How To Plan Contract And Build Your Own Home Fifth Edition

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. The All-in-One Custom Homebuilders Guide--Fully Updated with the Latest Green Construction Methods How to Plan, Contract, and Build Your Own Home, fifth edition, gives you the information you need during every step of the homebuilding process--from selecting materials to designing the rooms to working with a contractor. Featuring practical, cost-effective ways of planning, designing, and building energy-efficient homes, the book presents money- and energy-saving options in every chapter. This thoroughly revised reference explains how you can implement many of the green construction strategies that make up the U.S. Green Building Council's award-winning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines. Written by experienced instructors and builders, this is the most complete planning and homebuilding resource available. Learn how to: Select the building site that best suits your project Determine floor plans and types of construction, foundations, framing, and finishing Use energy-efficient electric, lighting, heating, cooling, and insulation Choose the best quality floors, wall coverings, fixtures, and appliances for your budget Integrate green construction systems, components, and materials throughout your home Include amenities such as decks, patios, gazebos, sidewalks, and driveways Find and work with an established, skilled, and reliable contractor

The Classic Blueprint for Do-It-Yourself Homebuilders Updated to Reflect the Latest Materials,Techniques, and Options! Covering everything from hiring the right vendors to choosing fixtures, this information-packed guide is a step-by-step roadmap for building a new home or remodeling an existing one. The heavily-revised Fourth Edition focuses on the latest technologies, materials, money-saving options, and environmentallyfriendly methods, allowing homeowners to save money, get more for their money, maximize their usable space, decrease maintenance costs, and choose from an exciting array of new options. With this book, homeowners will be able to: Select and prepare a site Make informed decisions about construction, framing, foundations and layouts Plan for home office use Design or remodel a home that will serve their specific needs, perform construction tasks safely and efficiently Install the newest and most economical types of insulation, roofing, plumbing, and wiring Build amenities such as decks and patios, sidewalks and driveways, make do it yourself vs. subcontracting decisions, plan their move

There are countless reasons why building your own home makes good sense. But for most people, the chance to create the home they've always wanted is #1 on their list. And this all-in-one guide can help you every step of the way toward realizing your vision-from hiring the right vendors to picking fixtures.

Keep construction on track with helpful checklists Turn your dream of a custom home into reality! Thinking about building your own home? This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to plan and build a beautiful home on any budget. From acquiring land to finding the best architect to overseeing the construction, you get lots of savvy tips on managing your new investment wisely -- and staying sane during the process! Discover how to: * Find the best homesite * Navigate the plan approval process * Obtain financing * Hire the right contractor * Cut design and construction costs * Avoid common mistakes

Shows homeowners how to stay within one percent of their budget Delivers the perfect balance of information--covers everything homeowners need to know without overwhelming details Ready-to-use worksheets save time and money Tells homeowners who to meet with, when to meet, and how to track progress and control costs

Rich with essential information, this book addresses the tract house, custom house and semi-custom house, highlighting each type's advantages, as well as explaining their various features.

This book helps the reader save a great deal of money by demonstrating how to manage the project and act as one's own contractor.

This easy to understand, step-by-step guide is clear enough for even a novice to understand, Even if you hire a contractor to build you home, this book will greatly help you understand the process. From shopping for a piece of land to getting a loan to dealing with a contractor, the Smiths' advice covers everything about building a home. The authors advise on getting organized and tackling the hardest parts of the process step by step. Included are valuable lists, charts, ideas and questionnaires. Also, how to shop around for bargains and minimize costs room by room.