Hi! I'm a laborer but want to get further in the building trade. I have bought a course from the Internet on general building. Do you have answers to a question in the form of an essay I'm stuck on? The question asks me to describe the different types of building and construction methods available today. Could you please give me some advice? I've looked all over the web.

Lee, the information you seek is all over the web. Start your search with the following key words in the list below and try using dogpile.com as your search engine.

This is just a starting point and you will have your work cut out for you as you review the wealth of information that will come up on the search engine.

To speed up your research, my book, Build Smarter with Alternative Materials, will help you learn more about the industry. Many of the methods you ask about, including man-hours and manufacturers' contacts, are listed in the book. The book can be purchased on line for $34.75 by clicking here. Good Luck, Leon

Building Green	Homes built using alternative materials
Building with alternative materials	Homes built using ICF
Building with concrete	Homes built using wall blocks
Building homes with logs	Log homes
Building homes with natural materials	Straw Bale Houses
Building homes with nontoxic materials	Sustainable Building
Building homes with steel	Sustainable Design
Concrete homes	Timber framing
Earth Homes

PR—Build Smarter with Alternative Materials (Craftsman Book Company) by Leon A. Frechette, a former remodeling contractor, is primarily slanted toward the professional market. However, as he points out, it lends itself nicely to the consumer market just as well. Whether consumers choose to do the work themselves or not, the book will help them keep abreast of products that are environmentally safe, maintenance free, or offer a longer life expectancy than standard building products currently on the market.

This book will help keep construction professionals informed so they can recommend products to prospective customers or be prepared if a savvy customer surprises them with a question. It's full of new, exciting materials, all used or well-researched by the author. Some products are made from recycled products—a good selling point with many customers. Alternative materials are quality components that can enhance both residential and commercial projects—products consumers will benefit from and enjoy.

New building products constantly enter the market. Some may become industry standards; others provide choices. Frechette researched hundreds of new products to sort out the facts from the hype—including strengths and limitations. He provides installation tips and man-hour estimates, both for first-time installation and beyond. Each product description includes where to get it, where to use it, what benefits it provides, any disadvantages, and how to install it—including tips from the author.

Build Smarter with Alternative Materials covers materials used in each phase of a project in order—from the foundation to the ridge peak. It also lists manufacturers that make the products and associations that research them, including phone numbers, and mailing, e-mail, and website addresses so the reader can connect with the companies, obtain samples, or ask questions about a product or its installation.

To order Build Smarter with Alternative Materials, click here or click the purchase button below!

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C.R.S., Inc. · Spokane, Washington · USA