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The Real Goods Independent Builder
Designing & Building a House Your Own Way
by Sam Clark

      "A successful project requires getting a lot of simple decisions right. My goal is to help readers succeed at this process, and also realize their imaginative design goals." -- Sam Clark

      This is a comprehensive manual of design and building methods for owner-builders as well as professional builders and their clients. In addition to presenting specific building techniques, the book explains the design principles and planning processes that underlie all good building, so that readers can develop their own exceptional designs, independently.

      The Real Goods Independent Builder develops subjects not covered thoroughly in other books, but critical to success: Designing small houses that seem big; Understanding innovation; Estimating and controlling costs; Incorporating ergonomics and accessibility; Doing drawings and scale models, and making contracts that work.

      "I am planning to build an owner-built house next summer, and have read upwards of 50 books on the subject. The Independent Builder is by far the best. It shared wisdom in addition to information." -- Mark Harrison of Jaffrey, New Hampshire