Basic engineering principles are offered in non-technical language that the builder can put to use on his jobs. Includes understanding engineering requirements on the plans and how to meet them, sizing of structural members using only preliminary plans, and requirements for steel, concrete, and masonry.

The beam and lumber requirements for your jobs aren't always clear, especially with changing building codes and lumber products. If you need to figure any type of on-the-job lumber engineering, this book will help fill the gap between what you can find in building code span tables and the complex calculations that you need to hire a certified engineer to do. The book covers most building types and framing systems, including door, window and roof framing. And there's a chapter on connections, retrofitting with anchor bolts, framing anchors and tie-downs, plus the latest requirements for cross-bridging and anchoring. Also included is an important chapter on designing concrete formwork -- figuring the pressures, tolerances, and thickness for plywood, Plyform, composition, and fiber-reinforced plastic. In the back of the book you'll find a computer disk with an easy-to-use version of Northbridge Software's Wood Beam Sizing "TM". Just follow the step-by-step instructions in the program to find out what size member you need for the spans and loads that you require based on the wood species that you're using. Requires Windows 3.1 or higher.

Concrete can be a pretty unforgiving building material. Ask any of the builders who come into your store and they'll usually have a horror story to share about a concrete job gone awry and how much it cost them.Basic Concrete Engineering for Builders may be one of the only books available today that explains how to avoid common concrete problems with foundations, slabs, columns, and more. It gives step-by-step explanations on how to plan, mix, reinforce and pour concrete. It also shows how to design concrete for buildings -- the calculations, the tables, and the rules of thumb, with examples and insight into the working knowledge that every builder needs.Most builders don't end up specifying requirements for structural concrete work. That's the job of an engineer. But most builders working with concrete need a good general understanding of the concepts behind structural concrete engineering. They need to know about: surveying, foundation layout, formwork, form materials, forming problems, aggregates, admixtures, reinforcing, mixing and placing requirements, pumping, creating joints, curing, and testing the concrete's strength. They need to know basic design for walls, columns, slabs, slabs-on-grade, one- and two-way slabs, elevated slabs, equipment pads, pre-cast walls, retaining walls, basement walls, crib walls, reinforcing beams and girders, driveways, sidewalks, curbs, catch basins, manholes and other miscellaneous structures, as well as how to calculate the reinforcement needed for these structural components. You'll find all this information in this book and on the software included in the back.Includes Free Engineering Software: A CD-ROM is included with easy-to-useengineering software for designing simple concrete elements for beams, slabs and columns.

Packed with plumbing isometrics and helpful illustrations, this guide makes clear the code requirements for installing materials for plumbing and gas systems. Includes code tables for pipe sizing and fixture units, and code requirements for just about all areas of plumbing, from water supply and vents to sanitary drainage systems. Covers the principles and terminology of the code, how the various systems work and are regulated, and code-compliance issues you'll likely encounter on the job.

Easily master QuickBooks Pro 2003 and quickly learn how to generate reports to help you analyze your company's progress. Includes a FREE CD-ROM with preconfigured construction company files for QuickBooks Pro, including one for Canada. Just drag the company file onto your hard drive and then fill it in with your vendors, subs, and customers. Also included is a complete estimating program with a cost database to help you estimate your jobs, and a unique translation tool to transfer the estimate to QuickBooks Pro for job costing. Includes 40 FREE construction forms.

Lawrence Dworin's guide covers a variety of topics essential to the purchase and renovation of homes for profit. Included are chapters on remodeling for profit, selecting the right house, using real-estate agents, buying a home, getting the appropriate financing, repairing structural and mechanical problems, decorating the interior, selling the house, and keeping rental property.

Everything you need to know to estimate, build, and repair practically every type of roof covering: asphalt shingles, roll roofing, wood shingles & shakes, clay tile, slate, metal, built-up, and elastomeric. Shows how to measure and estimate most roofs (including estimating shortcuts discovered by the author), how to install leak-proof underlayment and flashing, and how to solve problems with insulation, vapor barriers, and waterproofing. Over 300 large, clear illustrations that help you find the answers to all your roofing questions.

This is the book for construction professionals who want a clear understanding of alternative materials and how using them can enhance their projects -- both residential and commercial. It covers the materials -- including their strengths and any limitations -- as well as installation tips and manhour estimates. For each product listed, you'll learn where you can get it, including phone numbers and Website addresses of the manufacturers. Every builder needs a niche. This book is full of new, exciting materials that you can offer your customers with confidence.

"Manhours, labor and material costs for most home improvement work. Includes instructions for doing the work, with helpful illustrations, and tricks and tips from experienced remodelers."

This book covers the whys and hows of sound construction, with step-by-step instructions showing how to handle the details in all construction.