Residential design and construction continues to change and affects two of the most important rooms—the kitchen and bath. Even in lean economic times, such as the one we are just now emerging from, new building materials and products come on the market in a steady stream, and changes continue to be made to tried and true products. Some of these changes are in response to concerns consumers have for the environment and represent positive change. Others are merely updated versions of their predecessors. To be successful, kitchen and bath designers need to keep abreast the changes that affect their areas of expertise. But these rooms don’t exist as disparate entities; they are part of a larger entity, the home. That’s why K&B designers need a general knowledge of residential design and construction—the focus of this book.
Residential Construction and Systems is a compilation of the material originally published by the NKBA in two prior books, Residential Construction—Systems, Materials, Codes (2006), and Kitchen & Bath Systems—Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (2006).
The present volume is an overview of all the elements that go into building a new or modifying an existing home, beginning with a descrip-tion of who does what in the process and how they interrelate, followed by a description of the codes and permitting process that confront all designers.
Chapters 3, 4, and 5 cover healthy houses, maximizing energy efficiency and using natural energies—topics that have become ever more important to homeowners in an era of dwindling natural resources, increasing energy costs, and concern for the environment. Chapters 6 through 12 describe how homes go together, from the foundation to the finishes. The remaining chapters of the book deal with the me-chanical and electrical systems that are necessary to create the desired interior environment and enable the home’s appliances and equip-ment to operate.
While combining the two predecessor books into a single volume the author has updated the content to reflect changes in residential design and construction. One of the improvements in home construction cited is the use of a drainage plain “rain screen” between siding and the substrate which extends the life of the siding and coatings. Throughout the book there is mention of developments in the industry that have come about in response to growing consciousness to create environments that are sustainable and use energy wisely. For example, building codes, ever changing, now include the International Green Construction Code. Concern over indoor air quality has resulted in the availa-bility of paints and panels that contain low or no harmful VOC emissions. Daylighting and new lighting products such as LED lamps are discussed as ways to conserve household energy, along with trends in insulation that include growing use of spray foam. There is expanded coverage of solar heating, both active and passive. New products mentioned include fiberglass windows, polyethylene gas piping, and dual-flush toilets.
Many contributors made this course possible. Special thanks go to Johanna Baars, publication specialist at the NKBA, Paul Drougas, editor at John Wiley & Sons, and Mike New, editorial assistant. The following peer reviewers provided many useful comments and suggestions: Da-vid Alderman, CMKBD, Spencer Hinkle, CKD, Corey Klassen, CKD, and David Newton, CMKBD.
