HOW TO BUILD 2ST 



CHAPTER VIII. 



How TO BUILD AND KEEP WITHIN THE LIMIT DECIDED 

 A LIVABLE HOUSE FOR FROM $2,500 TO $12,000. 

 A MANSION UP TO $100,000. 



"When we mean to build 



We first survey the plot, then draw the model; 

 And when we see the figure of the house 



Then must we rate the cost of the erection, 

 Which, if we find outweighs ability, 



What do we then but draw anew the model 

 In fewer offices, or at least desist 

 To build at all." 



Henry the Fourth, Part II, Act 1 ; Scene 3. 



Building Hints to the Amateur. 



Living is serious business and the advice "look before you leap," 

 particularly applicable to the would-be builder, for if an amateur 

 gets into the toils of dishonest people and cannot furnish the where- 

 withal to dig out of his difficulties, he is liable to heartache, cankering 

 worry, and even bankruptcy. But the landing can always be safely 

 made if certain copper fastened rules are observed. 



I've known scores of men who have sunk all their money, and 

 some few have lost reason and even life by not counting the expense 

 of the new house. Using these instances as warning beacons and 

 reef-buoys, first carefully figure the cost, plan for payments through 

 cash on hand, if possible; if not, raise money on long term or bank 

 mortgages, at low rates of interest, and then make the plunge but 

 only when the "if and the "but" have been carefully thought out, 

 ever remembering that the lure of country living is an insidious 

 siren requiring constant watching. 



The temptation to outdo one's neighbors in acquiring additional 

 acres, embellishing grounds, purchasing live stock, utensils, and 

 vehicles, and giving unbridled rein to the fascinating pursuits under- 

 lying the making of a country place ever waits to undermine and 

 destroy. Financial stakes should be set at the start, and only 

 loosened, relocated, and redriven when amply assured invested income 

 keeps step with prodigal outlay. Many a man has sown the tares of 

 imprudent and lavish expenditure with his choicest flowers, and 

 reaped disaster, if not premature death, his life work blasted by that 

 phase of misguided ambition immortalized in the line "By that sin 

 fell the angels." Take nothing for granted, especially in purchasing 

 land ; a good lawyer or a title guarantee policy are essentials. 



