Raising the Fafters

This book should sit next to the house plans of any readers ready to build their own homes: it's a reassuring yet honest guide to that daunting but exhilarating job. Range is wide rather than deep, giving a good general foundation for the entire journey, from early plans to final payments, from the most practical budgeting concerns to the more delicate issues of developing constructive relationships with the professionals hired. Collier balances forecasts of what can go wrong with an optimistic sensitivity to the wonder of creating a custom-made place for people to live. And the book is accessible, organized in the order of the house-building process--and in question-and-answer format. (The Q & A format works well, except that questions not covered in the book can still loom in a reader's mind, and that Collier sometimes seems to circle himself before stating answers.) But his style is basically straightforward, with down-to-earth analogies that help to explain some of the complicated situations to be confronted by house builders. The book also includes a glossary of building terms, sample forms and schedules, and a diagram naming house parts, all of which, though helpful, could be more detailed. Still, readers planning to take on the enormity of building their own homes would be wise to have Collier by their side. (June)