Looking forward to joining your ranks!

[3degreenerd]

Hey everyone, I am new here but after reading alot of these posts I think I have sold myself on attending "the class". I was skeptical at first like most new people seem to be, but after reading so many great posts and comments I am very eager to attend. I won't be able to attend until the fall, if there is a class, but I am ready to go. I know the members forum has way more info but any members who have built in Arkansas? I am in the central Arkansas area and would love to see some photos of homes in my area if possible. Thanks in advance!

[rckclmbr428]

Welcome aboard! I've done some homes in Alabama, I think there's been a few in Arkansas. Definitely doable!

[LowKey]

Hey everyone, I am new here but after reading alot of these posts I think I have sold myself on attending "the class". I was skeptical at first like most new people seem to be, but after reading so many great posts and comments I am very eager to attend. I won't be able to attend until the fall, if there is a class, but I am ready to go. I know the members forum has way more info but any members who have built in Arkansas? I am in the central Arkansas area and would love to see some photos of homes in my area if possible. Thanks in advance!

Welcome!
The class is the starting point, you'll find even more once you're on the members side of things.

[3degreenerd]

Thanks, I look forward to getting started on the journey. Eager to eventually be debt free and own my house out right and not owe money to a bank.

[MPeterson1020]

Welcome!!!

[allen84]

I think you're on a good path if you found LHBA. And I also think it's safe to say this organization has very much changed my life for the better.

[loghousenut]

In so many ways I agree with Allen. I owe such a debt to Skip Ellsworth and the pair that keep this thing alive in his absence. Every day my life is touched by LHBA.

[3degreenerd]

Thanks I'm glad I found this group looking forward to class! Quick question, I have seen the strong survivability of these types of homes in earthquake areas. What about high winds? Here in central Arkansas we get plenty of tornadoes every year. Any issues with wind load on these houses?

[StressMan79]

Thanks I'm glad I found this group looking forward to class! Quick question, I have seen the strong survivability of these types of homes in earthquake areas. What about high winds? Here in central Arkansas we get plenty of tornadoes every year. Any issues with wind load on these houses?

With the large over hangs, you have a large area for a twister to catch. Hurricane ties may be called for. Generally, though, a stick of rebar through a 4×10 rafter will more than hold it. Especially if the angle is "off" by 5-10 deg.

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[StressMan79]

Use #5 bar (gr60) bar if concerned.

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[allen84]

I could be wrong but if you built, say a 40x40 built the way it is taught in class and with large diameter logs, there would probably be enough mass that only windows and roof would suffer the most damage. I can't see a twister picking up a building that size, foundation and all. In my mind, that is more or less what would have to happen.

Stick frame houses that get leveled in tornadoes.... 2 of us could demolish one with sledge hammers. I don't think a person could take apart an LHBA home with a sledgehammer.

[rreidnauer]

I would agree. You'd likely lose the roof on a direct/near direct hit. The rafters would probably still be there though, if built the LHBA built-up method, but with rebar bent over on each rafter.

[3degreenerd]

Thanks for the info. If the roof is the major loss then I would count my blessings. Not confirmed to be building in Central Arkansas I just know my wife would ask that question. She will not even consider a house that doesn't have a storm shelter so that's another expense but worth it.

[loghousenut]

I feel blessed. Thank you for reminding me.

[3degreenerd]

I have been scoping out airfare and hotels all day hopefully I will catch a steal on some rates before the class. Las Vegas on the weekend is pricey but I know it will be worth it.

[NWscott]

Travelocity worked out well for me recently. Find the location of the class and booking a place to stay close by may save some money. I booked the flight and hotel together and found a great deal. Stayed at La Quinta and they had free airport shuttle to hotel, also provided shuttle to and from class. (a few bucks to the driver for tips always keeps everyone happy) saved on not needing a rental car either.

BTW...welcome to the forums!

[3degreenerd]

Travelocity worked out well for me recently. Find the location of the class and booking a place to stay close by may save some money. I booked the flight and hotel together and found a great deal. Stayed at La Quinta and they had free airport shuttle to hotel, also provided shuttle to and from class. (a few bucks to the driver for tips always keeps everyone happy) saved on not needing a rental car either.

BTW...welcome to the forums!

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! Its so strange to me how many hotels do not have shuttles to the airport, you would think that would be a basic thing to have especially in Vegas. The strip hotels are nice but so pricey and on top of that they have to charge the resort fee which can add another 100 bucks to a weekend in the city. I was looking at the Best Western next to Harrah's not sure if that is where I will stay but its around $150 a night plus tax and is right next door for easy access and I can Uber to and from the airport if necessary. I will figure it out as the dates approach, just need them to confirm the Labor Day weekend class soon! I found myself starring at my neighbors very large pine tree, straight and at least 60 feet tall, thinking to myself, hmmm wonder if he would sell me his tree. I haven't even attended class and I already have the bug!