Before you pick up a hammer, read this

If you’re building a new home and thinking of acting as your own contractor, “Build Your Own Home on a Shoestring,” by Henry Nonnenberg, Gwen Moran and Chris Bradley could be a handy tool.

Written by a team of authors which includes a real estate appraiser, a marketing specialist and a licensed contractor, and covering every aspect of homebuilding from financing to landscaping, “Build Your Own Home on a Shoestring,” offers common-sense advice for doing-it-yourself.

The book touches on the specifics of construction, from foundation options to the various types of building framing and even covers the energy efficiency of windows.

A “Go Figure” checklist at the back of the book helps prospective home builders keep tabs on costs by rating the importance (must have, nice to have and not important) of features, such as an eat-in kitchen, hardwood flooring or expensive built-ins.

A list of resources and a sample contract for hiring a professional contractor or other professionals is included.