learn how to build a house

Since I can’t do anything too physical right now, and for every 20 minutes of activity I still have to sit for 30 minutes, I’ve been watching a lot of TV. Taking notes from HGTV and DYI Netowrk like I’m in school, LOL!

• can you live in a trailer on site during construction
• track prices & always have your price list with you so you know when there’s a good deal
• be realistic about budget
• changes = more money
• consider the costs of everything, down to light swtich plates and door knobs

http://www.ownerbuilderbook.com/

I have the original version of this book and haunt the website. Soooo much good information here for both the design phase and the building phase.

Some misc tips

• have spares for critical equipment if possible
• over plan
• buget in minute detail

• One on building a cabin – I know I’m designing a house, but I am thinking of incorporating cabin-like features. Also, it has tips on how to build things
• One on building “grey water usage” into your house
• One on water storage (assuming you have a well or for rain water cachement)

This should keep me amused for a bit.

I suppose I should learn how to build one so that when the time is right, I’ll at least have a clue about what goes into one…even if I don’t build it myself, this should let me at least speak intelligently with the contractors…