From the Introduction
Over the last 20 years, The Journal of Light Construction has amassed a wealth of first-hand, practical building knowledge from professionals who have dedicated themselves to custom residential projects. In this two-volume field guide, we have distilled this valuable knowledge into a single reference - selecting the critical data, fundamental principles, and rules of thumb that apply to strategic phases of residential building and remodeling. Here, in Volume 2, we have addressed the key aspects of house mechanicals and interior finishes. In Volume 1, we tackled building a sound structure and a durable exterior.
Our intention is not to set building standards, but to provide the house building trades with a compilation of practical details and proven methods that work for the many builders, remodelers, subcontractors, engineers, and architects who are committed to producing top-quality, custom homes. The recommendations we have compiled in these volumes usually exceed the building code. Code compliance is essential to building a safe home - one that won't collapse or create unsafe living conditions for the occupants. However, we are striving to reach beyond this minimum standard by offering a record of best practice for residential construction: details and methods used not only to produce a safe building, but to create a long-lasting, fine-quality home.
While it is not our first focus, we have made every effort to uphold the building codes. The prescriptive recommendations in this book are generally consistent with the 2003 International Residential Code, the 2003 International Plumbing Code, the 2004 Supplement to the International Energy Conservation Code, and the 2002 National Electric Code. Although these standards reflect the major U.S. model codes (CABO, BOCA, ICBO, and SBCCI), regional conditions have forced some municipalities to adopt more stringent requirements. Before taking the information in this volume as gospel, consult your local code authority.
As comprehensive as we have tried to make this resource, it will be imperfect. Certainly we have strived to limit any error. However, many variables, not just codes, affect local building and remodeling practices. Climate variability, material availability, land-use regulations, and native building traditions all impact how houses are built in each city, town, county, and region. To account for every variation would require a database of understanding far greater than the scope of this book. Instead, we focus here on some principles of physics, design, and craftsmanship that won't change by region or style. It is our hope that these principles, used alongside the building code, will guide professionals towards a greater understanding of best practice.
Clayton DeKorne
Editor
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
Navigating JLC's Field Guide. . . . . VII
Chapter 5: Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 6: Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . . 73
Chapter 7: HVAC and Energy. . . . 121
Chapter 8: Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . 209
Other JLC Field Guide Editions. . . .313
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 |
