Hello David - I do not have any titles to add on this subject, but I wanted to thank you for the list. I will look into these and perhaps they can be a unique closing gift for our construction loan clients.

James

Check out my book store at http://www.escapetosaltspring.com I have a wide selection of construction books. I have build three houses on Salt Spring and have put all the books I used in my book store.

James, Sounds like a Great Idea!

Scott, thank you for the tip, I will take a look!

The Home Depot's Decorating 1-2-3 step by step  finishing work i.e. faux painting, hanging and trimming doors, installing flooring, etc.

Kathleen, you sound like you are speaking from experience!  Thanks for the tip!

Some great books for people building new homes at BuilderBooks.  Many of them are for home builders, but there sure aren't any secrets, and one big movement right now is people contracting their own homes. 

Steve, you say there aren't any secrets.  Okay, maybe I can agree with that, but I would like to think that  I can always learn something more.  Maybe a different way of doing something, maybe a time saving technique, maybe it's just a different way of looking at how something goes together.  I guess you can say, I just want to think that I can still learn something.

Just to clarify, are you say that people are being their own contractors?  I'm not sure that we are seeing the same thing here in the KC area, oh, there are a few who will try their hand at it, but our city codes get pretty restrictive and make it difficult for many to want to do this.  Curious as to what price range and size of home these people are building.  Care to share?
Thanks,
David 

David one company http://www.ubuildit.com/ is a franchise that literally encourages people to build their own homes. 

I do not work for this company, nor am I an investor, nor franchise holder.  I did look at it a couple years back.  (Just getting the disclaimers out) I'm a home builder. 

But, I can see where some people would love building their own home and would like to hire a consultant to help them through the parts that scare or worry them.  For example, an engineer or architect who may want to build her own home, but really wants to hire a construction expert to help with negotiating prices.

Some of these types of programs like the one above allow people to purchase the services they want while trying to save some money by taking the long-term risk of warranty and structure for themselves. 

Not for the faint of heart, and I posted a funny article Northwest Indiana Home Builder - Diary of a Mad Home Builder  of what could also happen.

Steve, thank you for the great link tip.  I will add this one to me links, looks like a very valuable resource.  I do remember you and thank you for your contribution and support.