The winter climate is an important factor if you build in the snow country. In the mountains you may get snow ten feet or more in depth—and ten feet of snow weighs a lot. That requires extra sturdy construction of the cabin roof.
Actually, in a National Forest you’ll find that a good deal of the selection has been done by the Service for you. About all you have to do is to find the particular one that is most pleasing to the whole family and offers the greatest possibilities consistent with the money you have to spend. You can be absolutely sure that you will get the lot you pick out. Nor need you worry that after you get your pet cabin built someone else will build “Ye Olde Hot Dogge Shoppe” across the road.
In selecting a site for a beach house don’t be led into buying too close to the water. Remember that ocean storms often send the waves far up on land, so be sure to get expert advice on the safety of your location.
Fig. 1
RETAINING WALL CABIN MASONRY OR CONCRETE WALL, OR DUG DITCH TO DETOUR THE SURFACE WATER
YOUR WATER SUPPLY AND SANITARY FACILITIES
One of the first major problems that confronts the city dweller starting the construction of a summer home is the water supply—or lack of it. Not only is water hard to get, comparatively speaking, but it is not always safe to use when obtained unless care is taken to see that its source is pure. Water cannot safely be declared fit for human consumption unless the surface of the well or spring remains permanently above the level of all nearby sources of pollution. Tight well platforms and casings, clean grounds and wide separation from probable channels of impure drainage are the best safeguards.