“The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling”, by Charles Wing

Wing, Charles. The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Materials and Systems for Every Part of Your Home. Newtown, CT: Taunton, 2009. Print.

I could have sworn I’d recorded this book before, especially when I went through the list of building books I recorded last September.  I’m sure it was in that batch, but it must have either gotten missed, or was a little earlier than I started recording.

In any case, this book deserves to be recorded twice, but once will have to do!  As a visual learner, I benefit greatly from Wing’s careful illustrations.  He starts at the beginning, with site planning and diagrams of wind direction for the US, for example, and detailed charts showing exactly where you should plant what height of trees to block winter gale winds.  There is information on clearances for kitchens and baths, spans for various types of joists, R-values for insulation, and everything in between.  Some topics have installation tips and diagrams, although it’s intended more to help you decide what to use, not as a comprehensive guide to using it all.

Highly recommended for anyone building or renovating a new or old house.