Houses Are Designed by Geniuses & Built by Gorillas: An Insider's Guide to Designing and Building a Home

by Bob Johnson

Book Overview

This book is a must for anyone planning to have a home built or contracting it themselves. Full of helpful hints, flow charts, and step-by-step planning advice, it shows a perspective seldom seen in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1886110484
• ISBN13: 9781886110489
• Release Date: March 1998
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

A gem of a book

Houses are Designed by Geniuses and Built by Gorillas by Bob JohnsonThe book's subtitle --"An Insider's Guide to Designing and Building a House -- while not as glitzy as the main title, accurately describes the book's contents. This book is crammed with straight talk about building a house. Bob Johnson sounds like one who's been there and done that, and he gives it to you straight, in an in-your-face, no-holds-barred style -- as though he's sitting with you over coffee at the local diner. He holds nothing back, telling you everything you need to know, and more. More than half the book is devoted to matters that need attention before the first nail is driven -- everything from siting a house on a piece of land to getting building permits. Bob is also a raconteur. He illustrates many of his points with so-called "war stories" that recount his own experiences on the job. Even within chapters, he doesn't mind digressing a bit. So, he spices up what could be textbook-dull narrative with his opinions. He tells you flat-out what is stupid and what isn't, what works and what doesn't. As a result, this is one of the most readable and entertaining building books I've come across.

Great Book, Bad Title

I've built one house, remodeled another, and now starting to build on my first rural location. I've done a lot of research over the years and spent a lot of money learning lessons the hard way. THIS IS THE BEST BOOK IN ITS CATEGORY. Great attitude and writing style, complete ideas that are clearly communicated, and "Case Studies" peppered throughout that reinforce the points Bob is making."Reviewers" who don't get past the title haven't read the book.

Succinct well written and informative book

The reader who gave this a one star did not read the book. It acknowledges the fine qualities of the builders and the architects - in the forward as well as throughout the book. Maybe he should read books before he reviews them.

Terrific help for those about to take the plunge & build

"Gorillas" is an excellent book for those about to embark on planning and building a home. Unlike many in the genre, the usefulness of this guide is not limited to those who plan to be their own general contractor. Chapters on design, getting along with contractors, where to spend versus economize, are all excellent. One drawback: with its title emblazoned on the cover, we'll never be able to carry it on site -- we might risk a nailgun to the head!

A great guide for the home builder. Humorous but informative

This is a great book for anyone considering building their own home. Gives step by step directions. Easy to read and understand the various stages. Points out ways to avoid mistakes and pitfalls. I highly recommend this as must reading to make this stress producing experience as pleasant as possible.