The Complete Home Building Guidebook, written by Howard Zuckerman is based on the last 35 years of experience in building homes in the Atlanta, GA marketplace. Written in easy to understand language, this book will take the reader through each phase of the home building process. This guidebook includes numerous bullet points, charts, illustrations, photographs, checklists, forms and documents. Each of the chapters presents information that can potentially save or earn the reader thousands of dollars.CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO HOME BUILDING: This chapter discusses: -What this book will discuss-The traits of a home builder-The 4 P's of Marketing-The day to day life of a small builderCHAPTER 2: TYPES OF HOME BUILDERS AND MARKET SEGMENTATION: This chapter discusses: -The types of home builders-The types of housing marketsCHAPTER 3: LAND: LOCATING, CONTRACTING AND DUE DILIGENCE: This chapter discusses: -How to find a suitable parcel of land-How to contract for the land-Methods of purchase the land-The due diligence processes-Property issues-Legal issues-TeardownsCHAPTER 4: ASSEMBLING THE HOME BUILDING TEAM: This chapter discusses: -How to assemble the best home building team and who the various players areCHAPTER 5: DESIGNING THE HOUSE PLANS: This chapter discusses: -Finding the right house plan to fit the market and the lot-Reviewing the local demographics-What goes in a great house plan-How to find the best designer-Various types of home styles-Siting the house on the lot-Efficient floor plans-Design features-Universal design-Smart homes-Green homesCHAPTER 6: WORKING DRAWINGS: This chapter discusses: -How to find the right architect/designer-Questions to ask the architect/designer-Reading the working drawings-What to know about house plan copyrights-Items to review in the working drawings-Landscape designCHAPTER 7: SELECTING THE VARIOUS MATERIALS: This chapter discusses: -Reviewing the features of comparable homes-The house plan specificationsCHAPTER 8: ESTIMATING, BIDDING & DOCUMENTATION: This chapter discusses-How to estimate the working drawings-Various methods to estimate-The various components to estimate-How to value engineer-Estimating mistakes-How to find suitable subcontractors and vendors-How to get the various quotes-How to contract for the workCHAPTER 9: CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS: PREPARING THE BUDGETS & PROFORMA: This chapter discusses: -The price per square foot costs-Soft or indirect costs-Hard costs-Profit margins-How to determine what you can pay for the dirt-The risks associated with building-The Go or No decisionCHAPTER 10: FINANCING THE PROJECT: DEBT & EQUITY: This chapter discusses-Lot loans-Acquisition & development loans-Construction loans-Equity requirements-Construction & permanent loansCHAPTER 11: THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS: This chapter discusses: -Pre-construction-Scheduling-Construction starts-Gantt charts-Reviewing the subcontractor's work-Quality assurance-Performance testing-Potential construction issues-Safety in the workplaceCHAPTER 12: DEALING WITH SUBCONTRACTORS, VENDORS AND INSPECTORS: This chapter discusses-How to find the best trade partners-InspectorsCHAPTER 13: THE SALES PROCESS: This chapter discusses-How will the home builder market the house?-Models vs staging-Professional photographs-Curb appeal-Home builder branding-How to price the home-The monthly costs for the home buyer-Real estate commissions-Seller closing costs-When to list the home-Price negotiations-Negotiating strategies-Earnest money-Allowances-Standard upgrades-Change orders-Dealing with the purchaser's appraisal-The sales office-Traffic reports-Comparable studies -Sales techniquesCHAPTER 14: WORKING WITH THE HOME BUYER: This chapter discusses: -Types of home buyers-Pros and cons of customer home building vs speculative building-Pre-sale buyers-Types of contract-Selection of materials-Walk through of the house-Construction draws-Dealing with the home buyer's inspector-Warranty-Dealing with difficult home buyers-Dealing with real estate agentsCHAPTER 15: PRE-CLOSING, AT THE CLOSING & POST CLOSING: This chapter discusses: -Pre-closing-At the closing-Post-closingCHAPTER 16: THE BUSINESS END OF HOME BUILDING: This chapter discusses: -Setting up the new ownership entity-Licenses requires-Business plan and mission statement-Setting up your office-Employee manual-Bookkeeping/Accounting-Insurance and bonds-Accounting reports-Software-Filing system-Organizational chart-Meetings-Membership-Subscriptions-Time management-Successful business practices to followCHAPTER 17: LOT DEVELOPMEN T: This chapter discusses: -Lot development-Feasibility studies-Scaling up the home builder's expertiseCHAPTER 18: ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS: This chapter discusses: -Items to include when pricing the job-Kitchen renovations-Bathroom renovations-Basement additions-Expanding the footprint-Adding a second story-Other areas to renovate -18 Renovation mistakesPPENDIX: This section includes-A glossary of terms-Types of construction equipment-Resource links-Photography of the home building processThis book is targeted towards: -Entrepreneurs who want to enter the home building business-Small home builders who want to organize their business for profitability-Production builders who want to have a training tool for their employees-Fix and flip renovators who want to elevate their game-Individuals who want to build their new home and want an understanding of the process-The various team players in the home building process that want to make themselves more valuable to their clients-Real estate sales agents that want to understand the home building process

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

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

Lockhart and Carroll take readers step by step through a series of helpful illustrations that present solutions for building a home.

In How to Build a House, author and professional engineer George Michael Rentz, PE is informative and entertaining while taking the mystery out of residential construction. With more than thirty-five years in the construction industry, Rentz provides an overview of the information necessary when you are considering buying or building a new home. From the basics of site selection and design to cost estimates and construction, How to Build a House describes all of the steps integral to residential construction from the ground up. Through personal anecdotes, Rentz shows how developing good plans and selecting the right contractor are key to enjoying the process of watching your new home being constructed. How to Build a House provides insight into the construction process in order to avoid the struggles and hassles often associated with home building.