Be Your Own House Contractor: Save 25% without Lifting a Hammer

by Carl Heldmann

You don’t need to depend on (or pay) a general contractor to manage your construction project. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, you can manage the job yourself. Carl Heldmann outlines how to purchase your own land, set a reasonable budget and schedule, describe your needs and vision to an architect, and hire subcontractors to do the actual building. Cut out the middleman and save as much as 25 percent on your beautiful new home!

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Zoie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for owner builders.

[C.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reece and I bought a lot to build on!! so we're delving into all things building, designed, construction, etc. we're only a quarter way through this book and it is super, super helpful! a little outdated (this one is the 5th edition which is almost 20 years by now! * gulp *) but the knowledge seems solid so far. Definitely "lay man terms" for us newbs

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though not specifically about eco-houses, I read this to familiarize myself with the home building process as I'm thinking about building an eco-house. I doubt I'm up for actually being my own house contractor but the information is still useful and straight-forwardly presented. Definitely a worthwhile resource.

[Haley Valiquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful

[Jessica Burr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to get to know the basic steps and terminology when thinking of buying land for a house. Will reference again if I ever make that happen

[Denny Troncoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book on being your own house GC or CBC and hiring subcontractors.

[Julio Duran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book and Im planning to use it while I am building a house.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and concise, easy to read and understand for a total novice. Helps you understand the timeline of building a house, who to go to for what job, what to watch for, a bit about how to budget and manage bank loan timing, etc. Very basic but a great place to start.