Framing a House

House framing can be an intimidating challenge. Thousands of pieces of wood must be cut to precise dimensions, according to a set of plans. Accurate and safe assembly is critical as the house must support the weight of building materials, equipment, appliances, and people -- there's simply no room for error. And yet, this comprehensive, accessible, and highly visual book, Framing a House, walks readers through this complicated process with ease. It's all here -- from using the right tools and framing a first-floor deck; to building stairs, roofs, and dormers; and installing exterior trim. Former Fine Homebuilding editor and builder Roe Osborn doesn't leave out the hard parts; he simply makes them understandable.

Although he has a degree in sculpture from Georgetown University, once out of college, Roe Osborn had to make a living. He soon found his way into construction, where he spent years as a professional builder, learning each aspect of the homebuilding trade. After 15 years with a hammer and tool belt, Roe joined the staff of Fine Homebuilding magazine in 1994, where as a senior editor he transformed complex construction subjects into approachable, understandable packages of concise text and clear photography. Today he makes a living as an architectural photographer on Cape Cod, where his network of construction contacts has allowed him to find just the right small house to use as the model for this book