Others say...

"Outstanding book!"
This is a great book packed with a lot of useful practical knowledge and wisdom. It helps you to narrow down your choices on many issues including basements Vs crawl space Vs slab and various choices of heating systems (just to name a few). Well worth the money buying this book.

"flawed but helpful"
As a licensed builder, developer, broker, and appraiser with almost 30 years of experience, I will tell you that homebuilding is one of the most complicated tasks the average person might ever attempt. There are a multitude of products and processes that need to come together in the correct manner, or else the results can be disasterous (mold, water damage, foundation problems, etc---why do you think builders have more lawsuits today than even OB/GYN's)

If you want to build your own home for the personal satisfaction and for the control of your project then I would encourage you to do so.

However,if you believe you will save 20+% in doing so,you are
in for a rude suprise. Most custom builders work on a margin of 7-18%. Consequently, at best, therein lies your savings---unless you plan on doing alot of the labor yourself (and have the expertise to do it). However, thinking logically, the custom builder has both experience and established relationships with the trades for many years. He knows which subcontractor has EARNED a good reputation. When you attempt discover who is best, you are starting out at a distinct disadvantage. Even if you do discover a trade with a good reputation, that person is analyzing YOU---"am I going to get repeat business, is this person's inexperience and lack of knowledge with other trades going to disrupt my schedule, etc." You can well imagine that your price will be substantially higher and your control over the subcontractor will be substantiall lower. The end result is that often, you assume the risk of the builder, do the work of the builder, have little recourse if something goes wrong, and can actually spend MORE for the priviledge of it!

The author does a good job of explaining the building process. However, in an attempt to cover everything, he simplifies to excess. In addition, some statements are downright misleading. As an example, the front cover states that you can "get your plans drawn for free". I found nowhere in the book to explain how that is done. Your own "kitchen table" drawn plans will not suffice. Unless you are in a rare part of the country with no governing juristiction, Code officials usually require certifications from an architect, engineer, truss manufacturer, etc., that demonstrate that the structure will perform to code.

If you are going to build a home soon, read the book. It will give you a good overview of the building process. Also read books that focus on the concept of "building science". Most are geared to a particular climate, so you need to choose one that matches your area (suggest books by Joseph Lstiburek).

Then, armed with a good working knowledge of the building process, interview some custom homebuilders and get estimates from them. If you then are still convinced that you want to experience the trials and tribulations of being your own general contractor, you WILL be prepared for the experience!

"Basic Principles"
If you want a book that doesn't get so technical, this is it. Woodson stays on basic guidelines with common sense mixed in to provide vital information. There are no fancy pictures, just great information to get anyone on the road to planning and building a house. I bought three books and I wished I had just bought this one. Good Luck!

"Lots of great suggestions"
This book has lots of practical suggestions about ways to save money, gives a concise run-down of different types of materials and methods, and information on sub-contracting the project yourself. I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 only because if you already know a decent amount about building, you probably know a lot of the recommendations. I wish he could have provided some sources for buying materials where professional builders go as well as lesser known tips and secrets. Overall though, it is the best book I've read on the subject.

"soon to be home builder."
I love this book, I'm on my second time around reading it. There is so much good information.