Recommended Summer Reading

I hope you are all having a great summer. If you have the opportunity to take vacation this summer and have some time for a little light reading, why not read up on home building and renovations? One of the best ways to ensure that you have a positive experience building your new home or with your major renovation is to make sure that you are educated about the process. In past articles I have talked about finding a builder you can trust. Once you find that builder, you still need to make sure that you maintain a level of oversight to make sure you do not get overcharged or ask for things outside your contract.

To that end, I wanted to offer some reading suggestions for you this summer. Books that will not only help you take a nap, but ones that will give you the information and knowledge you need to be prepared for your upcoming construction projects. I have no affiliation or financial interest in these books, I just feel that they are a resource worth passing along. They are all available at Amazon or your local bookseller.

So… You want to build a house: A complete Workbook For Building Your Own Home
Looking for a book that is a layperson’s guide to building a new house? Look no further than this book. It covers all topics including budgeting, home plans, architects and tips for controlling costs and working with Lenders.

The Unofficial Guide to Hiring Contractors

Want a good primer on hiring a contractor and outlines the best steps to take to protect yourself when finding a good contractor? Then check out this book, it contains important tips and information on how you can protect yourself and your investment in the building process.

What Your Contractor Can’t Tell You.

This book first came out in 2004, and speaking as a contractor and home builder myself (www.kellycustomhomes.net) I can say that this book contains a lot of great information to educate the home owner. In my opinion, the better educated you are, the better customer you will make and the happier you will be with the home I build for you.

From the publisher: Creating 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.