Amazon.com
The common and sensible dictum among carpenters--"Measure twice, cut once"--is only the beginning for Carroll, who manages to take some very complex information and distill it into readable and understandable form. There are chapters devoted to laying out foundations, frames, roofs, stairs, masonry units, and finishing materials, and many little-known tricks of the trade and shortcuts. Carroll covers all the basics of tools and techniques, shows how to measure larger dimensions on projects while working alone, and shows that one needn't be a master mathematician to assure accuracy in projects, nor use space-age, high-tech equipment to achieve near-perfect results in a building project. From the simplest how-to project for a home handyperson to constructing an entire house, proper, accurate measurements are the very foundation of a successful result. Using common sense and care in measuring can save time, materials, and money on any home repair or construction plan. This is the book to tell you everything you need to know before you get started. --Mark A. Hetts
