INTRODUCTION

            Congratulations!  You have made the decision to build a home and, no doubt, you are full of anticipation and can’t wait to get started.  Good for you!  Few things in life are as exciting as seeing your home come into existence, literally from the ground up.  The smell of the new lumber, the gleam of fresh paint and the soft, bouncy feel of carpet that thousands of footsteps haven’t yet worn paths into are about to become reality for you.

            If you have decided to contract your own home – DOUBLE CONGRATULATIONS!  You have made a decision that will save you tens of thousands of dollars on your building project, giving you instant equity in your home, and puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to making the decisions that will enhance your enjoyment of your home in the years to come! 

In addition to the euphoria you feel while mentally arranging furniture and debating whether to go with drapes or blinds, you may be feeling slightly overwhelmed by the number of decisions that will need to be made before your dream home becomes your real home.  Relax!  While it is true that certain details need to be worked out before you can begin, it doesn’t have to be a difficult process.  All you have to remember is to take things one step at a time, debate all your options with a calm, clear head and keep your eyes on your ultimate goal . . . moving in day!

            Acting as your own contractor will require dedication, organization and perseverance.  What it does not require is skill or an abundance of knowledge of the construction trade.  If you are looking for a guide to teach you to build your own home, this is not it!  We will not, within the pages of this book, teach you how to nail boards, run plumbing or string electrical wire. What we will give you are the tools and support you need to plan your construction, hire the right people to work for you, and teach you to transition through each phase of the construction without wasting money with unnecessary delays.  Don’t worry, we’re here for you!  Together, we can do it! 

Copyright 2007-2009