Review of Building Type Basics for Senior Living (Hardcover)

This book is a quality overview covering most facets of long term care facility development. As with any broad coverage, there will be information that does not apply to your project, and areas that you will need other sources to complete the picture. But the authors of this book know their stuff.

Written by architects and planners for same; but accessible to the lay reader. A good tool for those interested in developing long term care facilities and senior-oriented communities.

Product Description
The Building Type Basics series provides architects and other building team members with concise, essential information for planning and designing a variety of building types.
This new volume covers the essentials of designing housing and care environments for the elderly and provides need-to-know information on a range of building sub-types
Included are active retirement communities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living facilities, Alzheimer's facilities, hospices and more. The text is heavily illustrated with descriptive floor plans, diagrams, and photographs. Authored by an architect who is viewed as a pioneer and leader in this field

From the Inside Flap
Building Type Basics for Senior Living covers the essentials for the planning and design of housing and care environments for the elderly. Authored by architects whose firm has handled hundreds of such projects, this nuts-and-bolts guide provides need-to-know information on a range of building subtypes, including active adult communities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, adult day care, skilled nursing facilities, and more. The authors, pioneers in the field, offer highly illustrative examples of issues that are key to designing structures for the growing over-65 population.

This indispensable guide:

• Asks and answers twenty questions that frequently arise in the early phases of a commission
• Provides project photographs, diagrams, floor plans, sections, and details
• Includes design guidelines for a variety of senior living projects, from creating a continuum of care to working through a maze of regulatory policies

This conveniently organized quick reference is an invaluable guide for busy professionals who want to get moving quickly as they embark on a new project. Like every book in the Building Type Basics series, it provides authoritative, up-to-date information instantly and saves architects, facility planners, and their clients countless hours of research.Engineering consultants will also find in this volume a wealth of information to help them tackle senior living commissions of all kinds.



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Review of Houses: The Illustrated Guide to Construction, Design and Systems (Paperback)

Excellent book for someone interested in any field related to real estate, architecture or construction.Very, very helpful in becoming familiar with zoning, land and construction of different types of homes.Lots ofpictures and diagrams.Not just a bunch of reading.

Product Description
With over seventeen years in print, this professional handbook has become a staple for real estate agents.In clear language, it begins with a look at communities, neighborhoods, and sites, then delves into the details of interior and exterior house construction and styles.

Topics covered include, Construction, Materials, Mechanical Systems and Architectural Systems.

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Review of How to Plan, Subcontract and Build Your Dream House: Everything You Need to Know to Avoid the Pitfalls [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Mr. Jaeger comes across as a very experienced man with some strong opinions, however his expertise seems to be in colder, northern climates. This does not mean that some of his opinions are not valuble. He does seem to have a prejudice against basements, as he finds them damp and musty (perhaps if he recommended poured concrete instead of cement block foundations this would not be as much of a problem). He also makes some recommendations that are code violations in Georgia. For example, he instructs you to dig a burial pit for your construction debris. This might be fine in colder regions where termites are not a problem (as long as you don't mind sink holes as the wood rots) however, in the south, buried wood is a picnic for termites that will soon go looking for another source of food after the construction trash is consumed (most likely your new home). He also says to run your natural gas line in copper (a code violation in GA) instead of threaded pipe. He dosen't cover the pros and cons of steel construction, and the book is very short on illustrations. However, the sections on lot selection and dealing with subcontractors are good, as is his "matter of fact", direct style of writing. I am not saying that you should not buy this book. I learned a great deal from it! I would say that with ANY book in this genre, many opinions are just that, OPINIONS. The writers opinion may not match up with your lifestyle or taste. The words of the proverb are very true, in a multitude of counselors, there is wisdom. Buy more than one of this type of book.

Product Description
If You're Thinking About Building A Home, whether you want to be your own General Contractor, and SAVE up to 50,000 Dollars or more, or you want to hire a builder, there are many things that you absolutely must know to avoid costly errors and mistakes. "HOW TO PLAN, SUBCONTRACT AND BUILD YOUR DREAM HOUSE" has been written by Warren V. Jaeger, a Master Designer-Builder, with more than 45 years experience. Thirty four chapters, more than 130,000 words, and dozens of diagrams take you step by step through the entire building process with practical advice and real life examples. Learn what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and how to get it done!

But, before you even think about construction, PART ONE guides you through: lot evaluation, drainage, sloping sites, public water and sewer connections, well drilling, septic systems, zoning, wet lands, flood plains, deeds and restrictions, easements, foundation designs and many vital considerations and decisions you must make long before you hire a builder or start to build. Part two covers: how to get plans, when plans are worthless, types of builders, how to choose the building process.Part three covers: the detailed process of construction, mortgages, financial discipline, hiring subcontractors, scheduling and supervision.

There are great chapters on Radon, Principles of Electricity, Energy Saving Windows, and much much more. You will save many times the cost of this book alone by following Proper Insulation Techniques and Construction Methods revealed by the author.

WARREN V. JAEGER explains the 69 essential rules of construction learned through his many years of practical experience. They cost him money to learn, and they will save you money if you follow them. Because the scope and detail of this book is so comprehensive we are including the complete Table of Contents so you can appreciate all the thing that are covered which you need to know to succeed.

You wouldn't remove an appendix, or represent yourself in court, without the necessary knowledge. Don't undertake an expensive building project without getting the information you must have to succeed.

From the Publisher
This book has been sold by mail order to people all overthe world such as Australia, Canada, Turkey, Germany, Puerto Rico andevery state of the United States.



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Review of Homing Instinct: Using Your Lifestyle to Design & Build Your Home (Paperback)

If you are going to build your own home, then reading this book is aninvestment in your future. It will take you step-by-step thru the processof tailoring the building and site to fit you and your family for years tocome. From where the building will sit on the site, to deciding how tocreate living spaces that fit your living both now, and in the future.



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Review of Logs, Wind and Sun: Handcraft Your Own Log Home ... Then Power It with Nature [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

When I started reading Logs Wind and Sun, I imagined I would skim the more detailed parts about construction since I don't plan to build a log home. I bought the book because I was interested in solar and wind generated electricity. But in the end, I read everything. Whenever I tried to skim, I soon came across something that caught my interest and, before I realized it, I was totally entranced with the story. The framed inserts break up the flow of the text and add little tid bits of information just when some variety is necessary. Rex's Maxims and LaVonne's Verities are a novel way of introducing light humor while at the same time making an important point. The illustrations were very concise, attractive and easily understandable. The photography was out of this world and the photos very appropriately located within the text. Every photo enhanced the message on the page where it was found. Logs Wind and Sunis clearly a product of team work, the story of a couple who, working together, accomplished their dream. I loved it, and also learned what I wanted to know about solar and wind power.



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Review of Log Homes Made Easy: Contracting and Building Your Own Log Home (Paperback)

Just what it says in his description of why he wrote the book. It is NOT for the owner/builder, however it will make you think. After reading this book any subcontractor or supplier will have to earn his money. I now knowwhat to look for in my future dealings with log home businesses. Hiscontributions to Log Home Living Magazine are invaluable to owners andfuture owners and dreamers.

Product Description
6 x 925 b/w photos40 drawings Complete, inexpensive guide to building log homes Kits, financing, and construction How to be your own general contractor"For enthusiasts and would-be inhabitants of log homes, Cooper provides concise and sensible information . . . Recommended." -Library JournalThe revised and updated edition of this best-selling guide (first edition, 0-8117-2422-0) outlines what every owner-contractor needs to know before beginning a dream log home-getting started; comparing price quotes; researching on the Internet; choosing an architect; planning the site, road, well, and septic systems; finding and managing subcontractors; and scheduling and controlling costs. The author also explores the myths and realities of log home life, including maintenance and energy efficiency.Jim Cooper owns Oak Ridge Log Homes in Frederick, Maryland.



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Review of New Most-Popular 1-Story Home Plans (Lowe's) (Paperback)

Terrific book full of 97% modern ranch plans.Great use of space with move of the designer/architect plans.House plans are not in order by square footage - which would be a little nicer. I know that it is easy to search through internet house plans - but it is so nice to have a color book with this quality of printed paper.

Cheap price for the quality.Easy to compare the plans you like.

Product Description
Providing a unique combination of full-color photography and illustrations, Most-Popular 1-Story Home Plans offers readers 400 plans of the best-selling and stylish home designs available. From convenient ranch homes to traditional cottages, this book offers a wide variety of home styles and sizes to meet the budget of most readers. In addition to the designs, the book offers practical tips and advice to create the home of one's dreams.


Book Description
Providing a unique combination of full-color photography and illustrations, Most-Popular 1-Story Home Plans offers readers 525 plans of the best-selling and stylish home designs available. From convenient ranch homes to traditional cottages, this book offers a wide variety of home styles and sizes to meet the budget of most readers. In addition to the designs, the book offers practical tips and advice to create the home of one's dreams.




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Review of Tips & Traps When Building Your Home (Paperback)

If you are looking for a really thorough book, this isn't it, but many of the tips are very helpful. Read it with a highlighter and just mark the good stuff and then refer back. I bought this along with Woodson's "Build Your Dream Home for Less" and found that the two together were a great pair. Woodson's is very thorough and takes you through step by step, and Irwin's had a lot of additional tips that Woodson's didn't. Irwin tends not to define many of the "trade" terms he uses and for people who aren't handy, it's frustrating. On the other hand, Woodson does define most terms so if you read both, you're in pretty good shape. This book is not the be-all, end-all book but definitely worth buying - it should save you some money if you are general contracting your home.

Product Description
Leading real-estate author Robert Irwin provides home builders with valuable money-saving tips to building a home from the ground up in Tips & Traps When Building Your Home. Featuring a self-test to determine whether the reader is more suited to hiring it all out or doing some of it alone, this user-friendly guide outlines the perilous traps that often come with building your own home. Irwin helps readers determine whether or not to hire out the entire process or whether to act as the primary contractor. Once that is decided, Irwin then helps builders determine:

• How building and contracting effects home-owners' insurance
• Whether or not to hire an architect
• If building plans need to be presented to the local zoning board
• Contractors' and builders' adherence to electrical codes, sewage codes, and occupancy codes

From the Back Cover
America's #1 real estate expert shows you how to build the home of your dreams from the ground up!

You've done it! You've decided to take the plunge and build your dream house. how hard could it be­­just build a house with everything you've always wanted in it­­simple, right? Wrong! When designing and building their own home, many people fall into a minefield of mistakes that can cost them time and money. There are countless decisions to make and questions to answer before your vision can become a reality. Do you know what to look out for?

• Should you hire an architect or should you buy stock plans?
• Do you have what it takes to act as your own general contractor?
• What are the different types of building materials available and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
• How do you finance the lot and the construction?

Best-selling author of the popular Tips & Traps series, Robert Irwin now guides prospective homeowners through every step of the building process. Irwin shares his personal experiences and solid advice with detailed insider information on the in's and out's of home construction.

Whether you're building a vacation home or the house of your dreams, don't make another move without this valuable resource!



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Review of The New Ultimate Book of Home Plans: Lowe's Branded (Paperback)

This is the best house plan book I've found.We've looked at several and found that most books must share the same plan database.This book actually has plans that we didn't find in other books, and the fact that there is a color photo or illustration for each one makes it that much better.We haven't ordered a plan yet, so I'm not sure of the quality of the blueprints or materials list, but if they're as good as the book, I'd be happy!

Product Description
Creative Homeowner's lead title in its tremendously successful, ground-breaking home plan series, The Ultimate Book of Home Plans offers readers 728 of the best-selling designs from leading architects and designers. Over 550 gorgeous, full-color photographs allow readers to experience homes actually built from the designs, plus some interiors. Virtually every home style is offered, including farmhouses, country cottages, contemporaries, luxury estates, vacation retreats, and regional specialties. In addition to these designs, The Ultimate Book of Home Plans offers practical tips and advice on everything from selecting a site and hiring a contractor to adding such finishing touches as trimwork and landscaping.


Book Description
Creative Homeowner's lead title in its tremendously successful, ground-breaking home plan series, The Ultimate Book of Home Plans offers readers 730 of the best-selling designs from leading architects and designers.We added 130 additional home designs to this revised edition. Over 475 gorgeous, full-color photographs allow readers to experience homes actually built from the designs, plus some interiors. Virtually every home style is offered, including farmhouses, country cottages, contemporaries, luxury estates, vacation retreats, and regional specialties. In addition to these designs, The Ultimate Book of Home Plans offers practical tips and advice on everything from selecting a site and hiring a contractor to adding such finishing touches as trimwork and landscaping.




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