Ever since I first started seriously considering building my own house, as an owner-builder or self-contractor, I have been reading books to try and get more ideas and knowledge in preparation for this task.
The Owner-Builder Book, by Mark A. Smith and Elaine M. Smith is the best book I have read on the subject of self-contracting a house. The book is also of value to those who choose to hire a contractor to build their custom home.
The following are a few of my thoughts in regards to this book.
1000 Hours
The book places a heavy emphasis on the need to plan before you get started building your house. I cannot agree more. Building a house requires you to literally make thousands of decisions. Decision fatigue is a real thing.
One of our friends that built a house in the last couple years told us that at one point she had to call up a friend to come choose toilet paper holders for her. She had the brochures in front of her. She just couldn’t make a choice, because of decision fatigue. So all she could do was phone a friend and ask them to make the choice.
The author implores the reader to spend at least 1000 hours in planning prior to starting building. This is equivalent to half of one year in full-time employment. That is a lot of hours. But if you diligently work through those hours before your project starts, you significantly reduce the chances of encountering decision fatigue during the construction. You’ll also have massive savings by reducing change orders.
Challenges
Unfortunately, the book appears to be out of print. You can still pick up used copies on Amazon and other vendors. My local library has a copy, so I check it out every now and then to review. If you can get your hands on a copy, I suggest you give it a read.
The Smith’s used to have a website related to the book (www.ownerbuilderbook.com). Unfortunately, they seem to have let the URL expire some time after May 1, 2021. The website had forums and other additional helpful resources.
So while I recommend this book, you may have a hard time tracking one down. If you are able, it will likely be worth your time.