So You Want to Build a House
by
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SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A HOUSE. For some time you have been thinking of building your own home. Well, go for it. It is not as difficult a task as you may think. However, there are many pitfalls that can arise and they may dampen your spirit. There are things to think about and sequences of construction that are important for a successful project. For example: Is this your first home? Do you plan to raise a family here? Do you plan to retire here? These are just some of the many questions that you must ask yourself. In the end you may not be the actual builder. You may contract out the various phases and control the project in that manner, or, you may just hire a contractor to build your dream home. Another option would be to buy a home that is already built. In all these cases this book will assist by providing you with some knowledge of what to look for in your future home.
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About the Book
For starters, this book is not a technical manual; it is a guide of what to consider prior to making the first steps towards achieving your goal of a comfortable living space for you and your family. It looks at the issues of the site or location of your home in some detail and provides samples of what to consider for the location, slope, soil type, and other issues that may have an effect on the cost of construction. It describes how to select your architect or home designer and how to prepare a space program. It briefly describes building codes and regulations. It discusses what to look for in preparing your excavation for your foundation and takes a look at various types of floor and wall construction methods. It describes several roofing options and looks at options for windows and doors, electrical, and mechanical installations, plus interior finishes. It also briefly discusses landscaping options and describes what to consider in securing financing for your home and the items that financial institutions may require. It provides a sample schedule of a typical home construction process.
About the Author
He is a retired architect with over 40 years experience while practicing his profession. During the beginning of his education he worked several construction jobs building a base of knowledge for this book. He is also a member of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada becoming a Fellow in 2007. He has personally built three homes, the last home he built was completely hands on. He resides in Nova Scotia, Canada and enjoys outdoor activities.