How to be a successful Owner Builder & Renovator by: Alan Staines -

This manual is intended firstly to give the owner builder a panoramic view of owner building and house construction. Secondly it also provides a detailed understanding of how to manage a house building site and perform some common trade skills.

The key for the Owner Builder to be successful and to finish the project with definite savings having been achieved is to gain as much knowledge on the subject as possible before commencement. It is far better to begin negotiations with the subcontractors and manufacturers without sounding too green on the subject.

A tradesperson's skill is revealed in the speed with which he can perform the task and still maintain a good quality finish without 'new chum' blunders. In having a go who knows what submerged talents or skills may float to the surface? There is nothing to compare with the satisfaction of laying your first bricks or blocks straight and level let alone the thrill of surveying a complete wall built by one's own hands. In attempting carpentry skills there is nothing like the pleasure of learning to use those tools one thought mistakenly belong only in the hands of a Master Craftsperson.

Don't be discouraged by your first failure. It is surprising how quickly you will learn to saw straight and measure accurately. Remember even tradespeople make 'measuring' foulups. Also don't forget a degree of patience must be exercised when learning anything new.

This manual How to be a Successful Owner Builder & Renovator is cross referenced to The Australian House Building Manual. The companion manual covers the detailed on-site procedures from foundations through to the roof and framing. Overlapping of information has been limited to areas which were necessary for each book to retain its integrity should a reader not have access to both manuals.

Drawings: Black & White
Units of Measurement: Metric