Building your own home could save you thousands of dollars. The Owner Builder is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide for people who want to build their dream home in a financially responsible manner. From choosing a block of land to decorating the inside of the house, this book guides the reader through the entire building process. The authors share their personal experiences with photos of the building process in 68 steps. They include tips and hints on the approval process, construction ideas and how to avoid mistakes. They also uncover potential hidden costs, and offer other ways to save money if you don't have time to manage the construction yourself – such as hire a project manager, which is cheaper than a contract builder. Renovators, DIY enthusiasts and anyone considering building a home will find a wealth of practical information in this book. Even if you are hiring a builder, this book can help you understand what is involved in building a home and what to expect at each stage of the project.

Includes entries for maps and atlases.

Major home remodeling isn’t for the faint of heart; there is huge potential for design problems, cost overruns, or just unsatisfactory workmanship. Here, a professional construction manager who masterminded the redesign at New York’s famed Avery Fisher Hall as well as a massive institute-wide renovation of St. Luke’s Hospital, offers an indispensable guide for homeowners who need to manage a large-scale renovation. There’s advice on how to articulate your thoughts clearly to designers, architects, and contractors; tips on negotiating contracts; suggestions for protecting yourself from legal and financial threats; and help understanding warranty claims. Each step--from initial planning through the completed project--is covered in layman’s terms, and sample contracts, floor plans, cost estimating worksheets and other forms are provided.