The Buildings and Architecture Guide

Hundreds of thousands of new homes are constructed each year in this country by builders and developers responding to the housing needs of a growing, maturing population. The vast majority of persons who purchase those homes are not knowledgeable in the technicalities of building construction. They simply don’t have expertise in construction principles, the proper application of materials and components, in field techniques, what constitutes good workmanship, nor the role of local codes and conditions. This is certainly understandable, since this is a very specialized and technical field. However, all of these factors significantly impact and influence the success of the building project. As a result, the average soon-to-be homeowner is not equipped to recognize, nor identify, potential problem-laden issues which can take place daily during the construction period; issues and problems which can have substantial impacts on the quality, durability, and cost of future maintenance of the finished building, not least of all, on their personal satisfaction with it.

This certainly represents an unfortunate situation for persons who are making such a major investment and long-term commitment.

Being convinced that some comprehensive information on the subject is therefore needed and could make a world of difference to this audience, it’s hereby our intent to:

1) Provide basic information about the materials, components and systems which are typically assembled under field conditions into residential building construction;

2) Describe principles and suggest details which can result in quality construction;

3) By editorial use of the device: (CAUTION), to focus attention throughout the text on problem areas, pitfalls, and other potential deficiencies which can, and do, occur;

4) Provide the reader with an improved basis to recognize problems -- then make judgments about impacts and alternatives; so that if necessary, action can be taken to achieve corrective measures before deficiencies and less than-satisfactory conditions are buried or covered up by subsequent work.

5) Overall, to assist the reader in becoming more able to deal with the construction process, on an informed basis.

Extensive use is made of graphic diagrams and pictures throughout, to illustrate the issues or details being discussed. The illustrations are not intended to be sufficiently finished nor complete to be usable for actual construction purposes. Instead, each is directed at pointing out, by illustration, a particular construction principal, or a pitfall. Most are drawn in the same format used in actual building plans and documents, but are kept simplified to best illustrate the particular issue being discussed, and to not discourage the reader by being unnecessarily technical.

It’s definitely not intended that the use of this guide in any way minimize, substitute for, nor negate the need for Architects and other professionals. Their expertise and services should be sought by those persons who wish to have special, customized and unique design solutions provided to meet their special needs. On the contrary, the author is keenly interested in encouraging the public to seek out professional help and guidance in the building design and construction process, for he sincerely believes that the most interesting, unique and satisfactory building solutions result from the use of trained professionals.

We, however, recognize the reality that a substantial number of new private residences or smaller indistrial projects are developed and constructed directly by builders or developers without the assistance or services, to the purchaser, of an Architect. It’s to those persons for whom this guide is intended, in the expectation that thru the use of this information, those persons will be much better equipped to recognize what’s taking place during the construction process; and, thus have a better basis to deal with problems, rather than be subject to consequences later on.

This guide, therefore, is directed to those persons who will eventually be securing a new conventional residence which is constructed by some other party, as well as to those who contemplate having additions or alterations made to existing conventional residences by contractors or builders. The construction principles and issues apply to either scenario.

This guide deals with general construction aspects of residential and commercial building; in other words, physical bricks and mortar items such as foundations, walls, floors, roofs, and finishes. Typical Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical systems are not included herein. Web sites like DIY Resources and U.S. Construction Resources have been created to web site cover these and other related subjects. This is done with the conviction that many people would prefer to restrict their level of study to only the more obvious physical features of their residence and not be burdened with more detail on those systems which are more technical in nature, and physically less obvious. This also allows one to make a choice as to the level of interest and involvement in the total building picture.

What this Web Site is Not About!

It’s not the purpose of this site to advise nor guide persons thru the complex and involved process of determining what type, style or size house or building should be built, by whom, at what cost, nor under what terms and conditions. Nor does this guide provide advice for persons wishing to undertake do-it-yourself construction of their home.

Rather, this guide is intended for persons or organizations who are unfamiliar with construction methods and details, but who will at some time be contracting for, or purchasing, a home to be built for them by other qualified parties (Builders, Developers, Contractors, etc.). For them, this guide proposes to explain many typical conditions and details which will likely be encountered; thus providing an awareness and capability to evaluate progress and results.

This guide proposes to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter. However, it’s sold with the absolute understanding that the author and publisher are not thereby rendering legal, architectural or other professional services.

We, the publishers of this site, accept neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the information contained herein.

Links:

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) -- An authority on fire, electrical, and building safety.