

Since its founding in 1976, the non-profit Habitat for Humanity International has built more than 255,000 houses for more than one million people and families in need world wide. First published in 2002, Habitat for Humanity How to Build a House has helped thousands more build simple, energy-efficient homes of their own by helping guide them from foundation to roof, through all interior finishes and fixtures. Written by long-time carpenter and Habitat volunteer, Larry Haun, this extensive revision features up-to-date information on residential codes, construction methods, and materials -- as well as an updated design inside and out. Haun also provides new sections on tools, siding, ventilation, and landscaping. With Clear information on everything from obtaining a site and permit to finishing touches like installing door locks and cabinets, this is the best single-volume resource for the beginning homebuilder. Review: Best Book for Home Building Basics - I'd have given 4 1/2 stars if I could. I've built part of my tiny home using mostly this book. It was the best book (by far) I found for a novice builder. I think it would also be great for anyone wanting to know the basics of building- a habitat volunteer or budding carpenter/ apprentice. It's easy to read and It seems quite thorough for basic building but not so comprehensive that it's overwhelming- just right in my opinion. Its conciseness and readability means that there are compromises made in detail that limit it's application to basic practices. I've found (the hard way) that building even a tiny house is complex and there are often different ways to do things and it can be hard to know what's best. Often this book will explain the differences but sometimes (again for brevity) not so much. For one example, I found a window flashing method that I like better than Haun's in The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling, by Charlie Wing (another good companion to Haun's book as is: Working Alone, by John Carroll). For the most part though, this book is an invaluable resource. Ideally, use this book along with one or more others (such as the others I referenced) and, if you're lucky, enlist the aid of a trustworthy builder for consultation when questions or problems arise. I needed all of these for building my house but this book has been the most valuable and trusted part of the "team". Haun also has some youtube how tos and another book or two that are helpful. Review: Well written, covers how to build a shell. - Very informative. Focuses on framing and some foundation stuff; doesn't cover electric or plumbling systems. I have a much better understanding of the process and terminology.
| Best Sellers Rank | #4,764,080 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #8 in House Plans #10 in Philanthropy & Charity (Books) #39 in Home Design & Construction (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 527 Reviews |
J**S
Best Book for Home Building Basics
I'd have given 4 1/2 stars if I could. I've built part of my tiny home using mostly this book. It was the best book (by far) I found for a novice builder. I think it would also be great for anyone wanting to know the basics of building- a habitat volunteer or budding carpenter/ apprentice. It's easy to read and It seems quite thorough for basic building but not so comprehensive that it's overwhelming- just right in my opinion. Its conciseness and readability means that there are compromises made in detail that limit it's application to basic practices. I've found (the hard way) that building even a tiny house is complex and there are often different ways to do things and it can be hard to know what's best. Often this book will explain the differences but sometimes (again for brevity) not so much. For one example, I found a window flashing method that I like better than Haun's in The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling, by Charlie Wing (another good companion to Haun's book as is: Working Alone, by John Carroll). For the most part though, this book is an invaluable resource. Ideally, use this book along with one or more others (such as the others I referenced) and, if you're lucky, enlist the aid of a trustworthy builder for consultation when questions or problems arise. I needed all of these for building my house but this book has been the most valuable and trusted part of the "team". Haun also has some youtube how tos and another book or two that are helpful.
J**H
Well written, covers how to build a shell.
Very informative. Focuses on framing and some foundation stuff; doesn't cover electric or plumbling systems. I have a much better understanding of the process and terminology.
J**N
Best beginner book for building houses!
This is the best book to learn the basic overview and steps of how to build a house! There's more information in this book than some $200 courses! I give this 6 stars if I could. Lots of pictures and detailed insights, pro tips, money saving tips, and helpful insights and wisdom in this book.
A**R
Useful
Bought this for my husband. He found it very useful.
J**O
Good recap
Very good
B**N
Can't Wait to Build Our House!
My husband and I are thinking about building our house and Habitat for Humanity's 'How to Build a House Revised & Updated' is an invaluable guide, offering clear, step-by-step instructions for anyone interested in home construction. The book's commitment to empowering individuals to create sustainable, affordable housing aligns perfectly with Habitat's mission. A must-read for aspiring builders and community advocates alike!
M**Y
Good information
This book has great information and photos.
M**M
Everything I Expected
The book tells you a good deal about everything in the construction of a house. It arrived well packaged and the book was in excellent condition.
D**O
Buch: How to Build a House
Sehr interessante Buch wenn man sich für amerikanischen Holzbau interesiert. das Buch ist in englischer Sprache. Gute Englisch Kenntnisse erforderlich.
M**S
Comprehensive and useful guide.
Comprehensive and useful guide for the novice builder. Don't know if I'll ever use it build a full size house but I have recently build a summer house and this book to give me lots of hints and tips. Having this as a go to guide made some of the building processes so much easier and I've found myself wanting to build more. So much so I've offered my services to my family and friends. Would really recommend to anybody wanting to build anything from a summer house like myself to a full size wooden building.
R**T
Very good book
Would be nice if they published an updated version with some of the newer technology that go into new homes, but this book is written very well for people wanted to build (or follow along with someone else building) their house.
G**V
Bueno
Muy buen libro de referencia, no profundiza de manera técnica en el tema, pero explica de una forma práctica y fácil de entender el proceso constructivo de una vivienda de madera. Recomendado para arquitectos, diseñadores, carpinteros, constructores, etc. En lo personal es un tema que me interesa mucho. 10/10
A**O
セルフビルドの勉強になりました
セルフビルドの勉強になりました。 日本でもこういう風に、誰でもオープンに住宅を作れたらいいですね。
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