Hello, I found a piece of land for sale that I would like to build a house on. Can anyone suggest a book that can walk a novice like myself through the entire process. Pitfalls and all. Thanks!
Posts: 16 | Location: Maryland | Registered: Mar 31, 2008
the first thing you do..get a set of prints find out from the building department what they require of you, don't go another futher till this is done.. if you peeve those guys off, by doing something without a permit. your building process will be a nightmare.. after you get the info on permits and fees call the health department and request a perculation test. [if you require a septic system] they will tell you where to put the tank and what size. call the elect company, tell them you want service to a temporary pole. call a electrican and have a temp pole put in call the water dept and get a meter set ready dirt work is next..clear and prep for slab forms to be set/and footers dug get the plumber in there to play in the dirt get the slab ready to pour termite spray, all inspections pour frame plumbers,electricans,hvac,windows,doors roofer,painter,sidding/brick cable,dryver vent, inspections insulation,rock tape and float, finish,paint,doors,wood trim cabinets,mirriors,plumbers,elec,hvac floors,tile,landscape/driveway/sidewalk
This message has been edited. Last edited by: frodo,
Posts: 1630 | Location: i i live in southern mississippi | Registered: Jun 01, 2008
"I found a piece of land for sale that I would like to build a house on. Can anyone suggest a book that can walk a novice like myself through the entire process. Pitfalls and all."
Matt, I'm not a contractor but a retired educator who enjoys assisting others as well as working with his hands, planning, designing and building things. I've added additions and completely redesigned and remodelled but never built from the ground up from scratch. Others here have and do it daily and others like yourself want to do it.
Below are 2 links to posts by another person wanting do as you plan to do and asking much the same question and in the process having many offer exceptional advice, guidance and direction. You will find it well worth reading and likely bookmarking so you can refer back to it as there are many suggestions by various contractors in the trade.
These I believe will give you a beginning and possibly some direction in what you may want to do. If you wish additional info use Google and do a search using "Being your own Contractor", "Building your Own Home", "The steps to building your own home", "Pitfalls to avoid Building your own home", "Best Practices in Building your own home", "Guide to building your own home", "Pitfalls in being your own contractor", "Choosing a contractor to build your home", "Selecting a contractor", "Selecting a general contractor", etc. Vary the search and you'll find a wealth of info on the net from which to draw. They will also point you in the direction of various other sites and books as well especially when they seem to offer the information that appeals to you. In addition get to know the Building Codes which are often available online. It's not fun reading but is a must to know and understand. These are what the inspectors will be using to see that your home must have and meet to be acceptable and pass their inspection. You will learn new skills and a wealth of knowledge in the process and gain a vast appreciation for quality contractors who go about this business daily.
By the way, the task you are about to undertake is huge. Take it slow and gain the knowledge and understanding before you jump in. Others have tried and failed before they were totally ready to begin because of lack of planning which is critical.
This should get you started. Others may have additional info and suggestions.
Good Luck!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Simply Me,
simply me is right..its a big job.. i just finished my home, from a peice of land full of trees, to a completed 2000 sq ft house by myself,and my wife..i have 30 years in the construction trade.so figuring out what to do was not a big deal.but hanging that blasted rock by myself..was the pits.. ..and i never want to blow insulation in an attic again..when its 98 degrees out side 130 in the attic. a tip or 2..get a print figure out your trim and finishs NOW and do not change...changes COST money...do not fall into the trap.of second guessing your self once you set the tub..don't look at it ,and talk your self into something "better" it costs money to change.. there are stages of construction if you start to frame..you cannot stop till the roof is on and shingled!!! i have seen..diyers..try the pay as you go that is fine but you cant let the house sit out in the weather..it will rot down and turn into fire kindeling
Posts: 1630 | Location: i i live in southern mississippi | Registered: Jun 01, 2008
a second thought..when its finished and there is nary a penny owed to a bank and you did it your self..the feeling is the best "high" that you [I] have ever felt....
Posts: 1630 | Location: i i live in southern mississippi | Registered: Jun 01, 2008
Since you are looking at building your own home, you might wish to consider looking into using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) which offer a way of home building which is faster, more energy effecient, and in many ways very cost effective. Below is a link to a poster in another area here on the Boards that is using them to build his home.
You can also use Google to learn more about them by doing a search using "Structural Insulated Panels", "SIPs", etc.
From what I've been reading they offer a great potential in designing, and building a very energy efficient home which is really what you will want and need with the costs of energy as they are and will likely be in the future.
..and i never want to blow insulation in an attic again..when its 98 degrees out side 130 in the attic.
