What this book will do for you. Introduction -- Design & planning. The lot -- Designing your home -- Green building -- Designing kitchens & baths -- Saving money -- Legal & financial information -- Project management. How to be a builder -- Best practices -- Material, labor & subs -- Making changes -- Safety & inspections -- Estimating costs -- Construction. Pre-construction -- Site location & excavation -- Foundation -- Framing -- Sheathing -- Roofing & gutters -- Plumbing -- Water heaters -- The waste system -- HVAC -- Electrical -- Masonry & stucco -- Siding & cornice -- Insulation & soundproofing -- Drywall -- Trim -- Painting & wallcovering -- Cabinetry & countertops -- Flooring, tile & glazing -- Landscaping -- Decks & sunrooms.