Why is the LHBA method the best way to build a log home?

[Matthew Dugan]

I am currently researching various methods of building log homes, and I heard that I should check out the LHBA method. Attending a seminar in vegas is a big commitment for a college student and I am posting here today to receive feedback on this potential investment. Why is this method superior to others? I live in Washington State, and there are a decent number of local seminars and two week courses that are offered at a much cheaper rate than this 2 day seminar. Is pursuing this seminar going to be worth the price and added travel cost? I appreciate all feedback and would love to hear from you.

thank you,
-Matthew Dugan

[loghousenut]

Matthew,

If you want to build your own log home with your own hands, and if you want to let your Grandchildren pass it on to their Kids, then the LHBA way may be right up your alley.

The LHBA system is simple enough for any fool to work through those problems that arise. It is low maintenance. There are no settling issues to contend with... ever. I believe it is the most rot resistant system out there. You can build your log home with tools that fit in the trunk of your car, or you can buy a machine or two to help out. You can use huge logs or logs that have so much taper that they would be hard to use with other systems.

Most of us build without a mortgage. If you own your land, you can pay for your home as you build it. Thirty years is a long time.

If you use the LHBA plans, you will probably save the cost of class right there.

Once you go to class, you gain access to the members side of the forum. That's worth the price of admission many times over. At any time there are a bunch of us building our own LHBA style homes. We are spread out all over the globe and we are helping each other with ideas, solutions, moral support, and labor. You'll love it and you'll be a member til you die.

I took the class the first time when I was college age. I am now 6 weeks from 60 years old and building our last home. I have never regretted going to class.


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Xmastree12-2012029_zpsa5e5d552.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/loghousenut/media/Xmastree12-2012029_zpsa5e5d552.jpg.html)

[eagle]

I looked at kit homes a few years ago when I decided it was time to start my journey, after seeing the price tag and more importantly the "fakeness" of them I knew it was not for me. I wanted the real thing, full logs, rough rustic look and feel. So once I learned about the way to build without shrinking from the website, I knew I had to take the class. after the class I would never ever recommend any other way to build. Cheaper, stronger, better all around. My only regret is not finding LHBA 10years ago. The money spent on the class will save you multiple times that going forward.

[blane]

Matthew,

When I took the class back in 08 I had no experience in building whatsoever and one week before Christmas I got my CO for our 2300 square ft. log home. And I did this for significantly less money than you could buy a modular home with the same square footage and best of all I have no mortgage. I have had so manny encouraging comments ranging from the esthetics to the superior quality of my LHBA style home. All the knowledge I gained from the class and this forum gave me the confidence I needed to do what I thought I could never do.
using whole unmilled logs protects the integrity of the house for generations and this method requires no floor jacks to compensate for settling. We learned that overbuilding the roof protects logs from moisture and rot.
My blog gives a good overview of the methods you will learn in class.

[rocklock]

I am currently researching various methods of building log homes
Mathew;
I live on Camano Island when its warm... It ain't warm there now... If we knew where you live we could direct you to where you could see a Skip Style log home.

You need to look at the student built homes or you could look at mine... But walking up to and realizing that my home weighs way over 200,000 pounds... Talk about thermal mass... Anyway, seeing is believing... and just walking into one will blow you away...

My son's and I have done 99% of the work. I will be 70 next month so age should not be a factor... it's just hard work...

[Blondie]

Matthew,

Cabin kits are for the most part designed, built by individuals who do it for income. Should you decide to build by the butt and pass method. You will build for yourself. You will put your very best effort into the cabin. You will care deeply if the window or door frame is square and true. Will the kit builder care? Nope. He just wants you to get it off his hands so he can go on to the next one. Engineers frequently state that a butt and pass cabin is over engineered. That it surpasses the minimum state code. Our cabins are built to last. Not just for 10 or so years, like a kit but to last through the next generation. Our cabins have not been marked up by several different individuals before they are sold. You deal with the lumber man, the cement man etc, not a general contract that will mark it up 30% for his activity.

Yes, the two day class is expensive. But with other classes, the info is common and is available on the internet or other publication. Butt and Pass theory is only available per the class. When the "other" class is over, you wave "goodbye" and fade into the sunset. Here you join and active group of fascinating individuals who share their experiences. They help with common problems and share your difficulties. It is not for the duration of your cabin build but is always here.

Is it worth it? Well, to my knowledge no one has asked for their money back

Blondie.

[jasonfromutah]

1- Easier to build mortgage free.
2- High R-Value.
3- Stronger, more durable than most, if not all other methods.
4- Cost- many different options during your build that can save you 1000's of dollars.
5- Authenticity- I love the look of a B&P home

Lastly, the cost of the class is worth it. Make a few sacrifices and go. Best of all, you'll know what you want to do when you are completed with the class.

I took the class in 2007.
I started my build in 2010
I should be completed in July of this year.

[Matthew Dugan]

Thank you everyone for your feedback. After talking to several people with their own cabins and looking at different methods..the butte and pass method is the only way to go. I wish I could attend the next seminar, but it is during finals week for me and I will have to wait for the one after. However I plan on building a shed for practice this summer, I purchased a book that claims to teach the butt and pass method and I hope it will be enough to get started. I have been rebuilding homes since I could pick up a hammer and I have experience setting forms and pouring concrete so I think this project is within my grasp. I plan on building a 10ftx10ft structure and I hope to keep my budget under a thousand dollars. Since I have free access to logs, this should be achievable.

again thank you for all your feedback, and good luck with your projects!

[WNYcabinplannin]

Single best reason to take the class is the members forum and what that brings. No reinventing the wheel. Think of trying something that strays from the taught path? Someone else has tried it and will provide pix and experience and pros n cons. Advice that can save you THOUSANDS of dollars or keep you from making a mistake you couldn't have foreseen.
You're in lhba heartland and have close access to a LOT of guys, that can share tools, labor, advice.
The class sets you on the path. The Community of owner builders here is amazing. I make nothing by advising you to take it (send me a xxl shirt Ellsworth???) but STRONGLY advise taking the class!

[ivanshayka]

If you end up building this cabin out of the book, keep in mind that it is not Skip's style, you may run into some snags. If that happens, do not be discouraged, make it your goal to come to class eventually. Do not attempt to build big until after class, you will have all of us (including Ellsworth and RockEngineer) to rely on if you run into the snag. Member's side is like a family, truly. I trust everyone with their suggestions, pick the one I like the best, and give advice if it's worth something. All of this is for the dream of having my own log home, and to help others to achieve their dream too. Non of us make a penny for getting you to go to class, the enjoyment of seeing you succeed is worth $1000000 (that's a lot of doe). Enjoy the pics.
http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee382/ivanshayka/Log%20Home%20-%20Practice%20Shed/IMAG0612.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/ivanshayka/media/Log%20Home%20-%20Practice%20Shed/IMAG0612.jpg.html)

[ivanshayka]

Oh yeah. It's 10x10 with roof covered porch. Cost is roughly 650$ maybe $800 at the most. Roof was most expensive.
Here is a pic of my 35x35 home I am working on.
http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee382/ivanshayka/image-5-1.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/ivanshayka/media/image-5-1.jpg.html)

[fireman9]

Best money I ever spent, period!

[Strongbow]

I live in Michigan. I took the class in Fall of 2011 while I was also attending Oakland Community College. That semester, I was taking Anatomy and Physiology 1, US History to 1877, American Literature to 1890, and Diet and Exercise, for a total of 13 credits across 15 weeks. I literally flew to Vegas, walked from the airport the casino where the class was (got lost on the way there), found the casino, then went to my hotel. I only brought $50 with me because my fiancee (then girlfriend) and I didn't have a pot to pee in. I used some for a bite to eat and some for a six pack of really cheap beer in glass bottles.
I drank one, and dumped the other five. I really just wanted the empty bottles. The hotel was bad. I stuck four bottles on the floor under the doorknob and one bottle on top of the doorknob, that way if anyone tried to break in, the one on the doorknob would fall and hit the others and wake me up. The sixth bottle was on the bedside table in case I'd need a weapon. This crummy hotel problem would've been solved if I had just shelled out the cash for a nice casino room.
Took the class. No break ins. Walked to class both days. On the second day, another builder from, I believe Puerto Rico, bought me lunch. He and I had actually served in the Army, not together, but around the same time, so it was nice making a friend with whom I could relate. After the class was over, another student drove me to the airport in his rental car.
My fiancee picked me up at DTW, took me to a fast food place for a bite to eat, then drove me to my US History class followed by an hour and a half break, then an exam in my A&P class.
We have not started our build yet, but we are making progress towards getting land. Getting money in order is a pain right now, but we're living in a stick frame home that needs work and we're hoping after all the work is done that we can sell it and make some coin on it.
The class will impart to you some very valuable knowledge and allow you to cultivate long-lasting relationships. And it can be done while in college, just try not to fly back home on the day of an exam. That was no fun.

[sdart]

We were on the other side of the equation and had to fly back, go straight to college from the airport and TEACH a class :) Either way, it would be nice to have a little more time to adjust the brain... But then, maybe it's good practice for the build itself, that requires your mind to be in several different places at once at all times!

[eagle]

Inspiring stories, where there is a will, there is a way!

[rreidnauer]

I know people got to do what they got to do sometimes, but I was surprised when I took the class, at how many folks left early on the second day. I just looked at it as an investment that I didn't want to lose any value from. Oh, and my axiety that had me worried about potential flight delays/cancelations, so I got out there (Skip's house) a couple days early, and booked a flight out for the day after. That left my mind fully unoccupied with scheduling concerns and free to absorb as much of my investment as possible. A couple extra nights at the cheap Monroe Motel was worth the cost for that piece of mind. (plus it allowed me to do some exploring around the area, and hiking at Wallace Falls State Park before the class)

[hammerhead 67]

Class is good. Member side is priceless. Especially since you have experience in traditional construction and remodel like I do.

I have saved probably $50,000 on my build simply by asking "I have a great idea, what about doing XYZ THIS way" Then somebody who had the same great idea explains how it will cause multiple problems down the road.
Probably asked that question a dozen times and saved me $$$$ every time I did. Add in all the support, good ideas that DO work and it is worth the class even if you decide to build a different style of build. But I am betting you wont.

[travman]

I have wanted to live in a log home ever since I was a kid. Had an ex-girlfriend break up with me because of it, actually. She said it would be too much like living in a "vacation home". Sounds pretty good to me.

Anyway, I lived in Woodinville, Wa when I took the class at Skips house in between contracts in the Middle East. Nice for me, 'cause I could just drive home from Monroe and sleep in my own bed. Have not built my home yet, nor have I bought land. But asking questions of this group has really helped keep me focused on my goal. Valuable beyond belief. I know that when I do build eventually, I will have access to years and years of combined experience from this group.

I plan on attending class again when I get home from this contract just to refresh my memory. Good luck.

[Shark]

Best class I've ever taken!

We hope to start building our second log home in the next year or two. Built #1, lived in it for 4 great years, & recently sold it.

Knowing what I know now about everything (class, forum, LHBA in general), the class is a steal.

[edkemper]

Ah, I don't know. The class was well worth twice the price. But the real gold you get with the class are people just like shark and the rest of the members on the other side. All of us know what we learned in class was worth the price but the real benefit is the tons of gold on the member's side. Steve and E have such a limited time to flood our minds and hearts in the class over a weekend. It takes a few days to a few weeks to recover. But the best they have for members is the website itself.

[eagle]

Ah, I don't know. The class was well worth twice the price. But the real gold you get with the class are people just like shark and the rest of the members on the other side. All of us know what we learned in class was worth the price but the real benefit is the tons of gold on the member's side. Steve and E have such a limited time to flood our minds and hearts in the class over a weekend. It takes a few days to a few weeks to recover. But the best they have for members is the website itself.
AGREED! Gets the wheels turning...

[Matthew Dugan]

Beautiful Cabin, I'm almost done working on this stick n build cabin...I hope to build a log one just like that soon.
http://tinypic.com/r/2wc1ptv/8

http://tinypic.com/r/15wfjbd/8

[Matthew Dugan]

I am unsure why the picture is not showing, Perhaps this picture will load..

http://i60.tinypic.com/15wfjbd.jpg

If anyone is building a cabin this summer near the Tacoma,Wa area.. I would be open to volunteer work to gain some experience. Especially if you are putting up your cabin's walls, I would be very grateful for the opportunity. I am a strong worker, about 6 5 and 230 pds , and would not waste your time.

[donjuedo]

I am unsure why the picture is not showing, Perhaps this picture will load..

http://i60.tinypic.com/15wfjbd.jpg

If anyone is building a cabin this summer near the Tacoma,Wa area.. I would be open to volunteer work to gain some experience. Especially if you are putting up your cabin's walls, I would be very grateful for the opportunity. I am a strong worker, about 6 5 and 230 pds , and would not waste your time.

That's a generous offer, of course, but you'll have to wait until you have taken the class. If I remember correctly, that's one of the terms of the association.

[Matthew Dugan]

That may not be a problem, my last exam is on May 9th and a new class is starting May 25th. I would have made better preparations to insure a spot and go however several months ago I thought it was stated that the class was starting May 5th ( during my exam week), I figured out today that the class was actually two weeks later. I will do my best to attend, however, If I am required to work that weekend I will prioritize responsibly. I just got a new engineering internship that sometimes requires weekend work.. but I will remain optimistic and hopeful since that weekend ends in a holiday.

[Matthew Dugan]

To my surprise, Harrahs Hotel just told me that they are not hosting any log home building seminar on the 24 and 25th.... I still believe this must be an error, Its hard to believe this is a scam. Can someone please explain why the hotel is giving me this information? Perhaps I was speaking to a misinformed worker, I will continue to investigate but I have 24 hrs to cancel my flight. Any information on how to prove this seminar is actually taking place would be greatly appreciated.

-Matt

[VinceHarris]

I'm not sure where the class is being held this time... but I can assure you that if the web site says there is a class and you signed up for it and paid for it, then there is a class!

These guys who run the association are good honest people from every bit of interaction I've had with them. This is a pretty tightly knit group of some really good honest people.

I hope everything works out

[Ellsworth]

Hi Matthew,

Rest assured the class is going on, and it is at Harrah's hotel (http://www.harrahslasvegas.com) (in the Tahoe room). The Association has not cancelled a class in 49 years (knock on wood).

Feel free to give me a call (http://www.buildloghomes.org/contact) if talking to a real person would also help put you at ease. But seriously man, we'll be there. See you in a week.

[loghousenut]

That Harris Hotel is kinda junky and not up to LHBA standards.... The bar is probably Ok but don't drink out of the hot tub (don't ask me how I know).


PS... I first met Ellsworth when he was 9 years old at a LHBA class that his Dad taught. I think he's about as honest as the Hulk is green and I'm pretty certain that this thing is no scam. I took the class in 1982. I won't post my phone number on the net but if you are ever in Grants Pass, Oregon you can look me up and see that I am the real deal and I'll tell you a bunch of true stories about Ellsworth and his Dad, Skip. I am that clown who is building that big ole log house up on Greens Cr. Rd.... Ask around.


PS... Take the class, Matt. You know you want to.

[Plumb Level]

Its all a dream.....and I'm living it!

The class will happen, just get there.....and hold most of the questions till after the first break on the 2nd day.....

[Matthew Dugan]

Well I am glad its not canceled, I have everything booked and I am really looking forward to this class. See you in a week

[Mosseyme]

I guess I am just a sucker for a good idea. I never had one thought it was a scam. Hummm, sure am glad they were actually there when we showed up for class. Matt. my guy said it was the first time in his life he ever sat through 11 hrs of anything without falling to sleep at some point. Then he did it the second day too. Welcome to the family in a week.

[edkemper]

Matt,

You think the class is something? Wait until you join the family on the other side. The class will scramble your brains, especially on what you think you want and know. Then when you get to the member's side, that's where everything will start to fall in place. We're waiting for you. :cool: