This is a unique publication; it is written by an engineer who did not grow up in the home-building business. He has, however, built two of his own homes and thus has learned the basics of building by doing and through significant study and research. This, combined with his professional training, has afforded him a front-row seat to home building and remodeling. This very readable book can help anyone who has had visions of buying a lot and erecting his/her own dream home, adding a room or larger addition, or remodeling any or all existing rooms. Read this book to help you decide whether to follow your dream, to take on part of it, or to hire your own builder. If the latter is your choice, use of this book will enable you to intelligently discuss any and all aspects of the project with your builder while you follow the progress of your project, not to mention the knowledge that will actually help you in selecting your builder by knowing the right questions to ask.