I've been doing it since April, 2001. I'm building a small log home. I hired the basement dug (buddy who owns a Bobcat), foundation work, and plumbing rough-in under the basement floor.
That same buddy (retired) worked for $8/hour helping me stack logs and build everything up to the point of being "closed in." That took four months. Since then I have done everything except set the furnace and air conditioner. I had another buddy do both of those. He showed me how to do the duct work and I did all of that myself, save just above the furnace.
I bought books on the plumbing and electrical--easy to do, though time consuming for a novice. I'm in the boondocks, so no inspection, BTW. It is important to be up to NEC code for the electrical, otherwise your insurance will likely not pay off if you have a fire.
It has taken so long as there is a LOT for one guy to do--and it's 250 miles away, so my time is very limited. I have eight hours of driving every weekened in order to work on it. I still love every minute of it.
The fully finished basement is what is taking most of the time. It's the "Riverbend" cabin from
Northeastern Log Homes.I modified this by removing both porches (built my own), and changing some windows. I also bought the nice loft, which now covers 2/3rds the length of the cabin, and is made from fir 4X8s with black iron hangers, and 2X6 tongue-and-groove decking.
I also bought as much t&g pine from Northeastern as would fit on the semi trailer. I got it from them for .65/lineal foot--MUCH cheaper than buying local, and MUCH better quality. It makes for a beautiful interior.