Re: Anyone ever built a house?
Here's a link to a site that will be more than useful for you during your building process;
http://www.inspectorsjournal.com/ I was a home inspector for 12 years, and they guys there are more knowledgeable about anything and everything when it comes to building a home. there will (most likely) be guys from your area that will even know the codes you will be aware of. Bookmark it, and become a member, it'll be worth it for you. Many of them have built their own homes, and many are retired home builders as well.
... Power line poles.