Build Your Own Home on a Shoestring

This book helps you navigate around common pitfalls of home design and construction. Not just for new builds; it also contains a wealth of information on setting up kitchens, bathrooms, HVAC, plumbing, etc. This book is a quick, easy read, and you'll find yourself underlining lots of good hints. It could have been improved by including diagrams, especially when describing the "task triangle" of kitchen space. Although the cover makes it look dated, this book is surprisingly current, with web links and information on newly emerging materials and practices. Well written and well worth the price!

I agree with the previous reviews - this book was wonderfully written and extremely helpful. Building your own home can be a huge, daunting task - but the authors walk you through the process one small step at a time. They cover all the bases, and explain everything thoroughly and in an easy-to-understand way.

This is a fabulous how-to book that's well-written, well-organized, and extremely educational. It offers money saving tips for all aspects of the home building or renovating process, and takes the mystery out of financing, contracting, and internal systems like plumbing, heat, hot water, A/C, etc. I love how the authors keep a running tally of the money you're saving by following their tips, and the glossary, sample documents, and resource list are invaluable. Highly recommended for all home owners!

If you are getting ready to delve into the world of buiding your own home - or even if you're having one built, or just renovating one you've bought, YOU NEED THIS BOOK! It's laid out in an easy to understand format and it feels like the authors are right there with you answering all the questions you'd ever had, as well as the ones you'd never even thought of. Keep your sanity, kill the fear! Go for your dreams - but not without this book! JTF

I only wish I'd had "Build Your Own Home on a Shoestring" sooner in our home-building project, but since we're still in the midst of it, we'll put it to good use! This book covers everything you need to know about building your own home, including financing, choosing the perfect location, designing your dream home, dealing with contractors, and much more. It also offers a ton of money-saving tips, tricks and secrets -- things that might be overlooked without the guidance of a book like this. The chapters are arranged in sequence, providing a handy step-by-step guide through the entire process. Also included is a "running total" so you can keep track of your savings as you work your way through the project. A wonderful glossary explains everything from subfloors to soffits. And best of all, the authors have done a great job of making it readable, easy to follow, and interesting. Let's face it. There's a LOT of time, money and energy involved in building a home, and it's not something to be taken lightly. If you're doing it yourself, you need the advice of someone who's "been there and done that," and that's just what the authors of "Build Your Own Home on a Shoestring" have done. If you are building a home or just thinking about it, buy this book. You'll be glad you did.