Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Oct 28, 2012 2:30 pm My wife and I are getting ready to enter the world of building. We want to build an economical, efficient house in the country. Could somebody recommend a book to me on the subject of housing materials and construction techniques? I'd like to better understand the construction options I have and what the advantages/disadvantages of each on is. I'm looking for a kind of textbook or reference so that I know I have the basic options covered and can reasonable compare them. I have an engineering background, but absolutely no experience with houses or building. Things I'm interested in: materials (eg, steel vs wood frame), techniques and design (eg, Skillion vs gabled vs other roof techniques), passive solar designs (I've read: The Passive Solar House, which seems like a fantastic book), economics (not cost, I'm more than happy to pay for efficient, low maintenance materials, techniques and technologies), bushfires. I have read http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/pd ... on2011.pdf and found it to be a good resource. cheers and thank you, tasman Re: Recommend a building book for me! 2Oct 28, 2012 3:26 pm It is very easy to compare different building methods and materials via the internet and judge factors like R-values for wall insulation etc by comparing manufacturers freely downloadable pdf's on their products. Two books I have had for years are the "NSW Timber Framing Manual" which has a lot of pertinent diagrams as well as span tables for rafters , floor joists etc. I have the third edition (1993) but nearly all the details are the same in the later versions. The other I have is " Acceptable Standards of Domestic Construction" ( 1992) which has similar info as the book above but more on what is required for things like ventilation of roof spaces and roof plumbing etc. Both are excellent reference books. Stewie ( builder since 1980 - I have the crook back to prove it ! ) go upvc window frames ensure insulation under colorbond. not just sarking, lighter color roof also not sure if you have seen this viewtopic.php?t=5823 last couple of pages… 4 110560 Even if it's not being sub-divided and you want to keep it as Torrens title, you will still need to talk to a town planner or Council themselves, to see if they will allow… 1 11035 |