My brother is building his own house (a carriage house - no basement and living quarters above a garage). He needs to get an 800-pound, 40-foot steel I-beam across the top of the first floor walls. He wants to do this himself using a backhoe and the help of some friends. He's not sure how to do it and I've got some concerns about doing it safely. [more inside]
posted by 14580 on Nov 24, 2008 - 13 answers

Is it possible to negotiate prices on a new construction -- specifically, a small-to-medium builder in a somewhat-hot market (Raleigh NC)? [more inside]
posted by SeanCier on May 23, 2005 - 3 answers

My fiancee and I want to find and buy a small property in NJ or NY, and build a house. I am clueless about how to begin the process of finding a property. [more inside]
posted by edlundart on Jan 4, 2005 - 13 answers