The Owner-Builder Book


Book Description

This easy to understand, step-by-step guide is clear enough for even a novice to understand, Even if you hire a contractor to build you home, this book will greatly help you understand the process. From shopping for a piece of land to getting a loan to dealing with a contractor, the Smiths' advice covers everything about building a home. The authors advise on getting organized and tackling the hardest parts of the process step by step. Included are valuable lists, charts, ideas and questionnaires. Also, how to shop around for bargains and minimize costs room by room.




Green Home Building


Book Description

A comprehensive guide to building green on any budget. According to conventional wisdom, building a green home is an expensive endeavor. The standard approach treats green as an add-on, tacking "premium" products, finishes, and equipment onto a traditional home design. As a result, many green home projects end up over budget or fail to achieve their environmental and performance goals. Green Home Building explodes the myth that green homes have to cost more. Using proven methods based on applied building science, the authors show how to: Lower base construction costs to provide funding for high performance upgrades Achieve a net-zero energy home, including "zero-ing" water, waste, carbon, and associated costs within fifteen years Live affordably into the future, despite anticipated rising costs for fuel, water, materials, taxes, and health care This comprehensive guide to building green on any budget defines the strategies that maximize the return on green investments. Written for anyone who has ever been swayed by the argument that the price tag limits how green a home can be, Green Home Building is a must-read for builders, contractors, architects, designers, and homeowners. Miki Cook is a green building and sustainability consultant who has dedicated her career to educating contractors and the public on the strategies, methods, and benefits of green homes. Doug Garrett has trained thousands of homebuilders, architects, and sub-contractors to build energy-efficient homes using applied building science to improve comfort, durability, and healthfulness while meeting or exceeding the energy code.




Owner Building Made Easy


Book Description

Tamara Aspeling takes you, the would-be owner-builder, through all the steps involved in the process in a way that’s logical, accessible and chronological. The book covers the preparation of plans, obtaining local authority approval, costing and estimating, putting the project out to tender, selecting a contractor and negotiating a building contract that’s fair to both owner and contractor. Packed with practical, money-saving tips, and filling a much needed gap in the South African market, Owner-building Made? Easy shows you how to anticipate and thus avoid unexpected pitfalls, and follows the house-building or renovation process sequentially from design to completion.




ThriftStyle


Book Description

A must-have guide for bargain-hunting fashionistas looking to make a statement without sabotaging their budgets. With this easy-to-use resource, savvy shoppers can cultivate upscale, upcycled wardrobes at thrift and consignment store prices. Shoppers will learn to navigate the racks of their local consignment shop, spot name brands like Versace, Dior, and Burberry, select the best quality items, and repair secondhand clothes that need some love. Photo-filled chapters on thrifted handbags, jewelry, scarves, and other accessories show what's available and give tips for distinguishing quality items from fakes. Interviews with expert tailors, dry cleaners, shoe repair wizards, and fabric-dyeing professionals explain what makes a damaged piece of clothing worth renovating. Before-and-after photos show what can be done to refashion less-than-perfect finds.




Small Barn Plans for Owner-Builders


Book Description




The Complete Guide to Building Your Own Home and Saving Thousands on Your New House


Book Description

Buying a new home can be an expensive endeavor. Many people dream of building their own home but mistakenly believe that doing so is not cost effective. However, you can save 20 to 40 percent or more by building your own home. In The Complete Guide to Building Your Own Home and Saving Thousands on Your New House you will discover that your dream can become reality. From basic planning to construction methods, this new book will take you through all the steps of building your own home. You will learn how to: choose a site, draw up a construction time line, apply for construction loans and financing, obtain essential insurance information, buy or prepare inexpensive plans, find and negotiate with subcontractors, comply with building codes, select features and fixtures, choose the style of the house, decide on the size of the rooms, and get building permits. You will learn about building materials and foundations, floors, walls, paint, windows, decks, garage doors, roofing, flashings, chimneys, plumbing, wiring, ceilings, floors, railings, and attics. In addition, you will learn how to design a home that will meet your needs, perform constructions tasks safely, and build amenities. This book will inform you about common problems to watch for, including foundation, roofing, walls, stairs, sidewalks, driveways, heating and cooling, electrical capacity, and wiring. This book will detail money-saving options and environmentally friendly techniques, while at the same time allowing you to monitor the quality of the materials and the workmanship, fine-tune the design, and make sure the results are exactly what you had envisioned. Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company president's garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.




Money-Saving Mastery: Strategies for Financial Success


Book Description

"Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." - Benjamin Franklin Introducing "Money-Saving Mastery: Strategies for Financial Success," the ultimate guide to transforming your financial life and achieving your dreams. This comprehensive resource is packed with practical tips, expert advice, and real-life examples to help you save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. Inside this book, you'll discover: The importance of creating a budget and how to design one that works for your lifestyle The power of tracking your expenses and identifying areas where you can save more Innovative ways to cut costs on everyday items, from groceries to utilities Strategies for reducing debt and improving your credit score The benefits of setting short and long-term financial goals and how to achieve them Effective saving techniques, including emergency funds and retirement planning Tips for smarter shopping, including how to find the best deals and negotiate prices The importance of living within your means and resisting the urge to overspend Strategies for increasing your income, from side hustles to investing in yourself How to navigate major life events, such as buying a home or starting a family, without breaking the bank The role of technology in managing your finances, from budgeting apps to online resources Tips for teaching your children about money management and instilling good financial habits The psychology behind saving money and how to develop a wealth-building mindset Inspiring stories of individuals who have successfully transformed their financial lives Whether you're just starting on your financial journey or looking to take your savings to the next level, "Money-Saving Mastery: Strategies for Financial Success" provides the tools and knowledge you need to achieve financial freedom. With this invaluable guide, you'll be well on your way to a more prosperous and fulfilling life. Don't wait any longer - start mastering the art of saving money today! Contents: The Psychology of Saving Money Understanding Your Money Mindset Creating a Positive Attitude Towards Saving Overcoming Common Barriers to Saving Creating a Personalized Budget Evaluating Your Income and Expenses Setting Realistic Savings Goals Tracking Your Spending and Adjusting Your Budget Reducing Expenses Cutting Back on Housing Costs Saving Money on Food and Groceries Reducing Transportation and Travel Expenses Smart Shopping Habits Finding the Best Deals and Discounts Utilizing Coupons and Cashback Programs Shopping Secondhand and Thrift Stores Managing Debt and Credit Strategies for Paying Off High-Interest Debt Building and Maintaining Good Credit Avoiding Common Credit Pitfalls Saving on Utilities and Household Expenses Energy Efficiency Tips for Your Home Reducing Water Usage and Waste Saving Money on Home Maintenance and Repairs Planning for Emergencies and Unexpected Expenses Building an Emergency Fund Protecting Yourself with Insurance Preparing for Job Loss or Income Reduction Saving on Entertainment and Leisure Finding Affordable Hobbies and Activities Saving Money on Dining Out and Socializing Budget-Friendly Travel and Vacation Ideas Investing in Your Future Understanding Different Investment Options Saving for Retirement Investing in Real Estate and Other Assets Saving for Education Planning for Your Children's Education Finding Scholarships and Grants Reducing Student Loan Debt Saving on Healthcare Costs Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan Utilizing Preventive Care and Wellness Programs Saving Money on Prescriptions and Medical Supplies Tax Planning and Saving Strategies Understanding Tax Deductions and Credits Tax-Advantaged Savings Accounts Strategies for Reducing Your Tax Bill Savings Challenges and Strategies Setting Short-Term and Long-Term Savings Goals Participating in Savings Challenges Creating a Savings Support System Frugal Living Tips and Tricks Embracing a Minimalist Lifestyle Reducing Waste and Embracing Sustainability DIY Projects to Save Money Saving Money on Childcare and Parenting Budget-Friendly Childcare Options Saving Money on Baby Gear and Clothing Low-Cost Activities for Kids and Families Saving Money on Weddings and Other Big Events Budgeting for a Wedding Saving Money on Party Planning and Hosting Reducing Costs for Holiday Celebrations Saving Money with Technology Utilizing Apps and Tools for Budgeting and Saving Reducing Technology and Subscription Costs Taking Advantage of Online Resources and Education Saving Money on Home Purchases and Renovations Tips for First-Time Homebuyers Budgeting for Home Improvements DIY Home Renovations and Upgrades Financial Planning and Goal Setting Creating a Financial Roadmap for Your Future Adjusting Your Savings Strategy Over Time Building Wealth Through Saving and Investing Financial Independence and Early Retirement Understanding the FIRE Movement Strategies for Achieving Financial Independence Planning for Early Retirement Saving Money on Auto Expenses Buying vs. Leasing: Making the Right Choice Tips for Saving on Car Insurance Maintenance and Fuel Efficiency Strategies Side Hustles and Passive Income Identifying Your Skills and Interests Generating Additional Income Streams Maximizing Earnings While Minimizing Effort Saving Money for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy Aligning Your Values with Your Savings Goals Smart Giving Strategies for Maximum Impact Tax Benefits and Considerations Overcoming Common Savings Obstacles Dealing with Unexpected Expenses Navigating Financial Challenges and Setbacks Staying Motivated and Committed to Your Savings Goals Financial Wellness and Mental Health Recognizing the Emotional Impact of Money Managing Stress and Anxiety Related to Finances Fostering a Healthy Relationship with Money Teaching Your Children About Money and Saving Age-Appropriate Money Lessons and Activities Encouraging Good Money Habits and Decision Making Preparing Your Children for Financial Independence A Lifetime of Saving and Financial Success Celebrating Your Savings Milestones Adjusting Your Savings Strategies as Life Changes Ensuring Your Financial Legacy




The Business Owner's Guide to Financial Freedom


Book Description

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURETailored for small business owners and entrepreneur like yourself who are looking for long-term financial planning and wealth management, The Business Owner's Guide to Financial Freedom reveals the secrets behind successfully investing in your business while bypassing Wall Street-influenced financial planners. Attorney and CPA Mark J. Kohler and expert financial planner Randall A. Luebke deliver a guide catered to your entrepreneurial journey as they teach you how to create assets that provide income so work is no longer a requirement, identify money and tax-saving strategies, and address business succession plans to help you transition into the investment phase of business ownership. Learn how to: Pinpoint the dollar value of your business with a step-by-step formula Eliminate and avoid bad debt while leveraging your good debt Uncover investment strategies Wall Street won't tell you Achieve long-term goals with the 4x4 Financial Independence Plan Find an advisor willing to look out for your best interests Super-charge your 401(k) and leverage your insurance to get rich Create the best exit strategy for you, your business, and your family Avoid the most common mistakes in real estate investment Protect your hard-earned assets from security threats ready to strike You can't predict the future, but you can plan for it. So if you're ready to stop treating your business like your only asset and want to start making it your most valuable legacy, this book is for you!




Building Your Own Home


Book Description

A clear, concise, up-to-date guide on all aspects of deciding, designing, hiring, financing, building, and enjoying a home that's really your own. -- Covers all aspects of the home building process, from deciding what kind of house to build, to designing it, planning it, hiring the people to build it, and financing it. -- Less intimidating than many do-it-yourself books which are 600+ pages and either assume some knowledge of the home building process or are geared towards those who plan to do some of the actual constructing themselves. -- Written by an experienced consumer rather than a contractor, banker, realtor, or other biased author. The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Building Your Own Home is a clear, concise, up-to-date guide on every aspect of the home building process. It answers every question readers have about building a custom residence-and a few questions they may not have considered. With clear instructions and illustrations, this book takes readers through every step of the home-building process from figuring a budget to finding labor and materials to all aspects of home construction. Whether they plan to build it all themselves, build some and hire some done, or hire it all done to their specifications, The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Building Your Own Home will do the job.