Manage ...

This single word may separate this book from most other books written about the construction industry. This is not a hands-on build-it-yourself type of book. We are talking about the management of a project, not the actual building. We are not going to even try to tell you how to build it yourself. However, if you do have an interest in building part of the project yourself, you will still need this book.

I don't know of anybody who has all of the ability and skill to do all the design and construction by themselves. At least not with any degree of expertise in each of the skills and professions required. Our intent is to continue to use the expertise of the professional who already exist ... with one major qualification:

We want the owner to run the show, not the designer or builder.

Up until now, the owner has almost always put complete faith in whichever professional was retained to provide what the owner wants. Unfortunately, the owner doesn't know enough to get his or her or its desires. This is not an affront upon the owner. Even the experts in the industry are inept when it comes to the management of a project. How can we possibly expect a novice to know how to manage a project?

It is because everybody appears to be unqualified in managing a construction
project that this book was written. If you or your firm use the conventionally accepted methods to manage either design or construction of your home or any other type of facility, you are in dire need of this book.