A complete guide to planning, contracting, and building a home—fully updated with the latest green building guidelines
Featuring the latest United States Green Building Council (USGBC) residential green construction Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines, How To Plan, Contract, and Build Your Own Home, Fifth Edition provides the information you need to confidently proceed with the home building process and avoid leaving major/consequential decisions to contractors. Learn how to match the home you want to a building site; how to arrange rooms; where to locate fixtures; and how to work with a contractor so you end up with a home that provides maximum enjoyment and value within budget.
This thoroughly updated guide includes the latest information on how to incorporate sustainable features into a home, increasing energy efficiency and reducing overall costs. Anyone interested in taking on new construction must be familiar with building jargon and be ready to enter into a close relationship with a general contractor. This practical resource is a must-have if you’re building or purchasing a custom-built home.
How To Plan, Contract, and Build Your Own Home, Fifth Edition features
Comprehensive coverage of:
Green Home Construction Systems, Materials, and Components; Green Construction Strategies; Planning Your Home’s Design and Construction; House Styles and Types; Prints and Drawings; Building
Resources Efficiency: The Green Way; Footers and Foundations; Floor Framing; Wall Framing; Roof Framing; Roof Exterior Finishing; Exterior Wall Finishing; Stairs; Windows; Doors; Garages;
Plumbing; Electric; Lighting; Heating and Cooling; Insulation; Wall Covering and Trim; Bathrooms; Kitchens; Floor Coverings; Home Environmental Issues; Selecting a Building Site; Orientation,
Positioning, and Landscaping; Driveways, Sidewalks, and Patios; Selecting a Contractor; Working with Your Contractor; Setting Up Your Maintenance Program; and more
