HUD has just released the first in a series of rehabilitation guidebooks that spread the word on state-of-the-art housing rehabilitation. Each of The Rehab Guide's nine volumes will cover a distinct element of housing rehabilitation and corresponding issues. Volume One, The Rehab Guide: Foundations, covers topics from the design and engineering of rehab foundation systems to shoring and repair, waterproofing, crack repair, drainage, and insulation.

The Rehab Guide's purpose is to keep the design and construction industry abreast of innovations and original practices in housing rehabilitation. Each volume will focus on building technology, materials, components, and techniques rather than projects such as adding a new room and feature breakthrough materials, labor-saving tools, and cost-cutting practices.

The Rehab Guide: Foundations uses drawings and photographs to supplement written descriptions of several components of foundation rehabilitation:

• Foundation design and engineering.
• Permanent wood and prefabricated foundations.
• Drainage.
• Dampproofing and waterproofing.
• Insulation and ventilation.
• Shoring, underpinning, and repair.
• Crack repair, coating, and finishes.

Each easy-to-read chapter organizes information in four sections. "Essential Knowledge" gives an overview of important issues, while "Techniques, Materials, Tools" explains approaches to accomplishing the work. "Further Reading" lists valuable resources for readers. Finally, "Product Information" gives the names and addresses of the manufacturers of the products, materials, systems, and components in the text.

The remaining volumes of The Rehab Guide, to be published over the next few years, will cover eight subjects. Volumes Two through Four, to be published this summer, will address the rehabilitation of exterior walls, roofs, windows, and doors. Volumes Five through Nine will cover: partitions, ceilings, floors, and stairs; kitchens and baths; electrical/electronics; HVAC; and site work. Readers will be able to assemble the nine spiral-bound guidebooks in a single three-ring binder. Copies of The Rehab Guide: Foundations are available from HUD USER for $5 each. Please use the order form.