These plans have been carefully prepared by competent architects in
consultation with home-management specialists and agricultural engineers
familiar with farm conditions in all parts of the United States. It is
urged that the plans be studied carefully before making a selection,
but that no changes be made in them except for alternate arrangements
indicated by the drawings or descriptions. Changing the size of a room or
the location of a door or window may spoil some other valuable feature,
and is almost certain to harm the appearance of the house. Doors and
windows should be selected according to the descriptive material on the
drawings. Sizes should be closely adhered to for best appearance.
The prospective builder should not try to obtain too much originality,
but rather should base his selection on those features of the plan which
will give the utmost satisfaction in the long run. Differences in slope
of ground, location of the drive and farm buildings, and position and
amount of trees and shrubbery, all will contribute to the distinctive
appearance of the home.
For homes of the type offered in this bulletin, the surroundings should
be kept free from distracting adornments. As a general rule, a few trees
to provide shade, some flowering shrubs of native growth grouped close to
the building to break harsh lines, and a bed or two of flowers selected
for their color value, will be sufficient decorative relief.