Handbook of Alternative Materials in Residential Construction

State-of-the-art guide to better, stronger construction methods and materials There's a better way to build houses with materials that are: cheaper; easier to use; stronger; more durable; more fire resistant; and kinder to the environment. This indispensable handbook guides you through these new materials and the implementation of new methods for the present and future. Written by experts who have hands-on design and construction experience with these tested and proven new homebuilding materials, this book shows you how to expedite the building process and cut costs in foundations and basements; floor systems; exterior walls and roof systems; interior doors and hardware; interior partitions; heating and cooling systems; plumbing; and electrical systems. Whether you're building or designing a home, renovating, or simply shopping, the handbook gives you details on several alternative materials per building phase, point-by-point comparisons of new materials and traditional materials, a case study comparison and cost analysis of traditional versus alternative design, CAD drawings of a residential design prototype, universal accessibility design strategies, and a manufacturers' source guide.