The Washington herald., 1920-02-08

ed by the home builder who intends
to practice thrift in building.
In selecting the lot extravagant
claims of real estate operators must
be discounted. 1t is better to build
on a slightly higher priced lot. in
a district whose character is al
ready known, than TO build in an
but f-the-way location, WI ere
there is no way of telling how much
money will be put into homes by
future neighbors. In many subdi-
visions the man who builds first is
a pioneer and neighbors do not
come and build as one might ex-
pect. On the other hand. do not
build a new house on a block that
is already seeing its decline. be-
cause the other houses are already
out of date.
Resale value is an important facS
tor in selecting a location, and also
in deciding on the type of archi-
lecture and other features.
The completed cost should be
known. The home builder must not
delude himself that the house is fn-
ished without the lot being graded,
the likhting fixtures installed.
screens and storm sssh provided for,
and the other necessary features
calculated in the total cost.
Experienced advice from a we'll
known architect Is always worth
everything it costs. He has many
times gone through the progress the
home builder is now venturing on,
he has nothing to gain but incrcas-
ed professional position; he makes
no profits on the sale of material.
the choice of material or substitu-
tions.
An experienced local contractor
constructing several buildings OF
the same general style. in the near
by vicinity is preferable to a con-
tractor who does not specialize in
residence work or one who is not
known to the local banks and who
has not yet established a financial
position among the material dealers.
A mortgage is to be avoided IL
possible, but building should be
started even If a mortgage Is nee
essary. There is great advantage
in putting on a small loan which
can be paid off at stated periods.
The interest and payments, however.
should be well within the financial
ability of the home builder as soms<
times the unexpected does happen.
Living may continue to go up. and
increasing expenses of a growing
family must be taken into account.
Exterior walls can be properly
constructed of either masonry or
frame. If of masonry, they should
be well furred out to prevent loss
of heat in winter time. If of frame.
they are less expensive and more in
keeping with the interior construc-
tion which. on all but the most ex-
pensive houses. will also be of
frame. The frame exterior can b
covered with wood siding which
needs frequent painting, or can be
covered with stucco. The latter is
more modern, costs no more, is
vastly more fire-resistive, and does
not require constant painting. If
stucco is used. the recommendation
of American Concrete Institute to
use metal lath as a base, should be
followed. In any frame-wall build
ing, paper should be inserted be-
tween the studs to keep the house
warm in wsnter and cool in summer.
Foundations should be substatial
and no expense should be spared in
this Important part of the house.
They prevent uneven settlement,
cracks and general depreciation.
Basement walls and piers should be
of solid common brick.
Interior construction will nat
urally be of wood. Nothing will
take the place of plaster for per-
manence and beauty. Wood lath or
plaster may be used as a base gen.
orally throughout the house, but
the places most subject to fire
should be plastered upon metal
lath. This material holds the plas-
ter In place and prevents fire
from attacking the wood frame.
1t also prevents unsightly CELL
ing cracks, and should be used in
the most important rooms.
The most hazardous places where
metal lath should be used are: .
l. All bearing partitions.
2. Inside of exterior walls of
frame construction.
3. Basement ceilings. especially
over heating plants and coal bins
4. Under and around stairs
5. Inside of closets.