Habitat for Humanity How to Build a House: How to Build a House

by Larry Haun, Angela C. Johnson

Overview

Since its founding in 1976, the non-profit Habitat for Humanity International has built more than 255,000 houses for more than one million people and families in need world wide. First published in 2002, Habitat for Humanity How to Build a House has helped thousands more build simple, energy-efficient homes of their own by helping guide them from foundation to roof, through all interior finishes and fixtures.

Written by long-time carpenter and Habitat volunteer, Larry Haun, this extensive revision features up-to-date information on residential codes, construction methods, and materials — as well as an updated design inside and out. Haun also provides new sections on tools, siding, ventilation, and landscaping. With clear information on everything from obtaining a site and permit to finishing touches like installing door locks and cabinets, this is the best single-volume resource for the beginning homebuilder.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781561589678
Publisher:	Taunton Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	09/09/2008
Edition description:	Revised, Updated ed.
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Larry Haun has worked as a carpenter in southern California for four decades and has been a Habitat for Humanity volunteer since the 1980s. He has taught apprentice carpenters at a local community college for more than 20 years. Larry lives in coastal Oregon, where he continues to build houses for Habitat.

Table of Contents

	Foreword	vi
	Introduction	2
Chapter 1	Getting Started: Site, Design, Permits, and Preparation	4
Step 1	Obtain a Site	6
Step 2	Prepare the Site	7
Step 3	Design the House	9
Step 4	Secure the Building Permits	11
Step 5	Get Organized to Build	15
Chapter 2	Building Basics: Getting Acquainted with Tools and the Parts of a House	22
	Tool-Buying Tips	22
	Essential Hand Tools	25
	Tool Carriers	30
	Power Tools	32
	The Parts of a House	36
Chapter 3	Firm, Flat, Level, and Square: Foundations and Floors	42
	Know the Foundation Fundamentals	42
Step 1	Form and Pour the Footings	49
Step 2	Build the Foundation Walls	50
Step 3	Backfill around the Foundation	52
Step 4	Attach the Sills	53
Step 5	Build Midspan Support for Joists	59
Step 6	Install the Joists	63
Step 7	Install Extra Joists and Blocking	68
Step 8	Install the Floor Sheathing	71
Chapter 4	Going Up: Walls Create Space	74
Step 1	Lay Out the Walls	76
Step 2	Plate the Walls	79
Step 3	Count and Cut the Headers, Rough Sills, Cripples, and Trimmers	82
Step 4	Mark the Plates	86
Step 5	Build the Walls	92
Step 6	Raise the Walls	100
Step 7	Plumb and Line the Walls	105
Step 8	Install and Plumb Door and Window Trimmers	108
Step 9	Sheathe the Walls	109
Chapter 5	Shelter: A Roof Overhead	112
	Roof Trusses	112
Step 1	Prepare for Truss Arrival and Installation	116
Step 2	Install the Gable Truss	120
Step 3	Install the Remaining Trusses	123
Step 4	Secure the Trusses to the Interior Walls	127
Step 5	Add Drywall Backing	129
Step 6	Install the Barge Rafters and the Fascia Boards	129
Step 7	Sheathe the Roof	133
Step 8	Seal the Roof with Felt Paper	135
Step 9	Shingle the Roof	137
Chapter 6	Closing in: Windows, Doors, Siding, and Exterior Trim	146
	Vinyl Siding	148
Step 1	Install the Remaining Sheathing and the Rough Exterior Trim	150
Step 2	Install the Housewrap and Flash Openings	153
Step 3	Set the Windows and Doors	155
Step 4	Complete Ventilation and Electrical Work	158
Step 5	Install the Starter Strips and the Trim for Vinyl Siding	159
Step 6	Install the Siding Panels	165
Step 7	Finish the Soffits	170
Step 8	Cover Exterior Trim with Aluminum Cladding	172
Chapter 7	Building an Outdoor Room: Basic Design for Porches, Decks, and Landings	174
	Design Ideas for Decks and Porches	176
Step 1	Complete the Essential Roof Framing	176
Step 2	Install the Ledger	178
Step 3	Install the Foundation and Floor Framing	181
Step 4	Frame the Stairs	182
Step 5	Install the Decking and Stair Treads	187
Step 6	Install the Railings	188
Chapter 8	Comfort Inside: Sealing, Insulating, and Ventilating a House	192
	Sweaters, Windbreakers, and Rain Gear	194
Step 1	Seal Penetrations in the Walls, Ceilings, and Floors	195
Step 2	Insulate the Walls, Ceilings, and Floors	199
Step 3	Install Vapor Barriers (if Necessary)	206
Step 4	Provide Adequate Ventilation	210
Chapter 9	The Walls Within: Drywall and Painting	212
Step 1	Get Ready to Install Drywall	214
Step 2	Install the Ceiling Panels	217
Step 3	Install the Wall Panels	224
Step 4	Install the Corner Bead	226
Step 5	Mud, Tape, and Finish the Drywall	228
Step 6	Paint the Ceilings and Walls	232
Step 7	Prepare and Paint the Interior Trim	235
Step 8	Paint the Exterior Siding and Trim	237
Chapter 10	Making a House Beautiful and Useful: Interior Trim, Cabinets, Countertops, and Closets	240
Step 1	Install Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring	242
Step 2	Install the Interior Doors	243
Step 3	Install the Window and Door Casings	249
Step 4	Install the Cabinets	254
Step 5	Install the Countertops	258
Step 6	Install the Baseboard and Chair Rail	260
Step 7	Trim Out the Closets	264
Chapter 11	Final Details: From Locks to Smoke Detectors	268
Step 1	Install the Hardware and Fixtures	268
Step 2	Select and Install the Finish Flooring	272
Step 3	Get to Know Electrical and Mechanical Systems	275
Step 4	Prepare for the Worst	276
	Resources	278
	Index	280

Editorial Reviews

Habitat for Humanity (HFH) has a great reputation for helping poor people build affordable housing; over the last 25 years, it has built over 100,000 homes worldwide (it is the 15th-largest home builder in the country). The beauty of their system is that the home isn't a giveaway; homeowners must work on their home and the homes of others and must pay for their house themselves. HFH simply offers them the necessary assistance. Haun, a carpenter and Habitat volunteer, shows how to build a solid house from the ground up. As might be expected, the methods used by HFH result in a decent, affordable, no-frills home-there are no mini-mansions here. The highly readable text covers a HFH project in Charlotte, NC, from start to finish, including site acquisition and preparation, tools needed, foundations, framing, roofing, windows, interior finishing, household systems, and landscaping. The detailed instructions are enhanced by clear illustrations and photos. This is an excellent guide to home construction with the added bonus that it offers recognition to a great organization. Recommended for all public libraries. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

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