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Show Mr. William A. Radford will answer Questions . and give advice FREE OF COST on all subjects pai-Muing to the subject ot buildlns. for the rexdvra of this paper. On account of hia wide' experience as Editor. Author and Manufacturer, he Is. without doubt, the highest authority on all these subjects.. Address all inqglrfos to William A. Radford. No. 17S West Jaeksoo boulevard. Chicago, III., and wily enclose two-cent stamp for reply. One of the most frequent demands made upon architects and builders is for a house of moderate oost, yet one that will satisfy persons of taste and refinement and come up to what they feel a home ought to be. With the advancing scale of prices both for building materials of all kluds and for the skilled labor required to fashion them into a permanent residence, the problem of satisfying this demand seems to become more and more difficult dif-ficult of solution. The writer has given a great deal of study to this matter, and has come to the conclusion that the way out lies not in going without, as so many families fam-ilies do continuing indefinitely the old, unsatisfactory renting life, nothing noth-ing is to be found in running far into debt- also as many do contracting obligations far beyond their safe ability abil-ity ,and mortgaging the future happiness happi-ness and safety of the home. No, the problem is rather one for the architect to meet, unwilling as they usually are to help much along lines of economy. Architects ordinarily, ordinar-ily, are paid a certain percentage, ranging from 6 to 12 per cent., on the total cost of labor and materials entering into the construction; so it Ls only natural if they seem a trifle uninterested and lukewarm about holding hold-ing down the expense. Nevertheless, It ls a fact that the skilled architect in designing a house especially if he has given that branch of the work Bpecial study can so plan that the expense will be within reach of modest mod-est means, let the house be convenient conveni-ent and attractive, making a thoroughly thor-oughly desirable home. Simplicfty of design, construction and arrangement is a present-day tendency that helps along very materially mate-rially to this end. The elaborate and costly ornamentation of former years, the gig-saw scroll work, the towers and spires and the much cut-up floor plans find no favor wi,th home builders build-ers today. Builders now have to depend de-pend more on the symmetry and right proportion of their different; parts for their attractiveness; and the convenience conveni-ence of housekeeping and of home life in general are the factors that determine de-termine the arrangement of interiors rather than the desire for mere display. dis-play. STbe architects' task is probably more difficult under this new order of things than formerly; at least more J Dimimg Rm. Jmtchen J la'O'xii'o avxii'0- Living Rm. pa wiwpfaJWl, jw 'nrmtoU Tgnr Porch 1S'6'X7V5" rJ c&5 First Floor Plan. ;areful thought and study are required re-quired if a house of medium size is to have any distinctiveness or individuality indi-viduality of appearance. Hut with a skilled designer who will really work to that end a thoroughly desirable residence may be planned which will fully meet the requirements of the rase, yet still be within the reach of I lhe faniil;' of moderate means I The accompany!!,' design is a good , example of what may be accomplished accomplish-ed along the lines mentioned. This It a house of good size, 28 feet G inches by 83 feet 6 inohes, having a very large living room, dining room, kitchen ad pantrjr on the first floor and two large bed rooms, bath room and three olothee closets on the second floor; arrangement of the rooms as well as their size, lighting, etc.. is according to the most ap- ! I Vthall ifMMZL I 1 Bed Rm JR , i Second Floor Plan. proved Ideas of today for convenience and sanitation; the exterior, although simple and plain, is exceedingly attractive; attrac-tive; the construction is thoroughgoing thoroughgo-ing and substantial, using waterproof cement foundation, three-coat cement plaster walls and ereosoted red cedar shingle roof. Yet the total cost for I the material and labor for this house is estimated at $2,000; with the very . best of hard wood finish oak flooring floor-ing and red oak or birch trim good grade of plumbing and electric lighting light-ing and with a satisfactory basement heating plant, the cost of this house should not be more than $3,000. |