Jerry Germer is an author and architect who specializes in residential design.

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• PREFACE xvACKNOWLEDGEMENTS xviiCHAPTER 1 THE BUILDING TEAM 1Generalist Designers 2Builders and Installers 3Summary 4Chapter Review 4CHAPTER 2 CODES AND PERMITS 5Building Codes 5Permits and Inspections 8Summary 9Chapter Review 9CHAPTER 3 DESIGNING HEALTHY HOUSES 11Airborne Hazards 11Other Hazards 14A Positive Approach to Design 15Summary 16Chapter Review 16CHAPTER 4 MAXIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY 17An Energy-Conserving Building Envelope 18Summary 23Chapter Review 23CHAPTER 5 USING NATURAL ENERGIES 25Home Heating with the Sun 25Summary 31Chapter Review 32CHAPTER 6 FOUNDATIONS 33How Deep a Foundation? 33Types of Foundations 34Foundation Materials 37Summary 39Chapter Review 39CHAPTER 7 FLOORS 41Wood-framed Floors 41Lightweight Steel-framed Floors 48Trussed Joists 48Remodeling Existing Wood Floors 49Concrete Floors 52Subfloors and Underlayments 55Summary 57Chapter Review 57CHAPTER 8 EXTERIOR WALLS 59Wall Framing Systems 59Concrete and Masonry Walls 66Exterior Wall Finishes 68Exterior Trim 72Summary 76Chapter Review 76CHAPTER 9 DOORS AND WINDOWS 77Door Types 77Door Styles 79Relocating Doorways 81Door Hardware 81Window Types 83Window Sash and Frame Materials 86Glazing Choices 86Summary 89Chapter Review 90CHAPTER 10 ROOFS 91Roof Forms 91Roof Framing Systems 92Roof Sheathing Materials 98Insulation and Moisture Control 98Roofing Materials 99Roof Edges 103Summary 103Chapter Review 104CHAPTER 11 INTERIOR WALLS AND CEILINGS 105Partitions 105Special Framing 109Ceiling Structures 112Modifying Existing Walls and Ceilings 114Summary 116Chapter Review 116CHAPTER 12 INTERIOR SURFACES 117Beneath the Skin 117Floor Finish Materials 123Wall and Ceiling Finish Materials 127Trimming the Interior 131Summary 133Chapter Review 134CHAPTER 13 HEATING SYSTEMS 135Comfort and Heat 135Heating Fuels 137Forced Air Heating Systems 139Hydronic Heating Systems 142Electric Heating Systems 145Active Solar Heating Systems 146All-in-One Heating Systems 147Summary 149Chapter Review 149CHAPTER 14 COOLING SYSTEMS 151Cooling Naturally 151Cooling with Fans 153Evaporative Cooling 155Refrigerated Cooling 157Systems that Provide Heating and Cooling 159Summary 161Chapter Review 161CHAPTER 15 MAINTAINING HEALTHY INDOOR AIR 163Sources of Indoor Air Pollution 164Fresh Air through Ventilation 166Ventilating Room by Room 166Whole-House Ventilation Systems 172Summary 175Chapter Review 175CHAPTER 16 HOUSEHOLD WATER SUPPLY  177Sources of Household Water 177Distribution Systems 179Water Supply Piping 181Water Supply Problems and Solutions 183Unsuitable Water 184Water Heaters 188Summary 193Chapter Review 193CHAPTER 17 DRAINAGE SYSTEMS 195Parts of the System 195Piping Materials 199Summary 202Chapter Review 202CHAPTER 18 KITCHEN AND BATH EQUIPMENT 203Fixtures for the Bath 203Kitchen Equipment 210Summary 212Chapter Review 212CHAPTER 19 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 213Electricity Basics 213Service Entrance 214Wire and Conduits 218Communications Wiring Systems 222Electricity from the Sun 226Summary 227Chapter Review 227CHAPTER 20 LIGHTING 229Lighting Basics 229Lighting by Function 230Daylighting 231Artificial Lighting Sources 232Color of Light 236Built-in Lighting 237Lighting Fixtures 238Lighting Kitchens 239Lighting Baths 242Summary 245Chapter Review 245GLOSSARY 247RESOURCES 255INDEX 257