House-Dreams: The Story of an Amateur Builder and Two Novice Apprentices and How They Turned an Overgrown Blackberry Patch, Ten Truc

I am in the process of rebuilding my own house, so I was interested in this book when it was recommended to me. I am already very familiar with the techniques and tools he described, so I found the description elementary, but I have been told by others who only know construction by driving by a work site that it is a fascinating glimpse into this strange world. I am using both an architect and contractor, and his description of the interplay between the two was spot-on (each blames the other for every fault or confusion, so he decided to do both jobs and cut out the middle man). I am sure many architects will find flaws with his plans (as I did), and many a carpenter or contractor may find fault with his technique (cf. another review of this book), but in my opinion that's not the point at all. Rather, I think the point is that he knew what he wanted, figured out what compromises he could live with, and made many interesting discoveries along the way to getting there, such as the Rumford fireplace and the grubka. If you are looking for a how-to book then this one definitely isn't for you. However, if you are after an entertaining read, covering both the joys and pitfalls of trying to build your own house, I heartily recommend it.

I have never responded to another's review before, but the one from "A reader from Warwick, RI USA" is utter nonsense. Review the book, don't bother us with inane, self-serving blather about new windows and unions. The book provides the reader with the romance and hardship of following a dream to fruition and for that I, for one, could not put it down. Board by board, nail by nail. It is exactly what I, as one who longs to build my own home some day (using old windows, no less), wanted to get out of the book. To quote Willy Wonka, "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams." Thanks to the author for keeping the dream alive.