The How-To of Building: Practical Building Guide for Contractors, Homeowners and Professionals

5th edition

The complexities of building often seem overwhelming and the methodologies insurmountable. The primary objective of The How to of Building is to present common building processes in a manner that allows the reader to understand concepts, enabling the reader to undertake tasks and to intelligently explore and obtain more detailed information. Standards are discussed in reasonable depth and more particularly SANS 10400: “The application of National Building Regulations”’ in its various parts. Although one could argue these standards do get quite technical and detract from the term ‘basic’ or ‘The how to’ about general building. It is, however, the opinion of the authors and editors that various parts be highlighted where compliance is required, in order to provide a better understanding of the building process within the framework of this book and above all in promoting good building practice in South Africa.
This book further provides a sound knowledge base for everyone involved in the building industry, helps to develop appropriate skills, and imparts a practical approach to various trades within the building process.
The book is divided into 27 sections where the basic principles of each section are explained by looking at the theory that underlies each process, followed by the building method ‘THE HOW TO’ and then how these processes can best be applied.