of house and rejuvenation is considerably below
that of a new structure. Since confession stories are just as
fascinating in home building as in the lurid fiction of the woodpulp
magazines, we cite the experience of a family that bought a home
nearly two years ago within the New York commuting zone. They were a
larger family than the average and the house, of desired size, had
once been a stagecoach halfway tavern. It contained twenty-two rooms
and was in better than average condition. The exterior had been given
two coats of white paint less than six months before.

The price for this old place, including twenty-two acres of land and a
barn usable for garage and chicken house, was $8,200. According to
actual record, only $2,798 was spent on remodeling. There were almost
no structural changes required. Two minor partitions were removed and
five new windows cut. Otherwise, this expenditure was largely devoted
to the introduction of plumbing, heating, and lighting. By type of
work, the costs for this remodeling were as follows:

Two bathrooms, each complete with shower;
a kitchen sink and laundry tub $590.00

Heating system, including steam boiler, piping
and 25 radiators, totaling 630 feet of radiation 889.00

Water system, cleaning well, installing pump
and 500 gallon storage tank 218.00

Electric wiring entirely of armored cable and
lighting fixtures 306.00

Sewage system complete with septic tank and
disposal fields 230.00

All carpentry, including necessary work for
plumber, electrician, etc. 160.00

Masonry, including repairs to fireplaces and
chimneys 105.00

Decorations, paint, and paper for twelve rooms 150.00

Architectural supervision, plans where needed
and preliminary inspection of several houses 150.00

Total $2,798.00

These are the actual figures for a livable and attractive country
home. There are, of course, some things that await a future time for
their accomplishment, but what place would be really enjoyable if
there were not certain corrections and additions over which the owners
could daydream and plan. We admit the figures just quoted are so low
as t