Monte Burch's pole building projects Over 25 low-cost plans

Those who view Tim Allen on "Home Improvement" as an ultimate do-it-yourself role model may find that this is their book. It's on the ins and outs of using poles in building various barns, other farm structures, storage sheds, and vacation homes. In this kind of construction, poles are sunk into the soil and used instead of the more traditional concrete slab or full basement to form a structure's foundation. The method is common not only where one wants to save money but also, as in the U.S. upper Midwest, where sandy soils make drainage no particular problem. It certainly is not the method for a structure that will be used a lot by people in the winter. Besides using the poles, the construction of the buildings outlined in the 25 plans included is pretty much of the traditional "stick and plank" variety one will find in any book on basic construction techniques. Those planning to undertake a really serious project should check out this book. They just might be able to build that vacation home on the lake for a lot less than they'd thought. (Reviewed Sept. 1, 1993)0882668609Jon Kartman