In The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling, author Charlie Wing has attempted to write a "what-to" book to complement the "how-to" books that line most of our bookshelves. The intent is to describe what to specify for various construction situations, as well as how to install it properly. Wing covers the full range of construction activity, from site analysis and concrete work to trim and painting. He includes general design principles for systems such as heating and cooling, passive solar, sound control, and lighting. There are sections on construction math, beam span tables, and formulas for laying out stairs. Other chapters compare the relative merits of different types of siding, roofing, caulking, and other materials. Indeed, The Visual Handbook is a sort
