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Technical Library

Read Before You Build. Code-Aware Construction Guides

Expert-written, plain-language guides covering roofing, concrete, framing, and estimating. Every article is reviewed by a practising professional and references current US, UK, or Australian codes where applicable.

Popular topics: Roofing Concrete Framing Estimating Paint

The Library

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12 min
Roofing · Updated 2026

Roof Pitch Explained: Why 6:12 and 26.57° Are the Same Roof

The three ways to describe a roof, why conversion errors cost material, and how to check your own numbers against IRC and BS 5534.

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6 min
Concrete · Updated 2026

How Much Waste Should You Add to a Concrete Order?

Realistic waste factors for slabs, footings, columns and pump deliveries — and when the calculator answer is not enough.

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7 min
Framing · Updated 2026

Stud Spacing: IRC 2021 vs BS 5268 vs AS 1684 Compared

The same wall, three different code editions — where the numbers match, where they diverge, and why it matters.

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5 min
Finishes · Updated 2026

Why Paint Coverage Numbers on the Tin Are Often Wrong

What manufacturers mean by "coverage", how surface porosity and colour affect it, and how to calculate a realistic order.

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9 min
Estimating · Updated 2026

How to Calculate Rafter Lengths (With Overhang)

A step-by-step guide to using the Pythagorean theorem and pitch multipliers to cut rafters that actually fit.

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15 min
General · Updated 2026

How to Read Architectural Drawings (For Tradespeople)

Stop guessing what the architect meant. A guide to scales, line weights, abbreviations, and finding the dimensions you need.

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Our library is driven by what our readers are actually building. If you are stuck on a specific calculation, code requirement, or material question, tell us. We prioritise new guides based on real project scenarios.

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Editorial Standards

Why You Can Trust These Guides

Construction is a high-stakes industry. Bad information costs money and compromises safety. We hold our guides to the same standard as our calculators.

Human-Written

No AI-generated fluff. Every article is written by a member of our editorial team and reviewed by a practising professional before publication.

Code-Aware

We don't just guess. Where relevant, our guides cite the current published standards (IRC 2021, BS 5534, AS 1684) so you can verify the math.

Dated & Versioned

Building codes change. Every guide displays a clear "Last Updated" date so you know exactly when the information was last verified against current codes.

Open to Corrections

If you spot an error, we want to know. Valid corrections are logged in the page's version history and credited to the reader (with permission).

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Our Guides

01 Are these guides written by AI?

No. Every article in our library is written by a member of the BuildMetric editorial team and reviewed by a practising professional (quantity surveyor, structural engineer, or licensed contractor). We do not publish AI-generated content without a named human reviewer, and we do not use AI to produce the core technical explanations.

02 How often are the guides updated?

Guides are reviewed periodically against current code editions, and the "Last Updated" date is displayed on every article. When a standard changes (for example, a new IRC or BS edition), we update the affected guides and note the change in the page's version history.

03 Can I republish or use these guides on my own website?

Short quotes with clear attribution and a working link back to the original page are welcome. You may not, however, reproduce substantial portions of our content, republish the full text of a guide on another site, or use our content for commercial purposes without prior written permission. For licensing requests, email contact@buildmetric.org.

04 Do your guides reference local building codes?

Yes. Because we write for three distinct markets, our guides reference the appropriate regional standards: IRC 2021 and IBC for the United States, BS 5534 and Building Regulations for the UK, and the NCC and AS 1684 for Australia. Where codes differ between these markets, we say so explicitly.

05 Can I suggest a topic for a new guide?

Absolutely. We add new guides every month based on what our readers are building. If you are stuck on a specific calculation or code question, email contact@buildmetric.org with the subject "Guide Suggestion". A working scenario from your site is the fastest way to get it prioritised.

06 Are the guides free to read?

Yes. Every guide and article on BuildMetric is completely free to read. There is no paywall, no forced sign-up, and no gated content. The site is funded through transparent display advertising.

07 Who exactly reviews the technical guides?

Our reviewer group consists of quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and licensed roofing and framing contractors with field experience in the US, UK, and Australian construction industries. Depending on the topic, the article is routed to the relevant specialist.

Still have a question?

Email contact@buildmetric.org — every message is read by a real person, and we reply within two business days.

About The Guides

Independent · Since 2023

BuildMetric Editorial Team

Technical Writing & Code Review

Surveyors · Engineers · Licensed Contractors

The BuildMetric library is built by people who have actually worked on site. Our editorial team consists of quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and licensed contractors who translate complex engineering and building codes into plain-English guides.

We do not use AI to generate technical content. Every article is written by a human, reviewed by a practising professional, and updated when the codes change.

  • Human-written. No AI-generated fluff. Real world experience.
  • Code-aware. References IRC, BS, and AS standards where applicable.
  • Open to corrections. Spotted a mistake? We log and publish the fix.
contact@buildmetric.org Meet the Team

This Library

Content Type
Technical Guides
Reviewed By
Practising Professionals
Regions
US · UK · AU
Cost
Free Forever

Editorial Policy

No paid reviews, no sponsored rankings, no AI-generated fluff. Full details in our About and Disclaimer pages.