and column size tables * bearing capacity of soil and bedrock * frost lines * snow loads * weights of various materials * nails and screws * sound insulation
This superbly comprehensive book, profusely illustrated with photographs, sketches, and diagrams, is a solid and reliable source of instruction, information and advice for all those who are planning to
build their own home, work closely with their own builder or contractor, or put up their own durable retreat in the country. You should order it as soon as possible if you're planning to build this summer. Sam Clark has worked with, and written books for, owner-builders since the late 1960's.
Large paperback, 522 pages.
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