The American Dream/ The American Nightmare: The Authoritative Guide to Building Your Custom Home

Rating:
Summary: Guide to Builing in a Subdivision
Review: I have read over 6 books on how to build you house recently. This was by for the least helpful because it is targeted to people building in a subdivision using a tract builder. Although the authors seem knowledgable in general contracting procedure they continually reiterate the pros of subdivisions and the cons of custom buiding on your own lot.

Rating:
Summary: A Few Helpful Hints
Review: This book was authored by a builder...and it reads that way. Though there are a few helpful hints (what house plans and contracts should contain, for example), overall the theme is this - if you select a good builder, everything will work out fine. True, perhaps, but I was hoping for a more objective and desciptive approach to understanding the custom home building process.

Rating:
Summary: HAPPY READER, HAPPY HOMEBUYER
Review: When my husband and I started thinking about building a custom home, the idea really frightened me. I decided to tackle the process as I do everything else... read everything I can find on the subject. This book explained the process of building a custom home from start to finish in layman's terms. My husband and I both read and reread the book and felt it gave us the inside track on the entire event. We found ourselves asking the right questions. I am happy to report that this book allowed us to enjoy the home building experience and fullfill our American Dream. I would recommend this book to anyone who has even considered the idea of building. Forewarned is Forearmed!!!!