Complete Idiot's Guide to Building Your Own Home

by Dan Ramsey

Start with a strong foundation. With even more instructions and illustrations, this revised and updated edition offers clear and concise guidance on every step of home building, from figuring a budget to finding labor and materials to all aspects of construction. This book answers every question readers have about building their own residence—and a few questions they may not have considered. Contains a visual dictionary of new construction terms and home components Fully illustrated with step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions Sample bid forms, general contractor agreements, and legal advice on building codes and permits Includes information on working with architects and drawing up your own plans

Genres: Construction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2002

About the author

Dan Ramsey has authored more than 100 books, hundreds of magazine and online consumer guides, and numerous technical documents explaining complex topics in simple terms. Topics include writing skills, home repair, home businesses, aviation, and RV travel. Dan's latest books are the three-part Working Writer Series beginning with WORKING WRITER TIPS: HOW TO WRITE ANYTHING BETTER, FASTER, EASIER. It's FREE on Amazon Kindle. (Reviews appreciated!)

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book was useful, it was definitely "an idiot's guide." It was never clear whether the book was intended for people who wanted to personally build a home from scratch or hire a contractor to build the house. There wasn't nearly enough depth for people who wanted to build their own home from scratch and the information about working with a contractor was incomplete.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was useful, even to someone who's helped build houses. The financing and timeline suggestions were probably the most useful. I'll refer back to this over and over again during the process, I think.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of the basics. Makes me realize how much there is to learn before I go build my own home!

[Motorcycle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't bad. It had some good info.

[Glenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

An OK overview. Good breadth, no depth.

[Beth (FebruaryFilly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read in 2010