It took 14 editors to compile Residential & Light Commercial Construction Standards ($60 from R.S. Means, Construction Plaza, P.O. Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364; 800/334- 3509; www.rsmeans.com). Based on building codes, industry standards, and accepted best practices, this hefty 600-pager initially came together as a reference book for helping contractors avoid construction defect liabilities. Each of the 16 system-focused chapters begins with a list of common defects, then presents building code excerpts as well as reprints from other publications and industry guidelines. Every source is presented independently with a subheading that not only clearly identifies it, but also gives contact information for potential followup questions. Where necessary, the editors have inserted comment boxes to call attention or
