I first read this as an architectural student in the 1970's. It's the classic
fictional story (circa 200 pages, available in paperback) of how a house gets built.
It was originally written in 1929 to initiate both architects and clients into the
art of coping with human behaviour on the one hand whilst salvaging unforeseen
technical disasters with the other. Reprinted many times since first publication it
is still completely relevant (and available) today. The diverse characters involved
speak in their own words in the form of letters followed by the author's wry, wise
and often very funny comments. Whilst the novel (because it definitely is a novel)
deals with the practical side of architecture and construction it also examines the
pitfalls and vicissitudes of home building in sharp detail. There's a lot of
information, lightly conveyed, for anyone who is interested in the process of
getting something built.
There's a sequel book called "The Honeywood Settlement" by the same author which
is just as easy to read. Just because the house is finished doesn't mean the fun is
over. This deals with the aftermath from the main construction project using the
same letters and comments format as the first book and deals with the consequences
of all those changes of mind, the mismatch between perception and reality, the final
account and the human issues that are thrown up.