Building an Affordable House : A Smart Guide to High-Value, Low-Cost Construction

by PAGES RUIZ, FERNANDO

• ISBN13: 9781561585960
• ISBN10: 1561585963
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2005-01-30
• Publisher: Taunton

Summary

The first comprehensive guide of its kind, Building an Affordable House is for homeowners and building contractors who want to incorporate proven cost-saving techniques into their projects. Written by a contractor who has been nationally recognized for his innovative approach to cost control, this book shows readers how to generate significant savings on major projects such as building a new home or adding on to an existing one. The first section provides an economical approach to planning projects, while the second reveals the quality-conscious, cost-cutting strategies the author has uncovered through direct construction experience and extensive consultation with industry experts. The third section covers finish details from drywall to flooring, with emphasis on saving money without compromising quality or distinctive results. Handy features include floor plans, resource listings, and project management tools.

Table of Contents

Foreword	2	(1)
How to Use This Book	3	(1)
Money Matters	4	(8)
A Hard-Dollar Cost Approach	5	(1)
The Affordability Equation	6	(1)
Achieving Blueprint Democracy	7	(1)
Every House Can Be Built Better	8	(1)
Great Expectations	9	(3)
Design	12	(21)
Building a Better Box	13	(2)
Using a Modular Planning Grid	15	(6)
Inner Space	21	(8)
Lot Basics	29	(3)
The Language of Affordability	32	(1)
Foundations	33	(29)
Concrete Is the Traditional Choice	34	(2)
A Soils Test Is a Good Investment	36	(2)
Concrete: More than the Basics	38	(6)
Do You Really Need a Footing?	44	(4)
Consider Alternatives to Conventional Foundations	48	(6)
Slab-on-Grade Foundations Are Affordable	54	(4)
Sealing Foundation Walls	58	(4)
Framing	62	(39)
Optimum Value Engineered Framing	63	(2)
Building Walls the New Way	65	(10)
Prefabrication Is the Future	75	(1)
Alternatives to Wood Walls	76	(1)
Floor Framing	76	(5)
Stairways	81	(3)
Girders, Beams, and Posts	84	(3)
Installing Subfloors	87	(2)
Engineered Floor Systems	89	(3)
Framing the Roof	92	(6)
Installing Framing Connectors	98	(3)
Plumbing: Less May Be Better	101	(18)
Smart Layout Cuts Costs	102	(2)
Rethinking Supply Lines	104	(4)
Choosing Drain, Waste, and Vent Lines	108	(4)
Saving with Stainless Steel Gas Tubing	112	(1)
Shopping for Fixtures	113	(6)
Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning	119	(17)
Take an Active Role in Planning	120	(2)
Selecting the Right Equipment	122	(4)
Sizing Equipment for the House	126	(2)
Planning the Network of Ducts	128	(7)
Fresh Air Is Important, Too	135	(1)
Wiring and Light Fixtures	136	(10)
Fine-Tuning the Site Plan	136	(2)
Devising a Smart Floor Plan	138	(2)
Reducing Lights and Switches	140	(1)
Choose Wire Gauge Carefully	141	(1)
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters	142	(1)
Consider Aluminum Wire	142	(2)
Recessed Fixtures Save Money	144	(2)
Insulation	146	(11)
Making the Building Tight	147	(1)
Plug the Small Gaps, Too	148	(4)
The Airtight Drywall Approach	152	(1)
Choosing the Right Insulation	153	(4)
Windows, Doors, Driveways, and Walks	157	(19)
Pitched Roofs Are Better	158	(3)
For Siding, No Maintenance Is Best	161	(8)
Economizing with Doors and Windows	169	(4)
For Walks and Driveways, Skip the Concrete	173	(3)
Interior Finish	176	(20)
Design One Detail at a Time	177	(1)
Making the Most of Drywall	178	(4)
Choose Paint Carefully	182	(2)
Installing Interior Trim and Millwork	184	(4)
Saving in the Kitchen	188	(2)
Flooring Makes a First Impression	190	(6)
Appendix 1	196	(2)
Appendix 2	198	(1)
Appendix 3	199	(1)
Index	200