Build a House Step-by-Step: Introduction

Thinking about building a house? I have put these pages together for people who plan to build a house and would like to know what it is all about, step-by-step, down to the last detail.

When I initially decided to build a house I wanted to know everything about the steps to building a house, from the very start to the very end. I searched the internet to find resources about the process of building a house and did not come up with much. I have put this site up as a resource for you - it walks you through the journey I experienced as I built my house, step by step. I hope you enjoy it and that it helps you to have a more successful project.

I have broken this site into each piece of building a house, and have included my impressions and comments as well as information about things I learned and what I would do differently if I had to do it over. Most of the pages include photographs that relate to the section to help you visualize our project as it progresses.

Initially I had played around with the idea of acting as my own general contractor on the project, but eventually decided against it. I decided that I would be unable to dedicate enough time away from my job to do manage the entire project effectively, and I really wanted the experience of a general contractor to make sure we do things right. However, since I am working closely with the builder and each of the subcontractors, I think this page will still be a good resource for the "owner builder" or homeowner who wants to act as their own general contractor.

I will also be doing a little bit of labor myself - I plan to do the electrical & structural wiring, tile, build the deck, do some painting and a few other projects. Although I have never worked in the construction industry, I am fascinated by the work and enjoy it.

Building the house was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun! If you are considering building a house, I hope this site will inspire you, encourage you, and allow you to learn from my mistakes. Hopefully it will help you answer the common yet difficult questions: How do you build a house? Should I build or buy? What are the advantages of building a house? What are the disadvantages? As you read through these pages, I would appreciate your feedback, comments and questions. Please let me know how this site helped your project!

Ready? Click on the link over in the right corner to get started...