Thinking about building or remodeling your house? Are you looking for ways to cut costs and save money in this endeavor? Have you considered hiring yourself as the general contractor? You can save 10% to 35% of the project's cost, and, perhaps more important, you'll be able to monitor the quality of materials and workmanship, fine-tune the design, and make sure the result meets your needs. According to a recent article by a well-known home renovation expert, the best argument for being your own contractor is the payoff; you don't have to pay anyone. It is a lot of work, but it is all about preparation and knowing what you are doing. The revised 2nd Edition of How to Be Your Own Contractor and Save Thousands on Your New House or Renovation While Keeping Your Day Job is updated, comprehensive and detailed. It will provide everything you need to know to get your house or renovation completed the way you want it while saving thousands. Your success depends on thorough preparation as well as the ability to hire and schedule subcontractors, control costs, keep work moving, and stay calm. You will also find information on potential problems and common mistakes. Included are hundreds of easy-to-implement tools, contracts, forms, and checklists to help you get your project organized and easier to manage.

Learn step-by-step procedures for subcontracting and building your home or renovating while still working full time. You will learn how to choose a site, draw up a construction time line and flow charts, apply for construction loans and financing, obtain essential insurance information, buy inexpensive plans, find and negotiate with subcontractors, schedule proper safety testing, and comply with building code, inspection, and permit requirements. The ins and outs of self-contracting are explained. You will have access to valuable information about all aspects of home construction. Learn about plumbing systems, heating and air conditioning systems, fuel storage systems, septic systems, and wiring. You will learn about building materials, foundations to attics, components of the house construction from floors to ceilings, decks to railings, doors and windows, garage doors and roofing. You will learn the main concepts of the trade so you can ask intelligent questions on your way to saving money and juggling your role as a general contractor with your full time job and family. You can be armed with the right information save money and time.