Outdoors is the new indoors

Seems everyone's building secondary structures on their property these days, to take their indoor living outside. Maybe you're thinking of a pool cabana with a large patio where you can cook; a cabin, spa enclosure or gazebo for entertaining friends; or a home studio that inspires your creative spirit with a stunning view of the outdoors. But with the state of the economy, you're closely counting how you spend your money.

Here's an idea for the best of both worlds -- design and build your own outdoor structure. If you can drag and drop with your mouse, you can be your own architect. Really. Try the unique Custom Design Center at Summerwood.com. You create the design online and they build a unique kit for you to assemble, it's that easy.

Let's say you're building a cabin - a quiet spot for visitors to your country home. Select from an array of styles, and customize it with scores of design options -- doors, windows, shutters, cupolas, etcetera. There's an infinite amount of choice, so customize until you realize your vision. Then have your cabin delivered in an easy-to-assemble kit. It's excellent value.

What if you think you know what you want but need inspiration? Take online 3D tours of pool houses, gazebos, sheds and other structures. They feature decorating ideas and important interior structural details. There's always help available -- like the site's Ask an Expert Forum. It links you directly to Summerwood's key specialists in design, contracting, sales, and technical support.

Once you've designed your building, order your kit online and be your own contractor. Get a few friends to help. Take your family outside and make it a building party. Available pre-cut or pre-assembled, the kits even come with a breakdown of labor hours. The truly keen can purchase many of the same designs in DIY building plan format.

For more information, go to www.summerwood.com/nc.html or call 1-800-663-5042.