Books for Enthusiasts

Enthusiasts know their way around tools. They are not afraid to tackle new projects. A hammer and a screw gun are naturally at home on their tool belts. Enthusiasts do not need to be instructed on how to perform the basic tasks in home improvement. They are looking for information that allows them to build a quality product that's up to code. The material enthusiasts like may be overwhelming for the beginner.

Rank	Book
#1		Do-It-Yourself Housebuilding: The Complete Handbook This book mostly delivers on it's title. It shows details about how houses are put together in the US. Form foundation work to roof slope you will find most of the projects necessary to build a functioning home. The book is not a one stop resource. It does not provide all the information necessary in all situation. The code books are required as supplements. Do-It-Yourself Housebuilding will get your project started. It will allow you to identify the areas your knowledge is weak and the information you need to find other resources.
#2		Ultimate Guide to House Framing: Plan, Design, Build This book concentrates on framing. If you are building a house or a shed, this book will help you figure out how to put up the frame. Much easier to understand than the code book, this book will save you a lot of time in the planning phase.
#3		2006 International Residential Code: Softcover Version The mother of all building resources. This code book defines everything you need to comply with. Alone the information contained within will be overwhelming. If you know what you are looking for, this book is better than anything else. It's the source after all.