American Institute of Building Design
https://www.aibd.org
The American Institute of Building Design is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the development, recognition, and enhancement of the profession of building design. Interesting discussions in the “forums” section.
APA – The Engineered Wood Association
https://www.apawood.org
The leading resource for information about engineered wood products. Construction basics, free downloadable publications, wood university.
Application Instructions for Hardboard Siding
https://www.hardboard.org/publications.htm
Free PDF file from the American Hardboard Association. Also available: “Maintenance Tips for Hardboard Siding” and others.
ARCAT.com Reference Site
https://www.arcat.com
Access to over 300,000 pages of building material information including building products, manufacturers, specs and CAD details. A rich master reference resource.
Architects Northwest
https://www.architectsnw.com/default.cfm
The largest residential architectural firm in the Pacific Northwest. You can browse through hundreds of house plans, order house plans on-line, and request information on a custom home design.
Building Codes
https://www.buildingteam.com/housingzone/
Our Codes database, a service of Buildingteam.com, provides you with detailed information on building codes for all 50 states, major cities, and some counties. We have information on codes and amendments as well as contact information for up to 17 authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) in each market.
Building Energy Reference Tool
https://poet.lbl.gov/arch/
This tool provides a simple way to see how your building’s energy use compares to similar buildings.
Call Before You Dig Information
https://www.call811.com/state-specific.aspx
Here’s a list of phone numbers for every state. One call to request an underground utility location can prevent a dangerous accident.
Cedar Shake & Shingle Roof Installation Specs
https://www.cedarbureau.org/
Design and application details and methods of construction developed by shake and shingle specialists in both the United States and Canada. Features HTML web pages, and Adobe PDF format files with illustrated construction details.
Construction WebLinks – State Agencies Link
https://www.constructionweblinks.com/Organizations//State_Agencies/state_agencies.html
Regulatory and code agencies contact information, plus statutes, regulations, etc.
First Choice Designer Homes
https://www.orderhomeplans.com/efsearchplans.taf?soource=weynet
Weyerhaeuser and HomeStyles.com bring you these 250 top-notch home plans, each one featured in the First Choice Designer Homes book. View homes based on your own criteria, many with full color or 3D viewing options!
Hardwood Tips & Techniques
https://www.hardwoodcouncil.com/how_to.php
The Tips & Techniques brochure series gives specifiers and building professionals a wealth of technical information about the selection, installation and care of hardwood products. Request a 4-color brochure for any or all of the Tips & Techniques.
Home Plans from Design Basics
https://www.designbasics.com
The leading provider of home plans for builders. America’s premier home design service!
HousingZone.com
https://www.housingzone.com
For builders, architects, and remodelers, a rich site containing industry news, regional news, events, education classes, product guide, building codes, house plans, newsletters, and much more. Your link to Cahners publications including Professional Builder, Luxury Home Builder, Professional Remodeler, and Construct! magazines.
Internet Directory for Specified Construction Products
https://www.4specs.com/
Locate manufacturers web sites for their catalogs and design information, including product data, specs and CAD details.
Managing Moisture in New Construction
https://www.dow.com/products/building_and_construction/landing.page?industry=1000306
STYROFOAM web site highlights ways for builders to achieve energy efficiencies that can exceed the Model Energy Code, plus insulation guidelines, including technical papers on topics such as explaining R-values to homebuyers. Request samples and order literature.
MSDS – Search National Repository
https://www.msdssearch.com
View online Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for product manufacturers using a searchable database.
NAHB
https://www.nahb.com
An official web site of the National Association of Home Builders, with shows, conferences, events, housing issues, economic data, bookstore, resource guide, news headlines, much more!
Redwood Literature – California Redwood Assoc.
https://www.calredwood.org/ref/lit.htm
Free PDF files of lietrature from the California Redwood Association including titles such as Design Gallery, Deck Construction, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Wood Dust, and many other titles.
A wealth of information and resources about all aspects of building with roof trusses.
U.S. Census Bureau – Construction Sector
https://www.census.gov/mcd/
Current economic indicators, statistics on new residential construction and sales, characteristics of new housing, and more.
U.S. Dept. of Energy Building America Program
https://www.eere.energy.gov/topics/buildings.html
Building America works with members of the home-building industry to produce quality homes that use less energy without costing more to build.
Wall Design Solutions from USG
https://www.usg.com/index.html
From fire code and water construction to impact resistance, acoustical design and more, search USG’s library of system comparisons, technical features and case studies to find wall design solutions.
Western Wood Products Association
https://www.wwpa.org
WWPA services include quality standards, technical services, publications, LUMBER ONLINE TECHNICAL GUIDE, and more, for users of softwood lumber products.
Window and Door Articles from the WDMA
https://www.wdma.com/IndustryInformation/ConsumerInformation/tabid/102/Default.aspx
Free articles from the Window & Door Manufacturers Association that are useful to builders, designers, and architects. Topics include design, energy, and technical issues, with great illustrated glossaries to help educate your staff!
Window Installation Instructions
https://pro.milgard.com/installation/
Standard practice for installation of windows with integral mounting flange in wood frame construction, plus other useful information on windows, from the Milgard web site.
