The Building Guide

A practical system to help you organize, budget, and build with confidence.
Whether you're building a cabin, an addition, or a full-time home, this guide helps you take control of the process—from design and bidding to budgeting and final payment.

You don’t have to be a contractor to stay organized.
This guide walks you through the paperwork, scope, and structure behind a successful build—without drowning you in industry jargon. It’s written for owner-builders, homeowners, and small contractors who want to work smarter, not just harder.

What’s Inside:

A complete step-by-step system for organizing your project and tracking progress

65 scope-based section summaries that clarify what each trade includes (and what they don’t)

Sample Scope Sheets that show how to clearly define expectations for each contractor

Process explanations for bid requests, change orders, purchase orders, and sworn construction statements

Real-world insights from 20+ years of experience working with builders, trades, and homeowners

This is the same framework I use when managing real construction projects—from small cabins to full custom homes. It's designed to prevent costly gaps, missed expectations, and mid-project surprises.

Format:

76 pages | PDF download

Designed for easy reference and real-world use

Pairs perfectly with our editable files (Scope Sheets, Forms, Budget Tools)