Since its founding in 1976, the non-profit Habitat for Humanity International has built more than 255,000 houses for more than one million people and families in need world wide. First published in 2002, "Habitat for Humanity How to Build a House "has helped thousands more build simple, energy-efficient homes of their own by helping guide them from foundation to roof, through all interior finishes and fixtures. Written by long-time carpenter and Habitat volunteer, Larry Haun, this extensive revision features up-to-date information on residential codes, construction methods, and materials -- as well as an updated design inside and out. Haun also provides new sections on tools, siding, ventilation, and landscaping. With Clear information on everything from obtaining a site and permit to finishing touches like installing door locks and cabinets, this is the best single-volume resource for the beginning homebuilder.

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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.

23 of 23 found the following review helpful:

Can you build your own house? Read this book to find out.Jun 28, 2004
By G. Cole
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.

24 of 25 found the following review helpful:

Absolutely superb, well detailed walkthroughFeb 11, 2004
By Charles Worton
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.

17 of 19 found the following review helpful:

Great for Novice BuildersJan 08, 2003

I liked this book and feel I could build a small house after reading it. The information is perfect for someone interested in Habitat for Humanity: you'll instantly be an asset to any building project. The side vignettes give nice background on Habitat's mission and the experiences of volunteer workers. I was also drawn to the common sense building approach throughout: we simplify our lives and save lots of money by building "decent, affordable" homes.

Each page is packed with photos and sidebars. This makes for visual interest, but more diagrams or sketches would have been useful as well. The essential book, which covers the building techniques of this book plus others (such as plumbing, heating, and electrical) remains Nash's Do-It-Yourself Housebuilding.

10 of 10 found the following review helpful:

Great BookMar 02, 2006
By Gypsy "Gypsy"
I have bought and reviewed many books on building your own home. This is so far my favorite! It doesn't go into plumbing, wiring or even evacuation of the land, but what it does cover is clear and concise and I gained a ton of understanding reading this book. I basically knew nothing when I began and have never done any building...this book is a must have addition to your library if you are considering building your own home, not only that it is well illustrated, fun and easy to read.

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