Publisher's Synopsis
Building your new home should be an enjoyable and memorable experience, regardless if you are doing-it-yourself, hiring a few sub-contractors, or contracting out the entire project. Oftentimes, the experience is memorable, yet far from enjoyable. As a contractor with over three decades of experience, I have seen homebuyers and do-it-yourself homebuilders go through months and even years of pain and agony trying to reach their dream: a nice new home. In writing this book, I will try explain how to avoid common mistakes, errors in judgment, and provide some common-sense advice regarding how to save, or at least avoid throwing away, thousands of dollars in the process. Not every one of the suggestions listed will apply to your home, and remember, this is your home, not mine; build it however you please! Build your home so you will be happy with the final result. Don't skimp on quality to save money; don't assume the lowest bid is the best price; don't try to build a house on the cheap. You will regret the decision sooner rather than later. Many of the suggestions and comments dwell on avoiding common mistakes that, when added up, can cost you thousands of dollars in rework, material waste, extra contractor fees, construction loan fees and interest, or delays caused by workers walking off the job because you either have become too aggravating to work for or you do not have the extra money to pay them. If you work diligently to avoid costly errors, change orders, and keep in mind the long-term implications of your decisions and selections, you will increase the chances of saving money and enjoying a home that is economical to maintain for years to come.
