Raising The Rafters How To Work With Architects Contractors Subcontractors Interior Designers Suppliers Engineers And Bankers To Get Your Dream House Built

The ultimate insider's guide to organizing the people you'll need to get your dream house built. Architect and consultant Stephen Collier guides you step-by-step through the rigorous project of getting your own house built just the way you want it. He takes the time to answer the most-asked questions - plus a few most people never think to ask until it's too late. The 14 chapters cover such vital topics as what qualities to look for in a contractor or builder, what the difference is between an architect and a home designer, how building codes and zoning ordinances affect your project, dealing with the bidding process, and much, much more that you will absolutely need to know. There is a glossary of building terms, as well as sample itemized bidding forms, a convenient project schedule to follow, and an entire section devoted to the most important aspect of your dream house's construction: financing. Only Raising the Rafters covers every aspect of planning and execution from the initial dream to the last nail hammered into the roof.