This page is for those interested in acting as the general contractor on their remodeling projects and are looking for reference information or sources that can be used to help facilitate the process. For example, you can list helpful web-sites, books, suppliers, and trade persons particularly receptive to the owner-builder. It is not meant to duplicate info on individual contractor referrals listed here in other folders.

Website: ownerbuilderbook.com 
Great website to share information, ask questions and connect with others pursuing this option to build or remodel their home without using a general contractor. The website was developed by Mark A. Smith, who also wrote the book entitled The Owner-Builder Book. The book and the website are great resources. Notably, it does not cost to access the information posted on the website. 
Posted July 2010 by G. Mason on Thompson Ave.

Website: www.byoh.com 
This website is called Build Your Own House and it was created by Carl Heldmann (CH). CH is a homebuilder and the author of several books on self-contracting. This website is a companion piece his books (which he promotes via the site), but is so full of free information that the website is extremely helpful even if used alone. The website is not a technical site on the trades (eg., how to do electrical or plumbing), but is a how-to guide for general contracting. It teaches homeowners the role of the general contractor and how to manage the building process and subcontractors. There are many free downloads and links to sources of building information. If you have an interest learning the building process, you can get much of it here. CH's blog site contains two Q/A components called Ask Carl and Ask the Architect. 
Posted Nov 2010 by G. Mason on Thompson Ave.

The Building Education Center 
This organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization dedicated to organizing didactic training and hands-on workshops on home building, remodeling and maintaining your home. They host individual lectures, short courses and longer-term sessions year round on a wide variety of topics. A few lectures are free, but most classes cost a modest amount to enroll. Although BEC is located in Berkeley, CA, where most of their classes are held, some classes are held locally in the South Bay (e.g, at West Valley College, Saratoga). If you are a hands on, do-it-yourself type of person, or just want to know what the contractors are talking about, this organization is an excellent resource for training before you tackle your next project. Check out their website (www.bldgeductr.org) or request a free class schedule at 510-525-7610. 
Posted Sept 2010 by G. Mason on Thompson Ave.

Website: www.toolbase.org 
Maintained by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), this website contains many very useful and detailed articles about home building processes and methods. 
NAHB Research Center's ToolBase.org is the housing industry's best resource for technical information on building products, materials, new technologies, business management, and housing systems. The information ranges from basic topics such as windows, to complex topics such as sheer loads and sheer walls. You can download and print PDFs without cost or an account. 
Posted Jan 2011 by G. Mason on Thompson Ave.

Website: www.terrylove.com 
Terry Love Plumbing and Remodeling DIY website and forums. There are many similar blogs and forums on the net, but this one is worth looking into. It is maintained by a plumber based in Washington State who does business in the Pacific Northwest. Based on his personal experience and accumulated testing data, he makes recommendations on the best toilets and manufacturers, and does not hesitate to advise against certain manufacturers. The forums section is a good source for Q/A assistance in problem solving with plumbing topics. There is no cost to get information, but you must register to post questions on the forum. 
Posted Jan 2011 by G. Mason on Thompson Ave.

Website: www.alpinehomeair.com 
This is NOT a plug for Alpine Home Air Products, which is a heating and cooling business located in Illinois. However, I do want to publicize their very useful website containing many videos describing the parts and functions of a HVAC system (heating, venting, air conditioning). The videos are short, clear, and easy to understand. As a starting point, they also help you estimate the appropriate size of HVAC system for your home. Look for the "Learning Center" link on their main webpage. 
Posted Jan 2012 by GMason on Thompson Ave.

Website: www.diychatroom.com 
Do It Yourself Chatroom - As the name suggests, it's a Q/A chatroom on how to do practically anything related to remodeling and construction. The site seems to attract pros and enthusiastic self-starters who go there with very specific questions & responses. Topics cover carpentry, construction practices, electrical, flooring, HVAC, landscaping, plumbing, painting, roofing, etc. The information is very detailed and specific, so you need to have construction knowledge beyond that of a beginner. I find much value in reading previously asked and answered questions related to my topic. Yes, the site is full of ads, but this comes with the turf. 
Posted Feb 2012 by GMason on Thompson Ave.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

FAUCETS 
Website: starcraftcustombuilders.com/sources.faucets2.htm 
This contractor/builder in Nebraska (so, not a local plug) maintains a useful website with lots of information on remodeling. The above reference/link is to a faucet review and rating article that covers many of the national brands. Part 1 of the article discusses faucet design, parts, configuration and selection. Part 2 is a review and rating of specific brands. The website has a link to many other topics that might be helpful to a DIYer. 
Posted Feb 2012 by GMason

SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS 
Website: sroeco.com (SRoeCo Solar) 
Written by a young solar consultant, this is one of the best sources for information on solar systems that I've found. It is a simplified approach to evaluating your solar needs and proposals from solar installers. The information is written in a manner that is very easy to understand. Notably, the blog author will help you evaluate several proposals that you have already obtained from installers. The site does not sell, promote, distribute or manufacture any solar products. Since solar is most common in CA, most of the information is based on data collected from products and installations in CA. 
Posted March 2012 by GMason