Signed up for the May class!

[Chuck G]

We (wife and I) wanted to do the February class but financial obligations kept us from signing up in time. That said we signed up last night for the May class (Very grateful they are doing it) and now the anticipation begins!

Any suggestions from those that have attended?

[rckclmbr428]

Congrats! Where you coming from?

[Plumb Level]

Congrats on signing up for the class.

Suggestions - take lots of notes in the workbook they give you. As detailed of notes as you can...not just the how, but the why. Of course the members side of the forum is going to be here to explain and answer questions down the road, but it is good to have lots of very detailed notes.

Then keep a separate list of questions you come up with prior to class, and add questions you come up with during class. Wait til about mid-afternoon on the 2nd day and I bet you will find that you can check off almost all your questions without even having to ask them.

One thing I regret is that I didn't get a list of most of the people in the class and e-mail addresses. For members not active on the forums, It would be nice to touch base with some of them once in a while.

[StressMan79]

[QUOTE="Plumb level"
One thing I regret is that I didn't get a list of most of the people in the class and e-mail addresses. For members not active on the forums, It would be nice to touch base with some of them once in a while.[/QUOTE]

Ditto

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Forum Runner

[hotshotrucking]

John here, I signed up yesterday for the May class along with flight and hotel actually getting a room at the Flamingo Las Vegas, shuttle to & from airport. It's been a while since I've been to Vegas and I felt it might be easiest staying where classes are being held. As time gets closer I'll be interested to hear any tips on what to bring besides a pen. From what I have learned about the butt&pass log home system I am firmly committed to moving forward with a build. So barring what I learn in class (and I doubt that be the case) I will also be interested to learn of any tips on special tools I can shop or stock up on in advance.

[Blondie]

Welcome John!

The first big hint is craigslist. Look there for tools, windows a used trailer. In fact just about everything. Where are you building?

Blondie

[hotshotrucking]

Welcome John!

The first big hint is craigslist. Look there for tools, windows a used trailer. In fact just about everything. Where are you building?

Blondie

I have a pretty good selection of tools, I visit building material auctions several times a year locally, have a trailer, bobcat with bucket & grapple attachment, an old ford 9n tractor that runs good, lots of chains, hammers. The tool I'm interested to learn about is the one that strips the bark off the felled trees? I have 40 wooded acres in Jennings County (SE Indiana) lots of oak & hickory and time between now & March to clear, select trees and move them. Once my work starts up again my time gets a bit limited (road construction) as you can see I'd love to prep an area or stockpile materials like rocks or logs but also understand the green logs are actually prefered. I have a small cabin I use for hunting shelter that I heat with portable LP heater for weekend stays or longer
, an old well, barn & falling apart farm house no utilities. Once again, thanks for any advice, I am eager to hear from you all

[Blondie]

May I suggest that you beg, borrow or steal a telehandler at least for stacking your walls and completing the roof.

Blondie

[Chuck G]

Sorry I haven't responded back sooner everyone but thanks for the welcome. We are coming from So. Cal so it's a quick drive for us. Should be able to retire in the next 4-5 years and from what I've read we are inline with recommended time frame for property searching (Way far away from current location and CA!), tool gathering, etc.

We are both excited for the class.

[Little Eagle]

Grats to Terrain Twister, and Hotshottrucking! I am still working on getting the money to try and get in for the may class. I hope i can get it before class fills up! I am taking notes on everyone options on taking notes! lol

Jason.

[hotshotrucking]

As the class date gets closer will those signed up receive a heads up letter or email with more specific details of what one might bring? Or is everything provided? Writing paper, pens, build ideas, type of terrain our personal builds are on, or even a list of questions each student answers so we aren't asking stupid questions (1 thing they taught us is school is there are no stupid questions/which I found out from true life there are) I just want to be as prepared as possible as I have not attended a school class in many, many, many years and we're only schooled for 2 long days.

[Chuck G]

Hotshot,
I've started a log of questions myself to take to class. That said, from the threads I've read it appears 99.9% of the questions we may have will more than likely be answered sometime during the class. What I'm doing is also sorting my questions by categories (land, basement, porch, etc.) to help. I obviously don't know how the class is ran but I'm guessing the curriculum will be set up along the same lines. I figure it will just make it easier to check off my questions and fill in the answers.
TT

[loghousenut]

I was that guy who had two questions for every answer. I kept bugging Skip with all my preconceptions and questions and whynots. His answer was mostly something like "We'll cover that in chapter 12".

There was no chapter 12 but finally, sometime in the second day of class, I realized that half of my questions had been answered and the other half of them suddenly didn't matter. If class is taught the same now as it was back then, you won't have to worry much about it. Just sit there and sponge up as much as you can. It'll be enough.

[eduncan911]

Yep, you'll get an email/notification of what to prepare for.

In short:

* Everything is supplied in class (pens, scratch pad, "the" LHBA manual - which all of my writing went into instead of the scratch pad!).
* Do NOT be late. Not one minute. They start at 8 AM, and end at 8 PM+. There is 12 hours of material to go over, each day - and they take up all 12 hours.
* It's best to schedule flights arriving the day before (Fri), and leaving the day after (Mon) as you don't want to leave early Sunday to catch a flight (unless it's a midnight redeye or something).
* There are small breaks throughout the day with begals and fruity kind of snacks, coffee, tea, etc. You handle your own lunches though.
* Recommended hotels close to location, recommended lunches, etc.
And several other useful tips.

I highly recommend DIRECT FLIGHTS, even if it costs more!!! I followed these to the letter and still ran into trouble with my flights. The flight I had was due to depart Fri morning at 11am and arrive in Florida for a connection around 2ish. Once arriving in FL, after 9 hours of "delays", at 11 PM at night, they finally cancel. I could have bought several other flights from FL to Vegas if they would have told us! We were given the option: Let us get rebooked & stay in hotel, or cash out and we buy our own ticket. I immediately signed onto Kayak.com and found the next flight - at 5:15 AM Saturday morning, arriving at 7:30 AM or something. As I was booking it, it filled up. I had to catch the next flight at 5:45am or something, which put me 1 hour late Saturday morning. I "rested" (no sleep!) on the airport floor until boarding... Yep, was up all night. Maybe caught a couple hour naps between the vacuum cleaners and announcements, in the bright lights. I later went back for the "cash out" option (it cost me about $200 to get that extra flight) and what I found out was all flights were booked until Saturday night (most from us that booked up any open seats on our own).

I was just 1 hour late, out of the 24 hours of class material... And to this day I sorely regret missing that 1 hour as I missed several key bits of material. The members' side has been gracious on filling me on what I missed; but, i still pick up tips here and there that was clearly covered in class. Not to mention I haven't really had any sleep, and now needed to cram 11 hours of "class." I really felt like I was back in college again!

Do not be late!

[eduncan911]

Hotshot,
I've started a log of questions myself to take to class. That said, from the threads I've read it appears 99.9% of the questions we may have will more than likely be answered sometime during the class. What I'm doing is also sorting my questions by categories (land, basement, porch, etc.) to help. I obviously don't know how the class is ran but I'm guessing the curriculum will be set up along the same lines. I figure it will just make it easier to check off my questions and fill in the answers.
TT
I had a huge amount of questions, categorized and researched - I didn't have to ask a single one as they answered them all (or really, discredited more than half is how it works out). It really is a fundamental shift in the way you think you are building/sourcing/windows/paying for a log home. One that you smack yourself on head for wasting all that time gathering and planning those questions. I don't know anyone as OCD as me when it comes to categorizing - which was a complete waste of time cause the class changed my entire view of homes - all homes, in general.

As they start with on day 1, the instructor(s) say something like, "take all those ideas. all of this plans and concepts. and throw them in the trash." It really is a clean slate you work with, and rightfully so because everything else you've seen done so so wrong.

Go with a blank mind. You'll adsorb much more easily. :)


I was that guy who had two questions for every answer. I kept bugging Skip with all my preconceptions and questions and whynots. His answer was mostly something like "We'll cover that in chapter 12".

There was no chapter 12 but finally, sometime in the second day of class, I realized that half of my questions had been answered and the other half of them suddenly didn't matter. If class is taught the same now as it was back then, you won't have to worry much about it. Just sit there and sponge up as much as you can. It'll be enough.
That sounds so much like Skip! "Wait until chapter 12." - and there was no chapter 12. LOL

[hotshotrucking]

I really do appreciate the quick and complete answers, I site here and rack myself saying I need to do this, or do that. I at least had to ask so I didn't come to Vegas looking like a Hoosier/lol Thanks Again

[rreidnauer]

I agree on not missing time. Way more important than what to bring to class. I was shocked at the number of people who left class early the second day because they didn't book a Monday flight.

The class is a life changer opportunity. I can't comprehend how someone can't make time for THAT. (I arrived a day early, because I feared a flight delay, which was nice because it left me time to explore the area, and left the day after class). If someone can't make time for the class, how are they ever going to make time to build their new home. (and life!)

[edkemper]

My suggestion won't be fully understood until after you get home.

Don't ask many questions, if possible.

Take in all you can that is presented. Then after the class is over, write down any and all your unanswered questions.

After you get home and join the member's side, that is where all the time that is needed will be available to fully answer all your questions. Most of your pre-class questions will have changed.

The instructors are the bomb. But there is only so little time to present the material. Soak up all you can. You will never forget your weekend.

The real fun starts after you get on the member's side.

Welcome all.

[Little Eagle]

ok so i got paid friday and am now signed up for the may class! Hope to see and meet people there.

[loghousenut]

Glad about it!

[bobbiejeandean]

I want to sign up for the May 30 class but am still trying to decide. Part of me is afraid I'm wasting my time as a woman who would be building alone. Part of me has the burning dream of this in my heart. Any advice?

[Mosseyme]

Depends on what kind of support network you have. Alone for most woman is different than alone for most men. There is great benefit in the class even if you never build this way. Will change your way of looking at many things and give you a leg up on most any kind of build you might want to do.

[loghousenut]

BJD... Dreams are like the whispy pink paper that teenage girls presents are wrapped in. No substance, just promises and hopes.

As you are stroking and admiring those dreams, are you secretly hoping there is a chainsaw inside?

Take the class.

[Little Eagle]

BJD i am thinking that the class will have info we wont be able to find anywhere else and the members side of the forums is enough boot in the but for me. I am signed up for the may class, you should come on out with the rest of who are signed up for it!

[donjuedo]

Please read the posts by spiralsands. She didn't know how to do any construction, but learned by doing a remodeling project. One thing led to another and another, and now she can take on anything she sets her mind to. You can, too.


Peter

[Chuck G]

With the 3 month money back Guarantee, you don't have anything to loose!

And for what it's worth, I haven't been able to find anyone who has used the money back offer. :D

[rocklock]

I'm wasting my time as a woman who would be building alone. Part of me has the burning dream of this in my heart. Any advice?
I am a rather large male, old but very large. I can not give advice because I can do all the tasks required. There is a book called "Working Alone". It shows ways of using clamps and other devices that enable one person to accomplish tasks that normally require two people.

There are other females that have accomplished building a log home. The lady in Oregon (I forget her name) whose log home burnt down and she rebuilt. There are others. Pinecone Pam's house is one of the student homes that have been built. I have a neighbor that built a timber frame home. There are a few tasks that will require help, stacking logs is one of them. We have a member that will come to your site and in a few weeks your logs will be stacked, roof on and windows cut.

So, really what is most needed is knowledge and motivation... We can only supply the knowledge, the rest is up to you...

[smileykyley]

Take the class. You will not regret it.

[blane]

It is a lot of hard work, but I am sure you have some friends that could help. You must be southern with two first names and southern girls have determination and thats the most needed attribute for this kind of endeavor.


I want to sign up for the May 30 class but am still trying to decide. Part of me is afraid I'm wasting my time as a woman who would be building alone. Part of me has the burning dream of this in my heart. Any advice?

[Blondie]

Bobbiejeandean,

I have no aspirations of walking the ridge pole! Or working on the roof. BUT I know I can find some guys to do it! Enough of this male dominate negativity! If I can do it so can you!

Blondie

[loghousenut]

It is a lot of hard work, but I am sure you have some friends that could help. You must be southern with two first names and southern girls have determination and thats the most needed attribute for this kind of endeavor.
I was thinking that with two last names you must be British. Them Brits is famous for their perspirability and tenacity. You'll do fine.

[Chuck G]

27 days to go! Wife and I are excited and ready. At the advise of others I have not been writing down questions but I sure do want too. I have however been working on designs that her and I like. It helps that I do CAD for a living! :)

[donjuedo]

I think the advice is, DO write down questions. Just don't be in a hurry to ask during class, because Ellsworth and Steve will likely answer before the end anyway.

[DanS]

27 days to go! Wife and I are excited and ready. At the advise of others I have not been writing down questions but I sure do want too. I have however been working on designs that her and I like. It helps that I do CAD for a living! :)

I'll wager that you've been working on designs that you think you guys will like--right now.

What you like will change once you take the class and get into the mindset of simple.

Have fun! Your CAD skills will help you greatly if you intend to deviate from the stock plans, for sure!

Dan

[Dr.Robert]

I think it is the same with land. I'm looking and thinking "I better wait until AFTER the class"!

Robert

[panderson03]

might not be a bad idea Robert. :) still fun to look though!

[hotshotrucking]

With less than a week to go before my trip to Vegas for the class this weekend I was sure somebody said we'd get an email with a few helpful reminders? I've gotten nothing to this point Sunday morning? I am looking forward to learning everything I can this weekend, John

[eduncan911]

With less than a week to go before my trip to Vegas for the class this weekend I was sure somebody said we'd get an email with a few helpful reminders? I've gotten nothing to this point Sunday morning? I am looking forward to learning everything I can this weekend, John

I can recall a few for ya...

* classes are about 12 hours long, minus lunch and quick session breaks. Trust us, the classes will feel too short and you'll never realize 12 hours went by.

* Plan on leaving Monday morning - you want to stay Sunday all the way to the end (8-9pm) as there are final information you need at the end.

* be there precisely 5-10 minutes before 8 AM. Shoot to be there earlier if possible, as the doors shut at 8AM and they are very prompt.

* Lunch: they provide snacks and tea/coffee for breaks, but no lunch. The good news is the conference area is next to a whole bunch of places within a minute or two of walking. Time it no more than 1 hour, you dont want to miss 1 minute. I have a condition and brought a bunch of small snacks - they said no problem (just make sure they are quiet).

* They provide some pens and notepads. Though, I took my own, I ended up not using any of it: my handbook, that they give you, is chalked full of all the class notes. Felt like I was in college again.

My personal advise is:

* jolt down those notes all through the handbook. Every fact, speech, and advise, even if you dont it is relevant to your plans. It just may be in the future.

* Sit as close to the front as possible. Dont be shy.

[rreidnauer]

I can recall a few for ya...

* classes are about 12 hours long, minus lunch and quick session breaks. Trust us, the classes will feel too short and you'll never realize 12 hours went by. That's "per day" if you didn't figure that out already.


* Plan on leaving Monday morning - you want to stay Sunday all the way to the end (8-9pm) as there are final information you need at the end. So much yes for that statement.


* be there precisely 5-10 minutes before 8 AM. Shoot to be there earlier if possible, as the doors shut at 8AM and they are very prompt. Also very important!


* Lunch: they provide snacks and tea/coffee for breaks, but no lunch. The good news is the conference area is next to a whole bunch of places within a minute or two of walking. Time it no more than 1 hour, you dont want to miss 1 minute. I have a condition and brought a bunch of small snacks - they said no problem (just make sure they are quiet). Stealthy snacks! LOL, I couldn't help myself. XD


* They provide some pens and notepads. Though, I took my own, I ended up not using any of it: my handbook, that they give you, is chalked full of all the class notes. Felt like I was in college again.

My personal advise is:

* jolt down those notes all through the handbook. Every fact, speech, and advise, even if you dont it is relevant to your plans. It just may be in the future.

* Sit as close to the front as possible. Dont be shy.. . . . . and now I'm picturing a fist fight for the front row.

[hotshotrucking]

thank you both, I'm in a day early and stay a day after,,, it's Vegas Baby!

[Chuck G]

thank you both, I'm in a day early and stay a day after,,, it's Vegas Baby!

That makes 2 of us Hotshot! Got the reminder email this morning!

DanS, Actually, thru more years than I care to admit in construction, I learned a long time ago to keep it simple. My designs are either a basic box or 2 boxes rolled 45 degrees into each other (which I think is still simple enough to do from what I've been reading). Not the in/out designs you see in the so called log home publications. We both want a wrap around porch, so simpler (box shape) is definitely the easiest to design.

[edkemper]

In conventional stick built housing, every single extra corner above 4 is filling the contractor's pocket. Each corner of every type raises the cost a bunch.

[eduncan911]

After taking the class, I now look at my old plans, or someone's custom layout and think, "my, that's an expensive roof."

[Chuck G]

Finished class yesterday! :-)
know, I know. They need a few days (or longer since they have an extended stay in Vegas this time) to give us access rights to the members only side, but I'm anxious to read the journeys other have taken and the hurdles they have overcome!

[loghousenut]

Glad they finally hooked you. Wadjathink?


You'll like the member's side of the forum. We're not as dull and boring as Ellsworth and Steve.

[eduncan911]

Ahh, fresh new blood racing through the veins of the recently classed, forming all new pathways in those brains to get around all those "I thought that's what I wanted, but now I know better!" pathways.

[Chuck G]

WooHoo I'm in! Thanks to Steve and Ellsworth for unlocking the other side side so soon. As for the rest of you, See you on the Dark side!

[panderson03]

:) welcome to the family Mr Twister :)

[rreidnauer]

Bad news noobies. There is going to be extensive site maintenance, and the forums will be down for the next two months.









Just kidding! [emoji39]

[panderson03]

Rod is MEAN :p

[loghousenut]

Rod... You remind me of me.