Other Web Databases

Databases of quality free and inexpensive homebuilding & design info can be found at the following websites:

APAWood
The Engineered Wood Association: Many great publications about plywood, OSB and engineered wood building products.

Build it Solar
A non commercial site by Gary Reysa dedicated to everything solar. Check out the step by step section which includes solar site survey instructions. Great database in the projects and reference sections with many links based on specific solar categories. Also has an experimental section.

Building America
A US Department of Energy program: A great resource for housing related energy and advanced insulation, vapor barrier and venting information.

Building Sciences Corporation
Private group of building scientists: Joseph Lstiburek one of the nations leading building scientists leads this organization. He's the authority on building for climate. Some of his research is posted on the site. You can also purchase his famous builder's guide.

Center for Universal Design
North Carolina State University, College of Design: Good publications about universal design and accessibility.

EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency: Database has publications about health related issues like mold and radon.

FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Publications about housing and disasters.

HUD
Housing And Urban Development: An interesting variety of publications related to housing technology, homeownership, affordable housing, community development and more.

IBACOS
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions: A private company of building scientists doing research for government programs like Building America. Check out their great High Performance Lighting Guide.

IBHS
Institute for Business & Home Safety: Publications about safety around the home.

Joint Center for Housing Studies
Harvard Design School, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University: Research publications about housing and home related topics.

Metropolitan Design Center
University of Minnesota planning research center: Research publications about sustainable development and community planning and design.

National Renewable Energy Lab
A US Department of Energy program: Just say renewable energy. Searchable database of the latest government sponsored research and publications about renewable energy. Some of these documents are rather dense, others are geared towards homeowners and builders.

PATH
Partnership for Advanced Technology in Housing: Information about the latest in housing technology.

Toolbase Services
An NAHB Research Center information website: An interesting variety of publications about building technology and energy related issues. Some free publications, others for sale.

USG - U. S. Gypsum Company
Includes "The Gypsum Construction Handbook" online and an extensive library of donwloadable texts about Sheetrock, acoustical ceilings, specialty ceilings and other related issues.