This book is one that we always keep in our library for reference. With 560 pages of floor plans, home ideas, and many full color photos it is a great resource.

Having a measuring wheel on hand when you are in the planning stage of laying out home dimensions, driveway lengths, and utility access is really handy. This is the model that we keep in our truck.

Taking a compass to a building site with you will help you to determine which way the home should be pointed to take advanage of sunrises, sunsets, southern exposure, and views. Also having a GPS on hand is a good idea to give you an idea of elevation, especially when snow load is a concern. This is the model GPS that we have used for three or four years.

This book I purchased for my husband when we first got into construction as a gag gift. Little did I know that it would be used for multiple buildings around our home.