Is it possible?

[Zoomerzest]

New to the forum....but followed the log home builders assoc for about a yr now. I'm an old guy (68 in Dec), but fit and in excellent health.

I retired in March of this year, and I now have a possible location. I would like some opinions as to whether I might be biting off more than
I can chew, in terms of taking on a project such as this, at my age? Again, I am healthy and believe I can ( I work out 6 days per week ).

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[Blondie]

Hello Zoomerzest,

I am in your age group so I feel that I can ask this question without reservation. "Why the (blank) not?" You are seasoned enough to know what you can and cannot do by yourself. You know how to ask for help, you know when to stop, when you are too tired. You know when to push though it and when to roll over and say "I am taking a mental healthday, " Don't you?

Building a butt and pass log cabin isn't all muscle, it's about planning ahead and thinking it out.

Blondie

[sdart]

Blondie said it all! There are many of us around your age who are in the process of building (after retirement is when we finally have time!). It may take a bit longer, but we are enjoying the process, so what's the rush?

[JJ Jr]

Blondie said it all! There are many of us around your age who are in the process of building (after retirement is when we finally have time!). It may take a bit longer, but we are enjoying the process, so what's the rush?

for some maybe that thing they call mortality.:p:eek::)

[marvlus]

for some maybe that thing they call mortality.:p:eek::)

Speaking for myself. I would rather go doing something, than go doing nothing! :)

[LogHomeFeverDan]

Hello Zoomerzest,

I am in your age group so I feel that I can ask this question without reservation. "Why the (blank) not?" You are seasoned enough to know what you can and cannot do by yourself. You know how to ask for help, you know when to stop, when you are too tired. You know when to push though it and when to roll over and say "I am taking a mental healthday, " Don't you?

Building a butt and pass log cabin isn't all muscle, it's about planning ahead and thinking it out.

Blondie

Love it!!! See this is the mindset of "friends" I know I've simply not met yet.

If you ever have seen "Angels in the Outfield", a scene in their sums up my attitude and those I seek to incorporate into our lives. The little kid who could actually SEE the "angels" (really just already gone former California Angel baseball players who were there to "help" the team succeed) was explaining to a group of people what was happening. Of course there were an OVERWHELMING number in the group who were, well.....let's just say.....skeptics. The little kid's BFF (best friend forever), in the midst of all the disbelief says......"It could happen".

I'm seven dog years plus 2 human years old. (51 if math wasn't your strong suit! (-; <ducking>) I know I've much to learn but i do know this. Life is WAY too short to allow those who put doubt into our paths, direct us. I want to incorporate ENABLERS not distractors.

Thanks a MILLION Blondie for sharing part of your true spirit. Thanks for encouraging another to CHASE their dreams!

[rocklock]

I will soon be 69. I have built a 31 by 31 by 35 log home... See the pictures at my photo bucket site...
At our age, we can't do everything, but planning and knowledge will overcome most problems.
If I had the right land, I might start another log home or garage in the next several years.
If I was just building for my self It would be much smaller, but still three levels. With modern stair assists climbing is not a problem. And its much less expensive to build up.
But there are at least several keys.
1. Get land.
2. Get knowledge.
3. Get help for those things that you can't do. I don't do roofs.
4. You will need patience...
5. You will need a plan and a model. I built four... I should have built several more...
6. Then you need to take the first step... This is the hardest... All the other steps will follow, but the first step is what defeats most builders.
There you have it...

Now get started.

[Steve L]

My Dad is 77 and just finished a 2 1/2 year build of his own Stick Built home...
Did "almost" all of the work himself, what he didn't "DO" he supervised...
A little about him- his garage is 3/32's out of square, and he knows it....

So Dive in!!!!

[spiralsands]

I'm a 57 YO woman and I'm building alone. Right now I'm in the off season for building a shelter, the "little house, on my land before I start the "big" house, my 30x30 log cabin.

Frances

[panderson03]

enjoy your 'off season' Frances. you earned it!!

[AkChas]

Hehehehe, Zoomer......I think you already KNOW the answer to your own question..... don't you?!
(.....and as you make progress, be sure to post pictures. We all like to watch the progress : )
We'll be seeing you around :) !

Chas

[Mosseyme]

Maybe it is just because we are older makes us slower so we are active on this forum longer or we are old enouvh to make us think we have somerhing to say or what ever but it seems like the percentage of over 50 and over 60 are pretty high on this forum btw i am at my daughters house to be closer to pick up some icf corners that we were shorted, in the am. She just woke me up to say i'm going to the hosp. My new grand son is on his way. Now how do i get those icf 2 1/2 hrs to the build site since i'm official baby sitter for 3yo granddaughter. I have people coming in am to finish icf build.

[sdart]

!!! Mosseyme, Isn't that just the way life works?! Never simple and everything at once. I wish you the best figuring out how to cope and know that somehow you'll handle it...

[JJ Jr]

Speaking for myself. I would rather go doing something, than go doing nothing! :)

well - me too but I am now starting to think that think will be actually enjoying the thing (contacting out a build ) vs spending the time getting there (the journey).
Perspectives are different for us all but since I am the oldest surviving, matter of fact oldest period that the immediate family tree verifies, I'm coming at it totally differently I guess. Seeing the end result and having a chance to put some wear on my place while I still feel like a young buck.

I had a grand vision, a want to do it myself desire but in the last month or so after thinking this all through for many years, that vision has been changed to wanting the immediate gratification of it all . hmmm,,,,were have I heard that before? :o
Missing the last class and realizing the wait would continue anew was the final straw for me I guess.

So I intend to keep on a watching you all here, looking at the builds as they being done, enjoying in general what ya do and the thought process one goes about and wish ya the best in your journeys moving forward.

[marvlus]

well - me too but I am now starting to think that think will be actually enjoying the thing (contacting out a build ) vs spending the time getting there (the journey).
Perspectives are different for us all but since I am the oldest surviving, matter of fact oldest period that the immediate family tree verifies, I'm coming at it totally differently I guess. Seeing the end result and having a chance to put some wear on my place while I still feel like a young buck.

I had a grand vision, a want to do it myself desire but in the last month or so after thinking this all through for many years, that vision has been changed to wanting the immediate gratification of it all . hmmm,,,,were have I heard that before? :o
Missing the last class and realizing the wait would continue anew was the final straw for me I guess.

So I intend to keep on a watching you all here, looking at the builds as they being done, enjoying in general what ya do and the thought process one goes about and wish ya the best in your journeys moving forward.

FYI. I just turned 60 in September. I anticipate not starting till I am 61 - 62 years old. In the meantime, I am planning, learning through these forums and working on acquiring tools and materials. My wife and I do have a home which we will sell and we did acquire some property to build on. In addition, we have a son who lives nearby that is strong and has experience in building. So that helps me.

I understand your thinking as well. Doing this will likely take a lot of energy and time out of my life and I am willing to do that (at least at this point in my life). I am doing everything I can to stay physically and mentally fit, although I also know the realities of mortality and sometimes wonder if I am crazy for thinking that I can do this. :) I think my wife thinks I'm crazy and I know my daughter-in-law thinks I'm off my rocker (she told me so, in a loving way;) )

[rocklock]

Forget about the realities of mortality. It is stupid. There is not a thing you can do about it. You may live to 100 or get whacked tomorrow.

You need to get your family so they can support you because you will need it.

Get started with plans, a list of what you wife wants really works. Get picture of tubs and the like that she wants. Then build a model or several models. There are a thousand things that will help but don't just spin your wheels.

[spiralsands]

Rocklock Man!! Telling it like it is!!

Truly, the only time you actually have is NOW, this very minute.

[JJ Jr]

Forget about the realities of mortality. It is stupid. There is not a thing you can do about it. You may live to 100 or get whacked tomorrow..

Really ? Stupid in the "why" way?:confused:
I want the enjoyment of my place, but rather than take that long haul and work and wait it out I want to be in next year and start to enjoy it for the very reason you choose to build it I assume. To enjoy
If the urge strikes me to put the time into a build I guess I may build a smaller guest cabin or more like a place to read, draw, throw a pot or such. But the main nerve center, my home, I desire done and the quicker the better. Even if I am blessed and live another 20 years I'd rather play in other ways for the 20 vs doing a build that may zap me of the energy and health that I have right now. Indeed it may cost me some additional money to do it this way but that is a trade off I am more than willing to make to be inside it, the sooner the better.
Everyone is/has been onboard here in my family- but when I said I had changed my mind of doing it myself I all say ---- good. Thank God!, Great idea.:). I think they also share the want to enjoy the "now" vs the journey and time to get there. I think all whom choose to build are an admirable group and truly commend you who do it that way. But I also subscribe to what Frances said and that is the only Time you actually have is indeed NOW. I want mine spent in the result part vs the journey to it.

I know Rod here is a builder but he's quite a distance away. Anyone else know of someone in the Lake Superior region who contracts out? If you out there toss me a PM and lets talk.....yesterday like. lol

Luck and success to all here in chasing their dream

[rreidnauer]

Rockclimber will come to you!

(sorry Rock. Hope I didn't dish more onto your plate than you can eat!) :D

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy using TapaTalk 2

[loghousenut]

Zoomer,

You're too durned old. Fire up the rocking chair and strap yourself in for whatever precious little time you have left til they come and haul you off to your final reward. You know all those aches and pains and your feelings of inadequacies... Well it will only get worse.

Then there's the way your mind is sliding off the slippery slope to senility. Think how embarrassed your kids will be when they have to come fetch you from the County Building Department after you show up there and can't remember why you're there.... With no plans or pants.

Just think how old you'll be in 5 years. Well, I can't count that high, but it's a big number and how are you gonna appreciate life after wasting the last 5 years trying to build a log home that you're clearly too old to build.

Then on the other hand, how old will you be in 5 years if you don't build that log home?







Take the class.

[panderson03]

if he thinks he can't, then he can't. there'll be no way he can do it. he'll always be saying to himself 'see, I told you it couldn't be done'. mental attitude is half the battle and great deal of what keeps US moving forward.

JJ if WE can do it, you certainly can do it. with the support (and occasional kick in the pants) of the LHBA family, it CAN be done.
BTW, you got all your doors and windows in yet, LHN? :p ...

[loghousenut]

BTW, you got all your doors and windows in yet, LHN? :p ...

No, I'm gonna just sit around idle for awhile to give Zoomer a chance to catch up. I'd be sitting in that rocking chair right now but I can't find it.


I'm not falling for all that LHBA support and kick in the pants stuff. If I want to take a break waiting for Grandkids to be born and grow up, that's just what I'll do.




Zoomer,

Us old guys tend to take a lot of abuse around here. I'll be on your side if they all gang up on you but you have to take the class first.

[JJ Jr]

It absolutely can be done .... that is a given.
It again goes back to the time - effort - energy and do I really want to do it.
For me - again - it is a 10000% no.
I want to emjoy the end product ---- that is also a 10000% YES.

panderson - sure still have a beautiful fall happening in area. Are you still building?
I am running to near Bayfield to meet with a guy who has done some log builds - interestingly enough, he to date has been the only person who's ever got back to me on doing a build. I started to get the word out recently that I am looking for someone and can only guess either its a down time of year or some have gone out of business. I know of 2 in the UP that called it a day and both were well liked and respected. Guess the last few years have been mighty tough on many folk from many different backegrounds. Hate to see this.

[rocklock]

Several comments...
about mortality. I refuse to consider death (def of Mortality). I just attended my Aunts (fathers side) celebrations of her life. She was almost 101. My Uncle (Mothers side) just celebrated his 95th birthday attended my his best friend (also 95), his brother 92 and his sister 90. My wife's father is 92 and her uncle just passed at 96 (he gave up tennis at 92 because he didn't have any competition)... Hence at 68, soon to be 69 I refuse to get negative about my age or how much time I have left...

Jr... I hope you understand that we just don't build any kind of log home. We build tightly pinned, Butt and Pass log homes... I have had many discussions with log home builders and with out doubt, most deny the our system works. Most don't have a clue how to do our system, even if they wanted.

Getting land and knowledge are the basic requirements in building. Until then it is just a dream.

I built the basic 30 by 30 with no knowledge other than the class. This forum has saved me from making huge mistakes more than several times. I even found that measuring the outside dimension of the foundation is what counts... So now I say I built the basic 31 by 31 foot log home...
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s274/flintlock1/nov3144.jpg

[spiralsands]

He just doesn't want to do it. Maybe he doesn't have the skills and doesn't want to learn them. Maybe all he wants to do is have fun. That's the way my sister is. She just wants to pay for someone else to do things. Turn the key, turn on the spa, and pour a drink. Nothing wrong with that I suppose. With enough money, you can afford anything you want and you don't have to go out and do it yourself. That's why my sister is in a kit log home. Not everyone is motivated to craft something with their hands. Not everyone is motivated to be self-sufficient.

If I was retired, building this beautiful cabin would be the first thing I would do. It's not just that I want the house. I could get the Amish guy to make me a house. I want to build it myself. That's the point of my being here on this forum and of being a member of this association.

[panderson03]

panderson - sure still have a beautiful fall happening in area. Are you still building?
I am running to near Bayfield to meet with a guy who has done some log builds - interestingly enough, he to date has been the only person who's ever got back to me on doing a build. I started to get the word out recently that I am looking for someone and can only guess either its a down time of year or some have gone out of business. I know of 2 in the UP that called it a day and both were well liked and respected. Guess the last few years have been mighty tough on many folk from many different backegrounds. Hate to see this.
you are so right, JJ. the fall weather's been GREAT! we ARE still bulding. we will until the weather's too bad. perhaps we'll be able to do a few more weekends?
I totally understand your perspective (that times a bit more precious than money at this point). good for you. time IS precious.

[Xsmoker]

Not being a member but having been around 2 builds now and watching some I see it can be done by most anyone if they truly want to get it done. Imagine the class would help out a great deal but from what I saw it is not rocket science BUT IT IS HARD WORK.
So guess it boils down to work vs $$$ in the end. I'd imagine getting someone who has done builds already sure would help avoid mistakes and save time.
I am on the fence actually myself - I said yes, I said no, I said yes _ and right now I am debating hiring it all out and just be done and get on with my life.

RL above said the one thing that has kept me from contacting out this fall - I have yet to find a BnP builder in area. I happen to really like the look of this style. That said if over the winter I decide to definitely have a builder do all my options of style may change too. I will not build with a kit - that is the only thing I know. Around us we have many swiss cope builders that are highly recommended so if I have to I do have an option that will work also.
It is a tough thing - time is time and we only have so much of it.
By the same token money is money and we also only have a certain amount of that too.

Happy I still have a few months to work though the issues I am looking at because right now it would be a hard call to make in a fast manner.

[panderson03]

Hey X. sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders. what kind of info are you looking for? what would it take for you to decide once and for all? just curious:)

[LogHomeFeverDan]

He just doesn't want to do it. Maybe he doesn't have the skills and doesn't want to learn them. Maybe all he wants to do is have fun. That's the way my sister is. She just wants to pay for someone else to do things. Turn the key, turn on the spa, and pour a drink. Nothing wrong with that I suppose. With enough money, you can afford anything you want and you don't have to go out and do it yourself. That's why my sister is in a kit log home. Not everyone is motivated to craft something with their hands. Not everyone is motivated to be self-sufficient.

If I was retired, building this beautiful cabin would be the first thing I would do. It's not just that I want the house. I could get the Amish guy to make me a house. I want to build it myself. That's the point of my being here on this forum and of being a member of this association.

Succinctly stated Spiralsands! I'm in that same boat, er on that same log??? Limb?? Anywho I echo your sentiments. I *WANT* to build it MYSELF. I want to know I built something that will last long after I'm departed. The satisfaction garnered is priceless. That's just me though. I'd not find fault in someone else doing it their way!

[FishingAddict]

I once built a 2200 sf home with my FIL.
I once built a house/river boat to let time stand still on the 'issippi riverbanks from Minneapolis to north of Memphis as I whiled away the hours and days and weeks doing nothing but fishin' ---- would not trade a minute of that for anything. Carefree and young.
Built a 660 sf English Cottage for the bride and her garden. Fancy and sweet.
I've built a lot of things and always take pride in the pleasure of creating it.
I too am getting a bit older but still hope to have 30 plus years ahead .... but heck, I dunno for sure that either.
Live and enjoy today and this moment. If that means you dig the build cool. If that means you want it done and hire out so that you can kick back and watch the woodpeckers and nature now cool.
Either way you will have satisfaction - that is a given.
Just fret not the little things and enjoy life as it is precious

[panderson03]

there's a lot of wisdom here.

[spiralsands]

Succinctly stated Spiralsands! I'm in that same boat, er on that same log??? Limb?? Anywho I echo your sentiments. I *WANT* to build it MYSELF. I want to know I built something that will last long after I'm departed. The satisfaction garnered is priceless. That's just me though. I'd not find fault in someone else doing it their way!

Thanks for understanding. I am, after all, in a nice home in the suburbs. I don't HAFTA build a house. I WANNA build a house. I came a long long way to do it too.

When people are on the fence about what they want, it's good for them to spend a little time to really distill what is important to them. I didn't aim to pull up my roots in FL and go to NY. In my land search I contemplated every state in the USA and Mexico and Canada too. I didn't just find the LHBA and join up. I went to log home shows in Tampa and got a really bad taste in my mouth for the "log look products" sold by corporates. My total do-it-myself attitude came to me after suffering poor workmanship and over-priced shoddiness from the people I hired to do jobs around the house. We each come to this place for our own reason and I think that most who take the class catch the fever.

[Mosseyme]

JJ
Ok, we know we are the oddballs in the general way of doing things.
I respect that you have studied the situation and come up with what is truly important to you.
I would not attempt to change your mind because you looked, saw the possibilitys and are choosing otherwise.
Much better to do it now thatn1/2 way through a build.
That being said, if you really want a log home there are other ways to acheive it. One thought would be to go to the class after researching the builders in your area, find one you like, flexible, indepentant thinking hard working ect.
take him to class with you. Then you have your own builder and you both know how this type of build goes
The diy is only one of the reasons we build this way. Good luck in what ever direction you go.

[troyrjones]

Hey Zoomer,

I'm 59 and just spent the last 4 1/4 years building a 45' x45' with 22' walls in Wyoming. We moved-in in August. I could only really work on it on Thursdays and Saturdays while we lived in a trailer on the property. Personally, I loved every minute of the process. This home is gorgeous and I'm soooo glad I took the class and had this forum to guide me through from beginning to end. I had never built anything before this, and now I plan on doing it again. I do have kids who would come home on their college vacations and help-out but I did most of the work and put up many of the logs by myself using block and tackle. I don't think it matters how chronolodgically old you are, it just matters whether or not you want to do it.

Troy

[Mosseyme]

Hey Troy
Where do we see pictures of this beautiful home?

[marvlus]

Hey Troy
Where do we see pictures of this beautiful home?

Yea Troy, Where are they? :)

[loghousenut]

Don't let 'em badger you Troy. I have a vivid imagination and I think your place looks great! I mean that house is spotless! Kinda big for my taste and not much of a ridgepole but you two sure banged it out in a hurry and I've never seen one prettier. Congrats on the good work.

[PeeCee]

If I can chime in here. Regardless of whether or not you do the actual building yourself, the class will provide you with a lot of knowledge that should come in very handy if a log home is what you want.

[marvlus]

Don't let 'em badger you Troy. I have a vivid imagination and I think your place looks great! I mean that house is spotless! Kinda big for my taste and not much of a ridgepole but you two sure banged it out in a hurry and I've never seen one prettier. Congrats on the good work.

Oh yeah, now I see it. ;)

[Zoomerzest]

Wonderful to see all you folks who have "talked the talk, and walked the walk". Very uplifting and inspirational....especially from the people
who are my age and older. Well done!

[troyrjones]

Sorry for the late response. Here's a link to a couple of pics.
Troy

http://s751.beta.photobucket.com/user/troyrjones/library/#/user/troyrjones/library/?&_suid=135403208701508743880727871661

[loghousenut]

Sorry for the late response. Here's a link to a couple of pics.
Troy

http://s751.beta.photobucket.com/user/troyrjones/library/#/user/troyrjones/library/?&_suid=135403208701508743880727871661

Troy,

You coulda saved the effort. I already told everyone that it was gonna be a great big good-lookin' log home. I think I pretty much nailed it. Nice place!

[Timberwolf]

DAMN!!!!

I mean DAMN!!!!

WOW!

[LogHomeFeverDan]

Awesome Troy!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[rcdon]

Troy, great job, I'm jealous.
Zoom, I'll be 70 in about 2 weeks. Fully intend to build mine starting next summer. Even if I can only lay one log a day, in a few months the wall will be up. I love working outdoors, and look forward to enjoying the journey.

[marvlus]

Troy, great job, I'm jealous.
Zoom, I'll be 70 in about 2 weeks. Fully intend to build mine starting next summer. Even if I can only lay one log a day, in a few months the wall will be up. I love working outdoors, and look forward to enjoying the journey.

That's the right spirit and attitude! Which I believe a lot of us share!

[PeeCee]

Dayum!!

I especially love the inside shots. Is that a big masonry heater you have in there?

[troyrjones]

No masonry heater. We have radiate floor heating with slate flooring. Some of the inside walls are covered with left-over cedar shingles (we had covered the outside gable ends with cedar shingles).

[blane]

Troy, you have built an amazing home! I may never post another picture of my place again after seeing the work you have done. Great job!

[LogHomeFeverDan]

Don't kid yourself Blane, I've seen some of yours!!

[rreidnauer]

Indeed. No matter how simple or elaborate the home, noone should ever feel they haven't done a fine job building, posting, and uploading photos with pride.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy using TapaTalk 2

[Timberwolf]

Indeed. No matter how simple or elaborate the home, noone should ever feel they haven't done a fine job building, posting, and uploading photos with pride.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy using TapaTalk 2

Plus one....hundred!