The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home

Although this book has some decent info in it for someone who has never worked construction, the real value is the organization forms in the back of the book. The only problem is, the forms are useless in the kindle version. As a matter of fact, the forms are not even legible in the kindle version. The most disappointing thing is, in the book, it says you can go to the books website, "selfmadehomes.com", and download forms and updated documents. I went to this website and only found more stuff for sale. I even tried to contact the author via the email address listed on the website only to have them return because they no longer existed! Feeling a little ripped off and planning on contacting amazon for a return.(Book review disclaimer: I have a few years experience in construction)As for the content of the book: it is jammed pack full of info. Although you won't use have of the info, it does cover most areas that you will encounter. This is more of a strategy book as opposed to tactics book, meaning it won't teach how to wire a switch but how to deal with the electrician. I would caution the reader that if you do everything the book tells you, you may look like a dork in the eyes of the tradesman.So in closing, this book does have value...but not in the kindle version!

Not only is this book thorough, it has the detail you need to get results. The tables help in calculations; the checklists help you keep organized. The author offers alternatives, suggestions, good advice, and tells how to avoid common pitfalls. It is professionally written, easy to follow, and thorough. I wish I had had this book when I started my first major construction project (24 x 50 -3 story with solar heat) in 1979. I now have half a dozen building projects behind me, and am finishing restoring an elegant Queen Anne. I just purchased another 'handyman special' Queen Anne, and am designing my retirement home. By the time I finish those, this book will show a lot of wear!

We plan to build a home and this is a good primer for a neophyte, lay person when it comes to home building. It addresses all the early issues and then gets into the construction mechanics. I won't be talked into something expensive or unnecessary with this as a reference. I can also help plan the equipment and style without seeming too ignorant. I had read this from our library and felt it is complete enough to warrant the purchase.

I was apprehensive to begin contracting my home but this book makes the process easy to understand and let me know what I'm in for. I now understand that this is a mammoth undertaking of time, organization, and money but it is also easy to understand at a supervisor level. The perspective that the book takes is that you do not need to learn how to do each step in the process; you just need to know the sequence and whether it was done well. The check lists for each step are great. Disclaimer: I have not started my project yet so I can't be sure yet how well this book has prepared me.

Very informative and thorough introduction to the building process. I've read numerous books on the subject and this one is far and away the best. Highly recommended for anyone considering building their own house or investment property to save money. Even if you are going to hire a general contractor, read this book to familiarize yourself with the process. Definitely gets you pointed in the right direction.

This book has some good ideas, but reads like a list of things you should "watch out for". In some cases it contradicts itself. The author does not build homes -- he's a computer scientist/software/engineer that has worked and advised builders. The book comes with many lists and examples of what is possible. I don't recall it ever laying out an overall picture of how the entire process should work. It glossed over hiring design professionals to design and engineer your home.

I purchased 3 different books on building your own home, I by far like this one the best. I am in the process right now of getting my permits for septic, then building permits. :)

Have been looking for a book like this for years that tellsl me how to DESIGN the house so that it can be built more inexpensively! Terrific advice for dealing with contractors and understanding how to motivate them.

Very good - we were the general contractor of our home build - we knew nothing about building a house - but quickly learned with this book.

Used this to build a part of the new house with dad.

The product meets my expectation.

Good book!

This is exactly what I needed for building my own house. It has all the organizational tools required, checklists, specifications to get you started.