Customer Reviews

Carpentry and Building Construction

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is *the* book, wheither you are a novice or a master carpenter! It contains plenty of helpful and informative charts, diagrams, pictures and examples - how to calculate materials and costs, board feet, compares different materials and specifies the applications. It starts from the basics of hand tools and power tools with clear instructions their use, maintenance, and even some repair. You're guided from planning and preparing the building site all the way to completion of construction. I didn't see where anything was left out. My father was a building contractor for 56 years. This book is like having his knowledge at my fingertips!

The previous editions of this book contained a lot of reference information and illustrations for both novice and experienced home carpenter. This edition has changed the emphasis to students primarily, with larger type but less specific reference material such as hanging doors, special framing problems, etc. Disappointing.

Used as a textbook in many trade schools to teach carpentry, this 954 page book is a great reference for anyone who is interested in the carpentry used in building constrcution. Realtors, contractors, building supply salespeople, any professional in the construction business will find this book useful. If you're building, buying, or currently own a home you will find invaluable information on building construction and the terminology used in the trade, to help you in decision making concerning the future of your home. You will find extensive sections on tools and machinery (over 100 pages), foundations, framing, exterior and interior finishing. Hundreds of diagrams, photograhs, and pictures give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions on new construction, repairs, and remodeling.

This book shows anyone the technical aspects of home construction in very clear terms. The formulas are excellent for figuring the costs of a project. The format is very simple to learn and the tests at the end of each chapter summarize the material well.

I purchased this book as part of a contractors licensing course for classroom instruction. All of the instructors comments regarding this book alluded to page numbers and particular passages of the text. To my utter dismay, I was sold a previous edition of this book and the references were of no use to me. Unfortunately for me (and fortunately for those who are provided with the current edition) is the fact that the CURRENT edition is an extensive re-write. Shame on Amazon for not alluding to the fact that updated editions are available and what I actually purchased is an older edition (under the guise of NEW!).
So this review is not so much a criticism of the book but disappointment in Amazons less than satisfactory performance.

This is a text book. It does not cover any area of building fully. There is a review section and review questions at the end of each chapter. If your looking for a text book I'm sure it's OK. I need a how to book and this was not it.

This is a very good reference book for the person planning or building their own home. Some estimated labor hours might be a little high but the formulas are still a very good starting point.

Covers a wide range of building information. Straight to the point with each subject covered. Makes a good reference book for the do-it-yourselfer (which is why I have a copy). A good section on engineered wood products -- very informative.

The book is dated. Many new construction techniques are not present. Some of the information may not comply with International Residential Building Code information. The illustrations are also very dated, like maybe the 1950's. Still useful for basic carpentry skills. I purchased a used copy of the book because it was on a list of books recommended as study material for a contractor's license. For what I paid, I'm satisfied.

I'm a DIY guy, why pay some dummy to do it when this dunny can. From the book I got much need information to finish a project I'm working on.The book is loaded with usefull construction information.It helped me through code requirements without a licensed engineer review.I ordered two books from different sources but only got one.