Habitat for Humanity: How to Build a House

by: Millard Fuller

Topics include: top plate stock, exterior through walls, joist chords, plumb stick, kicker board, top cripples, undersill trim, bolt marker, bottom cripples, gutter boards, closes with ease, vinyl soffit, engineered wood flooring, your drywall, galvanized washers, barge rafters, hanger board, topping compound, cement siding, plumb cut, rough sills, layout stick, gable truss, midspan support, aluminum cladding

CLICK HERE for more information and price

From Library Journal
Habitat for Humanity (HFH) has a great reputation for helping poor people build affordable housing; over the last 25 years, it has built over 100,000 homes worldwide (it is the 15th-largest home builder in the country). The beauty of their system is that the home isn't a giveaway; homeowners must work on their home and the homes of others and must pay for their house themselves. HFH simply offers them the necessary assistance. Haun, a carpenter and Habitat volunteer, shows how to build a solid house from the ground up. As might be expected, the methods used by HFH result in a decent, affordable, no-frills home-there are no mini-mansions here. The highly readable text covers a HFH project in Charlotte, NC, from start to finish, including site acquisition and preparation, tools needed, foundations, framing, roofing, windows, interior finishing, household systems, and landscaping. The detailed instructions are enhanced by clear illustrations and photos. This is an excellent guide to home construction with the added bonus that it offers recognition to a great organization. Recommended for all public libraries.
Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The world-famous volunteer organization Habitat for Humanity now offers its best nuts-and-bolts expertise in an easy-to-follow home construction handbook. Whether the reader contemplates building his or her own house or plans on volunteering to build for others, Habitat for Humanity: How to Build a House delivers on the promise of its title. Step-by-step instructions by author and veteran crew supervisor Larry Haun are provided in plain, simple English, with lots of encouragement and no condescension to beginners. Practically every page contains an extra "helping hand" tip on materials, tools, building codes, or safety precautions. In hundreds of color photographs and black-and-white line drawings, the book follows the construction of a single house--from choosing its location to the final step of installing its exterior door locks. Reassuring personal stories from Habitat volunteers are scattered throughout, along with confidence-inspiring promises from the author such as "building a simple house is not a mystery."
Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat, has written a foreword to this book, and a percentage of the book's proceeds will be donated to the organization to help build more homes. Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976, has built more than 100,000 affordable houses throughout the world. --Judy Fireman

A carpenter's perspective -- Not a complete how-to, as doesn't cover excavation, concrete, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, to say nothing of real estate agents, bankers, builders, or subcontractors, but otherwise very detailed procedures on how to build a simple home yourself (with a few Habitat for Humanity helpers of course). The author describes things he has personally done hundreds of times, so the writing is very clear. But many project photos, and the vast archive of Fine Homebuilding magazine pictures, are used to augment the written procedures, which removes any possible confusion.
On the downside, the houses look like mobile homes, and the building science is a little questionable in places, like using a drywall panel resting on the ceiling joists as an attic access, or suggesting insulation as protection against drafts coming through the framing. Nothing drastic though.
Overall, step-by-step instruction for framing, including windows and doors, asphalt roofing, vinyl siding, drywall, simple decks, interior trim, basic cabinets and painting. Perfect for the complete novice.

Reviews:

Can you build your own house? Read this book to find out -- I have a basic knowlege of framing and what goes into building a house, but I was very concerned about getting the steps right and I wanted to make sure I knew how things went together. After reading this book I feel I am ready to get started. It takes you step by step through the building process. Everything was very easy to follow and the pictures and drawings were great. After reading it you will know if you have the ability to do this on your own. If you are confused or scared about framing a house after reading this, you really shouldn't try it on your own.
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK if you want to learn about plumbing or electrical, or if you are building a really complex custom home. This doesn't even really cover two story homes, and barely covers basements. What I found it very useful for is foundations and framing. It is the best one I have seen so far on these subjects. The book goes beyond framing and covers subjects like roofing and sheetrock also. A ton of great info for a small price.

Absolutely superb, well detailed walkthrough -- This is easily the best book I've read on this subject. Written by a carpenter with many decades of practical home building experience to share, and profusely illustrated with hundreds of high resolution color photographs, the book is an absolute goldmine of practical information. What I particularly enjoyed was the clarification of carpenters terms - I had always thought that a keel was part of a boat; I now know that the term is also used to refer to a carpenters crayon. The same clarification takes place in hundreds of areas throughout the book, and never in a condescending manner. Cripples, studs, shims, faceplates, heels... all are explained, clearly and intelligently. Also included are innumerable time saving tips, examples of small jigs and tools you can build for yourself that will save you time and effort, and instructions on how to do simple things like check a foundation for squareness, or use a water level properly.
The book is also a wonderful ambassador for Habitat for Humanity. What better way to develop your homebuilding skills, than to volunteer your time helping someone to realize their dreams? They get a home; you get an education; everyone wins.
About the only things I would add to this book would be a couple of pages of sample blueprints to better illustrate the Habitat for Humanity concept of small, sensible homes. (Habitat for Humanity apparently has a wide variety of plans available, but they are not in this book.) I would also have liked a chapter on landscaping; but to be fair, landscaping really does fall beyond the scope of the book.
The general philosophy of the book is to build a sensible home, rather than an ostentateous one; to make it warm, comfortable and functional, rather than glitzy and faddy. This frequently means small, well built, well thought out, and well insulated. The book promotes standard carpentry techniques - there are no rammed earth walls, or straw bale construction - but the philosophy of sensible and practical construction is always in the background.
I'm not a professional homebuilder, so I cannot tell you what this book lacks. I can tell you that it gave me exactly what I was looking for - an in depth, step by step, blow by blow account of how to build a home, right from dirt to shingles. There's an awful lot to like in this book, and I recommend it highly. I cannot think of any other single book out there that covers so much ground, and does so in such a clear and well illustrated manner. When you have finished reading it, you'll be much wiser - and much more confident.
If you're thinking of building your own home, put this book on your 'must have' list. It's a fantastic resource.

A carpenter's perspective -- Not a complete how-to, as doesn't cover excavation, concrete, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, to say nothing of real estate agents, bankers, builders, or subcontractors, but otherwise very detailed procedures on how to build a simple home yourself (with a few Habitat for Humanity helpers of course). The author describes things he has personally done hundreds of times, so the writing is very clear. But many project photos, and the vast archive of Fine Homebuilding magazine pictures, are used to augment the written procedures, which removes any possible confusion.
On the downside, the houses look like mobile homes, and the building science is a little questionable in places, like using a drywall panel resting on the ceiling joists as an attic access, or suggesting insulation as protection against drafts coming through the framing. Nothing drastic though.
Overall, step-by-step instruction for framing, including windows and doors, asphalt roofing, vinyl siding, drywall, simple decks, interior trim, basic cabinets and painting. Perfect for the complete novice.

Habitat for Humanity How to Build a House
Larry Haun
A complete guide to building a house
Available for the first time, Habitat for Humanity How to Build a House is a complete step-by-step guide to building a house from Larry Haun, the world's leading authority on community homebuilding.

Presented in a documentary style, each process is illustrated with full-color photos shot exclusively for this book and accompanied by clear, authoritative and friendly text. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced builder, this book covers everything you need to know about building efficient, affordable, quality homes.

Chapters include information on building codes, building inspections, energy efficiency, professional building techniques, and tools and materials.

The Taunton Press sponsored the building of the house featured in this book, and 15% of the net sales of this book will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

"Written by master builder Larry Haun, this essential instruction manual is destined to be as enduring as the Habitat For Humanity mission: building decent, affordable homes."

-- Tedd Benson, author of Timberframe and The Timber-Frame Home

"Covers all the basics of how to build a solid home, quickly and confidently. This book provides a wealth of information for anyone involved in building a house -- from those actually wielding the hammers to the sidewalk supervisors."

- Dean Johnson, "Hometime"

About the author
Larry Haun worked as a carpenter in southern California for four decades, teaching apprentice carpenters at night school in a community college for more than 20 years. He has lived in coastal Oregon since 1996 where he continues to write and build houses for Habitat for Humanity. Larry is the author of The Very Efficient Carpenter (book and video tapes) and Homebuilding Basics: Carpentry, both published by The Taunton Press.

Habitat for Humanity How to Build a House

Larry Haun

A complete guide to building a house
Foreword

Introduction

CHAPTER 1
GETTING STARTED: Site, Design, Permits, and Preparation
Step 1* Obtain a Site
2* Prepare the Site
3* Design the House
4* Secure the Building Permits
5* Get Organized to Build

CHAPTER 2
BUILDING BASICS: Getting Acquainted with Tools and the Parts of a House
Tool-Buying Tips
Essential Hand Tools
Tool Carriers
Power Tools
The Parts of a House

CHAPTER 3
FIRM, FLAT, LEVEL, AND SQUARE: Foundations and Floors
Know the Foundation Fundamentals
Step 1* Form and Pour the Footings
2* Build the Foundation Walls
3* Backfill around the Foundation
4* Attach the Sills
5* Build Midspan Support for Joists
6* Install the Joists
7* Install Extra Joists and Blocking
8* Install the Floor Sheathing

CHAPTER 4
GOING UP: Walls Create Space
Step 1* Lay Out the Walls
2* Plate the Walls
3* Count and Cut the Headers, Rough Sills, Cripples, and Trimmers
4* Mark the Plates
5* Build the Walls
6* Raise the Walls
7* Plumb and Line the Walls
8* Install and Plumb Door and Window Trimmers
9* Sheathe the Walls

CHAPTER 5
SHELTER: A Roof Overhead
Roof Trusses
Step 1* Prepare for Truss Arrival and Installation
2* Install the Gable Truss
3* Install the Remaining Trusses
4* Secure the Trusses to the Interior Walls
5* Add Drywall Backing
6* Install the Barge Rafters and the Fascia Boards
7* Sheathe the Roof
8* Seal the Roof with Felt Paper
9* Shingle the Roof

CHAPTER 6
CLOSING IN: Windows, Doors, Siding, and Exterior Trim
Vinyl Siding
Step 1* Install the Remaining Sheathing
and the Rough Exterior Trim
2* Install the Housewrap and Flash Openings
3* Set the Windows and Doors
4* Complete Ventilation and Electrical Work
5* Install the Starter Strips and the Trim for Vinyl Siding
6* Install the Siding Panels
7* Finish the Soffits
8* Cover Exterior Trim with Aluminum Cladding

CHAPTER 7
BUILDING AN OUTDOOR ROOM: Basic Design for Porches, Decks, and Landings
Design Ideas for Decks and Porches
Step 1* Complete the Essential Roof Framing
2* Install the Ledger
3* Install the Foundation and Floor Framing
4* Frame the Stairs
5* Install the Decking and Stair Treads
6* Install the Railings

CHAPTER 8
COMFORT INSIDE: Sealing, Insulating, and Ventilating a House
Sweaters, Windbreakers, and Rain Gear
Step 1* Seal Penetrations in the Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
2* Insulate the Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
3* Install Vapor Barriers (if Necessary)
4* Provide Adequate Ventilation

CHAPTER 9
THE WALLS WITHIN: Drywall and Painting
Step 1* Get Ready to Install Drywall
2* Install the Ceiling Panels
3* Install the Wall Panels
4* Install the Corner Bead
5* Mud, Tape, and Finish the Drywall
6* Paint the Ceilings and Walls
7* Prepare and Paint the Interior Trim
8* Paint the Exterior Siding and Trim

CHAPTER 10
MAKING A HOUSE BEAUTIFUL AND USEFUL: Interior Trim, Cabinets, Countertops, and Closets
Step 1* Install Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring
2* Install the Interior Doors
3* Install the Window and Door Casings
4* Install the Cabinets
5* Install the Countertops
6* Install the Baseboard and Chair Rail
7* Trim Out the Closets

CHAPTER 11
FINAL DETAILS: From Locks to Smoke Detectors
Step 1* Install the Hardware and Fixtures
2* Select and Install the Finish Flooring
3* Get to Know Electrical and Mechanical Systems
4* Prepare for the Worst

Resources

Index