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Jack and Sharon of the Onalaska Building School have always taught to build a scale model before you build.  Smart.  Trust them, they have over 60 years of combined knowledge.  So I did…and not only did it show me how my cabin would fit together but it showed me what ‘I didn’t want’.  By building it and looking at it I could tell it was not what

I wanted.  So I changed it…and changed it…until we came up with a desired plan.  I had designed our cabin from my head so it took some visualization before it all came together.  I don’t know about you…but I am a visual learner.  Something that also helped me was some design software called Home Designer($99).   It will do everything…exterior walls, roof, interior layout and give you all the measurements automatically.   Very helpful for the placement of my staircase, wiring plan, windows and doors as well as hardware and cabinets like sinks, toilets, appliances and furniture.  The cool part is it has a 3D feature that allows you to see every side of your project by using the X, Y and Z access.  $99 well spent.  Short learning curve.  Make that model…it will save you lots of $ and grief.