Book / Informative Read

[Dylan Snyder]

Hey guys. 

I know there are tons of real estate books out there and many great picks in the BP book store. I've read many and appreciate the time put into building that list.  

I'd like to educate myself on rehabbing specifically. I understand sometimes the best way to learn is to experience it first hand...but I'd like to read a bit before I just go touching that wire (lol)

I saw the book on estimating costs and repairs and such but I'm looking to learn processes and how-to. 

Plumbing. Electrical. Structural aspects and Engineering behind the architecture. Restoring wood. Things of that nature. Some things may be more suited for a professional I know but I still want to understand these concepts and do as much as I can myself as I'd appreciate the home that much more. 

My end goal is to buy a 19th century home one day and bring it back to life for generations to come. 

I Would appreciate any reads you've found helpful in this area. 

Thanks guys. 

[Victor Evans]

@Dylan Snyder , it's awesome that you're going above and beyond to educate yourself and rehabbing a19th century home sounds like an awesome goal. Just a quick thoughts, specifically on structural engineering. Before you decide to pick up a book, I would strongly recommend that you add a structural engineer to your team or make a structural engineering student a friend at your local university. :)  

But.. if you insist.. 

You can start by reading the IBC (International Building Code), ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures), ACI 318 and 530, AISC, and NDS. These design standards will give you a glimpse of what we do as a structural engineer. To be perfectly honest, it would be rather difficult to understand these standards without learning the fundamentals. I'm sure that I'll miss several items but Google the list of terms below and start reading. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Good Luck!

Soil Mechanics 

Lateral earth pressure 

Soil consolidation 

Effective and total stresses 

Bearing capacity 

Foundation settlement 

Slope stability

Structural Mechanics 

Dead, live, wind, seismic, snow, rain, ice, impact loads

earth pressure and surcharge load

load combination and tributary areas

Bending, Shear , Axial Forces

torsion, buckling, fatigue, progressive collapse, thermal deformation

Combined stresses 

Deflection 

Types of System: trusses, braces, and frames and its DOF (degrees of freedom)

Types of Foundation: retaining walls, footings, slabs, mats, piers, piles, caissons, drilled shafts.. etc.