TKM wrote:

When we looked into the buy/build situation a few years ago, the book,
"Houses are Designed by Geniuses and Built by Gorillas: An Insider's Guide
to Designing and Building a Home" by Bob Johnson was a great resource.

I would modify that sentiment to:
"Houses are designed by buffoons and built by greedy idiots."

Despite decades past the Energy Crisis of the 1970s, the recommended R value
in walls is still pitifully inadequate. Of course, that's due to the
"Genius" of architects. Since windows are the major pathway for heat
transfer, the "rule of thumb" is that more insulation is just wasted. No
one thinks to install insulated shutters, to be used during temp extremes.
Then it would make sense to match the ceiling R value.

Then there's the Electrical code that mandates outlet placement based on
outdated appliances and expectations, and discourages efficient design.

Avoid OSB flooring. Use T&G plywood underlayment.

Use screws, not nails, to install sheetrock (gypsum board).

Beware penny pinchers that install crap doorsets, and other hardware, by
less than skilled labor.

Frankly, most "new" housing has a problem with planned obsolescence,
maintenance and repair. Many folks discover that "20 year roofs" rarely
last that long, but since the original warranty isn't transferred, the last
owner is stuck paying. The widespread practice of building decks out of
treated lumber and then leaving them rot for lack of protection from sun
and climate is idiotic.

The industry expends its efforts on cosmetics and style rather than
substance. If it wasn't for the tax subsidy, housing prices wouldn't track
as they do.

If you do build, build with concrete, and avoid problems with termites,
fire, wind, rot, vermin, small arms fire, etc., etc.
Dry stacked surface bonded concrete block will do the job.
http://www.thenaturalhome.com/passivesolar.html
http://www.quikrete.com/diy/Restorin...onryWalls.html
USDA brochure on surface bonding has the original recipe.

The next cheapest wall is the concrete foam sandwich.
Available in many types - SIPS, ICF, formless panels (shotcrete)
http://www.thermapanel.net/
http://www.monotech.com/
http://www.blockmex.com.mx/blockmex/...ts/index-i.asp
http://www.cempo.com/

Other sources of info:
http://www.cement.org/homes/
http://www.aacpa.org/

And if you're into ferrocement:
http://www.geocities.com/flyingconcrete/