Bird houses are easy and fun to build by yourself or with the whole family.  You don't need to be a carpenter or professional in any way, but here are a few tips to help you with your project: 

As with doing most anything, proper planning will save you time, frustration, money and give you a more successful outcome. The bird house plans you choose should be accurate, detailed, and easy to follow. Bird house plans should also include detailed information about the bird species you are trying to attract. Building a bird house is the easy part, attracting the birds and keeping them happy and safe is what can be difficult, so make sure your bird house plans to give detailed information on the bird species.

Wood is the most common and many times the easiest material to work with when you build a birdhouse.  However birdhouses can be made from all sorts of materials like plastic, Styrofoam, aluminum and other metals.  Many bird house plans incorporate recycled materials such as milk jugs, soup cans, cardboard boxes and many more!

The bird house plan you choose should have a specific list of the tools you need, however there are basic tools you should have on hand for almost every wooden design.

Wood saw - it can be an automatic circular saw, however since there is not usually a lot of cutting involved you might have more control with a handsaw.

Hammer - small or regular depending on wood type and size of birdhouse

Drill - this can also be used in place of a screwdriver. If no drill is available, then stick with hammer and nails.

Screwdriver - it is always a better idea to drill guide holes before inserting screws.

Wood Glue - this will help keep your birdhouse together. Don't go overboard on the glue for the less air tight the birdhouse the better.

Nails and Screws - use outdoor nails and screws decking or galvanized work best to keep the elements from rusting the nails or screws.

Where you place your birdhouse will have a great impact on how successful your bird house plans will be. Place your birdhouse near a food source (bird feeder) but not too close to it. You want a few birds to notice the birdhouse but you don't want there to be too much competition for your birdhouse. Your birdhouse should be 3' - 10' off the ground depending on the species, a great bird house plan will give you this information. Finally, place your birdhouse away from constant activity and loud noises. Near the childrens play equipment, pool, driveway or a garage is not the best place to put it.

Just following a few simple tips your bird house plans will be more successful. Remember a great bird house plan should give you this information and more! Start simple, have fun and be prepared.