It is true, no matter how excellent the initial roof quality and no matter what the guarantee is, or even how pretty it may look, eventually a building is going to need a new roof, or at least, some roofing repairs and updates.

The axiom applies to all home maintenance and roofs are no exception to this.

Understanding the basic aspects of the roofing project can be daunting and it is not a recommendation to just climb up on the roof and perform a do-it-yourself repair or roof replacement. While it may be entertaining in Hollywood movies, it can be quite dangerous and ineffective for an individual who does not have experience in the roofing industry.

Not All Roofing Material Is Made the Same

In children’s storybooks, roofs may be drawn as little triangles on top of a square that represents the house structure, but in reality, there are many differences between roofs, including the material that is used.

The most common roofing material, in the Western world, includes shingles made out of asphalt (very common), wood, tile, slate, as well as metal roofs. Each type of roofing material has its own set of advantages and disadvantage as well as appeal and non-appeal. Wood shingles, for example, may be very pretty and give a cottage-feel to the place, but it may also succumb to things like wood rot (if not treated) and fire hazard.

According to Bob Villa, the cost of the roofing material plays into the overall decision, as well. He goes into detail about the pros and cons of the different styles of roofing material and why one may be a better choice than another, for the specific roofing project.

Roofing material is not limited to the common. According to Mashable, even soda bottles can be recycled into a thatched roof.

Not All Roofers Are Made the Same

There are two key things that come to mind when thinking of the term, “roofer.” One is quality and know-how and the other is safety.

There are many horror stories that are told about roofers who do not necessarily have the skill level to perform the task of roof repair or roof replacement. Those are the stories where the roof is worse off after the repair or replacement, than it was before. This is a common theme in the television sitcoms and movies, but it also happens in real life, as in the story of a house in a well-to-do neighborhood that had a roof that turned out to be made out of compost and full of slugs!

The aspect of safety of the job is also important, and tends to be one of the main deterrent factors to the idea of the do-it-yourself approach.  In addition to one’s concern over their own safety, the homeowner also doesn’t want to be included in the law suit that relates to the safety issue, even if it is the roofer him/herself that was negligent.

A Google search for the term “roofing accidents” demonstrates just how lucrative that aspect is, for attorneys, with most of the search results pointing to law firms. This also demonstrates the level of safety concern that exists for roofing projects, especially when the word “fatal” also appears in that listing.

According to CNN, roofing is considered one of the most hazardous career choices, showing up as number six in a list of the top ten most dangerous jobs.

Just because a person advertises that they are a roofer does not mean that they necessarily meet the criteria of both quality and safety.

Roof and Roofing Accidents

Sometimes, roof accidents (as opposed to roofing accidents) can have global effects, like the roof that collapsed in Sao Paulo and was cleared earlier this year, to accommodate the World Cup event. In cases like this, having a well-maintained roof may be the difference between an event happening and an event not happening, and more importantly, the prevention of unnecessary loss of human life.

Not all accidents can be prevented but the more educated the homeowner is, in their approach to roof maintenance (i.e. when to call the roofer) and the roofing project itself, the better it is for the homeowner and the community that may be affected by accidents that occur due to lack of proper maintenance.

How To Ensure Roofing Success

After all of the discoveries about the differences in roofing material and what can (and may) go wrong in a roofing project, what can be done to obtain roofing project success? Assuming the decision is not the do-it-yourself approach, the best place to start is to consult a roofing guide that will present all of the aspects that need to be considered and describe the best approach to how to make the right decisions when it comes to the roofing project.

By doing the homework and being prepared and educated, as well as implementing the suggestions of experts (with verifiable examples), the roofing project has a good chance of being a success and everyone safe and healthy on the other end.

Note: Deborah was hired to ghostwrite this article. Ghostwriting is where one person writes the article for-hire for another person to publish and attach whatever name they want to it. If the published article ever disappears, it is fair game for Deborah to publish said article on this blog since it was forfeited by the customer as a result of the unpublishing action.

This article was originally published on The Epoch Times.

This blog is about house inspection but in the process, it is fun to take a break and consider something creative but related in the broader scheme of things (to houses and house inspection, sort of), isn’t it?

This will give you a break from thinking about YOUR house in a sense that may make you want to scream and run from the room. Instead, you can calm your mind and allow it to relax as you focus on something, something creative, something that benefits the overall experience of living in your house (and backyard).

Building the Best BirdHouse for Your Feathered Friends

I like to think of birds as friendly little neighbors who are ok with cohabitating with you in your backyard and happy to share their beauty with you while cohabitating. Granted, they also share their poop, too, but don’t we all? The only difference is that we have grown high enough on our bloom’s taxonomy level of analysis and understanding to decide where we will excrete those things and hopefully are choosing not to do it in the backyard. Then, again, maybe it is the birds who have grown in intelligence (and emotional intelligence! – like, when was the last time a bird was insulting another bird on Facebook?!). Of course, that is why there are garden hoses, to take care of those little contributions which we do not desire to have. Now, enough about poop and on to the birdhouses or the birds, at the least…

There are some who will say that the birds are the add-ons in your backyard. I guess there is a little too much California in me because I prefer to take the cohabitating view than to think of them as some sort of object. But, enough on philosophy or political views… Hey, those all start with p… poop, philosophy, politics… Yes, I am in a weird mood 🙂

Why Build a BirdHouse?

There are several reasons why you may want to build a birdhouse (or why the birds may want you to build a house for them).

If you think of birds as your entertainment, even in a nice way, it may be that you want to fascinate or attract them so that you can watch them. Personally, I am not one who wants to be lured into some giant’s backyard to be watched. But, then again, if I were hungry enough and I could receive free room and board in my own house and could keep my clothes on then maybe it isn’t a bad idea (trying to look at it from the bird’s point of view).

That said, for some birds (and no, I may be almost done and be a psychologist, but I am not a bird psychologist) the birdhouse is appealing to them. That doesn’t mean that all birds want (or are even interested in) a birdhouse. Keep in mind that you may go to all this work to build a birdhouse and your little feathered friend is not in the least bit interested. That is part of the reason why we are attempting to keep it simple. Let’s exert as little energy as possible, not because we are lazy or do not care but because it is possible we will exert the energy and the bird will not be interested. Don’t blame the bird. Don’t blame yourself. Just realize that it is a risk we all take.

Of course, sometimes we have birds who want to hang out in the backyard because we picked the right bird food that appeals to them or they have decided they like the trees in our yard better than the Johnson’s backyard. Hey, life happens. Accept it and don’t lose sleep over it, okay? 🙂

If you want to even the odds a bit, maybe Google the type of bird you think may be eyeing your backyard and see what type of habitat your friend tends to like and look to providing the materials (and food!) that your bird friend may like.

 


 



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How to Make the Best BirdHouse

It might seem like these are minor things or minor measurements, etc., research (and practice) has demonstrated that while you cannot necessarily predict exactly what the birds will do (or want), there are basics that are essential to their comfort and their needs in their living space. Of course, they know best but it isn’t like they are going to perch on your back porch and give you the blueprints for their dream birdhouse. So, we rely on what has work for others (hence, the research and others’ practice) and a little bit of trial and error and hope that it works. Then, we sit back and see if our bird friends like what we have made for them.

We are going to cover some basic guidelines for building a birdhouse that your bird friends will love.

Here are some tips for you:

  1. Do your homework. Identify what species of bird it is that you are targetting. Remember, these are your friends. You are not on a hunt. But,
    since they do not likely speak English, you need to identify what species of bird they are so that you can do your homework to determine what type of house they want. Also, research whether this type of species is a burrow dweller or a cavity dweller. Try a Google search to do some research on the types (and species). BTW some cavity dwellers (birdhouse dwellers) include Chickadees, Wrens, Flickers, and Bluebirds.
  2. Think in terms of the birdhouse design. Now that you have identified the species and type, think in terms of the type of birdhouse you would like to build. It is easier once you have completed the first step (homework) and even when you can find pictures online, to help you with that visualization process.
  3. One at a time…to start. Birds can be territorial, so start with the one birdhouse for now.
  4. Write down the dimensions. Calculate the dimensions you need (again, Google helps in finding what birds need what dimensions). You will need dimensions for the entrance hole, floor size, depth, and height. As an example, small birds (Chickadees and Wrens) like eight inches in depth and they tend to like 4×4 floor sizes.
  5. And, many more, but we have broken those down into sections for you…We invite you to continue to read 😉
  6.  


     



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    The Right Attitude for Birdhouse Design

    We covered some of these already but just going to reiterate some basics, ok?

    Like we said, above, some people build the houses for themselves so that they can sort of capture the birds as their entertainment. I don’t personally buy into all that but neither can I tell you what to do. So, just treat the birds well, ok?

    Now, another thought, taking it a step further, is to approach the building of the birdhouse with the same passion that you would approach it if you were building yourself a house. And, just think, this is less money, fewer materials, and less time (and less muscle strain)! If you already have the passion to do it, you are probably already on the right track and will do just fine.

    Another thing that is nice is that if this first (or whatever number) birdhouse doesn’t quite work out the way you want, you can always build another one at any time. Yes, we suggested (and suggest) that you focus on one. Don’t build a gazillion birdhouses at one time (unless you are a professional!). But, there is a certain convenience in building a birdhouse, especially compared to a people house. And, back on the topic of attitude(s), keep in mind that if something doesn’t work out with the building of any previous birdhouses that it was a learning experience and a stepping stone to the experience that you are having now. Nothing lost. You are gaining. And, hopefully, you are gaining new neighbors, in that of your bird friends.

    What is your objective? Beyond building a birdhouse, what is your objective in the process (or with the process)? It always helps to have an objective, in any project, and especially with project plans. This is no different. So, how about this suggested objective… To make a birdhouse that the birds enjoy, feel comfortable, feel safe, and return to year after year?

    Materials for Your Birdhouse

    Use untreated wood.* That means that the wood should not have laminates or varnish or any of the stuff that you would want on your furniture. Remember, these are your bird friends and it may not be good for their digestive system (or whatever birds have) to be nibbling (or pecking) at varnish. You see, you don’t want to poison your little friends. Also, treated wood can trap temperature and you may overheat your friend and you don’t want to cook them either, so stick with that untreated wood, eh?

    Did you know that plywood and other processed and treated woods sometimes contain things like formaldehyde? I’m sure you have heard of formaldehyde and how dangerous that could be for humans, let alone birds. Also, wood that is classified as “pressure-treated” contains toxic chemicals. Those are not good for your bird friends, nor their young.

    And, if we are using untreated wood, that means that we are not “treating” it either. So, no adding varnish, no matter how pretty you think it will look. And, no adding paint. Yep, no paint. With paint, if it flecks off, the poor birds may think it is food and it is not good for them. Look, if my chihuahua sometimes doesn’t know any better and eats tissues and anything that fits in his mouth, what will the birds do with paint flecks? Yes, probably try to eat it. Even so, you don’t want that possibility on your conscience, do you?

    You don’t want to use plastic because it can overheat and melt and melted plastic isn’t good for your birds’ digestive system and the overheating isn’t good, either. Metal is another one that is not good with the overheating. It can cause the birdhouse to overheat and it is hot to the touch so it would hurt the birds, as well. There is an exception (isn’t there always?) with metal and that is for Martins. That particular bird loves to have neighbors so there is a commercial Martin aluminum that is safe for them so that you can build a Martin apartment house for them, using special metals.

    *With all of this going on and on about untreated wood, there are those who believe that painting a birdhouse is good for the birds because it can help with temperature control (yes, the opposite of what we said above!) and help the house to last longer. So, even if we do not use the argument that it makes the house look nice to humans, there are still those who feel it is better for the birds. Check out this article about the controversy >> “To Paint or Not to Paint.”

    It is pretty safe to say that the use of cans, tins, cartons, and other things that belong in the trash or the recycle bin are not safe for the birds’ eggs and hence, not safe to include in the construction of their birdhouse. Oh, and if it is called “lumber” there is a chance that it may have those chemicals that we mentioned are not good for your birds. So, stick with “untreated wood” whenever possible, noting the exceptions that are mentioned or that you have heard from qualified experts.

     


     


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    Predator Protection

    Predators are not limited to other critters, creatures, etc. In this case, it can also include Mother Nature. Wind and rain can cause discomfort and more when the birdhouse is not built in a way to help protect your bird friends.

    In this case, we are looking at the safety of the birds and their young (including the egg stage). If we are examining ways that we can keep the birds (etc.) safe, that means we are looking at all possibilities of danger, including predators that move and those that come from Mother Nature.

    Protecting the birds starts in the planning stage in planning how you will put the birdhouse together. It also includes making a list of what to include and what not to include in the birdhouse design. And, it includes how you will include what you will include. But, how about if we mention what it is we are talking about and cover it that way, ok?

    First, the roof…

    It is helpful if you have a slanted roof, for obvious reasons, like allowing the rain to run off the birdhouse instead of settling on the birdhouse. In the case of untreated wood, settled water on the roof would cause rotting wood and not only is that gross but it isn’t exactly beneficial to the birds, either.

    As a part of that slant idea, it is helpful to have the roofs extend over the front and sides of the birdhouse. Design-wise this is helpful and easier but also that allows that water to drain off the house completely instead of draining into the walls, in which case we might as well have allowed the wood rot on the roof since we will have causes it in the walls of the birdhouse.

    It is helpful to extend the roof at least two inches in front of the entrance to the birdhouse. This helps to alleviate the raindrops that may attempt to enter through the entrance with the help of driving wind. The extended roof also helps with keeping some predators out of the birdhouse. We didn’t say that that one act will solve all the problems in the area of predators, but everything that we can do helps, right? And, extending the roof, especially when it comes to the bird family’s entrance, is a helpful move on your part.

    Now for the uninvited guests, which could also include the household, domesticated pets…

    It helps if you put the birdhouse on a pole. That makes it harder for raccoons and cats to climb it to get to the birdhouse. My grandfather used to save coffee cans and put that on the birdhouse holder but I think he did that because the pole was wood and that is easier for predators to sink their claws into and climb. The use of the coffee cans meant that they would fall off, just like a smooth pole would do. I know we said not to use cans for the building of your birdhouse, but you can use some creative things for the pole that holds the birdhouse. Just think like a predator and what the predator may need in order to get to the birdhouse and build something that is the opposite of that!

    Keep an eye out for things like bees, wasps, mice, or squirrels, and ensure that they are not able to bother your birds in their birdhouse. Of course, in some of those cases, like the bees, be careful that you do not get hurt in the process. But, if you find beehives or wasps’ nests, etc., remove them or hire a professional to do so so that your birds (and you) do not get harmed.

    Other Considerations

    Perches look cute but are unnecessary. And, some experts believe that not only is it not necessary but harmful. I suppose they are thinking in terms of safety and possible predators that may use it as a way to get at the birds or their eggs. I wouldn’t want to add a perch, either, if it meant harm to the birds.

    As with everything (especially in this article!), there are exceptions. Sparrows and Starlings tend to link and appreciate perches. So, if the birdhouse is for one of those two species you may want to consider it and then just make sure that other precautions are followed to ensure their safety.

    Ventilation and drainage are other considerations…

    Not only do you want the birds to be able to take in fresh air but you also want to ensure that there is not water build-up in their house. Young birds can drown in those cases and that would not be good. Neither do we want to expect that the bird parents have engineering or architectural design degrees that will help them notice the potential for water collection and harm to their young.

    The water drainage issue can be resolved by placing small holes (about four of them) in the floor, which will allow the water to drain out of the birdhouse. Also, by placing holes in the walls of the birdhouse, it allows ventilation and may help to keep the birdhouse cool and the temperature comfortable for the birds.

    It has also been recommended by experts that about eight holes be drilled in the top of the birdhouse, again, like the walls, for ventilation. Of course, the primary concern when it comes to holes being drilled in the birdhouse is the water drainage capability. Ventilation is important but preventing the drowning of baby birds is essential.

    Finally, another precaution that can be taken is to elevate the floor of the birdhouse. Think of it as a false floor. This could help in alleviating potential rotting that may occur with moisture, especially if it is not known that the moisture has somehow gotten into the birdhouse until it is too late and the entire birdhouse has rotted and needs to be replaced. Just be sure to include the holes in both the false floor (false bottom) and the real bottom of the birdhouse so that the water can drain out of where the birds are (false floor) and can drain out of the birdhouse entirely, hopefully alleviating any moisture-related rotting issue and certainly alleviating the drowning potential.

    Understanding Avian Communities and Neighborhood Needs

    It may not seem like it, initially, but birds can be a bit territorial and picky about the placement of their houses and especially how close they are to their bird neighbors. The spacing is generally thought to be about 25 feet from each other. For Bluebirds, they like it to be 300 feet or so. But, if you have Purple Martins, they like to be together in little communities (or colonies) and that is why often their birdhouses are not really birdhouses but bird apartment buildings.

    You know, it does make sense. The birds want their young to be safe and so they want enough space to feel like they are keeping their young and their eggs safe. Maybe Purple Martins are little party birds and trust each other enough to help each other care for their young. No, I am not an expert on Purple Martins or their party habits. 😉

    Maintaining Your Friends’ House (Birdhouse)

    It is not only important to build the birdhouse correctly, but it is also important to keep the birdhouse clean (ensuring the birds stay healthy) and maintaining the birdhouse.

    If you allow the bird poop and other stuff to pile up, it can cause bacteria issues and cause the birds and their young to get sick. Yes, it sounds like something that they should care for themselves but in the real world, they would abandon their nest(s) and build a new one the next year. In this case, you have provided them with a birdhouse where they can build their nest. It sort of becomes your responsibility if you want them to come back and use the same birdhouse, which they are not likely to do if it is gross. So, it becomes our job to clean out their birdhouse each year.

    Some people like to build a backdoor (literally) in the birdhouse so that they can access the inside and remove the nest and clean the house of all poop and other disgusting things left behind by the tenants.

    Another thing that I’ve seen, and part of the reason this is included in the birdhouse design article 🙂 is a removable roof. Granted, that also means that the roof could fall off or be blown off with a strong wind so I’m not sure that that is really a practical solution. But, a hinged roof would work, allowing you to lift the roof to clean the inside of the birdhouse but less likely to be blown off in a wind if it is attached to the birdhouse. If you do have a hinge on the roof (or any other part of the birdhouse) just make sure that it is rustproof as the rust would not be good for the birds either.

    Conclusion

    It seems like, with all of these tips, that you are all set. You can build your dream birdhouse! Or, should we say your bird friends’ dream house! Hopefully, it is a birdhouse that pleases you, allows you to have fun making, and one which the birds will love so much that they will return and use year after year.

    Remember, think in terms of the safety (and comfort) of your feathered friends and that will help give you direction in your endeavors to build that birdhouse. The building of the birdhouse isn’t just an act of carpentry but it is an act of love, caring for your bird friends, and putting that passion into creating something that they can call home.

A birdhouse is something that can create a shelter for the bird. It is a home.

The Birdhouse as a Shelter

As a shelter, this birdhouse also provides a safe place for the bird to create her nest and prepare for her young. By having a shelter for her nest, she can rest her wings and get out of the elements, and properly nest, readying for her young.

And, it isn’t just about nesting as far as providing protection from the environment.

Another factor in the birdhouse is the protection against predators. Putting the birdhouse high enough also helps. Predators such as snakes and cats are warded off by the small hole that functions as the doorway into the birds’ home. Of course, the bird’s nest and her eggs are protected against these predators, as well.

Ensuring That Your Bird Friends’ Birdhouse is Safe

Fortunately, most commercially made birdhouses are equipped with mechanisms that can protect against these predators. If you are building your own birdhouse, just be sure to research you to protect your bird friends.

When making the purchase, commercially, and how-to plans, it is important to take durability and dependability in mind.

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Now even though many birdhouses are made out of wood, and possibly even the one shown above, it may be of interest to find some that are made out of allows that cannot easily be bent, dismantled, or affected by rust. In this way, they may be durable without being dangerous.

Concern for the Birds’ Wellbeing and Happiness

We all know that birds are attractive, right? Why not help them to be as comfortable and healthy as possible, continuing that beauty and their happiness?

Ok, so a decorative birdhouse is probably more enjoyable to us, as humans, looking at the birdhouse. But, the functionality of the birdhouse may include aspects that help us to care for the birds. For example, the one in the ad, above, has a way to open the birdhouse in order to clean it. After the bird has cared for her young and they have moved on into the world, it may be a good time to help out your bird friend and clean up the excrement, etc. so that she has a fresh start for the next run.


Sidebar: Captivity and Birds

Unfortunately, when I was young, I didn’t know any better and I thought that taking a bird inside the house and into a cage was a good thing, to nurse a bird back to health.

I had watched too much of Grizzly Adams and I thought that I could save what I thought was an ailing Blue Jay. I named her Penelope.

Unfortunately, Penelope died in my care. Now, possibly, she really was ailing and already dying, but it taught me not to try to take outside birds into the inside of the house and to look for ways to care for them outside!


Generally, a birdhouse looks like its environment and that is often true. It isn’t the case in our example above, but that doesn’t mean that a bird will not like the house. However, if there is any question, pick out a house that looks more like the habitat and something that the bird will like.

In my experience, birds often return to the same house. For example, if you live in a colder community where the birds fly South for the Winter, it is not unusual for them to return to your yard and their house when they return. Yes, it is often easy to recognize that it is the same bird friend 😉

Also, keep in mind that just because the birdhouse is cute and looks like it is made for humans, doesn’t mean that the bird will not be interested in it. Sometimes it has to do with the material from which the house is built.

Whether for the bird, or more likely the human, birdhouses are made in all sorts of designs, like the one above, wood cabins, lighthouses, churches, you name it, it has probably been done!

Research Your Bird’s Habitat Needs

It takes work, but research what your particular bird needs and likes. You probably already know what type of birds you have in the area where you live. If not, you can research that, too.

By researching your bird’s needs, this can help you in making the appropriate birdhouse decision. This includes researching whether a decorative or more natural birdhouse is the right birdhouse. Also, this research will help you to determine the rest of the habitat, like a garden environment or a more natural (i.e. woodsy) environment.

The birdhouse selection includes where you can hang it, where you live (house or apartment), etc.

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Planning To Build a Wooden Birdhouse

It is very normal if you feel that you want to build the birdhouse yourself, for your little friend. This gives you the opportunity to build the dream birdhouse for your birds to feel safe and breed.

It is also natural to build it out of wood and that is a great place to start.

Again, as we mentioned above, research into what your type of bird likes, based on the types of birds that are native to your environment helps.

Add to that planning that is bathed in that research and you are well on your way! Don’t be afraid to ask others who have experience in the area, including friends, family, neighbors, pet shop owners, etc. But, be sure to take it with a grain of salt! There are many who claim to be experts, who may even have birds and birdhouses in their backyards and yet are unkind to birds and do not know what they are talking about, so beware of these types of people and maybe choose not to take their advice.




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Back on the Research

Keep in mind that you are not only researching what will help your bird friend to be happy and comfortable. You also need to study the habitat and how birds interact. Different habitats attract different species of birds (as we have already stated) but even the location of the birdhouse may have an impact. So, research well!

Fortunately, you have the internet on your side. So, find out the species of bird and hit the searches!

Making that Birdhouse Yourself

There are various options when it comes to making your own birdhouse. For example, you can make it from scratch or you can build it using a kit.

You have probably already figured it out but a kit saves you time because part of it is already assembled. Of course, some people feel better building it completely from scratch.

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Understanding the Specifics and Types of Birdhouses

Keep in mind that whether it is an already-built birdhouse, a build-it-yourself birdhouse kit, or plans to build it from scratch, you want to consider quality. You don’t really want to go for cheap if you care about your bird friend. Remember those predators? Let’s not give them a headstart by spending less (not to say that is a given, but it may not be a good situation).




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Many times wooden birdhouses are built out of pine or cedar wood.

The sky is the limit when it comes to possibilities for building a birdhouse.

One of the benefits of wooden birdhouses is that they can come pre-painted with primer, so you just need to add the paint. Remember those kits? Keep in mind that it is not always the case, but it is a possibility.

Other prebuilt birdhouses may come in plaster, ceramic, plastic, or metal. Remember that research? Be sure to research what your environment will do to those different materials and whether those are options (including quality) that are viable for you and appropriate for your bird friend.

Usually, mimicking the bird’s habitat is always your best bet.

In some cases, there are bird families that live together and a birdhouse that looks like an apartment may be better suited in that situation.

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  • Durable Construction   *Bullet quoted from amazon.
  • MADE IN THE USA   *Bullet quoted from amazon.


Just as you have birds who are multi-family, you have territorial birds that want their own space. In those cases, you may need to ensure proper space between birdhouses to ensure that they do not get into fights. This is why it may be advantageous to start with one birdhouse until you get the hang of it.

Hearing how happy your bird friends are will help to reward you for making the correct choices and looking out for what is best for your birds.

Now for the Birdhouse Plans

You need to ensure that you have a reliable birdhouse building plan, whether you purchased it or came up with it yourself based on your research.

Keep in mind, especially as you are doing your research, that you are building a birdhouse for the birds common to the environment in which the birdhouse will exist (i.e. your backyard). You are building a house for their safety, but also one that will attract the birds who are looking for a shelter.

Your main objective is to build that house that will attract the right birds (native to the environment).

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you put together your building plan or as you are evaluating the purchase of a birdhouse building plan, as well as other tips related to the process:

  • Build a roof with hinges that are not easy for predators to open; ready for spring cleaning (March); and rust-proof.
  • Ensure a right amount of ventilation. You could drill at least four holes for drainage at the bottom of the birdhouse and another two holes on each side.
  • Make sure the roof keeps out the rainwater (etc.) and that it hangs over the doorway so that it keeps out wind and rain.
  • Ensure the proper spacing in the floor so that if rainwater does seep in, it does not reach the nest or cause wood rot (if using wood).
  • As we mentioned earlier, ensure the placement is in proper spacing (i.e. not too close to other birds).
  • Preferably use wood (not milk cartons or metal or anything) for the birdhouse. But, don’t use lumber as it is treated with pesticides, etc.
    which could hurt the birds.
  • If you do find predators in the area, remove them, for the sake of your bird friends’ safety.

If you understand the birds and their birdhouses, you should be able to build a birdhouse or two for your bird friends without any trouble. And, after all, that is the purpose of this article, eh?

Yes, you noticed!

This is a new blog. However, it is not a new subject and we are certainly not new to the subject!

In fact, we actually have a book that will help YOU go through the process of doing a professional job at inspecting your own house, instead of paying hundreds of dollars to hire a house inspector. Granted, we need to suggest that you still hire an inspector, if there is a need that requires it (i.e. buying and selling your house), but this will help you cover those important details and save you some money.

Three things, to get started, ok?

  1. First, the book will not be available … yet. It is written, but we are going through the tedious process of editing and ensuring that it is perfect, before offering it to you, our readers, at the launch price. So, please be patient with us. And, I mean like months, maybe a year or two. In the meantime, we will keep you occupied with interesting topics on this blog, beyond just house inspections, but home related. Make sense?
  2. Second, the blog content is just that… blog content. I think we covered this one already, but it is content that is related to owning (or even renting) a home. And, we will even keep you apartment dwellers in mind, too. You should be able to expect content that relates to general home maintenance, improvement, ideas, etc.
  3. Why should you listen to us? The book is written by a Certified and Licensed House Inspector! That is what I mean… We know our stuff! Out of full disclosure, you should know that much of the general content is written by Deborah (as in certified writer, me), but the book that we are finishing up for you is written by the bona fide House Inspector, who definitely knows this stuff!
  4. With all of that said, we definitely welcome you and look forward to serving you with this blog content.

    Our first topic (starting, most likely, next week) will actually be covered birdhouses. I know, they are small houses, but they serve our feathered friends and while they do not come under “Certified House Inspection,” it is an interesting topic and one that all of us, even those of us with a small back balcony, may be able to use.

    See you then!

    -Deborah