How CIY Works
Construct It Yourself teaches owners how to plan, bid, and manage construction using the same decision logic professionals rely on — before work begins.
Construct It Yourself (CIY) is a self-guided system designed for homeowners and small business owners who want to stay in control while hiring and managing contractors directly.
CIY helps you make the right decisions before construction starts—when mistakes are still inexpensive and leverage still belongs to the owner.
Choose Where to Start
Start based on where your project is today.
Still deciding or just getting oriented?
Overview (Free)
Learn how construction really works—from planning through closeout.
Understand why projects go over budget, where risk is introduced, and how professional owner representatives prevent problems before they happen.
/wp:paragraph wp:list
- wp:list-item
- The full construction lifecycle /wp:list-item wp:list-item
- Why common mistakes lead to change orders /wp:list-item wp:list-item
- Which decisions matter most—and when /wp:list-item
/wp:list wp:paragraph
→ Explore the Overview /wp:paragraph
Ready to plan your project correctly?
Planning (CIY System – for Members)
Planning is where projects succeed or fail.
CIY Planning tools help you:
- Define clear scope before pricing
- Establish a realistic budget structure
- Sequence decisions so nothing important is missed
- Prepare contractor-ready documents
This is where cost control actually begins.
→ Learn about Planning
Getting bids or selecting a contractor?
Bidding (CIY System – Members)
Bidding is the only opportunity to get the best pricing.
CIY Bidding tools help you:
- Issue clear bid packages
- Compare proposals objectively
- Identify scope gaps and pricing traps
- Select contractors intentionally—not emotionally
Already under construction?
Construction (CIY System – Members)
Construction is about execution and adjustment, not decision making.
CIY Construction tools help you:
- Track progress and documentation
- Manage changes before costs escalate
- Control payments and closeout properly
- Hold contractors accountable without conflict
Same project. Less uncertainty. More leverage. Access now.
See What Customers Say!
My wife and I were planning to remodel our home. We were terrified about the entire process because neither of us has any experience in construction remodeling. The entire process was like taking a trip to the moon for us.
Thankfully, Construct it Yourself gave us a path to follow. Upon applying the principles in the program we were able to communicate with the contractors and suppliers at a level that made us feel capable and competent.
As a result we saved nearly $35,000 in labor and material.
Richard Cartright has used his vast experience as a construction manager working in such exotic locales as Chicago's Field Museum to produce an essential process about the successful management of home remodeling projects. But this isn't a simple how-to.
Richard covers everything from negotiating the bid process to obtaining building permits, from planning the project to completing the construction phase. And he describes the process in a style that isn't boring or mundane. He's enlightened, breezy, and informative; the absolute reverse of stodgy and technical. Cartright gives you an educated look at the construction process from the viewpoint of a guy who's done a lot more than remodel basements.
You will not only learn how to create and complete that much-desired home remodeling project, big or small, you will also capture an insight into the construction process in America. Written by one of the industry's stars.
If you are planning on remodeling your home or have a commercial project, Construction Conductor is a "Must Have".
Not only does it explain the process from concept to completion, but guides you smoothly through each step, saving both time and money.
It's you own personal project manager and coach, giving you control every step of the way.
The "Toolbox Tools" are invaluable and the coaching is amazing. I was impressed by how Construction Conductor helped me avoid problems, control my project and save thousands. Every step of the way, I felt like Construction Conductor gave me a guiding hand to help ensure a good outcome.
Construction Conductor's CIY tips are clear, simple and easy to understand.
With rudimentary skills and Construct it Yourself, even a novice can tackle complex projects without engaging a general contractor.
We were able to get our renovation done prefectly, so the in-laws had a nice place to stay when they come for the holidays.
Thanks Construction Conductor!
This is a great for anyone serious about managing their own remodel.
The info is detailed, thorough, and very well organized. It's easy to flip to the info you need, and it's in the order that you'll need it. There are so many details that make all the difference in the success or failure of any remodel.
Using this system will save you thousands... and also save you heartache and frustration.
I really can't recommend it enough.
Construct it Yourself provides a great service and helps fill gaps for construction issues often overlooked by people. I've been a professional engineer in the construction industry for over 25 years, and I learned some things that I didn't know before. Their service helped me describe the work I wanted done, made suggestions that helped round out my project scope of work, and protect us from unforeseen issues. I am very happy with the project outcome and Construct it Yourself. I highly recommend them to help you with your project.