If you can dedicate full time attention to your build and it's a pretty straight forward footprint, it could be doable in a year or less if you are familiar with the process of how things work in your local area as well as being able to schedule all subs used in a timely and organized manner. There will always be delays, of course, but it's all about how you handle those situations as well. If subs aren't busy in your area, that's another plus for you. If they are busy, expect to be put on the afterburners. With most, builders are their bread and butter and will understandibly favor them concerning scheduling. Knowing and timing of supplies/suppliers is critical as well. You will want to stay ahead of all concerned when they are up to bat or they will go on to the next putting your project on hold. You might consider hiring an onsite supervisor to keep some of the physical onsite duties down to a dull roar.

I have a question about owner built homes. I am sure that an owner would have no problem scheduling the different trades etc. The question I have always wondered about is...how do you manage quality control. For instance, there were times when my contractor would point out things he didn't like about the framing, or the installation of the shakes, or the way the cabinets were finished etc and he would make the trades do it over again. I didn't pick up on any of these issues but because building houses was his line of work, he picked up on them right away. So how does the average homeowner look after quality control issues. I am sorry if it is a bit off topic, I am just curious.

Very good point, Mel bc. If the ob'r isnt familiar with the process and what to look for, an onsite supervisor or project manager would be invaluable. Going through those hoops leads me to believe it would just be better to seek out a reputable builder and get r' done right with major emphasis on "reputable".

As an OB'er wrapping up a 4,000 sq ft home, I'll second Mel and Sierra's comments.

Going in, the only type of work I didn't know about was excavation and foundations. I hired a large and reputable foundation contractor and everything went well. I'd say that a good OB'er should know how to do every job in the project, and then hire them all out.

As far as time goes, we broke ground the last week of June and we'll be applying for our CO next week and moving in the following week. About 8 months. But we prepared for about 6 months before that, getting bids, working out the order of work and scoping out fixtures and finishes so we were ready to order them at the right time.

Lots of juggling, and if you do have a real job, you need some flexibility to meet contractors throughout the day.

If thinking about doing it feels overwhelming, than doing it will live up to your expectations and then some.

thanks for the feedback. That's what my gut tells me, but then you read about some of the posters here who act as their own contractor and begin thinking maybe....especially when you see the price/sqft it saves.

Dont be discouraged if you have time before your planned second build to learn. Research as much as you possibly can as well as take with you what you learned on your first build if you were involved with it. A good place to start would be with financial institutions to see what is possible. Check in with your local building dept. concerning everything from site planning/prep requirements, permitting, plans, engineering, inspections and the order that they take place. Find suppliers who are willing to give estimates off of materials take offs and compare, not necessarily taking the lower bid. Concerning lumber packages, often times it's better to pay a higher bid price if the wood is better quality. Seeking out quality subs will allow you to get references from them where quality products are sold and who they deal with, but you will also want to shop around for yourself on certain items, especially finish items. You can take from your first build things that you are pleased with and dissappointed with concerning the work of the various subs. seeking out reputable ones by looking at their work on other projects as well as checking references will help. Learn the steps of the build and the order in which you will need that particular sub scheduled and you dont want subs tripping over one another if it can be helped. Otoh, you will want to get the timing of scheduling down to the most efficient manner as possible which sometimes involves several trades in at the same time. You dont want your project not worked on as much as possible. There will be inevitable delays concerning weather, supplier/delivery hold ups, sub scheduling conflicts, etc, but you will need to know how to deal with that as best as possible. Even the most experienced builder is faced with dillemas, but with experience comes wisdom. One avenue would be to seek out a retired reputable builder who might be willing to give you consultation at a reasonable rate and be on hand for any problems that always occur where you might not have the confidence to solve. A retired builder would be invaluable concerning quality control as well. It's either that or an onsite supervisor but being full time, might get a little costly. A retired builder that would be able to consult as needed might be a better way to go. Bottom line though is that you need to understand as much as possible about the process and have the confidence to move forward so it's really down to you!