Independent Builder, Designing and building a house your own way by Sam Clark. 500 pages
It was about exactly a year ago I started planning my house and I sure wish I would have found this book then. I came across it a month or so ago while researching some other stuff. Admittedly I haven't read through a whole lot of it yet but have read a couple of the chapters that I needed info about at the time and have skimmed through the rest.
Specifically geared towards the owner/builder. Lots of great info on how to design and layout your house, putting an emphasis on functionality. He doesn't seem to be set in any one method of construction and does a good job of laying out the reasons for different methods. Also chapters on working with contractors and subcontractors and some real good info on the actual building process from laying out the foundation to installing footings, framing, roofing, and finishing. Personally, I've never seen another book that comes close to giving this much information (and I've bought a lot of books over the past year).
Some more info at his website:
http://www.samclarkdesign.com/books.htm
And the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Independent-Builder-Designing-Building-Living/dp/0930031857
Alan
I agree.
I always recommend that book when someone is looking for a starting point.