Building an Affordable House, Trade Secrets for High-Value, Low-Cost Construction

• Add curb appeal on a budget
• Cut costs and keep quality
• Build savings into blueprints
• Learn secrets of reducing material costs
• Get subs on board from the get-go

208 pp.

Building an Affordable House, Trade Secrets for High-Value, Low-Cost Construction - Table of Contents:

• Foreword
• How to Use This Book
• Money Matters A Hard-Dollar Cost Approach
  • The Affordability Equation
  • Achieving Blueprint Democracy
  • Every House Can Be Built Better
  • Great Expectations
• Design Building a Better Box
  • Using a Modular Planning Grid
  • Inner Space
  • Lot Basics
  • The Language of Affordability
• Foundations
  • Concrete Is the Traditional Choice
  • A Soils Test Is a Good Investment
  • Concrete: More than the Basics
  • Do You Really Need a Footing?
  • Consider Alternatives to Conventional Foundations
  • Slab-on-Grade Foundations Are Affordable
  • Sealing Foundation Walls
• Framing
  • Optimum Value Engineered Framing
  • Building Walls the New Way
  • Prefabrication Is the Future
  • Alternatives to Wood Walls
  • Floor Framing
  • Stairways
  • Girders, Beams, and Posts
  • Installing Subfloors
  • Engineered Floor Systems
  • Framing the Roof
  • Installing Framing Connectors
• Plumbing: Less May Be Better Smart Layout Cuts Costs
  • Rethinking Supply Lines
  • Choosing Drain, Waste, and Vent Lines
  • Saving with Stainless Steel Gas Tubing
  • Shopping for Fixtures
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Take an Active Role in Planning
  • Selecting the Right Equipment
  • Sizing Equipment for the House
  • Planning the Network of Ducts
  • Fresh Air Is Important, Too
• Wiring and Light Fixtures Fine-Tuning the Site Plan
  • Devising a Smart Floor Plan
  • Reducing Lights and Switches
  • Choose Wire Gauge Carefully
  • Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters
  • Consider Aluminum Wire
  • Recessed Fixtures Save Money
• Insulation Making the Building Tight
  • Plug the Small Gaps, Too
  • The Airtight Drywall Approach
  • Choosing the Right Insulation
• Windows, Doors, Driveways, and Walks Pitched Roofs Are Better
  • For Siding, No Maintenance Is Best
  • Economizing with Doors and Windows
  • For Walks and Driveways, Skip the Concrete
• Interior Finish Design One Detail at a Time
  • Making the Most of Drywall
  • Choose Paint Carefully
  • Installing Interior Trim and Millwork
  • Saving in the Kitchen
  • Flooring Makes a First Impression
• Appendices
• Index