This guide is for owners. It offers a new approach to managing the cooperative effort required in all custom home and home addition projects by preparing the owner for a more active oversight role and by substituting a Project Advisor for the General Contractor. The guide is not about pouring footers, framing, or applying shingles. There is an army of experienced tradesmen available in the yellow pages, through TV offerings or in local newspapers that can provide these skills. Planning and building a new home or major addition, unless one chooses to be passive and surprised by the cost and the results, requires a great deal of owner participation. This guide prepares the owner to participate more effectively in all phases of the project by preparing them for the experience and by providing guidance and references. The simple process outlined avoids problems, simplifies oversight, makes the process more enjoyable, and saves money by making the process more efficient. With the help of an experienced Construction Advisor, owners can save as much as 20% by actively participating in the planning and management of a custom home or home addition project.

Pretty Good House provides a framework and set of guidelines for building or renovating a high-performance home that focus on its inhabitants and the environment--but keeps in mind that few people have pockets deep enough to achieve a "perfect" solution. The essential idea is for homeowners to work within their financial and practical constraints both to meet their own needs and do as much for the planet as possible. A Pretty Good House is: * A house that's as small as possible * Simple and durable, but also well designed * Insulated and air-sealed * Above all, it is affordable, healthy, responsible, and resilient.

You deserve a home that meets your specific needs and desires! If you find yourself dreaming of the perfect patio, the ideal kitchen, and inviting rooms where you love to spend time, it might just be time to start building! With Building Your Custom Home For Dummies, you won’t have to feel intimidated as you plan, finance, and oversee construction on your new oasis. You’ll learn what it takes to build a custom home, including which pros to call and when. This updated edition also covers the latest in real estate and home construction trends, including smart homes, green building, and banking options. It's more important than ever to live in a home that’s truly how you want it, truly your own. Now is the perfect time to get started—if you’re still in the dreaming stage, this book will help you identify your style and articulate your vision. If you’re further along in the process, you’ll benefit from checklists and pointers on reviewing architects’ plans, evaluating contractor bids, flipping the home you build, and more. The latest guidance on building a beautiful home on any budget New ideas for high-tech homes with low carbon footprints Step-by-step instructions for securing financing, hiring architects, and finding reliable contractors Advice on how to invest your home-building budget wisely and plan for the future Building Your Custom Home For Dummies takes you from finding the perfect homesite through laying the foundation to framing and finishing—in the friendly Dummies style you can trust.

LIFE Magazine is the treasured photographic magazine that chronicled the 20th Century. It now lives on at LIFE.com, the largest, most amazing collection of professional photography on the internet. Users can browse, search and view photos of today’s people and events. They have free access to share, print and post images for personal use.

DESIGN YOUR CUSTOM HOME WITH LESS STRESS & GREATER SUCCESS! Professional Designer Rick Kadello and Architect Paul Larsen take your step-by-step through the design process of your custom home. This book is filled with wisdom and practical knowledge that puts decades of their experience to work for you by a careful consideration of the important issue. Selecting an Architect Should I use my Architect's Consultants? How Long Does the Design Process Take? A Realistic Design Budget Prioritizing Your Needs and Wants Design Elements That Inflate Cost Should I go Green? Do I Need CAD Drawings? What Can I Expect After I Move In? Those and many other insights will equip you to avoid common pitfalls and prepare you for an exhilarating and positive design experience.