The smorgasbord of details for wood construction offered by William Dost and Elmer Botsai is based on their personal investigations, industry literature, other experts, and even "homeowner reports." However, the university professors caution that in many cases they "disagree with what is considered standardized detailing." They recommend that readers discuss differences with local code officials to avoid difficulties. The admonition that the book contains the author's personal opinions is given startling emphasis in the chapter on hardboard siding. That chapter consists solely of a letter from an attorney representing the American Hardboard Association (AMA) threatening lawsuits if the authors dare to publish their views on this material. The letter is followed by a plaintive statement by Dost and Botsai that they lack the
