Start with a strong foundation. With even more instructions and illustrations, this revised and updated edition offers clear and concise guidance on every step of home building, from figuring a budget to finding labor and materials to all aspects of construction. This book answers every question readers have about building their own residence—and a few questions they may not have considered. • Contains a visual dictionary of new construction terms and home components • Fully illustrated with step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions • Sample bid forms, general contractor agreements, and legal advice on building codes and permits • Includes information on working with architects and drawing up your own plans

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Building Your Own Home, Third Edition is a clear, concise, up-to-date blueprint on every aspect of the home building process. It answers all the major questions readers have about building a new home-and a few they may not have considered. This newly revised edition takes readers through every step of the home-building process, from figuring a budget to finding labour and materials to all aspects of home construction.

Creating a new home-or rebuilding a purchased one-requires architectural expertise, not only for aesthetic design purposes but also to account for structural safety, feasibility of plan, compliance with local laws and codes, and above all, to make a new house feel like home-the home you've always wanted. However, architects can be very costly- but only if you use them. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Designing Your Own Hometeaches readers to do all or most of an architect's work themselves, step-by-step, with inspirational ideas; clear, concise information; practice exercises; and professional secrets-all explained in a warm, inviting, friendly voice. It explains everything readers need to know to design the home they've always wanted while making it practical, affordable, and secure.

A clear, concise, up-to-date guide on all aspects of deciding, designing, hiring, financing, building, and enjoying a home that's really your own. -- Covers all aspects of the home building process, from deciding what kind of house to build, to designing it, planning it, hiring the people to build it, and financing it. -- Less intimidating than many do-it-yourself books which are 600+ pages and either assume some knowledge of the home building process or are geared towards those who plan to do some of the actual constructing themselves. -- Written by an experienced consumer rather than a contractor, banker, realtor, or other biased author. The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Building Your Own Home is a clear, concise, up-to-date guide on every aspect of the home building process. It answers every question readers have about building a custom residence-and a few questions they may not have considered. With clear instructions and illustrations, this book takes readers through every step of the home-building process from figuring a budget to finding labor and materials to all aspects of home construction. Whether they plan to build it all themselves, build some and hire some done, or hire it all done to their specifications, The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Building Your Own Home will do the job.

In real estate, it's a buyer's market—and here is the buyer's bible . . . Buying a home is the single most important financial move in most people's lives. This book covers a variety of topics including inspecting, evaluating, negotiating, financing, contracts, and legal issues. It also breaks down the roles of the key players and what these professionals, agents, brokers, and inspectors are responsible for—and when to go it alone. The thorough advice, covering everything from buying houses at auctions to what neighborhood to live in, will provide reassurance for every soon–to–be homeowner. • A necessary tool for those who plan to buy homes and even current homeowners in order to keep up with an ever changing market • Will be published in time for spring, when most people start looking into buying new homes • Covers a broad range of buying options and homeowner's needs

Keep construction on track with helpful checklists Turn your dream of a custom home into reality! Thinking about building your own home? This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to plan and build a beautiful home on any budget. From acquiring land to finding the best architect to overseeing the construction, you get lots of savvy tips on managing your new investment wisely -- and staying sane during the process! Discover how to: * Find the best homesite * Navigate the plan approval process * Obtain financing * Hire the right contractor * Cut design and construction costs * Avoid common mistakes

A guide to home building, renovation, and remodeling for environmentally conscientious readers or home owners looking to promote energy efficiency explains how to reduce one's personal carbon footprint, lower costs, and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle while creating one's dream home. Original.

In the 21st century, it has become very difficult for a business to survive without a website - today's equivalent of a mid-1990s yellow-pages listing. Today's websites require advanced features that visitors have come to expect- streaming video and audio; e-commerce; custom surveys, forms, and polls; and discussion groups. In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Creating a Website, readers will find- ♦ How to create a webpage-all the basics and tables. ♦ Using good design. ♦ Publishing your site. ♦ Automating your site. ♦ How to make your site profitable. ♦ Publicizing your site. The CD contains many custom templates with which to start a website, as well as numerous JavaScript scripts.

Making the dream a reality… For many people, owning and running a winery is a dream job. According to Wine Business Monthly, the number of wineries in the U.S. has jumped 26% in less than three years. To carry out this dream, one must understand that wine making involves both science and art. Starting a winery is just like starting any other business and requires planning and a deep understanding of the industry. In The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Starting and Running a Winery, readers will learn: •How to put together a business plan •Different varieties of grapes and wines •How to lay out a floor plan and what equipment is needed •How to promote wines

Explains how to locate a house to buy, negotiate an offer, get a mortgage, use the Internet to finance and sell one's home, increase resale value, and sell without a real estate agent.