Part One: The Big Picture

Chapter One: Getting Started

Reasons why you should determine what you like and dislike about your current house before looking at new houses and studying floor plans. Plus, tips for assembling your new house dream team.

Chapter Two: Who are the Players?

Who gets top billing and who ends up in supporting roles in building the house of your dreams may surprise you. And then there’s the leading player who never even gets a walk-on part, but whose decisions will have enormous impact on your community and the future value of your property.

Chapter Three: How Much Will It Cost?

Explanations for the biggest factors affecting building costs. And popular myths regarding cost – debunked.

Chapter Four: Financing

Ways to find out how much house you can afford, and how to get the ball rolling on financing.

Chapter Five: The Production-Built House

Today’s production builders, as tract-builders prefer to be called, offer small, large and in-between sized houses with options that allow buyers to customize their houses to a remarkable degree. Find out which options are frivolous and which are prudent choices – and other tips.

Chapter Six: The Custom-Built House

How do you find an architect and a builder to help you make your dream house into a real house?

Part Two: Field Notes

Chapter Seven: The Kitchen

Take off the rose colored glasses and make sure that the kitchen is functional. Then you can move on to countertops, cabinetry and appliances.

Chapter Eight: Other Rooms

Zero in on every room in your architect's or builder’s floor plan, or finished model. Even the garage.

Chapter Nine: Flooring

Though not always given the respect it merits, the floor is the element that ties all the spaces together.

Chapter Ten: The Lot

Get expert advice and ask the right questions before you spend a bundle on land.

Chapter Eleven: The Purchase

Now’s the time to roll out your dream team of experts: a buyer’s agent, an experienced real estate attorney, and a private home inspector.

Chapter Twelve: The Production House Sales Contract

The production builder's sales contract is written to favor the builder's interests. Understand what you are getting into when you sign it, and why you should have it reviewed by an experienced real estate attorney before you sign.

Chapter Thirteen: The Custom Home Sales Contract

You are spending a bundle to get your custom house built exactly the way you want. What kind of sales contract do you need to ensure that this happens and why will it cost you more to get it?

Chapter Fourteen: Construction Considerations

Before you finalize the deal, spend some time mulling over the nuts and bolts. What are the pertinent questions to ask your builder?