Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Details for Builders and Designers

I had to replace a small shed roof (15'X4.5') on the back of a sun room and was very disappointed in ALL of the responses I received from the local contractors. Northern Virginia has been a hot spot for home renovations the past 5 years and apparently, these guys simply do not have to try to get work. Their complete lack of professionalism, responsiveness, and outrageous prices convinced me to do the project myself and thankfully, I found this book before I started. It provided clear, concise drawings and pictures that showed me, a beginner, how to frame, flash, and roof my entire project. The room is dry as bone now and I can't tell you how often I hear, "You did that yourself!". Great book.

I purchased this book for my husband for Christmas, but after he commented that he wanted to build a shed, I had to give it to him early. He designed the shed he wants to build based on the book, but now has moved onto re-siding our home, again based on the book. This book provides all of the fine details on how to build, frame, and do it all yourself. It contains better detail then most internet sites and very specific drawings. A great purchase for a do-it-yourselfer who wants to do things correctly!

This book is my favorite resource for, well, frame construction. I've used it for as a reference for doing detail drawings and as a reference for doing actual construction. I'm adding on to my house, doing most of the work myself. Whenever I hit a snag or need to do something I only vaguely know how to do (which is more often than I'd like), this is the first book I turn to. The drawings are of excellent quality, the text is extremely clear, and the layout like a fine set of blueprints. Its indexed well enough that you can find what you need quickly. The spiral binding is perfect for taking it to the job site and letting it stay open on the page you need.I'd highly recommend this book to apprentice carpenters, general contractors, architectural students, architects, and do-it-yourselfers.Thallon's Graphic Guide to Interior Details makes a nice compliment to this book, though I don't find it as necessary.

As a home-owner, I've always believed by doing the job yourself, the result would be far better than one could receive by hiring someone to complete it. The only thing lacking for this to succeed is a knowledge of construction details. This book provides that and more. If you work on your home, you need this book.

As a former building contractor, I can say that this book offers builders of all levels drawing views that blueprints sometimes do not even afford. There are detailed views of alternative approaches for same-type applications that cover most problems encountered during a building or remodeling project. I initially bought this book as a refresher in anticipation of a planned project on my own home, but it has turned out to be one of the best reference books in my library.