About the book
If you want to build your own house, but don’t know where to start, this book is for you.
House Building & Remodeling assumes the reader has no prior construction experience. The tasks to build your home are listed in the book and on the CD in order, so you’ll know where to begin and how to proceed to completion.
This manual covers planning, materials, hiring, construction, permits, legal, and financial activities for home building—all written in plain English with informative illustrations and a glossary of terms, so you’ll know a joist from a truss and a lintel from a lolly column.
This book is for you if you...
- Intend to hire a contractor to build or remodel a home for you, and you want to know, step-by-step, what the contractor should be doing when, and why.
- Want to be your own general contractor and build or remodel your own home, saving 10 percent to 30 percent or more.
- Work as a general contractor for others and need a step-by-step checklist, guide, and spreadsheet as an organizational tool.
Preview some of the book:
(Adobe Reader PDF viewer or compatible viewer required.)
In the book's printed pages, builder Robert B. (Bob) Metcalfe guides you through a clear, concise process, from buying your home site to obtaining your occupancy permit. House Building & Remodeling is 8.5x11 inches, with numerous illustrations and definitions, a detailed glossary, an index, and worksheets. With the book as your guide, you can oversee your building project, even if you have no prior experience in construction.
In the accompanying computer CD-ROM, you’ll be provided a way to track all your expenses and keep your house building or remodeling project on budget. The CD includes Excel™ spread sheets* with helpful formulas for tracking and budgeting costs. A category list is also provided that can be used with Quicken™ for check writing. The companion CD contains an electronic (PDF) version of the complete book as well.
Tackle that long-dreamed-of building project! With this manual and CD, you can achieve a professional result and a home to be proud of!
*Worksheets on the CD-ROM can be opened with Microsoft Excel 97 or later.