Home building is a process.
An Owner Builder, to be successful, must implement a process management system that lays out the steps required.
And this is true whether it's a major home building project or a simple remodel.
Home building and remodeling projects follow logical sequences that, while self evident in some cases, can be confusing to people who do not do it for a living.
Operating without such a system is a recipe for disaster.
What is a Process Management System? Simply put, a process management system guides the project manager through the entire building or remodeling project.
Take a look at some of the important phases of home building and the items that a good system will include:

• Analyzing the land or parcel that the home is to be constructed upon
• Accessing and understanding the building codes for the area
• Working with a home designer to create the house plans
• Deciding on building materials for the home
• Devising a construction strategy for building the home
• Identifying the contractors to be used
• Coordinating the deliveries of building materials
• Coordinating and managing the efforts of subcontractors
• Scheduling the inspections by the local authorities
• Quality Control, trouble shooting and implementing remedies
• Setting up regular communications channels
• Loan processing and handling payments to suppliers and contractors
• Completing the all important punch lists

From this outline, you can see that a thorough framework is needed to keep the project moving forward to completion.
Each of the above segments will have numerous sub steps and a good process management system will guide you through them.
Who Can Run the System? Not all systems are in print.
Some builders, although these are a dying breed, fortunately, operated by the seat of their pants.
They rely on their experience to get them through each project.
Even in this way, they are still utilizing a management system.
Process management resources can be found with the following: General Contractors: A good General Contractor will have a written or online process management system that often includes a communication tool to keep in touch with his clients.
Architects: Architects have been known to provide industry contacts and management help for their clients.
Sometimes this works well.
Often they lack a proven system that empowers their clients and the experience can sometimes be disappointing at best.
HomeBuilding Coaches: The biggest advantage of the home building coach is that he or she empowers owner builders to manage their own projects at a reduced cost.
They do this with personal involvement and good process management tools.
These tools can come in the form of manuals or online software or a combination of these.
What Works Best for the Owner Builder I have long been an advocate of the home building coach.
Giving more power to the homeowner to get more of what they want, save money, and have a better overall experience just makes sense today.
So, my advice is to hire a coach who has an excellent process management system for the owner builder.
Ask questions of your home building professional.
Demand the implementation of a good process management system and stay closely involved with your project.