Do I have what it takes to Build My Own Home?

I get hundreds of emails every month and a large number of them are people who are questioning their qualifications to build a home. It is very wise to really consider what is involved in building your home as the Owner Builder. The focus of this newsletter will be what it really takes to build your own home, and how do you know you have the right stuff… so to speak.

Let’s face it… all of us are not cut out to take on a huge project that takes several months or even a year.

So what do I consider the right stuff for home building?

• Is it a degree in mechanical engineering or structural engineering?
  
  
• Is it past experience in home building or the contract trades that build a home?
  
  
• Do you need to know every aspect of home building?

But, what do you really need to be your own builder?

• You need to be able to do research and find the right people and products to build your home. If you are a “I want it right now wrapped up in a bow”, or it is all done for you type person, you better not take on a project like this.
  
  This, is in my opinion, the most important part of home building. Being able to find the right contractors, plans and materials will make or break your project.
  
  Research, Research, Research…. the key to a successful home building project.
  
  
• If you are married or significantly involved with another person, you had both better agree on what you want, and form a united front for the suppliers and contractors. They will test you at times…. just like little kids. They will talk to one, or the other, to see if they can get the opinion….money…etc. they want.
  
  My wife and I stood united. The contractors knew that they could not pull a fast one when I was not there. This is why good communication is so important between you two. If you are alone, and don’t know what to say, go to the higher power. “I have to talk to my wife (husband) about this. I will give you an answer in the morning.” If you disagree, never let the contractors (kids) see it. They need to know who is running the show.
  
  
• You need to have some self-control when it comes to spending money. It is really easy to spend too much. A few dollars here and there add up to real money…. real quick. When we were building we did our best to remain on a budget that we had figured out prior to starting. My wife made everyone stick to it!
  
  You need to have an even temper (even if you don’t). When things go wrong (and they will) you need to be able to control yourself. Count to 10 or a 1000 if you really need to cool down then talk to the contractor, supplier or whoever about the issue. Never be angry, be firm and decisive. Remember you have the checkbook and they want what you have. Ultimately they need to please you to get paid. Be reasonable, but certainly not a pushover.

Let me sum up:

Spend as long as you need finding the right plans, the right contractors and the right materials. DO NOT Rush this aspect of home building. Knowledge is the most valuable commodity. There is absolutely no reason you can’t do this yourself and save a bundle in the process! My site is loaded with resources, most of which are totally FREE!!

You don’t have to be Mr. or Mrs. Wizard to build your own home. You just need to know where to find the right people and products to do it for you. Again, if you can’t find a contractor resource on my sites…hang it up! Be tenacious!

Again, use my website You Can Build Your Own Home. Most of the answers are there, and if you have a question do what many others do, send me an email thru the Contact Page. I will do my very best to answer you as soon as I can. I personally answer every email I get, but sometimes I get overloaded.

Remember…. YOU CAN Build Your Own Home.

If your are in a rural setting here is a tip for you