Information

What's in the construction information library

The Information category holds reference documents rather than fill-in templates. It is split into five subcategories:

• Codes: building, fire and plumbing codes, OSHA publications and steel standards for checking requirements during design and construction.
• Guides: design guides, installation handbooks and how-to guides on equipment, materials and methods.
• E-Books: longer reads on running projects, contracts, claims and growing a contracting business.
• LEED: rating system guides and calculators for green building projects.
• White Papers: technical and industry papers on topics such as tendering and quantity surveying.

Engineers use the design guides and codes during design, project managers use the e-books and guides to plan and run work, and estimators use the white papers on tendering and measurement.

Popular construction reference documents

• The Essential Guide To Running Your Construction Project: an overview of managing a project from startup to closeout.
• Guaranteed Project Success (Ebook): practical habits for keeping projects on time and on budget.
• Residential Project Road Map: the stages of a home build laid out in order.
• Pre Engineered Metal Building Structure Installation Handbook: erection guidance for metal building systems.
• Design Guide 21 - Welded Connections: a primer on welded steel connection design.
• LEED V5 BD+C Rating System Guide: credit requirements for new building design and construction.
• British Columbia Building Code 2024: a reference copy of the provincial building code.

Related categories and guides

For OSHA booklets on specific hazards, go to Safety Regulations. Design calculators and CAD files are in Design, and free downloads are collected in Free.

From the Academy: Learn About Construction – 10 Best Ways and LEED in the Construction Industry.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a guide, an e-book and a white paper?

Guides are practical, task-focused references such as design guides or installation handbooks. E-books are longer reads that cover a subject like project management or contracting from start to finish. White papers usually examine one technical or industry topic in depth. All three are reference material, not fill-in templates.

Are the building codes here the current editions?

Each code document shows its edition year in the product name. Codes are adopted and amended by each jurisdiction on their own cycle, so treat these as reference copies and confirm which edition your authority having jurisdiction has adopted before relying on it for design or permit submissions.

Can I use these documents to train my team?

Many of the guides and e-books suit self-study and internal training. Check the description on each product page for any usage terms before copying or distributing a document beyond your own team.

How do I find a specific design guide or code?

Open the matching subcategory first: Codes for regulations and standards, Guides for design guides and handbooks. Product names include the document number or edition year, such as Design Guide 25 or Building Code 2024, so the list is quick to scan.