| 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 |