Complete Idiot's Guide to Building Your Own Home, 2e (Complete Idiot's Guides)

With even more instructions and illustrations, this revised and updated edition offers clear and concise guidance on every step of home building, from figuring a budget to finding labor and materials to all aspects of construction. This book answers every question readers have about building their own residence—and a few questions they may not have considered.

• Contains a visual dictionary of new construction terms and home components

• Fully illustrated with step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions

• Sample bid forms, general contractor agreements, and legal advice on building codes and permits

• Includes information on working with architects and drawing up your own plans

This clear, concise, up-to-date blueprint for every aspect of the home building process answers all major questions. The new edition takes the reader from figuring a budget to finding labor and materials. Readers will discover how to be one's own general contractor; the pros and cons of myriad options; and sample bid forms, project schedules, estimating worksheets, contractor agreements, and other forms not in the previous edition. Plus, there are 100 additional illustrations to enhance reader understanding.