How to build a house?

alexbutterfield

My wife and I live in California and we are considering building a house. We want to do as much of it as we can ourselves, for money saving reasons, but also because we have always wanted to build our own house.

We now have the opportunity to do this by subdividing her parents' property - they own 3.3 acres and we'd probably buy 1 acre from them.

We know what we want to build as we are basing it on a historical building and want to keep it as authentic as possible.

What I want to know is if anyone knows of any free software for doing 3D architectural designs, and blueprints, or any good online resources for learning about structural integrity, etc. As while I know what I want the building to be cosmetically, the infrastructure of electricity, gas, water, sewage, air conditioning, etc. I have no idea about.

any other advice is welcome.

also if anyone knows about how to go about subdividing property in Nevada County, CA, and the costs involved etc.

faineant

This could be worth a look http://www.ehow.com/information_1051-building-remodeling.html

Crabman

Hi Alex, I've moved your thread over to the 'In My Home (includes DIY) Moneysaving' Board

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere (please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Canucklehead

Hi

I think you would have more luck on a U.S. based forum.
Unlike the UK you will need licenced trades and lots of permits.
Huge range of plans to be found online just Google.

Corgi Guy.

Pretani

Get yourself booked in on a night CAD course. If America is anything like the UK the courses should be starting soon at your local college. As for the software, use whatever they teach at the college and as you meet people on the course you will be able to get the software package for yourself.

nice project, good luck