by Mark A. Smith

We highly recommend "immersing" yourself in self-contracting information before your build. Very often a single idea can save you more than the cost of your last vacation. By becoming familiar with the good books on the subject you will find unexpected ideas to help you build a better house for less.

One such good book is The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home by Lester and McGuerty. (See our Bookstore.) Here are a handful of ideas that might make a difference to your project, culled from just the first 100 pages. Aw, what the heck, how about a double handful:

Page 11 "Have materials delivered early so they can be exchange... [More...]

One lender told me that a couple came in to see him and said they were sure they could owner-build at a savings because "all builders make 30% profit." The lender asked them the penetrating question: "Have you built before?" "No." "Have you remodeled a house?" "No." "Do you maybe have relatives in the industry?" "No." "Did you perhaps have a summer job at some point in construction?" "No.But we did read a book about owner-building and we know all about it." The lender declined the loan.

Eric, I am also leaning towards Eco-Block. The reason is the level of support I can get from the distributor, as I am interested in a DIY installation. Get references from you dealer from other DIYers at all stages of construction. I have helped other DIYers pour conrete several times, and the dealer was there every time, no additional charge, and getting plenty dirty either assisting with the pour, consolidating/vibrating, or other tasks. For me, the decision was more about support since I have never used ICFs before. If I was basing my selection on block alone, I don't think I would choose eco-block. They need to be assembled individually. While this is easy work that doesn't take any skill, it is still time consuming. --Kenneth Sessa