From Sand Castles to Dream Houses: A Planner for Building or Remodeling Your Home [Hardcover]

Sheri Koones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2002

A resource book for anyone considering Building or Remodeling their home, with a planner for keeping track of the project before, during and after its completion.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

I began writing about home construction when I had the difficult task of supervising a major renovation of my family’s house. After being dissatisfied with the the books available I decided I would write a book (From Sand Castles to Dream Houses)and include all of the information I wish I’d had when I built my own house. People then began to ask me about the various options available to them - roofing, siding, trim,etc. I didn’t know much about these items myself - so I spent the next 2 years researching every available option so my readers would be able to select those that were best for them before beginning to work with their architect or builder. House About It was the result of this arduous research. While I was reviewing the various methods of construction for a chapter of House About It, I discovered modular construction, which I found incredibly exciting. In the last few years I have found other methods of prefab construction which I believe are also wonderful methods of building a house. I hope that my books have created more informed homeowners who will build homes that they will throughly enjoy living in - that are healthy, sustainable, energy efficient and beautiful.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Hanley Wood Inc (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0924659874
• ISBN-13: 978-0924659874
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #808,721 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I began writing about home construction when I had the difficult task of supervising a major renovation of my family's house. After being dissatisfied with the the books available I decided I would write a book (From Sand Castles to Dream Houses)and include all of the information I wish I'd had when I built my own house. People then began to ask me about the various options available to them - roofing, siding, trim,etc. I didn't know much about these items myself - so I spent the next 2 years researching every available option so my readers would be able to select those that were best for them before beginning to work with their architect or builder. House About It was the result of this arduous research. While I was reviewing the various methods of construction for a chapter of House About It, I discovered modular construction, which I found incredibly exciting. In the last few years I have found other methods of prefab construction which I believe are also wonderful methods of building a house. I hope that my books have created more informed homeowners who will build homes that they will throughly enjoy living in - that are healthy, sustainable, energy efficient and beautiful.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let This Book Be Your Construction Compass, March 26, 2003

By 

K. Hauk "gottabekate" (Barrington, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Sand Castles to Dream Houses: A Planner for Building or Remodeling Your Home (Hardcover)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book saved my life!, December 27, 2002

By 

Lucy Hedrick (Old Greenwich, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Sand Castles to Dream Houses: A Planner for Building or Remodeling Your Home (Hardcover)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! A treasure box of info and sound advice, April 6, 2007

By 

NewEnglandScene (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: From Sand Castles to Dream Houses: A Planner for Building or Remodeling Your Home (Hardcover)

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.