No comments about Construction Project Scheduling and Control.

5 comments about The Stonebuilder's Primer: A Step-By-Step Guide for Owner-Builders.

1. I rarely write a review despite the fact that I read so many books, but felt this one deserved special attention. I am looking to build a log home in Southeast Alaska and wanted to have a nice rock wall foundation and a spectacular fireplace. After reading this book I am confident that I can do most of the work myself (except the footing for the foundation) and feel confident that it will look totally professional (and be bomb proof). The book is well written, very readable, has good photos, and is probably the only book you will need to do any and all stone work. It is not a book on slip form and it is not a coffee table book - it is for building in stone.



2. If you are considering building with stone, give this book a try. I like the author's writing style and he does a great job explaining the process.



3. The experiences of Mr. Long will interest many 'would-be' masons, contemplating construction of a stone wall of any form. The book is not a 'how-to' guide as much as a 'how I figured it out' or 'how I got the rock to the top of the wall.' Those with masonry experience will probably find this unnecessary, but anyone considering a masonry adventure will find the reading well worth the effort. Mr. Long's experiments in man-handling rock, using ramps and building scaffolds are exactly what amateur masons need to read.
   
   The book if fairly shy about the author's handiwork. The finished house is never displayed, and 'example' photos are generally shots of 19th century buildings. Additionally, there is nothing on how long it took to accomplish their tasks. There are lots of photos showing the author and wife man-handling rocks, though.
   
   The book seems to be set in the north-eastern United States, and Mr. Long's advice for finding rocks may be unsuited to other areas. As best I can tell, the book advises picking up a suitable rock when ever one one. This might happen on the shoulder of a highway, while driving past a farmer's field or wandering around old quarries. Mr. Long suggests all non-masons are overjoyed when anyone hauls away a rock. I'm not convinced.



4. This is an excellent beginning book on building with stone. No mention of necessary information regarding general house building is included. You are supposed to find that elsewhere. This is about building stone walls to become a building. The technique it presents is different than slipform wall building and creates walls that are remarkably good looking, straight and will endure for decades, maybe even centuries. Great book and I highly reccomend it for anyone thinking about using stone as a building material.



5. I was very pleased with the level of detail in this book. I was specifically looking for information on stone fireplaces and chimneys and the author does a fine job of being quite specific about measurements and practicalities of building a heavy, tall stone structure. All of the chapters appear to have explicit and careful directions. Many thanks for this valuable resource. It will remain in my library long after the house is built!

2 comments about Basic Blueprint Reading and Sketching (Delmar Learning Blueprint Reading).

1. This book is excellent for teaching the basic's of blueprint reading. Great illustrations, and assignment sheets. Would highly recommend it for employee training !!

   John Berkey.

   Chief Quality Specialist,

   PCB Manufacturing Operations,

   Fluke Corporation.




2. This continues to be the best training material available for mechanical type blueprints available. Lessons are short enough to be almost self study. Each chapter builds seamlessly on previous chapters.

5 comments about Reinforced Concrete (6th Edition).

1. Reinforced concrete is the corner stone of our civil engineering profession, making it interesting is where the hardship lies. Dr. Nawy, along with his book made it seem like a breeze. He made the course both enjoyable and interesting and enhanced my confidence in going out to the real world to face my job. I learnt alot about my profession from him and even mentioning his name as one of my professors has given me a whole lot! I am grateful i was one of his students. Thank you Dr. Nawy and Good Luck to you! P.S. The quality of a book should not be rated according to typing errors, it is a weak and cheap attempt of bad publicity. I am sure Dr. Nawy does not have control over what the editor decides should be printed or not. But its natural, if they aren't up there, then they try to bring down everyone else who is, grudges and jealousy make people go a long terrible way.



2. Books like this are the reason that engineers are considered illiterate. Almost every page has a grammatical mistake. Most of the examples have technical mistakes.

   It is a poor reflection on the American University system that someone who cannot even communicate at an eighth grade level is a PROFESSOR ! Similarly, it is a poor reflection on the publishing industry that books like this actually get PUBLISHED!

   From the reviewer comments there seems to be a strong fan club in Israel. Perhaps that is where Professor Nawy should be teaching.




3. Books like this are the reason that engineers are considered illiterate. Almost every page has a grammatical mistake. Most of the examples have technical mistakes.

   It is a poor reflection on the American University system that someone who cannot even communicate at an eighth grade level is a PROFESSOR ! Similarly, it is a poor reflection on the publishing industry that books like this actually get PUBLISHED!

   From the reviewer comments there seems to be a strong fan club in Israel. Perhaps that is where Professor Nawy should be teaching.




4. The new 5th edition of the Reinforced Concrete textbook is one of the best out there. It is a great resource for both learning the subject matter for undergraduate and graduate students and for referencing as a practicing engineer. The topics are organized in a logical manner that builds the reader up into really understanding the material, both design and theory. There are many useful examples provided throughout the textbook with detailed computations and explanations of the steps taken. Flowcharts are also presented for every design aspect to supplement, not replace, the reading and provide a concise summary of the design procedure.

   I have used this textbook (and previous editions) to learn the subject of reinforced concrete both for my undergraduate and graduate studies and I still use it as reference for my research work. I also used Nawy's Prestressed Concrete 4th edition textbook for my studies. The way I see it is that if you want to be the best, you learn from the best. Just check out Nawy's accomplishments for yourself!!




5. It shows me a "easy-understanding and practical" way on how to design reinforced concrete structures, especially useful when your discipline leader is absent.

5 comments about The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway.

1. God, this book is so lushly illustrated with cozy spaces and intimate hideaways that you just want to scramble for the hills after one read-through. All the houses in it are deliciously comfy and cozy, illustrating the forgotten principle of 'just enough', all look just big enough,a nd all look terribly inviting and tempting. This book is cabin porn, basically.



2. In a nutshell, a beautiful book with gorgeous photos and plenty of ideas. In the few days that I've had it, its been used frequently to clarify and illustrate our own ideas about the cabin that we're planning. As far as I'm concerned it has paid for itself already.



3. This is a great book with many terrific photos that will fuel your imagination and inspiration for a future small home which, in my opinion is the wave of the near future. Less is more, and this book shows you how beautiful that can be. I would recommend you leave this book on the coffee table, people always pick it up and enjoy flipping through it.



4. I bought this book along with a bunch of others when I bought a country home. I liked this one the best-no Architectural Digest rich people cabins that none of us can afford (or even want). This book limits the size of the cabins to a modest 1200 feet or so and focuses on the creativity of the owners. Really interesting uses of space. I have given it as a gift many times and everyone has really liked it



5. This is the perfect companion to my dreams of a cabin of my own. Wide variety of styles, sizes, budgets. While most are in northern climates, there is one lovely Louisiana "dog-trot" cabin featured. A beautiful book -- I flip through it often.

No comments about Construction Materials, Methods, and Techniques.

2 comments about 2006 International Mechanical Code - Softcover Version (International Mechanical Code).

1. We received this book so fast we couldn't believe it, and that was with regular shipping. The book was brand new as advertised and the packaging in great shape.



2. This is a fascinating account of the use and installation of mechanical systems integrated within buildings. Although the chapters seemed to be disoriented with one and another, the level of detail is comparable to a James Michener novel. I never really understood the plot line, and the tempo was slow at best, but this is bound to be a classic, read and re-read by thousnds of building officials across the USA. Enjoy!

2 comments about Construction Project Administration (8th Edition).

1. the book covers most of the issues related to project management. Some topics are very informative even for soemone with experience in project management. overall a very good book on this subject.



2. One would have thought that after so many editions, the thick book would have been far less wordy and better structured. The main problem is not structuring according to project life cycle, resulting in many repetitions and unnecessary topics such as how to use a camera on site! Construction projects must be managed in a simple and efficient manner so that milestones can be tracked and problems are quickly resolved. Having unnecessary details divert attention from such basic principles.

5 comments about House Colors.

1. This book is destined to be a classic for professionals and novices alike. Rather than another "pretty" book to ad to the shelf, it is an extensive resource that can be used for years. If you've ever chosen a paint color only to have to change it several times, this will save your sanity and money. Susan is a professional who does the work for you. The resource section in the back of the book is amazing. If you want your house to be the one other's drive by and admire, buy this book. Bravo!



2. This book will be very useful to laymen and professionals for use in selection of exterior colors and materials for new houses, remodelings, and even when the house is getting re-painted.
   
   Laymen, when re-doing their own house to whatever degree, would love the book because Ms. Hershman clearly and simply explains her points by use of examples (in beautiful photography) as well as the written word. For professionals, the book offers a collection of images and ideas that can presented to their clients so that they can understand that color is not a "paint job". Rather, exterior color is really an integrated system of materials and colors--and that system can range for the very simple to the very complex.
   
   This book would be wonderful addition to anyone's library.



3. Design can be exclusive and this book breaks those rules by sharing the hard earned house color information from nearly 200 homeowners. I have selected an array of homes from many style of architecture to help the reader to hone in on colors that would work for their style of house. It's a must have for every homeowner everywhere. Exterior color is the most difficult color to achieve for anyone. This book is a priceless resource with information that isn't usually shared with the public and that's why I did it. Let's see great color everywhere! Enjoy!!!



4. This is the best reference I have ever seen for exterior colors. The pictures are of real houses, not staged for photography and the book gives you the paint brands and numbers of the colors used on each house. Very very helpful. I found colors to paint my home I would have never thought to consider and I am a decorator. Thank you Susan!



5. This book by Susan Hershman has been invaluable in many ways. Since we live in a Victorian City, the book is a way to show off ours and other similar cities. We use Susan's book for ideas and suggestions for our neighbors when they are improving their homes. Visually, House Colors is so stunning that it is now our number one cocktail table book. We can't imagine anyone undertaking a project involving painting without utilizing House Colors.

3 comments about Graphic Guide to Interior Details: For Builders and Designers (Graphic Guide).

1. The Graphic Guide to Interior Details: For Builders and Deigners gives a comprehensive analysis and break down, not only for professionals in the industry, but for the first time home buyer, or for people who are just plain interested in built structures.There are endless details and drawings that are accompanied by current and up to date information that not only complies with modern day building codes and standards,but also has innovative and progressive techniques for the future. I'm a student that has gotten great use and resource out of this book.



2. Here you will find up-to-date information about virtually every material involved in interior construction - common and uncommon, residential and commercial - so you can compare key factors and make the best decisions for all of your projects.
   
   Illustrated with hundreds of clear drawings that can be easily incorporated into architectural plans and show how these materials connect to the structure of a building and to each other. Here is information on everything from drywall to resilient flooring, from raised panelling and colored concrete to banisters, handraios, door trim and cabinet hardware.
   
   Written by a practicing architect with his own firm, the drawings and descriptions have been reviewed for accuracy by independent architects and builders from all over the country. The result is an unrivalled guide to finishing the inside of a house.



3. I purchased this because I was very impressed with the "Graphic Guide to Frame Construction" book. I was much less impressed
   by this book - lighter on the details and less updated.