bought this book for a building systems class (something i dont normally do) but my prof asks questions out of it every class. that said, this book has a lot of stuff in it that relates to construction, which is nice. although as a senior level architecture student i dont think this book is really needed. most of the stuff i know, as common sense, or is easily availabe on the internet and in other resources. overall though id say if you dont know alot about construction of residential buildings id try to find a used copy or get a copy from the library and copy the pages you need. deff not worth the 80 some dollars for it.

This is awfully similar to the book in the title. Even down to the same photos separating the chapters. I'd buy F of BC if I had to choose, since it has so much more material. There's nothing in here that cannot be found in the two other Rob Thallon books.

I bought this book sight unseen because I also have Rob Thallon's book "Graphic Guide to Frame Construction" and was pretty impressed with it. While "Fundamental of Residential Construction" is a very good book on all aspects of residential construction, there's isn't that much of an improvement on the typical voc-tech textbooks on construction (which are available for less) to make it worth the price.

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Fundamentals of Residential Construction is a welcome update for my reference library. As a residential architect, it is refreshing not to have to wade through irrelevant commercial methodology. This edition is residential specific, but broad-based covering alternative building systems and the most current construction materials. I especially appreciate that it begins with chapters on the context for construction, and the construction and design communities, areas of discussion most often neglected. The well-balanced mix of diagrammatic and photographic details is very helpful. I highly recommend it for both the student and the professional.

Its simple, well-illustrated explanations make understanding and implementation easy. It covers every aspect of residential construction, including trowel trades, mechanical and structural systems, and landscaping! In a nutshell- this is a 'must-have' for anyone working in residential construction!