Something I always do as part of my spring cleaning is bug control. Our local feed store sells a battery operated fly spray dispenser. Every spring and fall I change batteries and replace canister as needed. We still have open range in parts of Arizona and when cattle come in they bring flies right along with them. I have found fly spray dispenser helps a great deal and it has a fresh scent as well. I have one by my front door and one by back door which helps keep them out of my cabin. Spraying pest spray inside and out is a must. Hire a pest control company or do it yourself but do spray.

A very important part of my spring chores is outside! All dry material is hauled to dump. Keeping weeds, leaves, pine needles and grasses under control is very important to help keep your cabin safer against forest fires and helps keep snakes and small varmints away from cabin too. We also keep trees away from cabin for same reason. This is also a good time to check all fire extinguishers and have them recharged if necessary. Make sure your garden hose is in good shape and attached to outside spigot. Yes, I am forest fire paranoid! I have a log home with all wood heat in middle of forest; fire safety is always on my mind.

My husband doesn't get out of spring chores either. Tuning up chain saw, boat and quads are on his list as well as outside furniture cleaning and grill but I keep finding him admiring his fishing poles. "Don't let spring fever sidetrack your chores, get work out of way!" As I throw out my dusting cloth and bait up my hook ready for friends and family to enjoy spring at our cabin.

-Style of home (Colonial, Ranch, Mediterranean, Cape Cod, etc.) -Square footage -Number of bedrooms -Number of bathrooms -Garage -Type of foundation

While it is unlikely that a plan will be just what you were looking for (though you never know), you may find one that is generally suitable if some modifications can be made to match your specific requirements. For an additional fee, company will allow you to present written alterations to existing plan. These changes will then be presented to a staff architect who will incorporate modifications as requested.

Common modifications include:

-Changing foundation -Adding or enlarging a garage -Reconfiguring a bathroom or kitchen -Adding to or reducing size of rooms

Typically, you can make changes right on house plan. Written explanations are requested along with design to insure accuracy. The altered plans are then submitted and an estimate is prepared by design firm and returned to customer. Once satisfied, customer will receive a complete set of blueprints to forward to builder.

While you may not be able to claim that you personally designed your own home, you will have satisfaction of knowing that finished product has your personal touch. And you will be able to afford a few more amenities with money you saved on an expensive architect.