These houses are built by me in my shop and are excellent houses for creating bluebird trails or just for one in your yard or garden. 

0. Specifications
   0. The overall specifications are 5 ½” wide, 8 ½” Deep, 14” High.  Slot entrance is 1 3/8” x 4 in.  The Nest area is 4 ¾” x 4”.  
0. Assembly
   0. My houses are assembled with rust resistant decking screws for strength and durability.
   0. Although it is easier and much faster to assemble a house with Brads, staples and nails but they have a tendency to loosen after a year or two and cause the house to separate at the joints.  Always buy houses that are assembled with screws.
0. Slanted roof.
   0. It is important for the roof to be slanted so that the water will drain off freely,
0. Ventilation
   0. Ventilation is provided to help control over heating of the nesting area. The buildup of heat in the house is a problem for the bluebird and every effort should be made to help reduce this by ventilation, color, and placement of the house
   0. There is a ventilation gap of approx ½” above the front panel and on each side of the house at the peak of the roof to help cool the house in hot weather.
0. Drainage in case of water penetration.
   0. Although water getting into the house is not a big problem, the bottom has mitered holes on the corners help in drainage if water does get in.  It also assists in ventilation. 
0. Care, Cleaning and observation
   0. The houses should be painted a light color to protect the wood and the light color helps reflect sunlight which will help in the overheating of the nesting area.  This should be repeated occasionally, usually when cleaning the house for the winter.  You can just use a spray can of paint which will last for several houses.
   0. The front panel swings up for observation and cleaning.
0. Appearance
   0. The box has rounded edges on the top and front for appearance sake.  Although this doesn’t mean much to the birds, it does make the house little more attractive in appearance.
0. Mounting
   0. These houses have predrilled mounting holes for mounting to a wooden post, building, tree etc.  if you plan to mount this way, however the recommended mounting is to a metal post to help in predator prevention.
   0. Mounting brackets for mounting to a farm T post are available for $1.50 ea.  You can also mount to a 1” round pipe with pipe clamps, which are available at most hardware or plumbing stores.

Taking your house down for the winter will also prolong its life but if bluebirds reside in your area all year long as they do where I live, they also like to use their house during the winter months as a roosting box to escape the harsh winter elements.  Clean your house after each brood has left the house and the bluebirds may nest up to 3 times during a season.