This manual is the basic reference for anyone building or remodeling wood-frame houses. It has the practical information on modern building materials and methods that every builder needs to do professional-quality work.From the layout, excavation, and formwork, through finish carpentry, sheet metal and painting, every step of construction is covered in detail, with clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions. here you'll find everything you need to know about framing, roofing, siding, insulation and vapor barriers, interior finishing, floor coverings, millwork and cabinets, stairs, chimneys, driveways, walks ... complete how-to information on everything that goes into building a wood-frame house.A special section on estimating, with the building process laid out as a flow chart, will help you plan all the steps in residential construction, and to estimate each one quickly and accurately.