Customer Reviews

From Sand Castles to Dream Homes: A Planner for Building or Remodeling Your Home

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Working within the industry, it is painfully clear how difficult it is for people 'on the outside' to make informed decisions, know what they are getting into and understand what they should be getting out of products, contractors and procedures. This is a good compass for the journey of building or remodeling any project. It helps you get organized, think through the process before you begin and 'trains' you to remain in charge to the very end. Recommended to me by an architect who worked with homeowners who followed this book. It's beneficial for both sides of the process.

I am embarking on a major re-do of my house -- knocking down walls, re-assigning space, re-positioning doors and windows -- but felt 'at sea' as to how to begin. Thanks to "Sand Castles and Dream Houses," I now have a plan. Koones' valuable guide will help me stay organized and on track with the project.

I am in the early design stages of my house ...and this book arrived none too early to help me through the rest of the process. It is a veritable primer in the process of building a house. Full of lists, tables, and all sorts of things to consider. Commentaries on product and services selection, design considerations, project management ...basically all the decisions in the design and construction process. I thought I knew a lot when I went into the process, and this book reinforced the good things I was doing. Happily, it also suggested a whole bunch of things I could be doing and thoughtful approaches to make the process go better.

I usually consider 'how-to' books facile and almost silly. I purchased this book on an impulse on Amazon (along with a whole bunch of less useful picture books), and I was really shocked how valuable it is. It is a little treasure box of information. Dollar for dollar, I think this is probably the best investment I will make in my new house ...and I am sure that I am not alone.

Why learn the hard (and expensive) way when this book will save you from mistakes? No exaggeration to say that this is a 'must have' book for people considering a new home or extensive renovation. Sure, buy your picture books for the coffee table ...but this is the real stuff you need to know.

I bought a 15 year old house, that needed work. I was swamped with workmen who were not cooperating. I read "Sand Castles" and tried one of her tips on my electrician who was not showing up very often. I told him I would dock him a certain dollar amount for each day he did not show up, and would also deduct for each day after he promised to finish the job. The job got finished in one week! Thank you Sheri for your sage advice!

This book is perfect for ANYONE who is building a home, looking to build a home, or remodel their current home. I have begun to recommend this book to all my clients, because it allows them to be informed of decisions and helps them to organize all of the important information needed when working on your home.

Highly Recommended!

Where was Sheri Koones when I put an addition onto my previous house? The experience was not a successful one. I need to do some remodeling on my current home but have been putting it off out of fear. I feel much more confident now, because "From Sand Castles to Dream Houses" gives sage advice for each step of the project. I've been interviewing architects and collecting information, just as Koones advises. If you're considering having any work done on your house, my advice is to get this book immediately!

This woman is organized. Not only were the timelines helpful for each sub-job, but she also included steps I would have overlooked. I also like the physical size of the book - it's small enough for the toolbox!

- - Tom Kelly

This book is a great overview of the process of deciding how to design and build your own house. Its charts, tables, glossary and very pointed writing style makes it an easy read. There are lots of great tips and has helped a lot as my family build our dream house