The beginning chapters of the construction manual for the RV-12 instructs builders to get familiar with the Aircraft Standards Handbook (supplied in tool kits from most tool vendors I think) and FAA Advisory Circular A.C 43.13. This recommendation was made for a specific reason. It would be a good idea for any builder (regardless of the airplane model), to refer to these documents anytime they are about to do any process that they have not done previously.
These both have information regarding all of the standard practices used to repair and maintain aircraft. The assumption is that if you are building the airplane, you likely intend to repair and maintain it your self also. If this is the case, part of your "building an airplane" education needs to be getting familiar with the documents that your maint. and repair work is judged by.