Some Readings Helpful to Prospective Home Builders

There are several books, pamphlets and other easily available resources available to anyone considering a home building project. Among there are:

“A Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect”: The California Board of Architectural Examiners, the state agency that licenses architects, offers this free pamphlet. The publication explains how to select and draw up a contract with an architect and what administrative and legal recourse you have if you believe that contract is broken. For a copy write to the California Board of Architectural Examiners, 1021 O St., Room A102, Sacramento, Calif. 94244-2580.

“What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor”: The California Contractors State License Board offers this free pamphlet. This booklet explains how to hire and direct a contractor. Special attention is given to how to schedule payments and oversee completion of the project. The pamphlet also details how to file complaints if the project is not completed to your satisfaction. For a copy, send a self-addressed mailing label to the California Contractors State License Board, P.O. Box 2600, Sacramento, Calif. 95826.

The Owner Builder Center: This nonprofit educational group in Berkeley offers 40 different classes covering home building, remodeling and maintenance. In addition, the center periodically sponsors a special daylong, $75 seminar in the San Francisco Bay Area that outlines how to contract to build a house for yourself. If you cannot attend the seminar, the course materials, including a detailed syllabus and audio tape are available for $30. For more information, write to the Owner Builder Center, 1250 Addison St., Berkeley, Calif. 94702, or call (415) 848-6860.

“House” by Tracy Kidder (Houghton, Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass.). Kidder, a Pulitzer-prize winning writer, traces the construction of an actual house in New England from abstract concept to completion. Kidder, who sat in on meetings among the owners, contractor and architect, offers an insightful look at the often conflicting forces at play during the construction process.

“How to Live Through Remodeling,” Sunset Magazine, May, 1981. Although this article deals with remodeling, much of the information and advice is applicable to a home building project. Your local library should be able to help you locate the article.