Spon’s First Stage Estimating Handbook

The ultimate paradox of construction project management is that the earlier a decision has to be made, the more difficult the task is of estimating the cost implications. Yet the most important decisions are taken earliest - when the cost estimates are the most difficult to obtain. "Spon's First Stage Estimating Handbook" is the only comprehensive and reliable source of first stage estimating costs. Covering the whole spectrum of building, civil engineering, m and e work, and landscaping work, vital cost data is presented as costs per square metre, elemental cost analyses, principal rates and composite rates. Compact and clear, "Spon's First Stage Estimating Handbook" is ideal for meetings with clients when the inevitable question 'just an idea...a ballpark figure...' needs an accurate response. With additional sections on whole life costing and general information, this is an essential reference for all construction professionals and clients making early judgements on the viability of new projects.

Principles of Construction Safety

The construction industry has not had a good record on health and safety and faces tough legal and financial penalties for breaches of the law.
This book provides a unique resource for all those who construct or procure the construction of projects of all sizes and in all countries and for clients who need to keep abreast of their own and their contractors' responsibilities.

It gives practical guidance on best practice, including:

- measuring performance and recording information;

- developing a safety policy and method statements;

- assessing risk;

- training and understanding people;

- the basics of the construction/environment interface.

The book addresses several topics not found in other reference works, discussing techniques of health and safety and basic environmental management as applied to the industry. It uniquely provides 50 quick reference guides setting out solutions to common problems. These include falls, manual and mechanical handling, work with asbestos and noise. It also summarises the main UK legal requirements on construction safety and health and includes a number of useful checklists and model forms.

Written by a very experienced health and safety practitioner, who is also author of the highly successful IOSH book Principles of Health and Safety at Work, this book will be welcomed by all responsible for health and safety. It will also provide an excellent text for the NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) Construction Safety and Health national certificate.

Handbook on Plumbing Installation for Buildings

Water Supplies Department issued several booklets on the requirements, policies and practices of plumbing installations. They are:
(a) Hong Kong Waterworks Standard Requirements for Plumbing Installation in Buildings;
(b) Water Supplies Department Circular Letters issued to Licensed Plumbers and Authorized Persons;
© General Information on the Use of Different Types of Pipe Materials as Inside Service in Buildings;
(d) Installation Notes of Different Types of Corrosion Resistant Pipe Materials as Inside Service in Buildings; and
(e) A Guide to the Preparation of Plumbing Proposals.
With an aim to providing more comprehensive information in a user-friendly manner to the practitioners for submission of plumbing proposals for new building developments to the Water Authority, this Handbook on Plumbing Installation for Buildings summarises the current Hong Kong waterworks requirements in respect of policies, procedures and practices that the practitioners are expected to observe. This book is therefore intended to serve as a handy reference for those concerned.
The contents of this book are based on the following references:-
(a) the Waterworks Ordinance (Cap 102) and the Waterworks Regulations (Cap 102 Subsidiary Legislation);
(b) The Hong Kong Waterworks Standard Requirements for Plumbing Installation in Buildings; and
© Water Supplies Department Circular Letters issued to Licensed Plumbers and Authorized Persons.
In all circumstances, it is the responsibility of the applicants to ensure that the plumbing proposals comply with the prevailing waterworks requirements. It is therefore important for the readers of this book to refer to the original text of these documents for the latest information on new or modified requirements from the Water Authority before they submit plumbing proposals. In case there is any discrepancy between the references and this book, the references should take precedence.

Strip foundations for houses

Timber frame house construction: check it out

BRE building elements: floors and flooring - performance, diagnosis, maintenance, repair and the avoidance of defects. 2nd edition

Concrete in aggressive ground. 3rd edition