When the interest on the investment, taxes, insurance and upkeep are fully considered, it may be seen that home building is not more economical than renting, but as it is much more satisfactory and comfortable, the outlay of money is not usually considered. Often an elaborate house is built and when it comes time to furnish it, funds are found to be lacking. The furnishing of a home should be as carefully thought out as the plans for the house. It would be as poor policy to build a home with no idea of the furnishings, as it would be to buy the furniture and expect to build the house to contain it. These important points should go hand in hand.

The question arises, what per cent of an amount spent for a house should be spent for the furnishings? There is no iron-clad rule covering this point, but a logical conclusion is that at least one-fifth of the value of the house should be available for the furnishings, and from that amount up to one-half or three-fourths. The interior furnishings of many homes are sometimes out of proportion with the exterior in that they are too costly. This shows as poor taste as does, the other extreme.

A person contemplating the building of a home will find many good ideas in the small booklets of bungalows, houses, etc., which are given away or are sold by architects. While the plans given may not exactly coincide with the specific case, the many suggestions will amply pay for the small investment.

Color scheme is another thing to be studied, as very few people know what colors should be used to produce the most harmonious effect. Along this line, it is well to know that the large paint manufacturers issue booklets which they will gladly furnish gratis, on application, to those desiring such knowledge. Some of these booklets also furnish valuable information relative to treatment and care of floors.

Do Not Invite Poor Service

A kindly consideration for others nearly always brings its reward. Time is the principal asset of the clerk who waits on you when you select your house furnishings. He makes his living by selling this time to his employer. The amount of his salary depends upon the way he employs this time - the gross sales he can make - the profit into which he can convert his time to the benefit of his employer.

By shopping without some definite idea of what is wanted, you waste the time of the clerk as well as your own time, and interfere directly with his earning power. You need not be surprised nor hurt if he reciprocates your thoughtlessness by selling you what he can, in the least possible time, and without very much consideration of your interests.

If you start out with a reasonably clear conception of sizes, colors, qualities and styles, you effect a great saving in the time of the person who waits on you. The chances are that he will quickly recognize this fact and will co-operate with you to the best of his ability and to such an extent that you will be amply repaid for the study you have devoted to the matter.