Handbook of Alternative Materials in Residential Construction [Hardcover]

Richard T. Bynum (Author), Daniel L. Rubino (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0070119783 | ISBN-13: 978-0070119789

At a time when limited natural resources, greater environmental awareness, improved technologies, and home safety are industry-wide issues, this indispensable handbook guides you through the new materials and the implementation of new methods for the present and future. Written by experts who have hands-on design and construction experience with these tested and proven new homebuilding materials, this book shows you how to expedite the building process and cut costs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Squeezed by the high price of traditional materials? After 100 years of conventional training and construction methods, there is a better way to build houses with materials that are: cheaper; easier to use; stronger; more durable; more fire resistant; and kinder to the environment. At a time when limited natural resources, greater environmental awareness, improved technologies, and home safety are industry-wide issues, this indispensable handbook guides you through the new materials and the implementation of new methods for the present and future. Written by experts who have hands-on design and construction experience with these tested and proven new homebuilding materials, this book shows you how to expedite the building process and cut costs in: foundations and basements; floor systems; exterior walls and roof systems; interior doors and hardware; interior partitions; heating and cooling systems; plumbing; electrical systems.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing (August 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070119783
• ISBN-13: 978-0070119789
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,360,130 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent How-to book., October 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Handbook of Alternative Materials in Residential Construction (Hardcover)

My wife and I were getting ready to finalize plans to build our dream home in South Dakota. We did not want to do it the same way that every else did. In other words we were looking for something different. We heard about this book and thought we would give it a try. Rebecca Dianne and I have been very pleased to say the least. This book has given us so many alternatives to look at in the building process that it amazes me that we didn't think of it before. It would be wonderful if there would be a follow-up every year or so to keep us abreast of changes in the field. The one thing that pleased me greatly was that the book was writen so that anyone could understand it. Most of these books are written like college textbooks, this one I am happy to report is written for the lay person. Hats off to Rick and Dan.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Everyone from Weekend Workers to Foremen, November 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Handbook of Alternative Materials in Residential Construction (Hardcover)

The Handbook of Alternative Materials in Residential Construction was truly a fascinating read for me. I discovered there were so many things that I took for granted when it comes to home design and construction. Such a simple notion as how to make your home wheelchair accessible for anyone at any age at practically negligible additional cost is such a logical idea that I do not understand why more people are not building their homes with this in mind. The material was presented in such a clear and logical fashion that it was very simple to compare the common construction materials in use for homebuilding today to the "new and improved", innovative materials. Very enlightening. The comprehensive appendix in the back of the book also made it very simple to contact the manufacturers for more detailed information, product brochures and store locations.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rebuttal to Mr. Oliver, October 6, 2000

By 

Richard T. Bynum Jr. (Greer, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Alternative Materials in Residential Construction (Hardcover)

I am afraid Mr. Oliver may be setting the bar unrealistically high in his review of my book. The dilemma when writing an extensive text about materials that are not yet widely distributed, implemented or even present in the everyday vocabulary of architects, contractors, homebuilders and homeowners is problematic. It is the very nature of these materials, and their "newness" to the construction world that requires research along uncommon and non-traditional paths. Periodicals, textbooks, manufacturer's literature, sales representatives and contractor interviews are the only means available when discussing an item that is new to a particular market. I don't think Mr. Oliver understands this. I stand behind the book as an unbiased, well-researched text that has opened up a whole new world of materials to professionals in the homebuilding industry. Finally, Mr. Oliver is in error regarding his comment about material testing. Testing was performed by independent laboratories for ALL of the materials reviewed, whether it be Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual. ALL of the materials discussed are code compliant as well. I trust that future readers of my book will find the book as an insightful, informative and easy to read text- and disregard Mr. Oliver's review.

Rick Bynum, AIA