If wood were discovered today, it would not be an acceptable material to frame a home. I believe, and I'm thankful, that steel will definitely be the material of choice for most builders in the near future. The advantages to steel far exceed any material I can think of. We already use steel predominantly in commercial work and I can't believe, with the poor quality of lumber, that we're not using it more in residential. Even though steel framing may cost more, it may not cost as much as you think.

     If this is something you want to consider, and I would if I were you, then deal with a tried and tested company. For that reason I recommend Tri Steel Structures, the pioneer in steel framing. Check out their web site and give them a call, you'll be glad you did. Lets save the wood we have for all the beautiful things we want, like doors, paneling, cabinets, trim, etc.

Tom Harrison - Program Developer

a. The Journal of Light Construction
www.jlconline.com or call 800.375.5981

When I started building, after building my first home physically myself, I was amazed watching the subs work. I still am. They have more tricks on how to do a job than most people imagine. This magazine is like watching all the best subs do their work. Every issue is full of tips and methods of doing a job quickly and correctly. I found that many subs do things wrong simply because that's the way they've always done it. Here you get the answers in an easy to understand and well illustrated format. If you read every issue from cover to cover, you'd soon have a PhD in construction. A must read for the builder who wants to become a Master Builder. Tom Harrison - Program Developer

b. Builder Magazine
www.builderonline.com or call 800.829.9127

This magazine is definitely for the builder who wants to do more than one or two homes a year. It lets you know how the big boys do it. It covers national trends, new products and new ideas. I like it because I like to know where in the country it's hot and where it's not. I like to know what people want in a home for a given area and I like to see ideas from other parts of the nation. I also like to read about new products on the market. A must read for the professional. If you join your local homebuilder association [By the way, put my name down as your sponsor - Thomas Harrison, Atlanta, GA] you will receive a subscription to this magazine as part of your dues. Tom Harrison - Program Developer

c. Fine Homebuilding
www.taunton.com or call 800.888.8286

I remember as a kid reading [mostly looking at the pictures] The National Geographic magazine. The paper, print and pictures were so good that you wouldn't dare throw it away. This is Fine Homebuilding. Beautiful magazine with how to articles and illustrations on old world craftsmanship I thought was dead and gone. This magazine is a pleasure to look at and a must if you like to see what can be done with a lot of money. Tom Harrison - Program Developer

If only 10% of the homes are selling in a given area, I can teach you how to be in the top 10%. However, when times are bad, it's very important that a builder learn what I call "creative financing".

I contend that 80% of the potential homebuyers have bruises on their credit or lack the funds for a down payment. Learning how to work with this group is critical if you are going to survive - especially in a slow market. I know some large builders that earn more money from the financing end of the business than they do from building. This information is also extremely helpful to an individual trying to sell his or her own home. The Capstone Institute is the place to learn what I am talking about. Check out their site. You'll be glad you did.

Tom Harrison - Program Developer

You want a web site but you're on a limited budget. You've also heard about all the horror stories of people spending thousands of dollars and still not having what they want. WebIncredible is the company for you. They can work from your design or create everything from scratch. WebIncredible did this site, and did it exactly the way we wanted. If you like, contact everyone else, then contact WebIncredible; you'll be glad you did.

Tom Harrison - Program Developer

5. Construction Glossary

NIHB wants to provide The Best Construction Glossary In The World. If you know a word that is not listed and you know its meaning, E-mail NIHB at office@nihb.com and we'll add it to the list.