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I am getting prepared to build a new house and do as much of the work as possible myself except the basement and rough in framing. I do have some experience with most trades otherwise. I know this is going to be a long haul and that minor details will be a major stumbling block, like how high is an electrical switch off the floor, how far does the toilet drain need to be from the wall, and I am sure there are hundreds of others I can’t think of. Does anyone know of a book, or other resource that might have some of this info in laymans terms with some helpfull diagrams. Any advice from someone that has done this before would also be greatly appreciated.
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I am getting prepared to build a new house and do as much of the work as possible myself except the basement and rough in framing. I do have some experience with most trades otherwise. I know this is going to be a long haul and that minor details will be a major stumbling block, like how high is an electrical switch off the floor, how far does the toilet drain need to be from the wall, and I am sure there are hundreds of others I can't think of. Does anyone know of a book, or other resource that might have some of this info in laymans terms with some helpfull diagrams. Any advice from someone that has done this before would also be greatly appreciated.
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Hi DWalk,
Go to the library, get all the "how to plumb/wire/roof/ etc" books and read them. There are Fine Homebuilding books that contain compilations of related magazine articles that are excellent. Check out "Hometime" videos on Plumbing/Framing/Wiring etc. Buy Gene Leger's book "Complete Building Construction, Vol 4". Check out stacks of old FH magazines from the library and read them.
Keep track of helpful articles/books so that when you need them, you won't think "now where did I read about plumbing critical distances?, or how do I wire this 3-way switch?" (like I did).
Best of luck to you.