Code Check Electrical: A Field Guide to Wiring a Safe House Review

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(More customer reviews)I suppose if you are already familiar with all of the code sections involved in an electrical code inspection, or at least the portion presented in this form, this would be a helpful form. However, if, even as a building inspector, you need occassional reminders of exactly what an electrical code section involves, this may force the user into guessing what is meant by a particular item on this form.
Unfortunately, as a result, I firmly believe, inspections done using this form will not represent a reasonable degree of accuracy. Some of the diagrams are useful. However, a great deal is still lacking in helping the inspector, layman or professional, in understanding exactly what they are looking for.
For instance, one of the items under "Other Services" in the "Temporary Power Pole" section reads "Identify insulated neutral at both ends". If the National Electric Code Section referenced (200-6b) is accurate, then this actually means that non-white wires in temporary power systems that are #6 or larger, but not the commonly used #8 copper, must be marked with a white identification tape wrapped around the insulation of the wire in the junction boxes in which both ends of the wire terminate. I'm not sure many of my fellow professionals in the building inspection profession, much less the layman, would know these specifics from this short identifying phrase provided in the form. Furthermore, it could take several books, including a copy of the National Electric Code itself, for someone to fully understand what this code section means.
As a result, I don't believe that this form is designed for the layman at all. I don't believe it will be useful to the typical home buyer having a home built. I think they could be much better served by the local code inspectors. If they were not convinced that a local code inspector would be likely to serve them well, for whatever reason, they should consider using the money to help pay for a full-fledged private inspection by a local home inspector who does new construction inspections.

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With extensive information on electrical code requirements and the principles behind them, Code Check: Electrical summarizes national and international electrical code specifications. The spiral-bound Code Check series, with durable laminated pages, is designed to be used on-site for quick reference and is endorsed by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO).

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Build Your Own Low-Cost Timber and Beam House Review

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(More customer reviews)I am in the process of building my own post and beam home with lumber we are pioneering from our own property.
I've gathered far more than the information contained in this book using great on-line resources and discussion forums on wood milling and my partner and I are both skilled enough to complete significantly better designs and plans than this author.
The book appears to be a self-published. It would have maybe been worth a 99 cent download of an e-book, but hardly worth the nearly $17 when I would have rather spent it on some more prefessional books here on Amazon.
Great if you know nothing about construction and cannot figure out how to use the A9 or Google searches to get the same information. Save your money. Buy a post and beam construction book that has real information and photos in it.

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How To Build Your Own Low- Cost Timber and Beam House provides step-by-step directions from finding logs to finishing the house. I built a 1200 square foot house for $22,000, during 1992-5. Chapter 1 tells how I located my land, chose tools, and located the logs. I purchased a small sawmill, which I tell how to use, even how to cut the siding used on the house; also how to lay a foundation and get utilities. Chapter 2: How to construct the sill and floor beams. Chapter 3: How to design the house you want, using my own as illustration, then how to construct the first- story walls using simple equipment, including the hardware I used and methods of raising the wall frames with door and window frames as part of the structure.Chapter 4: How to frame the second story. I present several design options, then describe my experience with the barn style I choose. Here you'll learn how to design and raise the ridgepole, construct the barn style rafters, and set them in place. Chapter 5: How to apply the roof decking and roof. Chapter 6: How to dry in the structure and how I proceeded by laying flooring and installing siding alternately. I describe types of wall sheathing (e.g. blackboard or aluminized) and how to finish the framing for doors and windows. Chapter 7: Details about how to make and apply exterior siding from the log supply using a small sawmill, after a brief description of types of siding options, including how to install the siding for both the first and second stories. Chapter 8: How to finish the interior, including constructing a stairway,installing plumbing and fixtures, installing electrical wiring and fixtures, wall treatments, kitchen cabinets, and floor finishing such as tile. The bookcontains 21 color photos and 30 diagrams. Pb, 132 pp.

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Building Backyard Structures: Sheds, Barns, Bins, Gazebos & Other Outdoor Construction Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the best book of this type I have seen. Separate chapters cover all the basics, such as foundations, roofing, siding, doors & windows, etc. Good hand-drawn plans and drawings and lots of pictures make it easy to visualize how to proceed. The book includes step-by-step plans on how to build 7 different structures, but it's the background "how-to" stuff that I found really helpful.

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Do you need places to keep the things that make outdoor living so enjoyable? Complete instructions cover the basics of small shed building that are common to all the projects, along with tips on planning, selecting materials, and choosing a style and color that looks good, as well as technical aspects of selecting a site, dealing with grade levels, and water runoff. Construction techniques come with hundreds of photos that show exactly how to lay foundations, set up framing, put on roofing, install siding, and finish doors and windows.

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Small Barn Plans for Owner-Builders Review

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(More customer reviews)Only basic info on planning a project and included plans are just a teaser to get you to purchase complete plans. There are much better general barn/shed books.

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SMALL BARN PLANS FOR OWNER-BUILDERS is a both a book of barn plans and an owner-builder guide to managing your own barn building project in just four easy steps. First step...learn how to design your own barn or adapt one of the 12 barn plans in the book. Step 2...Estimate the cost of your barn and get competitive bids and save thousands of dollars. Step 3...Learn how to manage your building project like a pro to save time and money. The book includes checklists and schedules to make it easy. Last step...learn how to successfully work with subcontractors and suppliers to save up to 20%!SMALL BARN PLANS FOR OWNER-BUILDERS includes professional construction plans, including floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, floor framing plans, roof framing plans,structural details and a cupola plan for 12 popular barn plans. There are six gable-roofed barn plans, ranging from a 300 square foot "backyard barn" to a 1500 square foot six stall horse barn. Most have full lofts. The book also includes 4 gambrel-roofed barns, from 384 to 864 square feet, with multi-purpose floor plans and full second-story lofts. Two monitor-roofed barns are also included. The smaller is 864 square feet, plus a 400 square foot loft. The larger has 1296 square feet, plus a 600 square foot loft for storage or living space. Many of these barns have been built as affordable "barnhouses".

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ELECTRICIAN'S BOOK -ESTIMATING ELECTRICAL WORK Review

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(More customer reviews)Contents
Why I am writing this book
Division 16th
Read all notes and specifications
Site visit
Suppliers for materials
Have software in place
How to start estimating
Project- Based Learning (PBL)
Estimating process
The need to learn to scale the drawings
General arrangement drawing - new project layout for exterior electrical
system
Check list for exterior electrical work
Duct bank details, excavation, concrete, PCV conduit
Concrete pad installation
Concrete pad installation with crane or other devices
Concrete pad and grounding system
Grounding system details at the location of the utility transformer
Feeders /Wiring /cables for primary and secondary side
PVC conduit for CATV; Telephone; DATA (wiring by others
Materials and labour
Exterior lighting
Chart by work order
Lighting pole details for installation and foundation
Lighting fixtures on the poles, building and sign
Wiring /cables for exterior lighting poles circuits
Conduit, boxes and wiring /cables for exterior lighting on the building
Equipped poles installation with crane or other devices Materials and labour
Signage: raceway & wiring
Duct bank details, excavation, concrete, PCV conduit Wiring /cables for exterior signage circuits
Sub-service for propane gas tank & devices
Duct bank details, excavation, concrete, PCV conduit
Wiring /cables for propane tank
Local Support & Main disconnect installation and wiring termination
Work orders: total tasks for electrical work
Results interpretation

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This is colour version of the book. Part 1 is covering the exterior electrical work like: electrical service for primary/secondary, concrete duct bank installation,transformer's pad installation ,exterior lighting system,and other systems that will be required to provide specific function to the location. Part 2 is covering the interior electrical work.This book is going to be a help to individuals that are working in the electrical field as electricians or electrical contractors, estimators or engineers working in construction, maintenance, where electrical tasks are between their day by day duties or responsibilities.This is project base learning system and will teach you how to find the magic number that will give you profits for any electrical work you'll need to achieve and perform.

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Electric Motor Maintenance and Troubleshooting Review

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(More customer reviews)I had this book on backorder for three months, eagerly anticipating new ideas, new methods of testing, and more. Having been in the electric motor industry, from being a motor repair journeyman in the US Navy to in-depth research into motor repair and testing at universities and for utilities, for about 20 years, I have seen major changes to the industry since the early 1980's.
The information in the book is the same old thing in a new cover. I see no difference between this book, previous books by the author, and my early 1950's copy of "Preventive Maintenance of Electrical Equipment" by Charles L Hubert. Basically, the book would make a great history lesson on testing from the early 1900's, while lacking in new test options that have come out over the past 25 years. The recommended 'smoke tests' and dangerous high voltage tests can be avoided these days, and are dangerous in their own right (safety issues).
There are quite a few technical issues with the book. For instance, surge testing is related as an 'inductance-based test' which is incorrect. It is actually an impedance-based test.
While new instruments have been available for the past 25 years, that are affordable, none of those technologies are mentioned. And in one area, the author offers his opinions on new technologies and what they detect, but does not provide information to allow the reader or student to make their own decisions. For instance: "Uneven air gap - a test claim - can't be detected from the three leads of a three phase motor. (Although it isn't desirable, an uneven air gap won't destroy a motor's winding.)" - Whereas, air gap problems are detected by inductance, and impedance, because of changes to the electrical circuit (this author cannot change the laws of physics), and, while it has a minimal effect on the windings, it has a pronounced effect on the mechanics of the motor, which is why air gap is important when assembling motors, and when troubleshooting with vibration (eccentric rotor vibration).
I am, to put it mildly, disappointed.

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"There is a definite need for this book" - Chuck Yung (technical Support Specialist, Electrical Apparatus Service, Association, Inc.)*Gives an overview of each motor type's components and operation *Supplies troubleshooting procedures, which make concepts crystal-clear and review questions at the end of each chapter to drive the concepts home*Covers essential safety issues

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Audel Electric Motors (Audel Technical Trades Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)So I purchased this book to get the latest knowledge on motors, but instead I purchased a poorly written book by two teachers who have never done any of the work they are trying to outline in this text,I am an Industrial Electronics and motor control Maintenance Technician with 25 years experience,so I know what I am talking about, after reading this poorly written and presented collection of really bad ideas on how to troubleshoot motors I could write a much better book than this collection of trash! All of the ideas pictures and concepts presented in this text have been obsolete for about 30 years. My text books from college are about 15 years more advanced than this book and they were written in 1984. I noticed there are no line diagrams or much mention of programmable controls,or timers and relays, overload heaters for motor overcurrent protection instead of the fuses listed, you don't use fuses to protect a motor you use overload heaters an industry standard, these guys don't have a clue of how to troubleshoot a motor or check for amperage draw from a motor, you use a digital clampon ammeter not a hardwired inline ammeter, they don't explain how to ohm out a motor with a meter or use a megger to test insulation.It also looks like they got a really old square D catalog and used the pictures out of it for the book they are poorly reproduced, but if your are looking for info and circuits and trouble shooting techniques manufactures of components and motor staters and motors can give you much better and updated info from there website than you can derive from this peice of drivel!! I could not recommend this text to anyone who wants to learn about motors, if you think this is a good book then you know absolutely nothing about motors and controls or troubleshooting, american technical publishers produce some of the best motor and control books.Not audel.

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Here’s the ultimate motor toolIf you need information about installing, repairing, and maintaining any type of electric motor, this book belongs in your toolbox. Completely revised and illustrated, it covers principles of motor function, choosing and replacing motors, identifying and repairing common problems, performing routine maintenance, and more, all without excessive math. It’s the guide your father relied on, now fully updated for the twenty-first century.Understand both AC and DC motor function and operationRepair small series motors and troubleshoot special types of motorsCompare methods of motor control, including various switches, starters, and timing relaysTroubleshoot fractional horsepower motors, including split-phase induction, capacitor start, repulsion, shaded-pole, hysteresis synchronous, and universal motorsLearn the best procedures for stripping and rewinding armatures and statorsModify AC motors for speed controlDiscover which tools and supplies you’ll always need

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Building a Shed: Siting and Planning a Shed, Building Shed Foundations, Adding Custom Details (Build Like a Pro Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)
I've looked at several books on sheds and this is the best one I've found!
The author is a real craftsman. His background in cabinetmaking shines through in his attention to detail. He doesn't take shortcuts, as a matter of fact he takes the extra minute or two to do it right. Little tips like painting T 1-11 before installing it is helpful, but pointing out the value of painting the edges too, (to help preserve the wood over time), is the difference between a shed and a quality shed.
There are several step by step sheds to build, and each one offers numerous photos and tips. I would suggest reading the entire book and then building your shed. You will find different tips in each plan and can use them in building your shed.
Some of the outstanding features of this book:
ProTip - On nearly every other page the author offers a ProTip. They are not brain surgery, but if are new to construction you will find them helpful.
Trade Secret - Also on nearly every other page there is a Trade Secret. Here are the kind of tips that the old-timers offered. It's like having a master carpenter give you all the advise you'll ever needed.
Photos - Lots of them, but most importantly, they are from the part of the project the author is explaining. It's like being on the job site and seeing the project in action.
Details - The author is very good at describing the process of building a shed.
Disadvantage to this book:
The plans for the sheds are not included. You must purchase them from other sources listed in the back. It is possible to figure it out by combining different descriptions and sketches together, but if your are new to construction you may be better off ordering the plans.
After reading this book you will never buy one of those superstore sheds. You'll want the very best, and if you build it yourself you can get it for less than the superstore! Enjoy!

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This well-illustrated guide offers a range of building options, with complete instructions and plans for four popular projects: saltbox potting shed, garden storage shed, storage barn, and lean-to tool locker. Author Joe Truini walks the reader through each step, from evaluating storage needs to basic construction to putting the finishing touches on the roof. Over 350 color photos and black-and-white illustrations are included.

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Barns, Sheds and Outbuildings: Plan, Design, Build (English and English Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book comprehensively covers all aspects of building a barn, shed or outbuilding yourself; it would also help someone who was planning on having one built for them. It covers everything from top to bottom and inside and out: siting, foundation, framing, roofing, weatherproofing, finishing, electrical and plumbing. It is easy to read and the illustrations are instructive, not merely decoration. Since many of the techniques are used in homebuilding, the book would be of interest to home owners as well.

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Written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind, Barns, Sheds & Outbuildings gives readers the information they need to plan, build, and finish a utility building. This revised and expanded edition presents a variety of buildings, from the simplest garden shed to a huge gambrel dairy barn to a backyard artist's studio. Part One begins with design and planning information to help potential builders locate their building, decide on its design, and decode architectural plans and building codes. Individual chapters detail the basics: building foundations, from simple shed foundations to poured concrete slabs; framing walls and roofs, including long sections on pole buildings and old-fashioned timber-framing techniques; and closing in the framing, including all types of roofing and siding as well as door and window installation. Other chapters cover the basic wiring and plumbing needs of barns, as well as options for interior and exterior finish work. Part Two presents 12 design concepts, with photographs and detail views, of various buildings that readers can build.

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Cabins: A Guide to Building Your Own Nature Retreat Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is an absolutely essential guide for anyone planning to build a getaway home. It takes you, step-by-step, through the process of choosing your site, planning and designing your cabin and then building it. It includes plans, details and do-it-yourself hints on building all types of cabins: pole-frame, A-frame, timber-frame, log, stick and stone. Designs included range from Thoreau's 10'x15' cabin on Walden Pond to a big, comfortable lakeside cabin with all the extras. If you're dreaming of a little place in the country, get this book.

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Measuring, Marking, and Layout: A Builder's Guide Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're planning on building any of the hard parts of a house like footings, foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, stairs, masonry or shingles, you will want this book so you can figure out how to make them plumb, square, level, and evenly distributed. (I think that covers most of the carpentry sections)
He shows a few options for arriving at each layout, typically mathematically, from charts, and from pictures, so if you have trouble with one of them you can try another.
Octagons aren't very popular in my neighborhood, but if those (or other polygons) appear in yours, you'll find he has good information on them too.
I'd recommend a read through the book for suggestions when you first get it, (I did that in a long evening) and if you're a really good student you can follow along with all the examples. (I wasn't). But keep it by your side and read the chapter you need as you build. It will pay for itself in saved time and straigher work on the first job.

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-- Provides simple techniques for accurate measuring using a number of basic tools

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Building Small Barns, Sheds & Shelters Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are a "do it your selfer" you need this book. In my opinion, the title is no accurate. This book contains much more than just info on how to build small buildings. It includes how to build a good fence, how to build a smoke house, how to wire a two way switch, ect. It contains everything that is not common knowledge to the common man, and it has lots of pictures. If you live on the farm and do most things yourself, this book is a required tool.

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Covers tools, materials, foundations, framing, sheathing, wiring, plumbing, and finish work for barns, woodsheds, garages, fencing, and animal housing. 264,000 copies in print.

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Working Alone: Tips and Techniques for Solo Building Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been in the remodeling business since 1975, and have worked most of this time by myself.
I'm just finishing a 10 x 20 room addition for a customer. I purchased this book at the beginning of this project and have found Mr. Carroll's book refreshing and informative. There were many ideas and suggestions that were benificial. I found the rafter layout-jig very useful.
His suggestions about the "math" of the rafter was very useful, and increased my capacity to complete the job in a timely maner which helped my bottom line.
I appreciated his easy reading style and found his book enjoyable.
I wish his information on the cornice system had been a little more detailed, but found his explanations sufficent.
I found his information about clamps and holding jigs to be of special interest and enjoyed all of his book. I even bought his other book, "Measuring, Marking, and Layout", which I also found enlighting, enjoyable, fun, and benificial, to my professional standing as a remodeler.
Thanks for two great books, that help take the mystery out of some of the more complex parts of our profession.
Respectfully
Reeder Lyons IMH Remodeling & Repair

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-- Discusses all aspects of laying foundations, raising walls, and more for small or one-person crews

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How to Build Small Barns & Outbuildings Review

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(More customer reviews)I was interested in learning how to build a outdoor storage/workshop building. This book gave me a great foundation. With it's acurate how to list, materials and dimensions, it give confidence to all do it yourselfers. I felt that the step by step from supplies to completion really proved invaluable. I would suggest this book to anyone interested in building their own buildings. I look forward to trying out the next design, a green house/garden shed. I feel this book should be apart of all libraries.

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This book takes the mystery out of small-scale construction. Projects are offered with complete plans and instructions.

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Low Cost Pole Building Construction: The Complete How-To Book Review

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(More customer reviews)I gave the book five stars because there was a total lack of books on the subject when I read it months ago. Thanks to Amazon, there is now more available. I am a developer of lots. I have seen what the family faces with home buying. The pole house will only be for the stout-hearted, brave and good humored. But for those few souls it will be a wonderful experience. This book takes you from day one - walking onto your lot - to the finished product. And it tells you everything in between like, how to get your friends to gleefully help you plant your poles to having an old "barn raising". It's good stuff. It's dated, but if you're an ol' fashion American pioneer like me, you'll love the challenge.

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278,000 copies in print.

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Practical Pole Building Construction: With Plans for Barns, Cabins, & Outbuildings Review

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(More customer reviews)Of all the pole building books I have seen, this is the best. Seddon covers the logic of pole building and then gives straightforward instruction on how to do it, with lots of clear drawings and photographs. Included are design, materials, calculating loads, foundations, framing and jointry, roofing and siding, windows and doors, building plans, and an appendix that shows how to calculate sun angles, snow loads, compares insulations, gives recommended nailing schedules, and several other useful items. Plans include a lake house, hillside house, cabin, garage, horse stable, and lean-to animal shelter. If you have never built anything before, it is likely that you will be able to build any or all of these with no more instruction than this book, plus plumbing and electrical help.

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Seddon has given his book the extra dimension of original plans for a lean-to barn, horse barn, hillside house, garage/wood shed, mountain pole cabin, and a coastal house. Pole building construction saves money, time, labour, and materials because it involves limited grading, no excavation, flexibility on site, and few materials.

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