Anyone thinking of building a home should read this book.
590962
This book covers everything you need to know to get started in the building process.  The book will lead you through each step of the process of building and the multitude of choices you must face.  The book gives alot of focus on how to protect yourself through the building process.
218248
I love this book it gave so many great details! Anyone (and it does not matter if you are selling your home)who is proud of their home and likes to make it even better can use this book. It just has wonderful ideas.
2969837
This book is obviously not for everyone, but if you are interested enough in the topic to be reading the reviews, then you will be happy with the purchase. The Author tends to ramble a bit at times, and he makes repeats a few points more than needed, but so far I have gotten a lot out of this, and it has change the way I think about buildings, evolution, and how to judge the merits of a building's design.

I would strongly encourage anyone thinking of building a house to get this book.
4822792
terrific advice here from a writer who knows how to build structure.
She compares it to building a house, from the ground up.
It's a great visual
2515592
I first stumbled on this wonderful book in our local library. Read it cover to cover in two weeks and unfortunatly had to return it but, it is on my birthday wish list. This is the most informative book on the subject I have read to date. Mr Mitchell did an excellent job in the chapters covering the details of modular log home construction. Many of which I plan to use in the very near future.
2461326
This book starts with selecting property for building a home and continues through construction to maintenance and entertainment.  It contains much detailed knowledge and each subject is well explained.  Graphics and illustrations are good and well formed.  I would recommend this book for any home builder, farmer, do-it-yourselfer or alternative urbanite.
4728136
Great overview.  Suggest to anyone wanting to revisit this for designing homes.
955517
Ryan knows how to encourage and break things down. A proven holistic process to succeeding is what you can count IF you're willing to grow to the next level. If we wouldn't be build a home without a blueprint, why do we think we can build a life without one? Thank you Ryan for your insight and inspiration.
1392020
Building my next home...read this book, was very educated when I met with my builder.  Builder can't BS me now.
1620360
I am so glad I bought this book.  The timeline section was awesome, and put things in perspective.  I am still planning the project (2 months later) but as he says... the more planning in advance, the smoother the job.  A must have for anyone remodeling a basement.
3117952
After watching his TV program for a while I was interested in this book. Overall, I was impressed with this book. It is well written and easy to follow especially for non-construction type of people. What I like about this is that many construction terms are explained which makes the book easier to follow. The tips he provides can be applied for buyers but can also be useful for sellers in getting your home up to shape in preparing for selling your home. He explains what to look for in a home inspector and what to stay away from as well. Even though he is Canadian and talks about both Canadian and US building codes, he states that there are more similarities than differences between the two country's codes. In the final section of the book, there are four case studies. These are especially good because you can see the problems with homes of the things he discussed throughout the book. Included at the end of the book are checklists to use when buying or selling your home which provide a good summary.

There are only a few cons about the book. I think there should be more pictures included to show rather than just state in the text. Additionally, almost all but not all construction terms are explained. Of the few things that are not explained it was difficult to follow along for those brief portions.

I would recommend this book not just for first time home buyers but for any buyer or seller.
4701821
Extremely informative book for possible home buyers like myself who are not sure where to start!! Points out the important details that you would have never thought about! I highly recommend this book
2003407
Sam Clark uses up half the book before he gets into the nitty-gritty of construction methods.  This really IS a book about house DESIGN as well as construction.  As such, it's an EXCELLENT book for someone who's starting from scratch to create their own house.  The approach is extremely methodical, treating mindsets and goals as elements of the design process equal in importance to elevation drawings.
The illustrations bear particular attention.  The (black and white) photographs are well composed, and have high contrast to clearly delineate the features that are supposed to be of interest.  The line drawings are rather funky looking (in part because Clark appears not to own a ruler), but nevertheless do a very good job of illustrating what the text is talking about.  This is the case for three reasons: (1) they were created by the author, who knew EXACTLY what part of the text needed visual aids; (2) their rulerless nature means that Clark can emphasize particular features rather than focus on strict scale drawings; and (3) each one is sized independently to take up as much space as is required to depict the subject matter, without worrying about "wasting" some page area.  The end result is that the text and illustrations fit together well to make a unified whole.
For more detail on the Building part of creating a house, I'd recommend "Do-It-Yourself HOUSEBUILDING" by George Nash.  But because Nash's book doesn't come close to Clark's for clarity, I'd first read Clark's book cover-to-cover.  Then I'd keep Sam Clark's book open to the same subject area so that you can step back and get a clear overview as you get confused in the details of the Nash book.
3365249
This book is very helpful for you to work with and speak the language of your contractor. It is not designed for you to be your own contractor, but to work with one that you select. In Part II "How to Build It", the book shows how a house is put together. If you never lift a hammer throughout the entire construction process, it still pays to know how a house can and should be put together. The difference between mediocre and excellent construction involves a ridiculously small materials cost. Knowing construction methods and materials will also assist you in your dealings with whichever contractor you choose.
1748682
I have some decorating experience beyond the basics.  Nate shows you in this book how to put a personal stamp on your home.  He also tells the story of how he got to where he is.  It was and interesting, fun, heartwrenching, and most of all informative book.  He tells the reader how to choose what you love and how to make it work.  He gives tips on inexpensive ways to find what you want, how to display it, how to use what you have with a fresh approach.  His tag line is "create a home that rises up to meet you at the end of the day" and he has done this with candor and wit.  I read it in 3 days and will refer back to it again and again.  Thank you Nate.
2503972
This was a great book, with useful illustrations and super detail. It was well written and amazingly understandable for a newbie! Although beyond the scope of this book, I would love for the author to expand on locating and assessing supporting walls and whether walls can be removed. I do thank the authors for providing this great resource for homebuyers.
2977347
Wonderful book!  I wish I could build the house!  Nice pictures and instructions!  I love having this book!