The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-04-01
FOR PROSPECTIVE HOME
BUILDERS
"THE HONIELIKE HOUSE," WRIT
TEN BY A. Il. SWOYER IN
WOMAN'S HOME COMPANION.
Article Contains a Number of Valu-
able Pointers Based on Facts
Something in 1t for You.

SOneUnlnR III III 1OF lou.
A house may be simply a collec-
ton of the various building materials
so put together as to afford shelter,
or it may be so designed as to eX-
press the individuality of the owner,
to meet his particular requirements
and to satisfy his ideals. If it does
the latter, then the building ceases
to be a mere house and becomes a
home.
To secure this desirable result
many points must be considered,
some of which must be taken up be-
fore the details of the house are de-
cided upon. First of all, consider
whether you are building to sell at a
profit, or whether your house is to
be permanent home in the fullest
meaning of the term; if the former,
then you may not build with so great
an individuality as to produce some
thing which may appear to others as
odd or freakish, and you must con-
slider the neighborhood in which you
build in regard to it's probable
growth and development, even at the
sacrifice of personal preference. If
the latter, you may crafty your
whims with no limit other than your
pul DC. "A Llluult COuTS6 Is LIE Sdl6T
and the saner, however, inasmuch as
unexpected contingencies may arise
compelling you to dispose of your
property, and in such a case it is
well to have it readily convertible.
The choice of a town in which to
locate is decided for all, save the
city business man in search of de-
sirable suburb from which to COM
-
Such a one should consider carefully
not only the real estate values in the
various suburbs, but whether or not
they are increasing. He should look
into the matter of train service and
fares, as frequently competition will
force the transportation companies
to favor certain towns with cut rates.
He should investigate the school and
market facilities; the water supply
and charges; the tax assessment and
what it represents in civic improve
ments. The problems of city light,
steam and sewer should command his
attention, for upon these depend not
only large measure of economy, but
of comfort and of health as we'll
Nor should the actual travelling
time between the house and his place
VI puoihCoo NC oNCllOOhCuJ
as time spent in journeying to and
fro is an item of expense. Then, too,
comes the condition of roads and
sidewalks, factors which may be over
looked in summer, but which assume
great Importance in the snow and
slush of winter. Last but not least,
what is the fire-fghting equipment of
the town? This is not only import
ant as a guarantee of the safety of
your property, and even of your life,
but has decided effect upon insur-
ance rates.
With the town selected, comes the
choice of desirable site for your fu-
ture home. Here neighborhood and
restrictions; distance from school,
stores, and station; necessity for
grading or filing, and finally, price,
must be considered. OF these points,
price is the most elastic, since it de-
pends so much upon the other condi-
tions. Thus lot in a bad neighbor-
hood and away from the convent
ences Of transportation might not be
cheap at any price; on the other
hand, land located in growing sec
ton but held at higher price might