Oh, that's wonderful Summerfield! I wish I could just build that almost as you have drawn it! Unfortunately, I've got some restrictions I have to work within due to the lot I have and city setbacks. I've been reading "The Not So Big House" book (loving it, thanks for the recommendation minneapolisite) and was looking at some new ideas from my original layout. **This is pretty rough** and there's a bunch I really don't like on it just yet, but I wanted to give an update. What I like most about my latest update is more windows in the main living area on the south side of the house and all three living areas having direct windows instead of the dining room being sandwiched into the middle of the house. I also like the shared entry so that the 'nice' entry doesn't end up being for guests only. I hate the way I have the pantry laid out, but I do like the idea of a good sized pantry with room for the chest freezer (currently in the basement in our house today). Also, this opens up the living room for a bit more space. My favorite things about the plan you've drawn, Summerfield, are both of the bathrooms, laundry and master closet. Those are the areas I'm struggling the most with. (as well as the whole bedrooms side of the house...) We may have a small television in the kitchen, and temporarily in the living room, but once the basement is finished we would only have the kitchen tv. So no need to build a dedicated spot for it on the first floor. Site Plan:

I'd do a shellac based exterior grade primer. And then a coat of the paint. On all sides of the uninstalled boards. Then do a second coat on the installed surface. A good primer's job is to seal and to provide grip for the topcoat. A topcoat simply doesn't have the grip needed to stick long term to wood exposed to exterior conditions without the wood being primed first.

The siding was installed in November and was caulked at that time. Unfortunately the temperatures dropped from 70 to 30 overnight and didn't warm up again until April. We live in Iowa so the siding has seen its share of rain & snow and now finally warm sunlight. It seems to look the same as the day it was installed other than being a little muddy near the foundation. Every painter that has been out to look at it has said that they will clean it well and apply two coats of paint. The only major discrepancy between the bids is whether they prime the whole thing or just spot prime the areas that are caulked or cut plus the cedar porch rails. Only one painter has wanted to prime the whole thing and his bid is $2100 more than the next guy. Money is definately tight right now as we just finished building and are still in the process of closing on our mortgage. I'd love to save the $2100 but then again its not worth it if it results in an inferior paint job and we end up having to redo it in a few years. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

The main reasons paint fails is moisture beneath the paint; painting over a dirty or glossy surface. Are the posts a hollow cavity? Check for moisture infiltration. If any, correct that first. Be sure joints are caulked and cracks are sealed. Sand to a sound surface and prime again with the Bulls Eye 1 2 3. Oil base is not neccessary, nor will it fix the problem. Oil base primer or paint requires the same meticulous prep as does acrylic paints. What paint have you used in the past? Finish with two coats of high quality 100% Acrylic Latex enamel or Duration Exterior. Michael