Housebuilding: A Do-It-Yourself Guide

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. (December)