20 Best Books For Residential Contractors (2023 Update)

This book should be required reading for anyone who is thinking about building or renovating a house. the savings involved can make the difference between just dreaming about that dream house and actually building it. the primary message behind "be your own house contractor is " you can do it!" this popular book has sold over 268,000 copies since it was first published in 1982. written for those with little or no experience in the building trades, "be your own house contractor clearly and simply lays out the steps involved in home construction and answers the many questions that arise. concise chapters deal with: – locating and purchasing land – procuring financing – estimating costs and staying within a budget – hiring subcontractors and finding suppliers – building the house – restoring an existing structure an extensive appendix contains examples of the forms, certificates, and permits that are required, as well as sample contracts and plans. the 5th edition has been fully updated and includes carl heldmann's new web site, where readers can get loan information, daily updates on interest rates, and cost estimate worksheets for planning and tracking building expenses. other new features include new chapters on renovating and restoring an older house and a spanish glossary of common building terms.

The bestselling step-by-step framing guide—updated and expanded to meet 2018 codes and standards complete book of framing, second edition—updated and expanded is a comprehensive guide to rough carpentry and framing, written by an expert with over forty years of framing experience. this book guides the reader through step-by-step framing instructions for floors, walls, roofs, door and window openings, and stairs. hundreds of full-color illustrations and photos enable novice and professional framers to understand and master framing techniques. this updated and expanded second edition includes the framing techniques of the 2018 international building code (ibc), international residential code (irc), and updated osha rules. it also includes new coverage of today's electric tools, wind and earthquake framing, medical and physiological factors of framing, and a revised safety chapter. builders will find information on nailing patters, overall layout, engineered wood patterns, and green framing. in addition, the book offers readers tools and techniques for preparing for a job and managing a team. this second edition—updated and expanded: includes hundreds of full-color illustrations depicting step-by-step framing techniques offers guidance on today's electric tools and structural enhancements for natural disasters features a revised chapter on safety to reflect the medical and physiological factors of framing meets the framing techniques of the 2018 international building code (ibc), international residential code (irc), and occupational safety and health administration (osha) standards complete book of framing: an illustrated guide for residential construction, second edition—updated and expanded is an excellent resource for framers, carpenters, and contractors of all experience levels. framer-friendly tips throughout the book show how to complete framing tasks efficiently and effectively.

Carpentry & building construction is a comprehensive carpentry program that focuses on residential construction with many procedures also applying to light commercial construction. the informative text provides detailed, heavily illustrated information about materials, tools, and processes, with many step-by-step procedures.includes hardbound student edition aligned to the content standards.

This comprehensive code comprises all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and electrical requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. the irc contains many important changes such as: an updated seismic map reflects the most conservative seismic design category (sdc) based on any soil type and a new map reflects less conservative sdcs when site class a, b or d is applicable. the townhouse separation provisions now include options for using two separate fire-resistant-rated walls or a common wall. an emergency escape and rescue opening is no longer required in basement sleeping rooms where the dwelling has an automatic fire sprinkler system and the basement has a second means of egress or an emergency escape opening. the exemption for interconnection of smoke alarms in existing areas has been deleted. new girder/header tables have been revised to incorporate the use of #2 southern pine in lieu of #1 southern pine. new tables address alternative wood stud heights and the required number of full height studs in high wind areas.

Here's the updated and enlarged third edition of our classic reference on how to choose systems and materials for every part of a home. designed for do-it-yourself homeowners, as well as builders, contractors and architects, the visual handbook of building and remodeling is the authoritative, go-to reference manual for anyone involved in residential design and construction. in fact, earlier editions of this classic guide have sold over 250,000 copies. with its unique visual approach and over 1,600 full-color drawings, this new, expanded edition provides you with a clear, detailed look at every aspect of home construction– and built-in systems. so you can visualize exactly how to tackle any building project or construction challenge. and, in addition to its user-friendly graphic presentation, you'll also appreciate the clear, straightforward language that gives you everything you need to get going. here are just a few reasons why you'll want to pick up a copy of this new edition. it's chock full of new material with lots of essential information not included in earlier versions over 400 new full-color drawings shed light on a wide range of additional materials, systems and details new chapters on energy-efficient green building practices and innovative storage solutions over 1,600 drawings — in total — cover every aspect of home building and remodeling over 300 tables offer quick access to critical data

This book familiarizes code users with the 2009 international residential code (irc) as it applies to residential buildings. the book focuses on the essential ten chapters of the irc that set forth the core provisions of the code necessary for use in building design and construction. it provides design and construction professionals- architects, engineers and residential building contractors- an understanding of how the irc was developed, and how it is likely to be interpreted when applied to the design and construction provisions for one-and two- family residential buildings and townhouses. this is an essential companion to the irc for those seeking to master the accepted construction knowledge in the field and for experienced practitioners needing to understand the newest code revisions and changes.

Do you own your own contracting business and feel bogged down by the day-to-day tasks you need to do just to stay afloat? do you want to grow your business but you're not sure how? are you having trouble finding and keeping employees you can trustif you answered yes to any of these questions, you need this book! you'll learn from a veteran of the trade how to grow your business and make time for the things you love!

This comprehensive code for homebuilding combines building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy, and electrical provisions into a single resource. the 2015 international residential code for one- and two- family dwellings soft cover uses these provisions to provide detailed insight into the construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories high. using foundational principles that facilitate the use of new materials and building designs to guide the content, this reference guide also establishes minimum regulations using prescriptive provisions. this updated code includes information on common walls separating townhouses, remodeling of an existing basement, ramps that do not serve the required egress door, and carbon monoxide alarms.

The combined expertise of home depot–the nation's #1 home center retailer–and better homes and gardens books makes this a one-of-a-kind home improvement book. chapters cover all aspects of home remodeling, decorating and repair, with an emphasis on time-saving, do-it-yourself methods. features more than 2,000 color illustrations and 75 color photos.

Residential construction management will provide construction managers a concise and practical guide to managing residential construction projects. one of the fundamental reasons residential contractors fail to prosper is that they are poor managers. by presenting project management tools in their appropriate context of the project lifecycle—initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing, readers will more clearly understand the iterative nature of construction management, which is a key to successfully managing a construction project. you can't afford to be without this indispensible working tool and its step-by-step instructions, project management templates, and real-world case studies. residential construction management provides construction managers a concise and practical guide to managing residential construction projects. one of the fundamental reasons residential contractors fail to prosper is that they are poor managers. by presenting project management tools in their appropriate context of the project lifecycle — initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing — you will more clearly understand the true nature of construction management, which is a key to successfully managing a construction project.

The data inside this book gives you total unit price costs for every aspect of the most common repair and remodeling projects, in a format organized for the way you build – from frame to finish. it covers every step needed to complete each task, and includes demolition, installation, painting, cleaning and more.

Volume i is this book and to complete the study volume ii must be purchased. get one step closer to becoming a florida state general, building, or residential contractor with a prep book designed by upstryve to help you conquer the required pearson vue contract administration and project management examination. – book features: highlighting and tabbing locations for each required book, so you can quickly and easily reference your materials during the exam – practice questions – testing taking techniques that are an indispensable part of these open-book exams – to be a florida certified contractor, you must be able to pass the contractor's test, provide a proven record of financial stability, and present evidence of your experience for the category in which you wish to be licensed. a contractor must have at least four years of field experience in the category being considered, and one of those years has to be acting in a supervisory role. this last requirement could be substituted for at least three years of undergraduate credit hours. when the contractor wishes to be certified as a building or general contractor, he/she must present evidence of experience in four of these categories:

Featured on nationally syndicated television. the # 1 new release in amazon's home design and construction category for april 2021. midwest book review states, "exceptionally well written, organized and presented, the homeowner's guide to contracting, building, and remodeling is a comprehensive and thoroughly 'user friendly' instructional guide and manual that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library home design design, remodeling, & construction collections" building or remodeling a home can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it can also be a stressful and daunting challenge. organized to cover all the major phases of construction and renovation, this book is complete with over one hundred actual construction and renovation photographs, checklists, financing options, builder insights, industry secrets, design ideas, and other valuable information to help homeowners save a fortune while completing their project on time, within budget, and with less stress.whether building a new home or renovating an old home, with this book you will learn: how to avoid builder markups; how to control costs and avoid costly setbacks; how to finance your project; how to find and hire contractors; how to obtain estimates for materials and labor; how to work with an architect; how to apply for permits and work with inspectors; learn the practical uses and installation methods of many home improvement products; and most importantly, you will learn how to save money without sacrificing quality. this is not a book about how to be a professional contractor but how homeowners can learn more about the building process and how to save money by controlling their costs.read what the experts have said: "a valuable guide to contracting, building, and renovating, homeowners will surely benefit from joe oswald's knowledge and experience." joe carroll, architect. "written from the perspective of a homeowner, joe oswald shares his knowledge and attention to detail in a straightforward and user-friendly style." allan boerner, electrical contractor.about the author: joe oswald was a licensed real estate agent for over twenty years, worked as a new home consultant for a residential builder, and completed a general contracting course. joe served as his own general contractor when building a three-level brick addition onto his spanish revival home. in this book he details that journey and shares all the things he did to save money and bring his project to a successful completion without sacrificing quality or workmanship. joe also has masters' degrees in history and educational administration and has taught history for over twenty years. his other books include a history of chicago's beverly/morgan park neighborhood, published by arcadia publishing as part of their images of america series, and a vocabulary improvement book titled vocabulary for champions.

Featured on nationally syndicated television. the # 1 new release in amazon's home design and construction category for april 2021. midwest book review states, "exceptionally well written, organized and presented, the homeowner's guide to contracting, building, and remodeling is a comprehensive and thoroughly 'user friendly' instructional guide and manual that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library home design design, remodeling, & construction collections" building or remodeling a home can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it can also be a stressful and daunting challenge. organized to cover all the major phases of construction and renovation, this book is complete with over one hundred actual construction and renovation photographs, checklists, financing options, builder insights, industry secrets, design ideas, and other valuable information to help homeowners save a fortune while completing their project on time, within budget, and with less stress.whether building a new home or renovating an old home, with this book you will learn: how to avoid builder markups; how to control costs and avoid costly setbacks; how to finance your project; how to find and hire contractors; how to obtain estimates for materials and labor; how to work with an architect; how to apply for permits and work with inspectors; learn the practical uses and installation methods of many home improvement products; and most importantly, you will learn how to save money without sacrificing quality. this is not a book about how to be a professional contractor but how homeowners can learn more about the building process and how to save money by controlling their costs.read what the experts have said: "a valuable guide to contracting, building, and renovating, homeowners will surely benefit from joe oswald's knowledge and experience." joe carroll, architect. "written from the perspective of a homeowner, joe oswald shares his knowledge and attention to detail in a straightforward and user-friendly style." allan boerner, electrical contractor.about the author: joe oswald was a licensed real estate agent for over twenty years, worked as a new home consultant for a residential builder, and completed a general contracting course. joe served as his own general contractor when building a three-level brick addition onto his spanish revival home. in this book he details that journey and shares all the things he did to save money and bring his project to a successful completion without sacrificing quality or workmanship. joe also has masters' degrees in history and educational administration and has taught history for over twenty years. his other books include a history of chicago's beverly/morgan park neighborhood, published by arcadia publishing as part of their images of america series, and a vocabulary improvement book titled vocabulary for champions.

This comprehensive code comprises all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and electrical requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. the 2021 irc contains many important changes such as: braced wall lines must be placed on a physical wall or placed between multiple walls. the rated separation for two-family dwellings is 1 hour whether or not a lot line exists between units. emergency escape and rescue openings require a clear 36-inch-wide path to a public way. an engineered design is required for storm shelters. a habitable attic is limited to one-half the area of the story below and the dwelling requires sprinklers. updated wind speed maps match ibc and asce 7 maps. deck design now considers snow load, tributary area for footing and post height, and guard details. specific requirements for deck guardrails were added. component and cladding wind pressures in table r301.2(2) are updated for new design wind speeds and hip or gable roof profiles. minimum footing size tables are revised to more accurately reflect current practice. cripple wall requirements apply only to exterior cripple walls. new appendices for cob construction and 3d printed construction are added. a 30 percent reduction of airflow is permitted for balanced ventilation systems. commercial gas cooking appliances are prohibited. the head pressure for a water test of dwv systems increased to 10 feet. air vacuum testing is now permitted for plastic piping dwv systems. section p2904 for dwelling sprinklers is expanded to more closely align with nfpa 13d. an emergency service disconnect is required in a readily accessible outdoor location. a surge-protective device (spd) is now required at the service panel. the number of receptacle outlets required for peninsular and island countertops in kitchens is determined by the area of the countertop surface.

Publisher's note: products purchased from third party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. – proven business strategies for operating a profitable and efficient construction firm – written by a successful management researcher, advisor, and educator to construction contractors, the construction mba reveals effective operating practices for managing the multiple processes that must work simultaneously to make a construction firm consistently profitable. the methods in the book apply to both general and specialty contracting firms and describe how to grow both the top line and bottom line. – this strategic resource explains how to integrate metrics into your business model that allow you to identify and react to critical trends. you'll learn ways to gain the competitive edge by adopting superior processes, speeding up your business cycle, and maximizing client satisfaction. tips for positioning your firm on the "sweet spot" of the risk-reward curve are also included. realworld case studies demonstrate the concepts presented in this practical guide. in addition, eight legendary management books are reviewed and their lessons are applied to the constructioncontracting business. – the construction mba covers:the new business model – corporate objectives and strategies – work acquisition – operations management – human resources – financial managementtechnologygood operating practices

Gordian’s 2023 contractor’s pricing guide: residential repair & remodeling costs with rsmeans data gives contractors and estimators total unit price costs for common repair and remodeling projects. cost data organized for the way you build, from frame to finish. fully updated for 2023, this construction costs book covers every step needed to complete each task, including demolition, installation, painting, cleaning and more. save time by using a simplified estimating method, including mark-ups, easy-to-understand descriptions and quick cost information. increase your profits by speeding up your estimating time, while making sure your estimates are on target.

Fundamentals of residential construction, second edition features the most up-to-date explanations of today's residential construction systems. from foundation to roof and exterior finishes to interior details, this new edition thoroughly addresses the latest developments in materials and methods of house construction, including energy efficiency, framing, and roofing. abundantly illustrated with more than 1,200 drawings and photographs, this second edition provides authoritative coverage on wood light-frame construction, industrialized systems of construction, insulating concrete forms, light-gauge steel frame, panelized construction, and new information on engineered materials, windows and doors, as well as: zoning ordinances plumbing building codes heating and cooling financing wiring environmental concerns finish sitework rough sitework

The leading guide to professional home construction, updated and expanded fundamentals of residential construction is the definitive guide to single family and multifamily home building that details every step of the construction process. from siting and foundations to finishing details, this book provides a complete walk-through of professional home construction. over 1,200 drawings and photographs animate the textbook, while interactive supplementary online resources help facilitate an understanding of the material. this fourth edition accommodates the latest developments in materials and methods, including new coverage of sustainable building and energy efficiency, multifamily construction, prefabricated building components, and cad/bim planning tools in residential construction. authoritative coverage of wood light-frame construction, building systems, industrialized fabrication, insulating concrete forms, light-gauge steel and masonry construction, multi-family buildings, and more provides a solid foundation in residential construction methods, tools, and processes. building a home requires a deeply integrated understanding of materials, structures, codes, and management procedures. because the process involves such a broad array of considerations and challenges, construction professionals must regularly draw on a clear body of knowledge to keep a project running smoothly. this book helps you lay the groundwork of expertise required to successfully complete a residential project. – learn the advantages and disadvantages of common materials and systems – understand site preparation, foundations, and framing – delve into the details of roofing, finishing, and energy efficiency – understand heating/cooling, plumbing, and electrical options – examine the latest codes, costs, and management best practices designing and constructing a home presents a unique project dynamic; people's homes are their sanctuaries, where they make the memories of a lifetime. they must be designed to be lived in, not simply "used." lifetime costs play a major role in decision-making, materials must be carefully chosen and sourced, and spaces must be structured to be efficient yet enjoyable. fundamentals of residential construction shows you how to bring it all together to turn a project into a family's cherished home.

Estimating for residential construction, 2e provides a very visual, reader-friendly introduction to processes as it details the steps involved in accurately preparing a cost estimate. in his signature clear, straightforward writing style, proven author david pratt explains how to price excavation and site work, concrete, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, heating, and electrical work, as well as the general expenses and sub-trade work. he also covers the impact of green building practices. the book offers specifics on how to prepare a bill of materials from a takeoff, summarize and prepare a bid for a custom home, assess markup on an estimate, and review a bid before it is submitted to the client. it covers the basic math of residential work early on, devotes an entire chapter to remodeling, and provides tips of the trade from professionals in every chapter. in addition, the second edition is linked to a student companion website, where instructors and students can access spreadsheets to assist in estimating tasks and problems.important notice: media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.