Buildspeak #1 looks at the basics of house construction, from the foundations up to the roof, and includes some examples of issues that can affect older buildings. Written in a casual, informative, and occasionally humorous style, this is the introduction to the Buildspeak series which aims to provide practical insight for serious renovators and home builders.
Buildspeak is not a 'how to' guide, but more of a guided tour of home building and the 'wonderful' world of building defects shared by a professional who has spent over 30 years in the industry.
Whether you're buying a first home, you're a homeowner keen to renovate, or someone who simply wants to improve their knowledge about home building - even a trade apprentice who has aspirations beyond their trade - Buildspeak is for you.
Useful and practical, it helps navigate the maze of information not otherwise readily available in an organised form.
When you are bamboozled by a 'know-it-all', or have difficulty understanding what a builder or tradie is trying to tell you, having a better understanding of basic building elements and practices will allow you to ask more of the right questions to make better decisions.