The Complete Idiot's Guide to Building Your Own Home

by Dan Ramsey

There�s no feeling of accomplishment like having built your own dream house.

This clear, concise, up-to-date blueprint for every aspect of the home building process answers all major questions. The new edition takes the reader from figuring a budget to finding labor and materials. Readers will discover how to be one�s own general contractor; the pros and cons of myriad options; and sample bid forms, project schedules, estimating worksheets, contractor agreements, and other forms not in the previous edition. Plus, there are 100 additional illustrations to enhance reader understanding.

Genres: Construction

352 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