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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 3 SAVING MONEY ...................................................................................... 4 BEFORE YOU BUILD ................................................................................ 5 BUDGET .................................................................................................. 7 CAN I DO THIS? ...................................................................................... 8 BEFORE PURCHASING A LOT .................................................................. 9 GET IDEAS FROM MAGAZINES AND ARTICLES .................................... 10 YOU CAN" BUILD YOUR OWN HOME................................................... 11 HERE ARE SOME FACTS TO CONSIDER................................................. 12 COMMON HOME STYLES ....................................................................... 14 LEGAL ................................................................................................... 17 FINANCIAL INFORMATION .................................................................. 18 CONSTRUCTION DRAWS (ADVANCES) ................................................. 19 SWEAT EQUITY. .................................................................................... 20 KNOW WHAT'S AVAILABLE. ................................................................. 21 BE A "GOFER" ....................................................................................... 22 SITE PLAN ............................................................................................ 23 FRAMING .............................................................................................. 25 DOORS & WINDOWS ............................................................................ 27 INSULATION & SOUNDPROOFING ....................................................... 34 PAINTING ............................................................................................. 35 C A B I N E T S , V A N I T I E S & C O U N T E R T O P S ............................... 38

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home

Legal Notices and Disclaimer
The information contained in this Ebook is strictly for educational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in this Ebook, you are taking full responsibilities for your own actions. We cannot guarantee that you will actually read the Ebook and follow the suggestions. The author and publisher make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the contents of this Ebook.

Legal Statement
THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY: While all attempts have been made to verify information provided, neither we, nor any ancillary party, assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contradictory interpretation of the subject matter herein.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Introduction

So youre thinking about building your own home. This book was written to give you an idea about the thoughts and processes that go into building your own home. My goal is

that you will discover that you indeed can Contract Your Own Home. With a step-by-step instructional guide anyone can accomplish this. When I started out in building my own home, there were no guides available. Using my step-by-step instructions you will save you time and money and help reduce the frustration caused by not having a complete plan. Contracting is the process of coordinating the efforts of skilled tradesmen and material in an efficient manner. This book will give you an idea of how to do just that! Your goal is to save time and money yours!

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Saving Money

When properly applying all the information, you can easily save as much as 34% over the same home purchased through the real estate market. Here is where youll save. Sweat Equity your own labour Materials Contractors Mark-up You may save as much as 5-9% 4-5% 15-20% 34%

The money youll save by being your own contractor will either dramatically reduce your mortgage or allow you to build a more elaborate home with more of the add-on features you always wanted, but could not afford.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Before You Build

You will need to do some ground work before you build and ask some of the following questions. 1. How big is your project? 2. What can I afford? 3. How much equity do I have in my existing house and what can I get for it when I sell? 4. You need to find out the availability of sub-trades. Are they busy right now or are they bidding on projects because the availability of work is in short supply. (Good for you!) 5. One of the things you need to consider is not what the house costs you to build but actually what this new home will be worth when it is completed in accordance with the materials you specified you would use. You can get a rough idea by checking the real estate market to find out what homes of similar size are listed for in your new area. You can also get an appraisal of your house from your blueprints providing you have them done from your lending institution. This will give you a more accurate reflection of the final value of your home when it is completed. 6. What style of house do you want to build? The most important rooms when designing your house is the kitchen and bathrooms. 7. What will the colour scheme be? 8. What kind of kitchen cupboards will I put in? 9. Will I be using hardwood or laminate, linoleum or ceramic or carpet? Take as long as you need to go through this process before you move to the next 5

Preparing to Contract Your Own Home

stage which is determining a cost and setting out my budget.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Budget

YesI said budget. Setting a budget takes the unknown out of the final cost of your project. Having a budget will stop the impulse buying especially when you are being pressured by some sales person that is trying to get you to buy the best one. You dont have to get the best one. You have to get what you can afford and what you budgeted for. A budget ensures piece of mind that every aspect of your building stage will be completed and paid for just as you planned. Remember, you only have a certain amount of money to build your house. You may have been given a budget of $12,000 for cabinets and vanities including installation. If you spend $12,900 you have to trim $900 dollars off of some other budgeted item. Budgets are extremely important when you are contracting your own home. By now you have determined that you want to go ahead and

Contract Your Own Home.

Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Can I Do This?

Yes..a thousand times yes! But it is not as simple when you have to make quick decisions so plan out your strategy to find your materials a head of the actual start date. The stress comes from not planning ahead of the start date and then realizing that you have to be in two different parts of the country to meet the sub trades or look at colours, or flooring or whatever it is you are shopping for. This is the fun part so have fun doing it. Remember you havent spent a dime yet but you already know what you are buying and how much it will cost.

Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Before Purchasing a Lot

Before purchasing a lot you will want to ask yourself these questions. 1. What part of the city do you want to live in? 2. Are there schools in the area or is there any being built in the near future? 3. Is it a safe neighborhood? 4. How far is it to the nearest grocery or convenience store? 5. How far are away are emergency services? 6. What are the existing and future plans for zoning in this area? 7. How far are you from your place of employment? 8. Is there a bus route? 9. Are there any easements on the lot you are looking to purchase? This will be explained more fully in Contracting Your Own Home.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Get Ideas from Magazines and Articles
Broaden your knowledge base to make sure of what you want in your new home. Magazines on Home Design, Home Decorating, Landscaping and DIY are full of information and can give you a wealth of ideas. The internet also has a lot of information. Check out the Home and Garden sites, hardware and house designs.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home You Can" Build Your Own Home
Weve all heard stories about the problems that people have had in building their own home; Contract

Your Own Home will help you to achieve something that until now youve only dreamed about! If we believed in ourselves only half as much as others believe in us, we could accomplish a whole lot more. When given the right information in an understandable form, you can accomplish something you never thought possible. Look back at something you werent able to do in the past and are doing today. It is amazing isnt it? Chances are that someone showed you how to do it and thats why you mastered it Its the same with building or contracting your own home. Its a matter of EUI Educating, Understanding and Implementing. For more detailed information see Contract Your Own Home.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Here are some Facts to Consider
1. You can build even if you have never hammered a nail or picked up a saw. You do not need to become educated in the physical attributes of building. This will become clear to you as you read through this book. 2. I work all day and my wife works all day and all night! Theres no time for us to build. Congratulations! You qualify. The very fact that a person as busy as you even though about trying to build, tells me you have what it takes! Weve all heard the statement, If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person! Its true! In this fast-moving and sometimes hectic lifestyle, there are always people who plan for things like weekend getaways, or 3-4 week holidays, etc. See Contract Your Own Home for a complete Construction Guide. The schedule we set up requires only a few hours of your time in the evening, and a few more hours on weekends. Its being done all the time. You do it even now! You need to be organized. Thats what's required and well help. The actual physical work is left to the tradesmen who have the ability, experience and the tools to get the job done. This job will be done even while you working at your place of employment. Contracting your own home requires common sense. Examples would be ordering materials to the jobsite in time for the project to continue smoothly; or working within your budget so you wont over spend. If you have time you may want to take in some seminars or workshops at your 12

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local building supply center. There is also information on the internet. This will give you more education and understanding and then you will be able to implement what you have learned. Keep in mind, as with any project of this magnitude, there will be days when your energy and eagerness for the project is not what you would like and youll ask yourself if youre okay. Dont worry! Contract Your Own Home was

written for people just like you. You can do it! 3. In most places, you do not need a business license to build privately for yourself; however you will need a building permit from the local Town Office or City Hall. 4. If you were to survey the construction industry, you would be overwhelmed at the number of builders who do not possess a university degree of any kind. Yet these people oversee and build homes all year round and make a substantial income doing it. 5. You need to see yourself as a contractor, as someone who can tackle the job! 6. You may want to volunteer for an organization like Habitat for Humanity. They build homes for those in need and volunteers come and help build. Great place to learn and give some time! Its a benefit to them and also to you! 7. Record keeping will become one of the most valuable assets and we show you how. Once you understand the importance of this aspect, it will become easier for you to do. Organize ahead of time and use our charts. Just fill them in and keep them up-to-date. Contract Your Own Home. 13 ContractYourOwnHomeGuide.com 2012 All Rights Reserved For more in depth information see

Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Common Home Styles

The Bungalow
A bungalow is designed with all the rooms on one level. There will be one set of stairs (13 steps) which lead from the main floor to the basement. The roof design my change to include a cathedral ceiling or you may go with 10 foot walls to give you a larger appearance.

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Two Story
A two-Story home simply as two levels divides by a common set of 13 steps leading from the main floor to the top floor, where the bedrooms and bathrooms are located. The main level contains a living room, dining room, kitchen, front entry, possibly a den and a bathroom. It is on the ground level. The floor space or area is relatively equal between the two floors. Two-Story homes are somewhat cheaper to build because the roof and the basement are half the size. If you were to build a 1400 sq. ft bungalow you will need enough roofing material and concrete to cover 1400 sq. ft. whereas if you built a 1400 sq. ft. 2-story you would only need enough roofing material and concrete to cover 700 sq. ft.

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Bi-Level
Bi means two, therefore a home with two levels. The elevation the bi-level is designed so that the upper portion of the basement is above ground level, allowing for stick framing above grade. These are called pony walls. The entrance is at ground level with a set of stairs to the main floor containing the living room dining room, kitchen bathroom and bedrooms. Sometimes the utility room is on the main level as well. Another set of stairs leads from the front entry to the basement level. Bi-Level homes have large basement windows and are especially functional for basement development because of the added light entering the lower level.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Legal

Encourage you to contact and obtain advice from people in the industry who deal with these types of transactions on a daily basis in order to protect your investment in the purchase or construction of a home. For 95% of people, the purchase of a home is the largest single transaction which they will undertake in their lifetime.
It is actually quite alarming to see the

number of purchasers who have decided to buy a $200,000.00 to a $300,000.00 home and have taken 15 minutes to make the decision. These

are also the same people who, in making a decision to buy a $1,000.00 television set, will agonize and shop around for a month to determine if it is the best value before making the decision. You will find a complete legal prospective in the book Contract Your Own Home.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Financial Information

In most cases today, financial institutions are offering a ''pre-approved mortgage" to potential home buyers. This is perhaps the wisest route. They determine by your income and existing debt, how large a mortgage you would qualify for. In this way, you can plan your home accordingly.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Construction Draws (Advances )

Once you have received approval from the financial institution to begin construction, they will provide you with a Mortgage Advance Schedule, usually with three or four stages. 1. Excavation and basement done, but before backfilling. 2. Framing and roofing done, doors & windows installed, electrical and plumbing roughed in, insulation and vapor barrier in place, but no drywall. 3. Completion of drywall, painting, staining, cabinets, trim and interior doors. 4. Just prior to moving in. See Contract Your Own Home for a complete Mortgage Advance Schedule.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Sweat Equity.

One of the easiest and most rewarding ways of saving money during the construction of your home is by doing every small project you can find, that you are capable of doing. This will save you money and get you involved in the project. Just make sure that you can complete your task on time, so you don't hold up other sub-trades who are relying on you to get finished and out of their way.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Know What's Available.

Certain products come from the factory at a pre-determined length or size. Find out what these sizes are, and plan your home to utilize these factory sizes so as to minimize material waste. For example, carpet comes in rolls 12 ft. wide, and studs come in 8 ft. lengths, and cabinet modules come in 3" increments.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Be a "Gofer"

This only works to your advantage if you know the tradesmen. You may have a general overall

knowledge about framing, etc. Try to convince the framing sub-trade to hire you as the "gofer" for the duration of the job. He can pay you an agreed wage per hour. If you wish, it can be subtracted from the contract price at the end of the job. This allows you to gain the

experience of learning more about that particular trade or area of building. If you do this enough times, you won't need to hire anyone to do the work for you anymore.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Site Plan

Once you have purchased the lot, it is imperative that you have a plot or site plan incorporated into your blueprint. This site plan should show all property lines, actual dimensions of your lot, all public easements setback according or and private all

requirements to the local

code. It should also show elevations grade required and which

levels

incorporate positive drainage from the home as well as any slope on the driveway, making absolutely sure that drainage will not end up on your neighbours yard. Be sure to check for any easements as you cannot pour concrete or construct anything on an easement. They should be plotted and staked out. When your site plan is complete you may be required to hire a professional surveyor to mark out your excavation site at your desired location on the lot. Have him mark out the elevation as well. In most cases this included in the

basement excavation. The surveyor will use a sophisticated transit/level to mark out the future basement precisely. They use offset markers (a minimum of

eight), marked with elevations and placed at setback requirement distances. 23

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The setback distances (usually 5' all around) allow mechanical equipment to excavate the basement without removing site plan markers. Using these

markers and a level, it is easy to establish and check elevation depths. Once the footings are in place and the basement walls built, the surveyor will retun1 and take exact measurements of the home location, etc., to describe on the Surveyor's Certificate. See Contract Your Own Home for more detailed information.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Framing

The framing of your home is one of the most important aspects of the project. It begins as soon as the sub floor has been laid. This is the floor that covers the joists, and is usually installed by the basement sub-trade. The ''framer" may also install the sub floor, but it is usually quoted as an "extra". We recommend that you get quotations from two or three sub-trades for the framing of your home. There can be extra costs depending on what extras you put into your house. Extras are items like: Extra gables. Dormers. Cathedral ceilings. Build outs. Pillars. Arches. Specialty windows, such as bay windows, arched windows, etc. 25

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Chimney chaise. Poly wrapping of exterior windows. Deck. Garage. Pocket doors. Basement stairs. Perhaps you can be the "gofer" for the framer. They always need someone who can pound nails or hold a board or carry something. There is a great deal You

of satisfaction in knowing that you actually helped in the building process.

may not get paid much, but the experience you receive is invaluable, especially if you decide to build again. The other advantage to being the "gofer is that you are able to keep an eye on the project as it proceeds. Most tradesmen are experienced and professional in their own field and you can learn a lot from them. In this section, we are not going to tell you how to frame a home. Words cannot describe in enough detail, the amount of work or the variations in methods used in framing. See Contract Your Own Home.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Doors & Windows

Doors and windows have taken on a new look in recent years. Styles and designs

vary greatly and a good deal of effort has been spent to increase the insulating or "R" value of these items. With

the wide variety of doors and windows available on the

market, a good knowledge of what to look for is essential. The more ''pliable" the door or window is in context of "R" value or preventative maintenance characteristics, the higher the cost will be. Doors and windows are one of the most frequently changed items in a building plan, whether it is the style, size or location. It is very important to have proper plans available on site to show the correct placement of doors and windows, and to indicate the rough opening dimensions of the doors and windows you have ordered. Your framing crew will need these dimensions to cut the correct header sizes during the framing stage. If your home is to have a brick exterior, you need to know the door and window widths so that proper size steel lintels for the brick can be ordered. Doors and windows must be ordered well ahead of time to ensure scheduled delivery. 27

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Suppliers have many types of doors and windows in stock, but quite often specialty orders take many weeks to deliver. Do not order exterior doors and windows to site until they are to be installed. This will reduce the possibility of theft or breakage, as well as possible moisture absorption. Do the doors and windows you select have a wood finish on the outside, inside or both or not at all'? Make sure that this is noted in your painting bid, as it greatly reduces the cost. The cost of labor to install all exterior doors and windows should be included by the framing sub-trade.

Types & Styles of Doors

Exterior Doors Entrance Doors. Sliding Patio Doors. Garden Doors. Swing Terrace Doors. Garage Doors. Exterior doors can be made of wood, steel or fiberglass. Wood exterior doors are generally made of a high-grade fir which shows off a beautiful wood grain when stained. Exterior flush wood doors may be either a solid particle board core or a solid lumber door. The latter is both better and stronger but also more expensive. Paneled wood doors are also often used and either style of door may be fitted with glass inserts. Wood doors do not provide the same insulating value as some other types of doors.

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Steel insulated doors provide good insulation value. They are built with a steel outer shell and filled with insulation material. They generally come pre-hung Often they come

with their own frame, jamb and hinges already assembled.

with sidelight panels and various types of glass inserts in the door. There is a great deal of designs to choose from. Fibreglass doors are a molded fiber door with urethane insulation. The Fiberglas is often etched to give it a wood grain look. These doors have a good insulating value and will not warp or crack like wood tends to do. Interior Doors Interior doors are generally made of wood or wood fibre in a panel form. These doors may be flush, louvered or paneled. The flush doors may be a hollow or solid core, with the solid core being much more expensive. Louvered doors are generally used only if a free flow of air is desired, such as a mechanical equipment room or as a decorative feature in a rumpus room, etc. Pre-hung doors are most often used as there is a general saving in labor. If using pre-hung doors, the type of casing desired for the entire house must be pre-selected before ordering the doors. Other interior doors consist of ''pocket doors" which slide in and out of a pocket already framed into a wall. Pocket doors are often installed in areas where there is not enough room to swing a door. The hardware for a pocket door must be installed at the framing stage. Bi-fold doors are generally used for closets. The bi-fold door is made of two or more hinged sections forming one door. It is most useful to provide a wide door opening and easy access to closet space. 29 ContractYourOwnHomeGuide.com 2012 All Rights Reserved

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Folding doors are used in areas where little space is available to swing a door. The folding door folds like an accordion as it slides along a track. It can be made of wood, vinyl or other materials in narrow panel sections. Garage doors may be made of wood, steel or molded materials, and can also be insulated. Choose the garage door to match the exterior home trim.

Types and Styles of Windows

Windows are greatly varied in shapes, styles and designs, and many have a different application and purpose. When choosing window style and type, talk to professional suppliers and gain as much information and pricing as possible before making a final decision. Just as with doors, window costs will greatly increase depending on "R" or insulating value and the type of frame and glass chosen. Standard window types are: 1. Casement Windows Casement windows offer one of the best seals against air infiltration of an operating unit. They may come as a

single window or multiple sections, with one section allowed opening for air ventilation. The section which

opens is generally operated by a heavy-duty crank assembly or lever. Casement windows come with one to four locks for security.

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2. Awning Windows These windows operate much like a casement window except that they open horizontally. The awning window may be jointed to a fixed or picture window. This window opens with a

crank mechanism and comes with locks for security. The awning window allows for air ventilation and may be left open in a light rain.

3. Bow and Bay Windows The bow and bay windows can both be used to add beauty and space to your home. The size and area to be covered is up to you, as different sizes are available. The bow window has many unique applications such as the kitchen or dining area. The bow window adds extra room and can provide ventilation from the narrower side panels. The bay portion can be a lovely stain grade oak or fir which may add a nice touch or complement kitchen cupboards

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4. Picture Windows They are generally large fixed windows with no movement. Picture windows do not open, but they may be matched with an awning sliding or casement window if ventilation is desired. Other specialty or custom-made windows are often added to a picture window to enhance the beauty or to give a unique appearance or design. 5. Double Hung Windows This is an old style window which has been improved for use today. With a double hung window, both sashes move vertically to provide top and/or bottom ventilation. Cleaning of these windows has been made easier by allowing the sash to tilt inward. The sashes are secured by heavy cam locks. 6. Sliding Windows They are windows that slide horizontally in a track or frame. They may be decorative or plain and may be used in most areas of the home, especially bedrooms.

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7. Custom or Specialty Windows These windows are used to give a room that "special" look, an eye-catching uniqueness. They may be used individually in a room, or as an addition to spice up another window.

8. Skylights Skylights are installed to capture a view of the outdoors and use natural sunlight. They can help create spacious interiors, adding brightness and simple beauty. Great care must be taken with installation of these units to ensure that a long-lasting leak proof seal has been installed. Skylights are often boxed in at the framing stage. A proper frame and curb is built and proper flashing and seal is provided by the roofer.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Insulation & Soundproofing

A well insulated home is a comfortable home. Home heating and air conditioning costs can be significantly reduced by proper building insulation. With the cost of all energy forms on the rise, it becomes increasingly more important to properly insulate your home. This is especially true in Canada, where

temperatures can dip to -40 degrees Celsius, and even colder with wind-chill factors. Proper insulation will also shut out a lot of unnecessary noise from outside.

Insulation comes in different forms:

1. Fiberglas batt insulation. 2. Blown-in materials such as Rockwool. 3. Lightweight rigid board sheathing panel constructed from extruded or expanded polystyrene foam. 4. Spray Foam insulation. See Contract Your Own Home for more information on insulating.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Painting

This is one phase of construction where homeowners can invest some sweat equity". Painting is fairly labour intensive and savings anywhere from 1 -3

thousand dollars can be realized, depending on the amount of painting inside and outside the home.

Interior Painting
The interior painting should be done after any ceilings have been stippled, and before any doors are hung. This saves a great deal of time, as you do not have to be as careful. The most common interior paint is latex or alkyd paint. Latex paint is

water based, and has some distinct advantages. odorless, and

It

is

relatively quickly.

dries

Equipment is easily cleaned with water. Alkyd paint is a synthetic based paint which seems to be "tougher" or more durable than latex paint. Alkyd paint also adheres to a variety of surfaces

better than latex paint; however it requires a solvent for thinning, and for cleaning. It is generally more expensive than latex paint. Oil based paints are also used for interior use, but are slower to dry and produce an odor. As well, brushes and rollers have to be cleaned with solvent. 35 ContractYourOwnHomeGuide.com 2012 All Rights Reserved

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Whatever paint you use, it can be pre-mixed to give you the exact shade or color you desire. However, when mixing paint, be sure to mark down the exact

mixture on both the paint label and in your project management book. You will need to have the proper tools for undertaking the painting phase of the project. 1 1 1 1 2 - 1" or 1 1/2" brush - 2" or 2 1/2" brush - 4" brush - Roller pan c/w ribbed bottom -Rollers c/w short nap approximately

1/4" thick 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 - Step ladder, 6' for inside, and 14' for outside - Paint thinner, if alkyd or oil-based paint is used. - Cleaning tray & cleaning rags - Stir stick - Medium and fine sandpaper - Crack filler - Caulking gun and caulking - Good portable light, if lights are not already operational in home

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paint you are using, whether water base or oil base. He will recommend a brush that is best for either application. When painting new surfaces, always use a latex primer. Oil-based primers
should never be used on new drywall surfaces a s they create a rough surface 1 for finish coats. If you insist on using oil-based primer, you will need to sand the

surfaces after the primer is dry. It's a lot of extra work. Oil based primer causes the fibres in the gyproc to be raised, thus causing the rough surface. If ceilings require painting, do them first, along with the walls. Apply the primer and both finish coats before installing any doors or trim. Do not thin paint for the final coat of paint. If the doors and trim require painting, apply the primer and finish coat before installation. You can do touch-ups after installation.

Decorative Painting
There are some new techniques on the market that are very effective and inexpensive, and give your home a unique appearance. Contract Your Own Home has included some decorative painting ideas.

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Preparing to Contract Your Own Home Cabinets, Vanities & Countertops

There are many different styles of prefabricated kitchens on the market today. Determine your budget and find a kitchen to match your taste and style. You may wish to have the cabinets custom-made on site. This usually takes a little more time, and the cost can nm up very quickly. Once again, get as many estimates as you can and check out the workmanship. references. Dont be fooled by fancy showrooms. Compare "apples with apples". Some installers will throw in little extras. Ask for these as you negotiate. Once you have decided on which trade you wish to use, ask him to put it in writing, including everything you discussed, including the extras we just mentioned. Some trades will pay you a fee for consenting to be a reference. Make sure you agree on a set fee beforehand, and ask him to put it in writing. One of the most important things to remember is that the amount of cabinets is not nearly as important as how functional they are. Pre-fabricated cabinets dont always suit your requirements. If this is the case, consider having them custom built. Whatever your decision, try to negotiate the most cabinet for your dollar. Determine the color and styles of handles or pulls, and try to get these included in the quotation. 38 Dont hesitate to ask for

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Make sure you have enough drawer space, and have the drawers placed strategically for your convenience. For example, you will want to have the cutlery drawer close to the dining table. The area for pots and pans should be close to the stove. What about a bread board or spice rack? How about some glass in one of the upper units, or one of those built-in garbage cans that opens automatically when you open the cabinet door? These are things you will want to consider. Consider the different door styles, from plain to cathedral. home? Do you want them to match the rest of the doors in the

What about the overall decor of the home? The cabinets should

complement this. Your cabinet supplier will also be able to quote on any bathroom vanities or wall units you may require. He will also be able to color co-ordinate all the vanities to match the kitchen cabinets. In most cases, the cabinet supplier will be able to supply and install the countertops. The style and color is usually co-ordinated with the pulls or handles. Most cabinets and countertops are priced and installed by the lineal foot, with additional costs charged for specialty items such as countertop stoves, sinks, or fancy edge work. Some new design marble tops have the sink designed right into the countertop. 39 ContractYourOwnHomeGuide.com 2012 All Rights Reserved

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The obvious benefit is the lack of seals required between the standard sink and countertop. Most cabinets are designed 24" deep; however, countertops can be a little deeper, allowing for more working space. Discuss this with your sub-trade ahead of time to determine whether you'll have enough room. The size of your stove and fridge and dishwasher will be a determining factor for your cabinets. Remember to take this into consideration when planning your

cupboards, keeping in mind which way your fridge door swings. As mentioned before, your kitchen and bathroom is a great selling feature in a home. Be imaginative! Use colors that are well coordinated. A bright, cheerful kitchen with lots of natural lighting is a real drawing card. See Contract Your Own Home for complete instructions for Cabinets By now you have decided to move forward and build your own home!

CONGRATULATIONS!
You will find our educational book and all the forms you will need at Contract Your Own Home This is your chance to advance the fortunes of your family and also to learn how to assist your family in doing the very same thing. You may want to even become a project manager and help others do the very thing you had enough courage to do, Contract your own Home. The purchase of this book is an investment in your own future. You can do this and we would be excited to hear how you did. Greatest Admiration; B. P. Ehalt 40 ContractYourOwnHomeGuide.com 2012 All Rights Reserved