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Scubayachts
08-19-2016, 09:23 AM
Hello Everybody and thank you in advance for the feedback and thoughts!

I've always been attracted to log homes and recently ran across this site while looking at "kit" log homes.

A little background information and why I'm thinking about going the log home route instead of the traditional stick build.

I'm 29, work in NYC (corporate gig) for what most people regardless of age would call a great income, love the outdoors, would love nothing more than to own 10+ acre farm complete with the log home, and absolutely cannot stand the idea of being chained to a bank for a mortgage for 15-30 years regardless of income level.

As many of you may know, NJ is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the county (not to mention property taxes!!!). I've done some research and can pick up a decent size property for $50-$100K or I can get acre or less tract of land for much cheaper. I would absolutely love to take time off and dedicate it all towards building the log home, but my work obligations have me tied up M-F unfortunately. This leads me to ask the below questions.

Please remember that I would still take the class before jumping into this en-devour.
1) If I had the land purchased and ready to go, does anyone on this forum providing building services? Again, I'd love to build it myself but with my current job I'd be unable to do this.
2) If I hired someone on this board to construct a modest but nice log home and they worked on the home full time, what kind of time and cost would this be approximately?
3) Does anyone live somewhat near to me to where I could have a look at your home and make sure this is the path I want to venture down? I live in Clinton, NJ (08801).

My goal is to not go the traditional route and spend $300k+ on a home in NJ and be a slave to my lender.

Thank you all in advance and I welcome everyone's feedback and thoughts!

Gregg

donjuedo
08-19-2016, 09:53 AM
Welcome!

1) Yes, Ronnie. He does this for a living. He'll pop up in a day or two.
2) There are too many variables for a straight answer. That'll need a conversation with the one who builds.


Peter

Mosseyme
08-19-2016, 10:05 AM
Have you looked at the student homes? What do you consider modest? We do have one member that travels and builds for others I am sure he will chime in.
Forgive me but I can't help myself. How far is Western NJ from Eastern NJ? You will find on this site there is a lot of goodnatured ribbing that goes on.

Scubayachts
08-19-2016, 10:54 AM
Thanks to your both for the quick replies and I'm looking forward to Ronnie chiming in.

@Mosseyme
I did have a look at the student built homes. I really like something along the lines of Pinecone Pam. Beautiful house! I live in Clinton NJ which I would consider Western NJ. Beautiful area and not what many would envision NJ looking like. Lots of trees and hills out here!

BoFuller
08-19-2016, 09:27 PM
Have you looked at the student homes? What do you consider modest? We do have one member that travels and builds for others I am sure he will chime in.
Forgive me but I can't help myself. How far is Western NJ from Eastern NJ? You will find on this site there is a lot of goodnatured ribbing that goes on.

That was my thought too Sis.
How can you have a western NJ?
I'm sure our County is larger than the whole state of NJ. 😎


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Mosseyme
08-19-2016, 10:05 PM
I guess Western NJ is anywhere you can get out of the shadow of NYC.

loghousenut
08-20-2016, 12:30 AM
You two stop ganging up on Scuby. The poor guy has 8,000,000 neighbors and enough money to try and get away from 5 or 6 million of them. I think his climate will still be too hot and sweaty unless it is snowing, but I think it oughta be worth a shot.


Nothing else to add from me. One way or another, class would most likely change your life and your scenario is certainly doable.

rreidnauer
08-20-2016, 06:19 AM
ClaireNJ has a place just above Rockaway, but it is far, far from traditional LHBA style. (she built onto an existing old cabin with a mix of LHBA and timberframing techniques. She's not been on the forums in a long time, but you might be able to hit her up in a PM.

I know the part of NJ you are talking about. Really pretty country that most people don't think about when they think NJ. If the state wasn't suffering from Cali-syndrome, I would have surely considered it when I was shopping for land.

rckclmbr428
08-20-2016, 09:01 AM
Hi, I'm Ronnie. I like to Scuba dive, but can't say I've done much yachting.... I do travel around and build for people all over the country. Currently building near Traverse city Michigan. But live down in Roanoke. I sent you a Pm