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Build Your Own Home on a Shoestring
by Jr., Henry Nonnenberg, Gwen Moran, Chris Bradley
Product Group: Book
Publisher: Alpha (2005-08-02)
ISBN: 1592573819
EAN: 9781592573813
Dewy Decimal #: 690.837
Paperback: 368 pages
Release Date: 2005-08-02
SKU: N2093
Condition: As New
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Editorial Reviews
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Product Description
The cost-conscious guide to building your dream house. Now readers can manage the construction of their dream homes and save big bucks in the process. This book guides prospective homebuilders through each stage of the homebuilding process—from planning and financing to design and construction—and shows them how to reduce, even eliminate, costs along the way. Readers will learn how to:
• Buy the right piece of land at the right price
• Find the best loan and negotiate closing costs
• Get free design advice from professionals
• Buy the floor plan of their dreams for next to nothing
• Negotiate the best prices on materials and supplies
• Save thousands on plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems
• Cut costs on walls, flooring, and interior rooms
• Keep contractors and subcontractors on schedule
• Handle unexpected delays and expenses
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Customer Reviews
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Barely a shoestring's worth of advice.
Rating  (2)
Date: 2006-02-27
Based on previous reviews, I ordered this book, but was disappointed. Maybe it's because I've read others that are far better: The Visual Handbook to Building and Remodeling, by Charles Wing, and Building An Affordable Home, by Ruiz. Both these books contain far more specific info. Building on a Shoestring includes such priceless advice as: "comparison shop." "The more bells and whistles you opt for, the more you'll pay." Even when info. is good, it's too vague, like "limit the amount of plumbing pipe you have to lay." How? Some of the info. is NOT cost-cutting, but actually increases costs: Install a shut-off valve at EVERY plumbing fixture; Build 16 inches on center rather than 24. This book goes in the Goodwill box.
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Excellent Guidebook
Rating  (4)
Date: 2006-02-24
This book helps you navigate around common pitfalls of home design and construction. Not just for new builds; it also contains a wealth of information on setting up kitchens, bathrooms, HVAC, plumbing, etc. This book is a quick, easy read, and you'll find yourself underlining lots of good hints. It could have been improved by including diagrams, especially when describing the "task triangle" of kitchen space. Although the cover makes it look dated, this book is surprisingly current, with web links and information on newly emerging materials and practices. Well written and well worth the price!
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A Must for the Do-It-Yourself Crowd
Rating  (5)
Date: 2006-01-26
I agree with the previous reviews - this book was wonderfully written and extremely helpful. Building your own home can be a huge, daunting task - but the authors walk you through the process one small step at a time. They cover all the bases, and explain everything thoroughly and in an easy-to-understand way.
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Everything You Need to Build or Remodel
Rating (5)
Date: 2005-12-19
This is a fabulous how-to book that's well-written, well-organized, and extremely educational. It offers money saving tips for all aspects of the home building or renovating process, and takes the mystery out of financing, contracting, and internal systems like plumbing, heat, hot water, A/C, etc. I love how the authors keep a running tally of the money you're saving by following their tips, and the glossary, sample documents, and resource list are invaluable. Highly recommended for all home owners!
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Quick Read - Puts your mind at ease!
Rating (5)
Date: 2005-12-02
4 out of 4 customers found this reveiw helpful
If you are getting ready to delve into the world of buiding your own home - or even if you're having one built, or just renovating one you've bought, YOU NEED THIS BOOK! It's laid out in an easy to understand format and it feels like the authors are right there with you answering all the questions you'd ever had, as well as the ones you'd never even thought of. Keep your sanity, kill the fear! Go for your dreams - but not without this book!
JTF
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