Customer Reviews

Building Your Home: An Insider's Guide

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

Unfortunately there is no insider information in Carol Smith's book other than the fact that she is a featured speaker at conventions hosted by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS. Also take note on who published this book, the same association. This is a red flag in my book, meaning she walks with builders and not with the people who are building the house and spending their life savings. Her lack of information and importance on employing a ARCHITECT baffles me. When building a new home the builder is the last person on you side and if you belive he is your fairytail dream house will not come true.

This is an easy to read book written from the perspective of the professional builder. It highlights most major aspects of the building process from selecting a builder to closing on your house, and is best suited for the novice. The book offers little substantive information and generally advises that one should clarify all questions and concerns before signing a building contract. I missed information about customary fees, most common problems encountered and strategies to avoid them, the role various other professionals may play in your plan, ideas to reduce costs, and a detailed comparative of advantages or disadvantages a professional home builder should offer over self contracting or other approaches for construction of your home. For those new to the process its probably a good place to start.

Smith does a great job of explaining the process of home building. Helped us understand how to work with our builder and keep communications flowing. We love our new house and enjoyed watching it get built!

Good explanation of the procedures of home building.