Big bear CA

[alex&anna]

Hi to everyone.Me and my wife we just bought a land in a Big Bear,CA.So now we facing a hardest question ( as we thinking right now ) where to find a good contractor and how much is the ave. price per sq ft.We get couple local contractors and they provide approx. estimates FTP build house from log home kits.but the prices is really high.as an example to build a house with 2150 sq ft from log home kit we got an estimate of 514k$.( excluding appliances and HVAC and other small stuff ). Which we believe is overpriced.So if anyone can help to find a reliable contractor with reasonable prices in so cal we will be appreciated.and ofcourse any tips will be appreciated as well.thank you

[rocklock]

Which we believe is overpriced.So if anyone can help to find a reliable contractor with reasonable prices in so cal we will be appreciated.and ofcourse any tips will be appreciated as well.thank you
Alex;
several tips. I grew up in Fresno. I have been in many places in Ca. I hope to never go there again in my life time... Just so you understand my bias.
Tip #1. Do not build any kind of KIT home. I do not believe you will have a successful build.
Tip #2. Any log home that cost 514k is way over priced.
Tip #3. All most of of my friends have moved to another state. With the increase in taxes I would suggest you build elsewhere.
Tip #4. There are places in Arizona where you can get logs at very little cost... bug and fire killed!
Tip #5. We are a educational site... We help others in their quest to build a log home... I have several video and about 400 pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Tip #6. I and we do not make a dime from this site... I am the grouchy old guy... so I can tell you the unvarnished truth.

[alex&anna]

Thank you very much.hopefully someone can share contact information for right and reliable contractors.

[edkemper]

alex,

We have one of the best real log home contractors for your project as a member on the other side. After you take the class, you'll become very familiar with him on the member's side if you choose to have someone else build it for you.

Wait for making plans until after you go to the class. There are good reasons for everything.

By the way, welcome.

[alex&anna]

Can you please provide his contact information?thank you

[edkemper]

The horse goes in front of the cart. Smile

[alex&anna]

What is the average price per sq ft ?

[Pokey]

I for the life of me cannot see why this is a secret.:o
He's a member, advertises out there and supports the forum here with assistance, help and answers questions.

http://wileyloghomes.com/

[donjuedo]

Alex,

This question pops up now and then, and the answers don't amount to a simple number. So the person asking gets frustrated, and people keep trying to help. Maybe this analogy will help show why a simple number is not practical.

Suppose I walk into a car dealership and ask how much they want for a car. The first question will be, "Which one?", because, of course, all cars are different. Still, I do understand how cost per square foot helps for comparisons between houses. But then we get into issues like the "gold trim package" and the 4 wheel drive.

My suggestion would be two-fold. First, talk to LHBA member Ron Wiley, who builds real log homes full time, using the LHBA style (Seriously, please don't use a kit; there are many problems). Ron's web site is: www.wileyloghomes.com, where you can see photos and get contact info. The second suggestion will likely be echoed by Ron. Take the class, even if you only want to be a turnkey owner. It will be well worth your while, as you will learn about the advantages of this butt and pass method, and the disadvantages of kits. Done right, your home can thoroughly outlive you, and with little maintenance.

I hope that gets you going in the right direction.


Peter

[eduncan911]

What is the average price per sq ft ?

Hello:

I can't speak about prices per square foot that anyone charges because that is not how the build process works here; but, I can say that this site kindles to persons looking to build superior homes (structurally against hurricanes and earthquakes, maximum cost savings doing it yourself, little to no maintenance that is typical and required from kit log homes, the longevity against rotting - no other design from standard stick framing to hay bales to kit log homes has the built process that virtually eliminates rotting over hundreds of years when done right, and countless other reasons). And all for a tiny fraction of the cost that you had in mind. For example: Instead of $150/sq ft turn-key costs, you'll be planning on, say, a $45k budget for the overall project - including all amenities - and slowly chip away at that figure as you build the foundation, then source the logs, rafters, etc. Take that with a grain of salt though, because it all depends on your goals. But it is about 1/10th the cost of anything you've ever conceived of, if not much much cheaper than you can imagine "per sq foot."

My family and I looked at kit homes and contractors for years, many many years as planning a log home is something you don't do on a whim (well, not until you take the class - then you start planning 2 or 3 builds across the country, hehe). I can tell that one of my principals, the kit cost and builder, corrupted my entire thought and planning process! You learn this in the LHBA class here, and we cannot tell you how critical that knowledge is to have. I had it all wrong.

So, I decided I wanted to own a part of the building process myself to save some of the cost. "Just to get the shell up, I'll do the rest myself" I thought. Those kind of quotes still seemed high though.

Then I found this site in 2007-ish. The comments on the homes, the articles available on the main site (several got lost during the last overhaul though it seems), and general feedback here in these forums (like me to you) started to fan my interest into what is going on here: a different style of building then all of these kit homes offered? What's up with the corners of these homes as they don't look like the kit home pictures, something about a log butted up against another?

So I took the LHBA class here (finally! It is hard cause they all sell out) at this not-for-profit site. I can tell you, it completely changes any thought you have about building, quotes, prices, and labor. You'll never ask for a contractor to quote per sq foot again. :-)

Most of those student homes you see on the main site were done by the students themselves, for a tiny fraction of that $500k quote. The best quote from the main website here kind of says it all, "build a log home for the cost of a kitchen remodelling."

There are countless and countless stories of LHBA members building a home in their spare time for very little costs, and no mortgage. Just a small handful of those are shown in the student log homes section on the main site, and countless others in the members section in these forums.


Lastly, the thing about building in CA is the very strict building codes. This most certainly drives up the cost of any contractor, having to deal with the extra red tape (and you learn about all of that red tape in class). It can most certainly still be done with the LHBA method with ease; just, you'll be proud of yourself doing the entire process and how you saved $50k here, $35k there, $45k for skipping that, etc.

Good luck on your endeavors!

Sent from my CM10 Galaxy Nexus using Forum Runner

[eduncan911]

Take the class, even if you only want to be a turnkey owner.
Absolutely! It's the best insurance you can buy for any turn-key home you are planning.

I have dreams of passing my LHBA home(s) down through generations of my daughter and her children's children to enjoy. "My great grand father built this home over a hundred years ago."

Sent from my CM10 Galaxy Nexus using Forum Runner

[edkemper]

The cost of building your own place is somewhere between $15~250 sqft. Depending on how much you do yourself and how much you hire out.

One of our members complained about spending $28,000 to build his place. Well, he was really only complaining about the $12,000 of that cost he spent to build a really fancy fireplace in his $16,000 log home.

This site is mostly about how to build ourselves a very cool and long lasting log home by our own hands. Generally speaking, we are not very knowledgeable on how much a contractor would charge for the whole job.

[BoFuller]

Lastly, the thing about building in CA is the very strict building codes. This most certainly drives up the cost of any contractor, having to deal with the extra red tape (and you learn about all of that red tape in class). It can most certainly still be done with the LHBA method with ease; just, you'll be proud of yourself doing the entire process and how you saved $50k here, $35k there, $45k for skipping that, etc.


Really! With the quakes they had up there a few years back, they are REALLY strict. Someone did build a LHBA home there a few years ago and I think they were selling it.

Ronnie is your best bet, as an experienced LHBA builder. If you want a local opinion, I have a good friend who is a contractor in Big Bear. We're going to see him in a few weeks when we go on our ski trip there. If you want his info I could get it for you, but he's not familiar with LHBA methods, yet. He may come over to help me some WHEN I ever get my permit.

[eduncan911]

Really! With the quakes they had up there a few years back, they are REALLY strict. Someone did build a LHBA home there a few years ago and I think they were selling it.

Ronnie is your best bet, as an experienced LHBA builder. If you want a local opinion, I have a good friend who is a contractor in Big Bear. We're going to see him in a few weeks when we go on our ski trip there. If you want his info I could get it for you, but he's not familiar with LHBA methods, yet. He may come over to help me some WHEN I ever get my permit.

Here in NY, the nearby counties (I live just upstate from NYC) are all reviewing their building codes after the Hurricane Sandy disaster. Hopefully I'll start my permit process this summer, that is if we can find the land sometime soon. I just have concerns that NY is going the way of CA.

[LogHomeFeverDan]

Speaking from hurricane experience, and I'll qualify this by saying I've not completed the class yet, but judging from reading here on the public side, the only hurricane concerns with LBHA homes is they'd float off like a mini arc.

[eduncan911]

Speaking from hurricane experience, and I'll qualify this by saying I've not completed the class yet, but judging from reading here on the public side, the only hurricane concerns with LBHA homes is they'd float off like a mini arc.

Hehe. There's a story, and pictures if they have them on hand, they will tell you in class about one member's LHBA home that in a sever flood, it got washed off of its foundation. It tumbled over and over, and ended up on government land really far away, fully intact. The story continues with the 'governments' help in air lifting it back to his home and setting it back on the foundation - as is. That's how rock solid it is. Some fixing of the roof and windows, and he moved back in.

That's the LHBA building style - the shell and support system is insanely rigid.


Did anyone mention that there is no settling with the LHBA style? No air leaks, or breezes, from the gaps all kit homes (and stick frames) must build in to allow "settling". Just to give you an idea. For any other style log home, you usually plan on 1" settling per 12" log over the course of 4 to 7 years (depending on species of wood and climate). Stack a wall two stories high (roughly 20'), and now you have to plan on settling a significant amount - AIR GAPS!

The LHBA Skip butt-n-pass style doesn't settle. It's hard to imagine that, I know, until you see how the system overall works to prevent settling.

[eduncan911]

Back to the original post: It may seem we may have hijacked this thread... I don't think we did.

What I think happened is someone came in trying to estimate cost, and we explained (in great detail w/stories) that the cost can vary from $15 - $250 sq. ft. depending on how much you want to do and how much to contract out.

Really though, LHBA has a different focus. Instead, it is here to teach people how to plan for, design, save (no mortgage! do it in steps!), obtain the proper permissions, how to source materials, what type of tools to use for what purposes, and to build it all themselves or even contract our small parts - hire yourself as the "builder." You start to plan for $5k for a basement, $2k for the logs (or even free!), maybe a few grand to make your own rafters and floor joists with the left over logs, etc. You can go for a $25,000 foundation, or a $1,000 foundation - they teach you the differences for you to make your own decisions for your needs and design.

[lilbluehonda]

"I grew up in Fresno" here we go again comparing one of the worse places in California to one of the best places,California's a big place with a vast verity more so than any place else in the U S

[Sasquatch]

I lived near the lake for almost 8 years, and had dreams of building a log home on a family lot in Fawnskin. After finding the LHBA, I was sure I could make that dream happen. I was heartbroken when I started researching the building process and learned about all of the permit fees and regulatory hurdles that stood in my way. In short, it would have cost me more for the permits in Big Bear than the entire build budget for my new location - and I'm still in CA. $514K certainly sounds high for 2150sq.ft., but I would expect ANY build on the mountain (kit or otherwise) to be prohibitively expensive. We have friends that finished a 3300sq.ft. timberframe monstrosity for $270/sq.ft., and others that completed 2 well-appointed “green” stick homes for less than $150/sq.ft, even after the housing market crashed. All three were the same contractor, now retired.

If you have a XXL budget and ironclad income stream, please disregard my pessimism. There are a few good contractors on the mountain (assuming they haven’t retired), and they ain’t cheap. Look for the older guys who’ve been on the mountain for most/all of their lives - their reputations will proceed them. Avoid contractors from down the hill unless they can give many examples of work they’ve done on the mountain (with references)

BTW, run screaming from any push to buy/build a kit. The reasons are covered extensively on the LHBA website, and Big Bear has many examples of these failures.

But I have to ask… do you live on the mountain yet? If not, you would be wise to answer MANY questions about life on the mountain before taking the leap. Proceed with caution!

[edkemper]

"I grew up in Fresno" here we go again comparing one of the worse places in California to one of the best places,California's a big place with a vast verity more so than any place else in the U S

The problem with CA isn't the state itself, it's the political representatives. That doesn't really change from one county to another.

[rreidnauer]

The problem with CA isn't the state itself, it's the political representatives. That doesn't really change from one county to another.

Is that the problem? Seems those are elected positions.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy using TapaTalk 2

[Pokey]

Is that the problem? Seems those are elected positions.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy using TapaTalk 2

Always thought this way myself and if we don't like them we either vote them out or we can move on ourselves. Guess thats the way of a democracy ..... majority rules.
I moved 2 times in my life due to disliking the political going ons - but in both cases they been the way of the land way before I moved there and ..... I didn't think it through I guess. Or as I aged I got grumpier. lol

[edkemper]

Pokey,

> Always thought this way myself and if we don't like them we either vote them out or we can move on ourselves.

Polls say we hate congress yet we continue to vote for our own failed representatives.

> Guess thats the way of a democracy ..... majority rules.

Not exactly. If that were true, why have we had to pass so many new protections for so many minorities? Wasn't it Majority Rule that caused us to steal this country from it's prior owners?

[Pokey]

edkemper

> Always thought this way myself and if we don't like them we either vote them out or we can move on ourselves.

>>Polls say we hate congress yet we continue to vote for our own failed representatives.

Doesn't say to much for the voters overall I suppose but when enough of them get fed up and decide , well, it's a done deal and bye-bye.
All the more reason to stay pro-active vs reactive - but most don't and thats that.
and why I moved

> Guess thats the way of a democracy ..... majority rules.

>>Not exactly. If that were true, why have we had to pass so many new protections for so many minorities? Wasn't it Majority Rule that caused us to steal this country from it's prior owners?

No need to tell me about the theft of the country - I am Native American. That said it wasn't taken from us until the euro-folk were here in sufficient force to do so. And they took when they had strength and power.
That said not all were brutal and sick and we retained some rights and such. They went away more and more and we became less in number as percentage of population.
Sometimes I find it odd and interesting when many become vocal and sometimes violent about losing "their rights and freedom" when they took it from my people. Not inferring or meaning you by any means so don't take it as that.
The papers and rags are full of hate crimes and stories often. Many times its the majority (or previous majority) losing the grip they held and they just find it impossible to deal with.

Guess it's either the "it takes a villiage" thingy or ya break away as you never going to win that bigger than us battle. I just shifted - life is to short and precious to allow what I don't like to eat me up.
Now if I could find a spot that was between 55 and 75 degrees year round, green 9 months a year and 10'-15' of snow the other 3 I'd be in my own heaven. Not gonna happen so I rejoice in what God brings me.
Cheers

[rocklock]

Now if I could find a spot that was between 55 and 75 degrees year round, green 9 months a year and 10'-15' of snow the other 3 I'd be in my own heaven. Not gonna happen so I rejoice in what God brings me.
Pokey;
I live in Hawaii and Camano Island. I have a temp range of about 50 to 85 and green all year with no snow... If I could find a better place, I would be there.
My bio father was 1/2 Native but I am 100% American. I have much different views about land theft... and ownership. How does a bunch of nomad, waring tribes OWN any land...
My bias is because Fresno was the Best place to be raised and educated (believe it or not). When I left (1970)the wackos had taken over (PROP 8 was the first). The water came from a deep well and was perfect! Then they destroyed it. Everything changed. Hence my bias.

Now back to log homes...
If the original poster (Alex) has not left us forever, I would like to endorse Mr. Wiley. He would be the one that will be able to help if he does not want to build on his own.

[blane]

For that price? I will build you a non kit hand peeled that will out last any kit home money can buy along with half the other members here. Why not take the class and learn how you can pocket that money and do it yourself.
Hi to everyone.Me and my wife we just bought a land in a Big Bear,CA.So now we facing a hardest question ( as we thinking right now ) where to find a good contractor and how much is the ave. price per sq ft.We get couple local contractors and they provide approx. estimates FTP build house from log home kits.but the prices is really high.as an example to build a house with 2150 sq ft from log home kit we got an estimate of 514k$.( excluding appliances and HVAC and other small stuff ). Which we believe is overpriced.So if anyone can help to find a reliable contractor with reasonable prices in so cal we will be appreciated.and ofcourse any tips will be appreciated as well.thank you

[lilbluehonda]

I stand by my statement

Worst Big-City Downtown in California:

Fresno. It’s really not even close. Bakersfield, Oakland and Anaheim all have less-than-ideal downtowns, but none of those districts is as desperate, depressing and even threatening as downtown Fresno. The hideous 1970s office buildings are the least of the problems in Fresno’s core. The place is one gigantic real estate “opportunity,” and it’s usually deserted after 6 o’clock. Yes, there is a nice new minor league baseball stadium, but that’s about the only reason locals willingly go downtown.

[rocklock]

Fresno. It’s really not even close. Bakersfield, Oakland and Anaheim all have less-than-ideal downtowns, but none of those districts is as desperate, depressing and even threatening as downtown Fresno. The hideous 1970s office buildings are the least of the problems in Fresno’s core.

Just a note liblue - I know you don't know this but in 1967, Down town Fresno was voted THE ALL AMERICAN CITY. It had stuff in the street out doors that is now common in malls today like water features, sitting areas and one way streets to help control traffic and improved parking. But the people were moving north and didn't want to go down town. All the new stores were in this new thing called a shopping center with an indoor air conditioned mall.

Old building were torn down (for parking) and the slums were eradicated. Surprise - Surprise guess where the bums went...downtown. Your perspective and mine are very different but the results are exactly the same. And I will not go into high speed rail that goes through the San Joaquin Valley (now called the Central Valley) because no one can spell Joaquin. Many more reasons for my bias...

This has been fun for me...but can we get back to logs?

[Sasquatch]

For that price? I will build you a non kit hand peeled that will out last any kit home money can buy along with half the other members here. Why not take the class and learn how you can pocket that money and do it yourself.

Couldn't have said it any better - best post on this entire thread!

[Pokey]

Pokey; My bio father was 1/2 Native but I am 100% American. I have much different views about land theft... and ownership. How does a bunch of nomad, waring tribes OWN any land....

Ya sure as blank do.....I wonder how a bunch off boats can come on over to a spot they had no clue exists and say .... IT'S MINE
But then I assume there may be other countries in the world that share my toughts too and I am not alone. ;)
Regardless - we can differ and will differ and that be the way of man.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

[JJ Jr]

What a way to morph-out ! :D
If the OP remains around, and I will assume you caught the early posters on page 1, Mr. Wiley has a fine reputation. I know someone whom has been in contact with him and can say he'll be getting their business.
And not sure how Dave can support the concept he does above since the whites indeed were the nomadic hunters and warfarers and takers of people and lands. Sometimes I am not overly proud of my distant relatives for past deeds.
I do imagine they could build a narly nasty tough log or sod home out of necessity :cool:

[loghousenut]

Merry Christmas "... to all who's people once warred with whoever my people were. I shall remain your Brother until you force me to know otherwise."

Author unknown.

[John W]

LHN for president.

[panderson03]

LHN for president.

oh my! perhaps his exploits are just on the members side so you know not what you speak. SCARY !! :)

Poor JUSTA, you sure do take a lot of grief :)

[blane]

He would have my vote, couldn't be any scarier.
oh my! perhaps his exploits are just on the members side so you know not what you speak. SCARY !! :)

Poor JUSTA, you sure do take a lot of grief :)

[loghousenut]

You folks vote however you want but I've been to Washington DC in the late summer and I'm here to tell you that it won't happen again. Before it turns into a catfight, I'll be the first to say that "SCARY" is applicable. Thanks.



PS... I deserve, and enjoy, the grief. Merry Christmas!

[panderson03]

Merry Christmas Loghousenut:)

[loghousenut]

Merry Christmas Loghousenut:)

You have no idea. I'll try to write later about just how joyous this Christmas is for our Family. Thank You.



PS... To all of you who own a painful heart at Christmas, you have my sympathy. Such a joyous time can be so tormenting for those with a touch of empty.

[shaqadoo]

Alex and Anna
I am right there with you I am from San Diego ca. Me and my wife owned a house in Big Bear and sold it 2 years ago (hard to afford 2 in the down turned economy)
now all we want to do is get back up there .I am a General Contractor here have been building for 30 years .I would really like to finish my time as a builder doing projects that have meaning to them .So with that being said have you done any research regarding building codes in Big Bear and building a Skip stile home on your new lot? We have talked about building 1 to 2 per year for some time in that area .I guess it's time to start digging in .Let me know .
Dave