ILLUSTRATED RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

Illustrated Residential and Commercial Construction describes in detail the materials and construction techniques of modern construction together with the basic principles of competent building design. All major building elements from building location and foundations to electrical and mechanical services are presented in a sequence similar to that of actual construction. In each chapter, comparisons are made between the wide range of options available in construction materials and installation methods.

The book is profusely illustrated and information is presented in a somewhat unique hand-drawn and lettered style.  A large portion of the text is written in point form for greater information density per page. This unusual method of presentation has distinct advantages over standard typesetting procedures. Most significant is that each individual page or pair of facing pages have been designed as completely self-contained information units.  All text is located beside or close to each illustration, eliminating illustration "lag" and making figure numbers unnecessary. Other advantages include extensive page number cross-referencing and the ability to arrange placement of illustrations and text to create interesting visual effects.  All sizes and dimensions are given in English and metric values.

In addition to standard construction techniques and solar design, throughout the book emphasis is placed on design construction methods that increase the energy efficiency of a building's structure. This aspect of the construction industry is now a major part of a modern building's function and designers and builders in all climatic regions must be aware of the systems and methods involved.

In summary, Illustrated Residential and Commercial Construction provides the following:

• Detail illustrations of materials and construction processes.
• Over 1600 illustrations, all positioned next to related text.
• Extensive classroom testing by the author ensuring quality and accuracy.
• Information is presented in discrete one- or two-page packages.
• Extensive page-number cross-referencing to connect related information.
• Alternate materials and techniques are presented for comparison purposes.
• Product items described in generic terms to avoid brand-name obsolescence.
• Wide field of subject matter to cover every standard construction area.
• A special chapter on Energy Conservation (Chapter 10)
• A special chapter on Passive Solar Design (Chapter 3)
• A special chapter on English/metric conversions for a wide range of values (Chapter 2).
• Dual English and metric sizes and dimensions in every case.