7 Essential Books on Building a House Yourself [Cabins, Tiny Houses, and More!]

While you can find a wealth of information on building a house yourself, we still believe that the best resource available are good books on building a house! No one should embark on a self-build project without one of these great books to help them along the way.

But – what are the best books on building a house? We scoured every local library to grade and rank the following.

We should also analyze these books on building a house.

In much more detail!

Sound fun?

Let’s roll!

1. The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House

The complete visual guide to building a house is not the cheapest book on the market, but there is a good reason for that! The time and effort that has gone into creating this ultimate guide to building a house are incredible! And we believe it’s worth every dollar.

We also think it’s one of the most suitable books on building a house. Here’s why!

The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House gives you step-by-step instructions on every aspect of the building process, from the foundations to the finishing touches. Each stage gets accompanied by detailed illustrations, perfect for those of us who are visual learners.

If you were to buy just one book on building a house, this is the one we’d recommend!

Read More – Is It Legal To Live In a Tent On Your Land? Or Not?!

2. How to Build Your Own Tiny House

Tiny homes have recently gone mainstream among off-grid and sustainable living enthusiasts. But although they may be small, they are not necessarily simple to build! Any house build requires basic knowledge of building codes and construction processes, and this comprehensive book covers all this and more.

As well as talking you through the process of building a tiny home, How to Build Your Own Tiny House also includes instructions for wiring, plumbing, and creating tiny-home furniture.

It also includes a selection of mini home designs, which can get expanded or adapted to meet your individual needs.

Overall, it’s one of our favorite books on building a house.

3. How to Build Your Dream Home Without Getting Nailed! Save Your Time, Money, Sanity, and Relationships

Want to read some books on building a house that can help you stay clear of pitfalls? Then here’s a hidden gem.

All too often, the homebuilding dream can rapidly turn into a nightmare! That’s why we love this handy and lively book that will help you avoid common pitfalls while also giving tips on turning the situation around when things don’t quite pan out as expected.

The great thing about this book is that it gives open and honest advice about what can go wrong, from dealing with contractors to exceeding your budget. Do you want a handy guide to the housebuilding process? Then this is one of our favorites!

Read More – How We Built a Cabin Kit In Our Backyard!

4. Cabins: A Guide to Building Your Own Nature Retreat

Aaah, the off-grid enthusiast’s dream – a cabin in the woods! Cabins often get touted as a cheap and easy way to build your own home, but with the backing of this book, your dream can become a reality.

The line drawings and measurements included in this book will help to take the guesswork out of your build, and the guide to different building techniques is incredibly comprehensive and detailed.

If you want to realize your log cabin dream, this book will help you every step of the way.

5. Shipping Container Homes for Beginners

Another craze during the hunt for affordable housing is the boom in shipping container homes. This book will help you transform a rudimentary shipping container into a luxurious house, giving you a super-sustainable and eco-friendly home that will stand the test of time.

It also includes detailed information on planning laws, finding the best shipping container, and top tips for how to get the most out of the available space. This guide included detailed instructions and illustrations to help you during your journey.

6. Earth-Sheltered Houses: How to Build an Affordable Underground Home

We think building underground homes is the most sustainable structure technique. No wonder so many animals live there! Sheltering your living quarters with the earth is the most effective way to regulate your home’s temperature. (That’s why our dogs always burrow in the dirt when it’s hot outside!) You can also reduce your footprint on the planet.

And if you’re considering embarking on an affordable underground home, this book will tell you everything you need to know about the process. This guide is aimed at inexperienced builders and helps you calculate all the necessary factors to build a safe, secure, and comfortable home. Underground!

Read More – How to Build an Off-Grid Cabin!

7. Building a Sustainable Home: Practical Green Design Choices for Your Health, Wealth, and Soul

Many of us living the homesteading life aim to reduce our impact on the planet, but it is hard to see how building your own home can be sustainable? Luckily, this book guides you through every decision you will make, helping you to choose materials and processes that are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective.

Conclusion

If you’re considering building your own home, it is easy to feel daunted by the wealth of information available. We think these books on building a house can help you! Now is one of those times when the internet can become overwhelming, and you feel the need to reach for a good old-fashioned book instead.

And when it comes to guides to building your own home, there is something for everyone out there! Are you feeling inspired to start planning your housebuilding project? We’d love to hear all about it if you are!

Let us know?

And – thanks so much for reading!

Have an excellent day.

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