This book guides readers through the questions that need to be answered before building a home. Topics are organized under the main categories of understanding how homes are built, designing, paying for the construction, hiring help, and constructing the home include. Specific chapter topics include: choosing between conventional and manufactured homes, energy efficient building, comparing costs of building a home with those of having it built, understanding codes and permits, hiring a general contractor, planning construction, excavating, building interior, and outdoor facility constructing. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)