@ Manish The best book out there is experience. All architects, engineers, construction managers go to college for 4-5 years and are not able to run a project when they get out of school! It takes a couple years of mentoring to understand the process. I would recommend shadowing a G.C. or architect from the start to finish of a project. I work primary in large scale commercial so it takes a lot longer. My last project that I just finished up in Baltimore County took 8 years to finish because of the scale and complexity of the project. A SFH should be a quicker learning process (about a year).
I also agree J Scott's blog is a good place to start because it explains all the steps. One of the hardest things for a new architect, engineer, builder, etc.... is to understand the process (or steps). You really need to think ahead so that you have all your trades lined up. If not it will take you longer to build a project. For example, you won't have your concrete, cabinets, tile, etc ordered in time to be installed. Or one trade will be waiting around for the other trade to finish. A lot of people think you can just run down to Home Depot for all your materials and get them in one day. Many materials are manufactured on demand. So you should spec products that have a quick led time (ship time).
To respond to your three questions:
1Q. When you say configuration of lot - can you clarify what configurations do you consider advantageous?
1A. Configuration is how the house will fit on the site. I.E. the placement of the garage, entry, roof line, etc. I would recommend driving around the neighborhood and take photos of new homes you like with a similar lot. You'll notice a couple patterns of the site layouts. Also a architect will give you a couple site options when laying out the house. I've seen some really bad site configurations because the developer does not place the home to fit a site.
2Q. How does one determine the finish level of sold homes - is this info available on the MLS?
2A. You'll need to look at your competition. You can look at photos on the MLS. Or better yet tour spec homes in your area. You'll see they all look the same! lol :) Tan siding, small piece of stone or brick and a two car garage that takes over the design of the house. :)
3Q. Got it. Hypothetically if we were to have someone do the legwork for us (zoning, set back info, etc), who would recommend do it? (agent, architect, civil engineer, etc). Or any/all of the above?
3A. All of the zoning, setback, requirements, etc.. you can get from a architect or civil engineer. But you can side track the architect or civil engineer by hiring a survey company directly and have this shown on the survey plot. This is what a architect or civil engineer will do so you can cut out the middle man. As for the building code requirements you'll need a licensed architect or engineer to stamp the dwgs. I would recommend for your first spec home that you work with a modular builder. They will manage a lot of the process and make it easier to manage. You'll pay a little more, but it will reduce your risk significantly.
Good luck with your project! Feel free to IM me or call me if you have any more questions.
