My house burned up, as opposed to burned down, this past July and after a long, protracted nasty battle over inventorying the contents we are finally starting to rebuild. The house has been taken down to studs and everything is either being sanitized or replaced. I have a contractor who specializes in this type of rebuild and whom I trust.

I can operate a screwdriver and handle minor repairs, but we are going far beyond my knowledge base now. Like, I just learned what a "purlin" is because we are replacing multiple trusses.

My question for the collective is this: does anyone know of a good, preferably visual- and graphic intensive guide to home construction that I, as a complete layman, could use as a reference while the 8 month rebuild is taking place? The foundation and basement are intact, but everything from electric to plumbing to HVAC to roofing is being rebuilt or replaced.

I absolutely HATE not being able to understand the language, so to speak, so I'd like a literal dictionary to help me through the process. I am constantly asking my guy what he means as he's going over the process. I'm falling back 50 years to junior high shop class and what I learned there while building a miniature cross section of a house.

Thanks in advance. And please, thoughts for Chloe, my Aussie/Border mix who succumbed to smoke inhalation before the firefighters could get to her.

Not sure I can offer help. I would think a youtube search would be fruitful. Sorry that you need to go through this process. Losing a beloved pet in this situation is rough. You have my sympathies. Prayers for a speedy and quality conclusion to this for you.

As a general contractor with almost 40 years of building custom homes I can tell you I’m not aware of any dictionary or cheat sheet that will help you.

On the other hand, I was never unwilling to take the time to explain anything about the building of our clients homes. In fact, I rather relished it as it showed they were interested in the how not just the final product.

If you have any specific questions I would be glad to help. My email is in my profile.

The Savings and Loan was involved in putting out Olin's Construction: Principles, Materials, & Methods 1972 (is the earlier edition) for approving loans. You can find the older and newer editions on Ebay.

I like the older edition since it has more load bearing information.

I'm very glad Eddie chimed in -- he was my first thought upon reading your post.

Prayers up for you, and for your dear Chloe.

If you're nearby and I can help at all, I'm absolutely willing.

I would recommend hiring an independent inspector not only to inspect but also one who can walk you through the process.

I’m thinking framing and rough trades is where you would want the most explaining. After insulation, it’s basically 6 weeks from that point.

There is The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling on Amazon.

You can also check out RS means residential construction book.

See if you can find an old one at the library or on eBay.

It breaks down the construction by section and cost.

The costs will be a wistful giggle if you use an old one in today's market.

But it will give you an idea of what is going on.

Breaks down every phase of construction into its components for planning and cost.

If might more information than you want.

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Dr...d-Less/dp/B00005Y0CL

I have this book, and enjoyed reading it over and over. I think my father imagined he could build a home, and bought the book.

I pretty much built my own home, only things hired done were concrete work and drywall finishing, I hung it all and did the first coat, but pregnant wife was in a hurry, so we hired it done in 3 days instead of 3 weeks for me after a full-time plumbing job with my Dad. To this day, I'm impressed with it 30 years later! To that I will add that the wife and I designed it together and we both think we did GOOD!!

In 1972, my future was to be a architect/draftsman. At that time, you had to go to school for 2 years and work 4 years under an architect, or 4 years school and 2 years under an architect. I chose the 2 year education.

Our main textbook reference guide was the architectural graphic standards. https://www.abebooks.com/Archi...KEAQYASABEgIk3PD_BwE

My summer jobs as a carpenters helper also taught me to provide clear construction drawings and just because you can draw it, it may not be able to be built.

After graduation the downturn in the economy, no architects were hiring. So my career hopes fizzled.

But the basics I learned, from school, OJT, and paying attention to those trying to teach me, I think I have had a successful buisness career.

I think the Architectural Graphic standards cost over $100 in 1972, mine used is worth $10 according to e-bay.

This may be the “picture book” you are looking for.

I would also consider an inspector, at least for the things like framing, electrical and plumbing.
Most of those things get covered and won't be seen after the job moves along but also will have a big influence on the end product and are not easy to correct later. Take a square and straight 2x4 and use them to check basic squareness and straightness of the framing before it's covered up with sheet-rock.
In my opinion, the neatness/cleanliness and attention to detail is a good indicator, at least to me. If basic things are done in a sloppy manner that are covered up that's not a good sign.

If you have the time or opportunity, walk around a residential construction site.
When my wife and I were building our home and I came up short on how to do something - specific details - I would walk through a local house that was being built and could see the detail on how others built houses.

Books by Frank Ching like Architectural Graphics or Building Construction Illustrated are good for your purposes.

Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction is the king. We do mostly commercial amd not residential but we have several copies of each of the old Graphic Standards laying around the office that still get referenced pretty often.

Like eltonr said, Ramsey-Sleeper Architectural Graphic Standards is the closest you'll get. I was an architectural technician for a while.

https://www.amazon.com/Archite...leeper/dp/111890950X

This might be a good start. I read the Wiring 1,2,3 book from cover to cover and learned a ton. I believe this book is a mashup of all of HD's 1,2,3 series books.

This is one my wife used in learning appraising.

Fundamentals of Building Construction, Materials & Methods



https://www.gettextbooks.com/isbn/9780471183495/

I've also used some basic cheat sheets found on amazon when assisting clients and trainees:



https://smile.amazon.com/Resid...d_i=1622701895&psc=1

They also have other code cheat sheets that are useful; you'll find them on amazon.

I'm always wary of contractors that don't know these resources.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:[u]
I would also consider an inspector, at least for the things like framing, electrical and plumbing. [/u]
Most of those things get covered and won't be seen after the job moves along but also will have a big influence on the end product and are not easy to correct later. Take a square and straight 2x4 and use them to check basic squareness and straightness of the framing before it's covered up with sheet-rock.
In my opinion, the neatness/cleanliness and attention to detail is a good indicator, at least to me. If basic things are done in a sloppy manner that are covered up that's not a good sign.

EXCELLENT post. Listen to this.