Designing and building a new home is intimidating for three reasons (1) It is something with which you are not familiar; (2) you are not likely to have many friends who have done it; and (3) it is VERY expensive. Worse, you feel responsible for every mistake made, and you know that each mistakes cost you money and time. Buying this book is NOT one of those mistakes. Instead, it is the "ounce of prevention" that will pay for itself many hundreds of times over.
Amy Johnston is a professional construction manager and owner's representative. Her wisdom focuses with framing the entire construction project in terms of a tradeoff between time, quality, and money - you can only have two of the three. We're only part way through our new house, and that rings very, very true. We clearly opted for taking a longer time - will we keep that focus as construction progresses? In any case, she gives the insights into each part of the triangle. Better yet, she is fair - she makes sure that neither you, nor anyone else, is getting cheated. Contractors, architects, bankers, inspectors, and everyone else are clearly defined in their roles - though the most important role is the home owner's, which she describes in great detail.
Every chapter is focused on another phase of the project, and her clear writing opens up the mysteries along the way. She describes who is doing what (or should be doing it), and describes what choices need to made - and what the alternatives are - before saying what her choice is.
Her points are illustrated with good references, pertinent anecdotes, and points that she labels "Insider's tips" and "pitfalls".I was pleased to find that I had miraculously avoided some pitfalls before I bought the book, and I expect to avoid many others as a reuslt of her advice.
I was trying to figure out if this book could be described a "home construction for dummies" book. My initial reactiion was that dummies shouldn't be building a house - there are too many choices and decisions, and way too much complexity. But anyone can feel like a dummy when they make a bad decision, based on not enough knowledge and information.With this book, I have far more confidence that I will be well informed, and the problems that will inevitably occur will be minimzed as much as possible. I refer to the book constantly, and appreciate the wide margins that allows for notes to be made.
Product DescriptionCreating a dream house shouldn't be a nightmare, but you've all heard the horror stories. Hiring a contractor is an enormous investment and a high-risk endeavor involving decisions that will last a lifetime. This book is a practical survival guide for anyone trying to make it through the construction, expansion or renovation of their home while keeping their dreams, budget and sanity intact.With wit and expertise Johnston reveals the secret pitfalls that can trip up even the most careful homeowners, while equipping them with information and strategies they cannot find elsewhere. Chapters include detailed coverage of critical topics: design, selecting and supervising an architect or contractor, cost estimates, budgets, plans and specifications, contracts, dealing with town officials, as well as methods to keep track of everything along the way. Johnston offers insider tips and discusses pitfalls to be avoided in this step by step guide to help every savvy homeowners learn how the pros set up a project, select the perfect team,and manage it all from start to finish.
From the PublisherCreating a dream home shouldn't be a nightmare. Hiring a contractor is an enormous investment and a high-risk endeavor involving decisions that will last forever. This book equips homeowners with the information and strategies needed to turn their vision into a home or a renovation that can be built on time and within budget.This book was previously published by Warner Books (2004) and titled What the "Experts" May Not Tell You About Building or Renovating Your Home.
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What The Experts May Not Tell You About Building or Renovating Your Home (Paperback)
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