Book excerpt: Tamara Aspeling takes you, the would-be owner-builder, through all the steps involved in the process in a way that’s logical, accessible and chronological. The book covers the preparation of plans, obtaining local authority approval, costing and estimating, putting the project out to tender, selecting a contractor and negotiating a building contract that’s fair to both owner and contractor. Packed with practical, money-saving tips, and filling a much needed gap in the South African market, Owner-building Made? Easy shows you how to anticipate and thus avoid unexpected pitfalls, and follows the house-building or renovation process sequentially from design to completion.