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Journals
Name Visits Posts Pics Videos

Houston-7201259660100
SaturdayHouston, TX

TheHoskensProject39,5021082901
1/19/2012Dome-ville, central, FL

30213,82319640
1/11/2012Belfair, WA

Workshop6,572630
1/8/2012Florissant, CO

Eschete-Dome9,50321400
12/30/2011Lafayette, LA

Tanglewood37,6496882,05242
12/12/2011Colorado Springs, CO

Our-simple-home3,135223080
12/5/2011LaPorte, IN

NorthPoleHome11,64725780
11/23/2011North Pole, AK

Beaver-Creek-Ranch18,061142160
11/14/2011Santa Rosa, CA

ICF-Construction4,339500
11/11/2011Elkridge, MD

Little-Help-from-my-...3,84611150
11/4/2011Rockwall, TX

YaNYca6,535810
10/29/2011Boston, MA

The-Man-Refuge1,660310
10/19/2011San Antonio, TX

Seven-Peaks-Faswall-...18,878402770
10/17/2011Graeagle, CA

mckernanmc4,470320
10/6/2011Amite, LA

Family-Affair723100
9/28/2011

1860s-Texas-rehabnew...28,146431910
9/26/2011Boerne, TX

Jay-House2,6776180
9/26/2011Sebastopol, CA

Large-Family-Compoun...892200
9/23/2011Covington, GA

Woodchuck-Ridge2,681480
9/12/2011Akron, OH

Forever-Home-Sweet-H...5,15834310
8/24/2011Issaquah, WA

Clarksville-MD1,515200
8/22/2011Eldersburg, MD

steve-n-carolyn7,6374140
8/21/2011Sun City, CA

Old-York1,380200
7/27/2011Bridgewater, NJ

Carriage-House7,17620282
7/24/2011Ft. Collins, CO

DomeSweetDome8,76518291
6/4/2011Suffolk, VA

Goodpasture6,865562880
5/28/2011Westminster, CO

TheCastle2,309160
5/25/2011Cheshire, CT

Marks-Log-Cabin5,738392210
5/12/2011Altoona, PA

Bill3,632100
5/4/2011Tucson, AZ

Mueller-Dream-Home2,171100
4/15/2011

Oklahoma-Steel3,267650
4/13/2011Minco, OK

DutchG1,941200
4/5/2011

HiddenInOhio3,0589130
4/1/2011Elyria, OH

MagnoliaHouse2,234100
3/29/2011Houston, TX

Buffaloader3,327200
1/11/2011Valley Center, KS

SouthernEcoHome11,95420210
1/9/2011Blacksburg, VA

Austrian-Chalet5,392780
1/2/2011Twin Lakes, CO

Vista-Ridge4,55821660
12/21/2010Swanton, OH

OurFarmstead10,285601890
12/10/2010Pennsylvania

sherman7,393211410
12/7/2010Downers Grove, IL

AirparkHome-Remodel17,46722460
11/8/2010Hillsboro, OR

Holloway4,306200
11/7/2010Petersburg, VA

Building-Our-Lakefro...2,887110
11/5/2010Piscataway, NJ

SunburyGalena-Build2,826100
11/3/2010Galena, OH

BUILDING-OUR-GREEN-D...3,005800
11/2/2010Pattison, TX

RR-Homestead9,72431740
10/26/2010Janesville, CA

Casa-Paradiso-Vieque...3,260200
10/19/2010Chelsea, MA

Millerbuild4,0845110
10/1/2010Carstairs, AB

VilanoBeachCasa-de-S...12,113381170
9/20/2010Saint Augustine, FL

Delisledigs4,598300
9/16/2010Jacksonville, FL

h20dave4,500430
9/10/2010Waterloo, AL

Mountain-Idyl4,163900
9/9/2010Asheville, NC

High-over-Lake-Granb...6,48612230
9/8/2010Granbury, TX

Homestead24,68764850
9/8/2010Smithville, MO

philandjan4,224100
9/2/2010

octagonaltopsider34,86410920
8/25/2010Cupertino, CA

Commons3,309200
8/21/2010Atascocita, TX

Our-First-OB-home3,740300
7/27/2010Gardner, KS

Louisiana-Mediterran...11,597311870
7/21/2010Sunset, LA

Crows-Nest3,332100
7/20/2010

Patterson-Project3,763400
7/16/2010John's Island, SC

Hidden-Meadow-Home4,9092100
7/13/2010Murrieta, CA

New-house-in-Selah-W...3,331140
7/4/2010Belfair, WA

Arnold-CA-Alpine-cha...10,28422100
7/2/2010Arnold, CA

Working-Wilton29,455343010
6/16/2010Wilton, NH

JJ-Residence3,071100
6/7/2010San Antonio, TX

Thompson-Valley-Home4,353330
6/6/2010Monticello, FL

Naperville-Webster-S...12,5732360
5/21/2010Naperville, IL

Gary--Suzi4,213100
5/7/2010

crystal-falls-home14,62420270
5/5/2010Cedar Park, TX

Kapoho-Retirement-Ho...4,044130
5/4/2010Santa Ana, CA

NC--New-Construction3,762100
5/3/2010

Collins-on-Cobblesto...3,83121910
4/30/2010Waynesville, NC

Dwight--Colleen-Hart...4,438130
4/30/2010Vaughn, WA

Riley15,69232950
4/29/2010Cave Creek, AZ

The-New-Ries-Homeste...6,55919980
4/21/2010Polk/Richfield/Erin/Hartford, WI

OwensNewHome35,5391023810
4/17/2010Chandler, AZ

The-Season3,369130
4/10/2010Mount Airy, NC

The-Naas-Place3,539200
3/30/2010Pittsburg, CA

Phil-and-Lauras-home6,511400
3/20/2010Tulsa, OK

Southport-NC-Home6,928201281
3/18/2010Southport, NC

Loris8,138110
3/11/2010

Seaton-Station3,566140
3/10/2010Siloam Springs, AR

Backwoods-Project7,022390
3/4/2010Jeffersonville, GA

ICF-in-Ann-Arbor17,147293710
1/25/2010Dexter, MI

DancingPines4,500200
1/25/2010Clinton, LA

Log-Cabin3,821150
1/23/2010indianapolis, IN

The-Kinzel-House3,496100
1/21/2010New Orleans, LA

PahrumpProject9,2105390
1/17/2010Spokane, WA

Richfield-Home3,829100
1/16/2010Richfield, WI

TheBeachHouse7,23213200
1/16/2010Shoreline, WA

Artist-Haven-Home7,795970
1/13/2010Kansas City, MO

SOPHIA--SAMUELDELAWA...7,16611310
12/2/2009Smyrna, DE

Plant-City-Craftsman10,2684100
11/22/2009Plant City, FL

WestermanFarm4,486130
11/10/2009Dickson, TN

Shane8,475600
10/31/2009San Antonio, TX

ADCountryHome5,4031130
10/31/2009Fort Worth, TX

ICF-Keller-Tx40,619321220
10/6/2009Roanoke, TX

digs7,970100
9/30/2009Tracy City, TN

threegables10,339201340
9/29/2009Hartland, WI

LittleLakeCorner52,7631016040
9/29/2009Groveland, FL

Utah-Casa4,835200
9/28/2009Saratoga Springs, UT

Tornado-Reconstructi...4,338800
9/24/2009Port Neches, TX

toolehouse35,431891450
9/20/2009Reno, NV

Bobs-Blog42,280614140
9/16/2009New Florence, PA

Blessings3,713100
9/11/2009farmville, NC

Schrammelot8,2377900
9/11/2009Pierson, FL

PennsmithLostValleyT...23,409552150
9/9/2009Dripping Springs, TX

River-House4,120220
9/7/2009Clinton, NJ

SantaFe-in-AJ3,990100
8/28/2009Apache Junction, AZ

Dennis-Dream-Home16,824385050
8/27/2009Readington Twp, NJ

Massive-Undertaking4,8791100
8/26/2009Wimauma, FL

Lafayette4,070200
8/11/2009Cramerton, NC

Dream-site-on-the-La...4,421200
8/5/2009La Porte, TX

Williams-New-Home-Si...3,893110
8/2/2009Windsor, NC

Cobblestone-Lane4,173100
7/30/2009Great Falls, MT

PensacolaBeachHouse3,876110
6/22/2009Gulf Breeze, FL

12YEARSINTHEPLANNING4,401120
6/16/2009LADSON, SC

The-Cortes-Adventure9,280320
6/13/2009Snowflake, AZ

Steinys-Hideaway4,342200
6/9/2009Venice, CA

DreamHome21,314261900
6/7/2009Orlando, FL

CastleHeims11,85121590
6/5/2009Cedar Rapids, IA

Utah-Warehouse3,797220
5/20/2009Fairview, UT

Where-to-start5,337610
5/16/2009Lemoore, CA

Castle-Rock-Lakehous...8,54110840
4/27/2009Necedah, WI

Oleg8,556360
4/22/2009San Diego, CA

MoeCompound3,799340
4/9/2009Camano Island, WA

Huckleberry-Home4,027200
4/8/2009Williamstown, NJ

Vonk7,538100
4/7/2009Zeeland, MI

Small-Timber-Frame7,086110
4/2/2009Central Mass, MA

EatonLoch-Haven4,662110
4/1/2009Roanoke, VA

windowsnsiding4,336110
3/28/2009Long Island, NY

Arkansas-First-Timer15,45839880
3/27/2009Trumann, AR

Back-Home-In-Crisp5,531111510
3/22/2009Ennis, TX

Victor--Susan-0811,918211210
3/17/2009Ruckersville, VA

Rick-and-Tinas-dream...4,922120
3/14/2009Auburndale, FL

Keener-Road6,1334100
3/11/2009Elizabethtown, PA

NC-Newbie4,058100
3/10/2009Boone, NC

MadisonGA4,2941130
2/26/2009Madison, GA

Techbuilt-Scammed5,427100
2/25/2009Rebew, LA

choanne8314,018100
2/9/2009charlotte, NC

WilliamsinVegas24,481301190
1/29/2009Henderson, NV

PhilesBryant5,647260
1/20/2009graham, WA

MortgageSmart4,162100
1/19/2009Cocoa, FL

QuarterlyHouse43,486136990
1/12/2009Orlando, FL

RabbitRun11,803311690
1/11/2009Afton, VA

Sonave-Sunsets4,239120
1/9/2009Yucca, AZ

Heart-of-PA7,3479160
1/6/2009Lewistown, PA

Krusehome4,986200
12/27/2008Lake City, FL

BrunkHouseAlmaKansas5,806260
12/26/2008Garden Grove, CA

Raider-Bills-Tenn-Ho...7,7256320
12/22/2008Largo, FL

Andel-Ranch19,020334020
12/17/2008Rogers, TX

Elijahs-Home5,202460
12/6/2008Vero Beach, FL

ranch-house4,576100
11/25/2008springfield, IL

Howard-Georgia-Retir...6,332670
11/9/2008Harlem, GA

The-Woods-Journal4,821110
11/6/2008Doraville, GA

StansTLH7,5861090
11/1/2008Tehachapi, CA

Kevin--Kerrys-Dream4,737350
10/17/2008Northvale, NJ

Katabatic-Wind5,203470
10/16/2008Huntsville, AL

Elmhurst-Modern6,572120
10/14/2008elmhurst, IL

Accessible-House4,8743100
10/14/2008Munford, TN

Cherry-Valley-Vista4,404120
10/5/2008Duvall, WA

Jon-and-Mollys-House6,730150
9/25/2008Ellicott City, MD

Proctor-ICF5,020110
9/25/2008Fredericksburg, VA

Hawaiian-Bungalo10,182111020
9/23/2008Holualoa, HI

Pete--Rhiannon5,847430
9/19/2008Springfield, MO

2008-Cedar-Ln7,62014350
9/19/2008Seaville, NJ

dmaceld11,89414880
9/16/2008Nampa, ID

Help-with-Goulds-and...5,896100
9/16/2008tampa, FL

Consulting4,340100
9/2/2008Orlando, FL

AlaskaICFREMOTEHouse7,93819380
8/17/2008Wasilla, AK

NC-Pond-House4,788320
8/4/2008Wilmington, NC

MargaritaVilla4,432240
8/4/2008Raleigh, NC

Latest-update5,9068100
8/4/2008Sierra Vista, AZ

ANDREA4,225400
8/2/2008Dallas, TX

The-Ridges5,36911130
7/31/2008Logan, UT

Avenida-Del-Sol7,90213520
7/31/2008Peoria, AZ

dream-home-ohio4,909600
7/30/2008Zanesville, OH

Penetang-Craftsman4,555360
7/27/2008Penetanguishene, ON

Tristan--4,556600
7/25/2008Lebanon, NJ

Dreamy-Design-in-Glo...7,700100
7/9/2008Clifton, VA

need-help-Jim5,036110
7/8/2008Bandon, OR

deltona-fl-custom-ho...5,5624140
7/6/2008Deltona Beach, FL

Ingraham-House-Chape...4,908200
6/29/2008Cary, NC

famborgie3,940100
6/26/2008Lockhart, TX

95821-Addition11,6227140
6/24/2008Sacramento, CA

Cajun-Homestead9,49812930
6/22/2008Lafayette, LA

West-Texas-Ranch-Hou...5,676110
6/18/2008Andrews, TX

Quail-Bluff-Pasco5,5359290
6/10/2008Pasco, WA

Spyders-Web4,069100
6/10/2008Norman, OK

mike-and-tori-darnle...6,065510
6/2/2008Rainbow, CA

Lin-Washington4,384100
5/29/2008Fresno, CA

Capernall-House4,597420
5/15/2008Belleville, MI

Hidden-Valley-Texas4,523100
5/7/2008Southlake, TX

cosdreamhome30,186731470
5/5/2008Colorado Springs, CO

Sowle-Family-House6,771590
4/29/2008South Burlington, VT

Cyberdoc-Residence4,869200
4/25/2008San Diego, CA

Fortune-House4,171100
4/17/2008Mooresville, NC

Joeb10,992400
4/15/2008Oakland, FL

Alvin-House4,303200
4/14/2008LaPorte, TX

Thomas-Home--Raintre...12,485271800
4/9/2008Lee's Summit, MO

Greg--Kathys-New-Hou...5,894200
4/3/2008Barryton, MI

Where-is-Waldo20,12844830
4/2/2008Marion, OH

Nimmerrichters-Fores...4,210100
4/2/2008Waldorf, MD

Mayfield-House4,646100
3/31/2008Mayfield, UT

beamanhouse4,471100
3/27/2008Manistique, MI

Kanak-ICF--Virginia6,776900
3/26/2008Fredericksburg, VA

Sheldon-St5,927300
3/21/2008Orlando, FL

Bert-9,608310
3/20/2008Southern, CA

Our-Ohio-ICF-home14,16820270
3/20/2008Mansfield, OH

ericdc4,793310
3/8/2008Uniontown, PA

EurekaHouse-ICF7,2135150
3/6/2008Berkeley, CA

Superstition-Views8,274281600
3/6/2008Mesa, AZ

Blue-Springs-Project6,1468230
2/24/2008Broken Arrow, OK

Our-House4,152100
2/24/2008Miami, FL

httpownerbuilderbook...6,169830
2/19/2008Clayton, NY

JourneyBackHome4,331100
2/3/2008Oviedo, FL

Collier-Home5,978110
2/1/2008Little Rock, AR

DDs-ICF5,966330
1/27/2008New Smyrna Bch, FL

EurekaMT-Timberframe5,4501430
1/24/2008Eureka, MT

The-Larnerd-House6,7415210
1/21/2008Newport News, VA

Casa-Bella4,756100
1/14/2008Pueblo West, CO

Gordon-Lake-House8,56217510
1/3/2008Oakland, IA

STEPHANIES-DREAM5,37617570
12/30/2007Lower Burrell, PA

Florida-Waterfront-C...8,047310
12/29/2007PB, FL

6158-in-Montgomery-T...5,060410
12/23/2007Conroe, TX

ClearwaterHills7,377260
12/14/2007Paradise Valley, AZ

BobDonna3,746100
12/12/2007Sacramento, CA

AboveTheAppleTree3,866100
12/8/2007La Farge, WI

Casa-Nostra5,307230
12/2/2007Bangor, PA

Building-the-Dream-i...6,972700
11/29/2007Gladstone, OR

Ingram-Fleming-ICF-H...6,831480
11/29/2007Plant City, FL

inniagara3,551100
11/24/2007Niagara Falls, ON

SchnabelEstate4,364240
11/16/2007Avon, IN

WeAreBuildingAgain10,17827560
11/15/2007Orlando, FL

Lake-Pleasant4,218210
11/14/2007Erie, PA

Green-for-Dean4,439100
11/10/2007San Jose, CA

The-Ponderosa5,7418220
11/4/2007Perry, OK

FlagholeRoad4,386260
10/25/2007Franklin, NH

Beckynray5,168300
10/24/2007Powhatan, VA

Spicewood-TX5,988330
10/20/2007Austin, TX

Powderhorn14,722481760
10/4/2007Florida

Luray-VA-1stTimeBuil...7,895730
10/4/2007Luray, VA

kittyfhughesnet4,464250
9/27/2007Noblesville, IN

Scott-Family4,507100
9/25/2007Trinity, AL

Taking-the-Plunge6,7986180
9/18/2007Springfield, OH

RozBuildingAdventure4,600100
9/14/2007San Pablo, CA

Helpful-Tips5,208200
9/13/2007Encinitas, CA

Poplar-Creek-Farm6,0465250
9/10/2007Oakland Park, FL

TheWillemsHome11,8141750
9/10/2007Galloway Township, NJ

ComfortHome4,998200
8/30/2007Dublin, OH

10000-sq-feet28,66825260
8/26/2007La Habra Heights, CA

Bird-house5,9913400
8/22/2007Ithaca, NY

Circle-S_ICF_House23,799462640
8/21/2007Sparta, IL

New-England-Saltbox4,470100
8/16/2007Columbia, SC

RamblewoodatJeterFar...5,0496330
8/10/2007Kansas City, MO

Kraemer-Collinwood-H...4,950200
7/21/2007Delano, MN

BigOakBuilderTX7,456270
7/20/2007Wharton, TX

Johnson-Family-Dream5,004100
7/20/2007Normal, IL

Pensacola-Waterfront4,654100
7/16/2007Pensacola, FL

19225-ROBERTSON-ST10,32315320
7/12/2007Orlando, FL

Thattle-Dew-Farm4,966220
7/12/2007Halls Harbour, NS

WindyJ8,17111260
7/2/2007Knoxville, TN

Vistoso-Green-Home5,853310
6/28/2007Tucson, AZ

Lewis-Chapel-House7,179200
6/25/2007Dunlap, TN

father-daughter4,669200
6/25/2007Loveland, CO

davewhite5,360100
6/24/2007Nanaimo, BC

NutmegWedgefieldOrla...6,289600
6/22/2007Orlando, FL

4600SF-Dream-Home-in...8,353410
6/19/2007Mooresville, NC

Coeur-dAlene-Idaho-H...5,563240
6/13/2007Coeur d Alene, ID

Tampa-Bay7,401490
6/10/2007Ruskin, FL

Dream-In-Progress6,963540
6/7/2007Shawnee, KS

todd-in-tullahoma5,007100
6/4/2007tullahoma, TN

TheOwens5,461300
6/1/2007Dickson, TN

Country-Cleaver5,485140
5/29/2007Springfield, IL

South-Dakota-Lake-Ho...5,8256110
5/23/2007Sioux Falls, SD

Gods-Home5,092200
5/18/2007Eustis, FL

hammock5,036110
5/14/2007Martinez, GA

Grove-St-Rocklin5,183300
5/13/2007Orangevale, CA

Gardeners-Delight5,795330
5/13/2007Norristown, PA

Newman-Family5,932100
4/26/2007oralndo, FL

do-over-house5,871200
4/25/2007Roseville, CA

Mountain-Building5,296370
4/21/2007Hiawassee, GA

Alaskan-Log-Home5,708120
4/15/2007Tok, AK

Warner-Dream6,624600
4/11/2007Astatula, FL

RehmannSchreiner6,73418150
4/2/2007Maple Grove, MN

outspokenbikeguy7,5074140
3/29/2007Sanford, FL

SmelltheForest24,217471480
3/23/2007Colorado Spgs, CO

PolkCityProject8,5507110
3/21/2007Norcross, GA

DwaynePam5,797200
3/21/2007Normal, IL

cypressknoll5,262100
3/20/2007Palm Coast, FL

candlepower10,006241550
3/20/2007Lansing, IA

Team-Rosa5,983200
3/19/2007Springfield, VA

GLOUCESTER5,417120
3/17/2007Newport News, VA

Ohiodreamhome5,5634140
3/16/2007Reynoldsburg, OH

Gypsy-Love6,521110
3/12/2007Highland, NY

Rockport-TX5,648100
3/10/2007Rockport, TX

Forrest-Towne5,505220
3/10/2007Brinnon, WA

Dreams-Come-True5,034100
3/8/2007Glen St Mary, FL

Almost-A-Country-Gir...4,999100
3/7/2007Addison Township, MI

BrandonBuildingBlog5,636100
3/4/2007Layton, UT

SafecreteHouse6,885300
3/4/2007Raleigh, NC

newbie-5,964100
2/21/2007north plains, OR

BuzzardsNest7,730310
2/14/2007Saint Lucie, FL

woodfamilyhome6,388200
2/10/2007Keno, OR

vegascastle5,712100
2/3/2007Henderson, NV

newsteel5,569100
1/28/2007Florence, SC

Dream-Home-20076,125100
1/27/2007Gwynn Oak, MD

DelgadosAdobeAbode6,887200
1/18/2007San Diego, CA

bobindeltona7,230250
1/14/2007Deltona, FL

Highland646,188300
1/8/2007New Orleans, LA

SmallProjectSilverSp...8,6641020
1/7/2007Silver Springs, NV

BeehlerHome11,36311640
1/3/2007Kalamazoo, MI

eveningshade6,133110
12/25/2006Evening Shade, AR

Bruce in Petrolia, O...5,489120
12/21/2006Petrolia, ON

smahmud5,747100
12/18/2006Alexandria, VA

1000-hours-to-liftof...6,594100
11/25/2006uniontown, OH

FettConstruction6,723460
11/24/2006Vincennes, IN

Northeast-Ohio-Home6,933100
11/10/2006Parma, OH

Buchanan-Mountain8,83514590
11/1/2006Dickson, TN

Our-Future-on-Badin-...6,763100
10/24/2006New London, NC

nowi-fe-haven6,150100
10/22/2006Griffin, GA

klonus6,105100
10/16/2006Madison, WI

OurAddition8,716100
10/13/2006Chuluota, FL

bigal7,004100
9/30/2006Whittier, CA

Stella-Maris-II6,794100
9/11/2006Orlando, FL

Lake-House8,187100
9/6/2006Kansas City, MO

My-First-House19,782100
9/5/2006APO, AE

Angie-Mossy-Oak-Acre...9,090740
8/15/2006Lake Helen, FL

Peaceful-Valley-in-M...6,781100
7/23/2006Republic, MO

Lake-Wales-Fl6,569100
7/17/2006West Palm Beach, FL

JohnKat7,032110
7/16/2006Fort Worth, TX

Cedarcrest7,055100
7/15/2006Sparrows Point, MD

MRailey7,770100
7/13/2006Dallas, TX

Villa-Di-Capri-Hacie...10,413100
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shapiro6,733100
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jrh12,438110
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H3brewing7,830110
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85-Hall-Ln9,0261000
3/1/2006

Michigan-Owner-Build...4,6786130
11/13/2005Ray Twp., MI
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I really, really like The Owner-Builder Book (not to mention the amazing website) for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it gives people information they need and the confidence that they can build their own custom home. Experts in all fields try to convince us that they have an informational advantage and use it to play on our fears, make us feel incompetent, cheap or even stupid.
George in Gainesville, FL

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Previous Owner-Builder Survey

What were the benefits of your time on site?


Terry in Santa Rosa, CA said: being able to answer any questions that may arise and fix any mistakes before it was too late.

Susan said: It was just exciting watching it all take shape.
Ike in Edmonton, Alberta said: Caught a lot of inaccuracies - walk around with a tape measure and level and you will be surprised how may walls are framed incorrectly. Make sure corridor widths comply with codes, stair treads etc. 
Frank in Bridgewater, NJ said: catching bad work
returning supplies not ordered back to the vendor !!

Brian in Dome-ville, central, FL said: Kept thing going in the direction we wanted, made sure the work done was done right.
Mike in Bonham, TX said: Addressing questions, issues, inspections

Jeff in Hartland, WI said: I was on site twice daily -- at least. Early in the morning, Later in the evening. Because I was on site so frequently, I could answer questions and make decisions quickly enough so that subs weren't held up.

The last couple months, where I was doing a lot of the work myself, I worked my day job at the site.  It saved me commuting time.

Jack in Trumann, AR said: Probably the biggest benefit of being onsite is staying up on what progress is being made and catching any problems quickly.
Mark in Provo, UT said: The good subs were facilitated. Materials were not wasted. Numerous opportunities for improvement were exploited. The structure was kept very clean. Money was not wasted that could have been otherwise. Additional ways to save were found.

Brock in Walla Walla, WA said: Getting the house the way we want it now
Pat in Round Rock, TX said:

Your presence onsite keeps trades working instead of just standing around wasting time.  If you see a problem you can solve it immediately.


Steve in Anthem, AZ said: talk with subs they keep you up to date, they know you care and let you know what they need. any problems!
Eric in Seaville, NJ said: answer questions and catch mistakes
Ken in Orangevale, CA said: I got things done properly. We were using poor drawings and suffering from misunderstandings caused by different cultures. The electric receptacles were being installed in all the wrong places. The backsplash on the cabinets was to be integral with the cabinet, but the receptacles were being installed so they'd end up behind the backsplash. The kitchen sink wasn't centered. That caused the cabinets to be off center, too. 
Roger in Petoskey, MI said:

Quick build

Little rework/ saved money

 


Ray in Richmond Hill, GA said: i new the qualty of my house, i could watch out for theft,
Brian in South Burlington, VT said: I spent a lot of time onsite.  The house got completed sooner than expected.
Brian in Manvel, TX said: kept things from getting done wrong
Jedda in Brighton, ON said: ensured things were done the way we wanted
Craig in Green Bay, WI said: no short cuts by works (or at least fewer)
If questions came up answered with out delay


Karl in Reno, NV said: Cost savings
Definitely Dreaming in Hampton, VA said:

i am on site all the time the project is in progress


Aimee in Kalamazoo, MI said: able to answer questions at the beginning of the day to prevent most mistakes
Richard in Malabar, FL said: Making sure that the work was done correctly.
Max in OKC, OK said: able to answer questions promptly so things could be done my way instead of being redone or not the way I wanted
Kenneth in Lees Summit, MO said:

1) Avoidance of rework and change orders.

2) Regardless of how detailed your plans are, there will always be questions.  We could answer those questions.  Our tradespeople knew that if they had a question, they could go to something else and we would be there before they left to answer the questions.

3) Bringing beer, soda, lunches.  Nothing says thank you for hard work than beer at the end of the day, or lunch in the middle of the day for everyone on the jobsite.  Never underestimate the power of goodwill with the trades.

 


Kathlyn in Orlando, FL said: none - the good guys did good and the bad guys did bad
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A bond is like a small insurance policy that a third party (the bonding agency) is authorized to pay out on behalf of someone (the bonded party, usually a contractor). Bonding is usually specified by law, sometimes as one of the requirements to hold a contractor's license, for example. It is intended to grease the wheels of commerce by making one party more willing to engage in business while still providing a measure of protection regarding performance by the second (getting paid on a job, or p
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Peter in Burlington, WA
Previous Owner-Builder Survey

What were major causes of delays that occurred in your construction?


Terry in Santa Rosa, CA said: Rain. Rain. Rain.
Freezing temps delayed my project because we had the water turned off.  I did some plumbing that included soldering copper pipes and when it was finished I needed to test for leaks.  Tried to open the main shut-off valve but it was frozen shut.  This delayed the drywallers because I couldn't close up the walls until I was sure the connections didn't leak.

Susan said: Rain
Ike in Edmonton, Alberta said: No shows
Frank in Bridgewater, NJ said: waiting and changing goals
Brian in Dome-ville, central, FL said: Lack of time off of work

Mike in Bonham, TX said: Rain, subs

Steve in Colorado Springs, CO said:
  • Securing the construction loan.
  • Bad (rainy) weather at the start of construction season.

Brooke in Burley, ID said: waiting on subs
Gail in Cupertino, CA said: Incorrect items shipped by designer.

Jeff in Hartland, WI said: Weather is the main cause of delay
LTanya in Virginia Beach, VA said: Thankfully, no and the weather was good
Jere in Ray Twp., MI said:

Getting the survey done for the floodplain since the floodplain maps were not done.

Taking too long to do the electrical myself with help.  Delayed the insulation, drywall, etc.


Jack in Trumann, AR said: Subs which were poor managers was the main reason for delays.
Brock in Walla Walla, WA said: Truss engineering being wrong on a girder truss had to be replaced, engineered, and framed over.
Pat in Round Rock, TX said: poor contractors and weather
Steve in Anthem, AZ said: subs dont show or finish on time and finish there corrections that the inspector calls for fast enough.
Eric in Seaville, NJ said: there really weren't any
Ken in Orangevale, CA said: Weather and unreliable inter-island ferry.
Roger in Petoskey, MI said: No major delays.  I lost one week after drywall before the hardwoods could be installed to let them adjust to the environment. 
Ray in Richmond Hill, GA said: waiting on late subs
Brian in South Burlington, VT said:

rain

self work always seemed to take longer than scheduled.


Brian in Manvel, TX said: rain
Jedda in Brighton, ON said: We got tired and delayed the insulation about a week.
Definitely Dreaming in Hampton, VA said: there were no delays that stopped construction for more than day
Aimee in Kalamazoo, MI said: sub contractors committed to other projects that were a higher priority than ours
Lori in Reno, NV said: weather, misorder on panel company side, and lack of knowledge caused misjudgement of time factors.
Kenneth in Lees Summit, MO said:

1) Weather

2) Coordination of subcontractors

3) Trying to do too much work myself.  Ultimately this cost me time as I tended to underestimate time for some tasks, resulting in delays.  Almost everything I did saved me money, although cost me some time (and interest, although net was cost savings).  In the end, I hired some people just to finish it off so I wouldn't ahve to worry about it.  You are a limited resource, don't overbook yourself.


Kathlyn in Orlando, FL said: uninformed inspector
Mark in Provo, UT said: Most, not all, had to do with trying to do work for which I was unprepared. I relied on some favors from others who were to show me how to do work or help me do it. When they never showed up, the work seemed intimidating and nigh impossible on my own. Then I had to start at square one and learn things step by step. That took time and energy, and both became scarce.

There were subs who took so much longer to do work than they said. Since they were "bargain priced" or the sub whose work I liked the most, I had to accept it.

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Bill Splete lied to me over and over...............yes, he is more than just a flake.
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Ken
Latest Journal Entry
I'm working on re-framing a house in Houston. Never done it before, but have some friends who know what they are doing who are going to help. How do you figure cost for traditional "stick" framing for a 1,400 sq ft home?
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Stan in Houston, TX
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Construction Bargain Strategies
113. Get Your Insurance Valuation Down. Here's another stream of outgo that often goes overlooked: your homeowner's insurance premiums. The premiums are set each year according to a very conservative index of what similar homes to yours cost. Your premiums are based on an imputed valuation of similar homes, though they may be at very inflated prices. You can get your valuation down. It won't cut the amount they have to pay if your home is destroyed. They have to replace it. But they calculate the cost of a home with all the trimmings, such as land, which doesn't have to be replaced if the house is destroyed, and concrete work and landscaping, which are likewise almost never replaced if your home is destroyed. I was able to get my insurance company to reduce the valuation of my home by a third. They wanted an appraisal of the house, so I gave them the revised house valuation from our county after I appealed my property taxes and succeeded in reducing the county's valuation. This cut my premiums by one third or $200 a year. See what evidence it will take for your insurer to reduce your house valuation and gather it up for your adjustment. Make sure the fine print in your policy doesn't prevent you from getting full replacement cost in the event of disaster, even if a contractor is used to rebuild.
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Thought from the Book
As an owner-builder you have the cafeteria-style privilege of selecting the elements and philosophies that go into your home. My interviews with general contractors showed a surprising ignorance on their part of the quality that should go into a high-end home. Designers and architects on the other hand, proved to be very fluent in issues of quality. As O-B you will consider the issues and assure that your design addresses all the quality possible on your construction budget.
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The Ten Commandments of Owner-Builders

by Mark A. Smith

What are the secrets to acting as your own general contractor to save money on the construction of your home? 200,000 American families are estimated to build homes without a general contractor each year. They come from every walk of life and report an average savings of 35% off contractor estimates. Based on interviews with successful owner- builders, here are ten keys to follow to contract your home without tears:

1. 1,000 hours of planning. There are 2,000 hours in a work year, and it takes about 6 months of careful planning to build your own house. Our studies indicate that if you short yourself on the planning, you will save less money and take longer to build.

2. Written list of features. Once you start construction, you will be tempted to make many changes to your original plan if you have not thought through your design carefully. A written list of room-by-room specifications ensures good design and saves money.

3. Spreadsheet budget and expense tracking. Putting all your costs estimates onto a computer spreadsheet has the magical effect of producing project savings. You can see what you've spent and what cost projections for the future are. You can take advantage of bargains and limit damage from overruns.

4. Written schedule. Very few general contractors and a minority of owner builders commit their project schedule to paper. Those who do invariably finish their projects smoother and faster.

5. Three bids from subcontractor and suppliers for each item. It takes time to get bids from subcontractors ("subs") and compare them on paper. The effort results in an improved plan and tighter estimates of cost. Sometimes you find big bargains by looking for just one more bidder.

6. Signed agreements and lien releases. Many owner-builders have expressed regrets that they didn't get agreements in writing. A signed agreement can be your best defense in the event of a dispute. Signed lien releases, available from your lender, prohibit subs and suppliers from placing a lien on the new house.

7. Buy materials directly. Most subs like to provide their own materials, but experienced owner-builders know that it costs more that way. Buy your materials separate from labor and avoid unwanted overhead charges. When you search for materials you find bargains, too.

8. Constant communication with subs. One of the biggest problems with owner-building is that some subcontractors won't show up as promised. The remedy is to communicate early and often with your chosen subs.

9. Be on-site. Owner-building can be very profitable but demanding and is not something to be done on evenings and weekends. You or your spouse need to be on-site much of the time during construction to ensure that all possible steps are taken to get you a well-built home at a savings.

10. Run a clean, organized job. It actually saves money to have a clean construction site where tools and materials aren't trampled and lost. By keeping the site clean, you will end up with a house that is satisfyingly clean and healthy to live in.

 


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