Debt-Free Home Building

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Are you (and your family) ready to embark on this venture?
Ask yourself:

• Does construction seem fun for you? Do you find yourself stopping to watch at construction sites on your way to the grocery store?
• Are you prepared for the inevitable emotional, physical and financial upheaval that accompanies this process? Can you work amid chaos and retain a sense of order? A sense of humor?
• Do you enjoy working by yourself? Can you physically lift heavy materials and tools?
• Do you know how to use some construction tools? Do you like learning about others?
• Will this project bring joy into your life? Can you share your enthusiasm with, and transmit it to, your family?
• Can you visualize each phase of the project before you begin it?
• Are you emotionally stable? Can you take highs and lows in stride?
• Are you conscious of construction safety? Can you predict the danger in a planned action?

The electrical wiring was easier. I became friends with the electrical inspector who explained the vagaries of wiring. I'd designed simple circuitry before, so this job was easy. Circuits are simply wires linking outlets, lights or switches, with a "home run" leading back to the service panel. As I learned more, grounding methods became clear and the inherent safety of a proper installation made sense to me. I installed wall heaters, an electric water heater, dryer and range, but asked for help with a mechanical heat pump.

I passed the plumbing and wiring inspections. Then I began insulating, learning in the process just how irritating fiberglass insulation can be. I borrowed a friend's drywall jack to install drywall on the ceiling and learned how to properly tape drywall joints, then texture over the surface. Cyndi painted the interior of our new home. We bought cabinets from a wholesale distributor, then found a beautiful three-compartment kitchen sink from a plumber remodeling another home.

Although interior trim and doors were yet to be installed, we passed a final inspection and moved into our new home in spring of 1995, two years into the project. Moving in before completing the final trim was a mixed blessing. We wanted to revel in our accomplishment, but we had to endure the inevitable mess caused by retroactively completing trim work amidst our furniture. The end - if house-building projects ever really end -came several years later, when we got to a point of relative completion.

I learned many lessons about construction and about life during this project. I learned an owner-builder with the proper attitude and some experience can still build his or her dream home. You'll discover after a short time that skill in one of the construction trades unfolds naturally to you. You will find yourself working on your home with enthusiasm at midnight and weekends.

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