The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-03
SHOWS WAY TO
 BUY OWN HOME
Chichester Points Way Around Annual Spring Renting Prob
 lems-AdvOcates Building

With spring near at hand many peo- pie confronted by the renting situation are trying to find how it is possible to build their own homes. For their information, John Chichester of Chi chester & Co.,, has given the following information:
 Mir. Chichester has been engaged in the construction of homes for some time and has erected many in Birmingham and is considered by many people well qualified to speak on the subject:
 "The first step towards the erection of home is to decide what amount you can afford to put into the first cost and what amount you can afford to stand in the carrying charges, such as interest, taxes, insurance and 50 forth.
 Much emphasis should be placed on this statement, for many people have been financially embarrassed because this important issue was given no thought.
 Chichester & Go. in dealing with their prospects plainly said to them that the carrying charges on the houses which they buy at $6,750 would run -$15 month.
 After choosing the style or type of house there are several plans by which yonr house may be constructed. One is by engaging an architect to superintend the work from the start to finish an- other by engaging contractor at a cost plus basis.
 ''In this case the contractor charges for his service 10 per cent of the total cost. Last, which is the most popular way in the moderate priced homes, by making contract with some builder to furnish all labor and material and build the house complete at a set price.
 'This is a safe method and is known among the realtors of Birmingham as a Flock and key" job. Before going into any agreement investigate the builder and be sure that he is reliable.
 Stress should be laid upon the im- portance of locating lot line. Consult a reliable surveyor and have each lot corner marked with iron stake.
 "In arranging your plan, place all doors and windows so as to give as much wall space as possible for the furniture. After the house has been framed, if there are any extra lights on base plugs you wish, this can be done at minimum expense.
 Decide on location of plumbing fix lures, radiators, cabinets and so forth The secret of building happy home does not lie in it's architecture, nor in the staunchness of it's physical clements, but rather how to build kindness, pa Gence, sympathy and mental interest in every nook and corner,
 When the house is framed, the electrician, the plumber and the father. there is always loss of time which the builder cannot control. When building your home allow ample time for its com pletion. The average six-room house takes three months for construction.
 Finances is the first problem of your home to be solved. Birmingham has three splendid building and loan as- sociations who will gladly be of assis- tance. Then there are numerous mort gage loan concerns which are here just for that business. Your realtor can probably be of assistance.
 "In buying your lot investigate the nefghborhood, make sure that property values are sound, that the lot is con- venient to cars, stores, churches and schools, and that sanitary sewerage is near. These are important issues and should receive your close investigation. "Buildnig costs are now stable but a slight increase in price will take effect within 60 days. This will be caused principally by the high building pro- gram which Birmingham is experienc- ing"