Build Your Dream Home for Less

by R. Dodge Woodson

Build a quality home - and save money at every stage of construction You dream about building a perfect home. But you just don't see any way to come up with that kind of money. So bring down the cost.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1558703837
• ISBN13: 9781558703834
• Release Date: September 1995
• Publisher: Betterway Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.5" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Thorough but not overwhelmingly detailed - just right

We are planning to general contract our own home, and I found this book to be a good resource. I'm a woman and have generally left "trade" stuff to my husband, but as he is working FT and I'm not, I'll be largely managing the project and I wanted to do a lot of homework. Woodson seems very knowledgeable and shares the information in an easy to follow format. He also explains many trade terms (certain types of joints, wiring etc.) that other books assume you already know - nice for us non-handy folks. One thing that this book could use is an update to include newer construction items such as insulated concrete forms, geo-thermal energy systems, and radiant floor heating. Also beware that Woodson, like all the other authors I've read on this subject, has his opinions on certain things (like you don't need air conditioning in Maine - it doesn't get hot often, but boy does it get humid and AC is really helpful). Take the opinions with a big grain of salt and read other books/articles to cross check things that you aren't sure about...however this book was a good foundation. Would recommend.

Outstanding book!

This is a great book packed with a lot of useful practical knowledge and wisdom. It helps you to narrow down your choices on many issues including basements Vs crawl space Vs slab and various choices of heating systems (just to name a few). Well worth the money buying this book.

Basic Principles

If you want a book that doesn't get so technical, this is it. Woodson stays on basic guidelines with common sense mixed in to provide vital information. There are no fancy pictures, just great information to get anyone on the road to planning and building a house. I bought three books and I wished I had just bought this one. Good Luck!

Just do what the man says

Very good advice throughout from an experienced builder, written in a relaxed and straightforward way. Offers his opinion on the myriad choices--crawlspace vs. basement, ashphalt vs. wood roof, fiberglass vs. steel bathtub--that are usually just provided without guidance by other authors. Knows which choices will return your investment on appraisal.

Excellent book!!! Very straight forward.

I lost the first copy after reading the entire book and I have bought it again. This is an excellent book for those who want a book that lists by chapter, everything you need to build your own home. This book is for you if you have a basic knowledge of construction techniques and need a book that doesnt try to go so in depth that it just wastes space. I have read 2 other books and they were filled with useless info. The author gives personal accounts of errors he has made while building, and how to avoid them. The book is straight forward and concise. I highly recomend it.