Question to Graduates of the Class

[KeithMN]

I'm signed up and registered for the November 11-12 class, (just waiting to hear back from them) and have a question for those of you who have already taken the class.

Is there anything you wished you would have brought to class with you? Anything you wished you knew or researched before class? I know laptops, cameras and recording devices are not allowed. But is there anything else that you wish you would have thought of? For example: rough sketches of what you want to build, etc.,

From the sounds of it, a notebook and pen seem to be all I need. Just wondering what the rest of you think, now that you've taken the class.

[Oneshot]

A good pair of walking shoes. You will enjoy the class. It is very informative.

[KeithMN]

Thanks Oneshot, that's pretty much what I figured. I can't seem to stay off the site for long lately. Just reading and re-reading everything. Has anyone invested in that list of great books that are recommended? I just got paid and am tempted to have an Amazon.com spending spree!

I just found out a guy from work took a log home building course. I told him about Skips and he thinks his teachers learned from Skip and started their own school, possibly. I won't post the link here unless told it's ok. They give students the "hands on" approach, which I know Skip doesn't use, so I was wondering if they really were graduates of LHBA. I can send someone the link if they want to take a look at it to see.

[Oneshot]

once you take the coarse you will understand why there is very little hands on required. I feel completely confident that I will be able to build my home myself.

[eustill]

When you do come out for the class in November I would recommend a good water proof jacket to keep you dry in the rain. This class is well worth dodging a few rain drops for.

[Oneshot]

I would agree with the rain coat because i've heard that it rains a lot. However we were blessed with brite sunny days the whole time. Not sure why we got so lucky.

[M.Brett]

Keith, where are you located in Minnesota? A friend and I are putting on our first logs tomorrow (9/30/06) near Mora,MN. We took Skips course last November in 2005. Maybe you can visit our sight for some"on hands experience. You will understand what we are doing and why after the LHBA course, the time in class will fly by. I cant wait until its my turn to build. :D

Mark

[Bronco]

A flashlight would be nice for the HILL or ahead lamp.

[Steve Wolfe]

I was at the Sept 9-10 class and aside from a notebook and something to eat for lunch, I came with an open mind. I had preconceived notions of how I wanted to build but during and after the class I realized that Skip's method was pretty much fool proof so why mess with a well thought out and proven way of building. It's good stuff!

Steve

[kyle]

Keith,

There are 2 items that stick out in my mind as needing.

1) Pair of slippers or sandles or clean shoes to wear inside the house. (Which I did take) Its no major deal because you can just walk around in your socks.

2) Flashlight. (Which I did NOT take) Both days I was the last to leave the class. Usually several hours after it ended. And it was very dark walking down that hill late at night.

If you can take a few extra days and enjoy the area. Unfortunately I couldn't at that time but I would highly recommend it. And if you think you are excited now wait till after the class!

[adubar]

Generally, the type of rain we get in fall and winter is a persistent mist or drizzle. We do get showers, but that tends to be in the spring. Winter storms can be quite big downfalls, but they are sporadic and not the norm.

If you have a waterproof or water resistant jacket or shell and a hat you will do fine.

Dress in layers and you will be able to deal with the temperature and weather swings that we get from time to time. Might be 20 f in the morning and warm up to 68f in the daytime, with a light rain in between.

One funny thing you might notice when visiting is that most of us locals don't use umbrellas, even though the big city has a festival each year named "bumbershoot" which is 19th century English for an "umbrella." Go figure?


If we get an early cold snap, beware of "black ice." Some states back east get this but it tends to be completely unknown in most of the other states. With the amount of drizzle we get, during cold temperatures (38f or below) thin sheets of ice form on the streets and highways. Due to the fact that it is 'black' from reflecting the color of the street, it is very difficult to see.

This type of ice is usually only formed during the night or early morning hours before the sun melts it and it can cover miles of roadway.

Regards,

A

[KeithMN]

Wow, thank you all for your kind advice. It will be taken to heart.

- Raincoat. I lived in Ireland for some time so I'm used to the type of rain that Seattle gets. They pretty much get the same type of weather... drizzly mist with only occasionally fuller drops. No need for an umbrella, just a raincoat.

- Slippers for wearing in the house. I wouldn't have thought of that, so thanks Kyle.

- Flashlight. Definitely wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks Jim and Kyle.

As for dressing in layers, I live in Minnesota. I never get cold. I usually wear jeans and a short sleeve shirt throughout the winter. Will definitely bring a sweatshirt though.

Thanks again all! I like that I can pack very minimally for the trip. I'm extending my time there for a bit of a hard-earned, long-overdue vacation. I'm taking two days before the class and two days after the class to spend in Seattle. Any ideas for what to do with that time? Where to stay? Steve already recommended the Undergound Tour. Sounds completely incredible to me. Anything else? I'm just afraid that when I get out there, I won't want to come back.

[KeithMN]

Mark,

Thanks for writing. You've got to be pretty excited about putting up your first logs! I'll have to check out to see where Mora, MN is. I'm in Minneapolis. When I moved back to the states from Ireland, I got so used to not having a car that I didn't buy one. But, if I can find a way to make it down/up/over to see you, I'd be glad to give a lending hand and do what I can. Keep in touch.

[Steve Doocy]

Don't forget a stay at the Wallace Falls Lodge [http://www.wallacefallslodge.com] during your stay. Its a true Skip style lodge and you will find it very interesting after attending the class.

Have a great time,

Steve Doocy

[ponyboy]

It's been awhile since I've visited Seattle but when I was there I had fun going to the Space Needle
http://www.spaceneedle.com/neighborhood/

then taking the Monorail (not sure if its working)
http://www.seattlemonorail.com/

and walking down to Pikes Place Market. It's like a farmers market with allot of other little shops in it. Make sure you look for the geoduck (pronounced /'gu i duk/ i.e. "gooey duck" ) :shock:
http://www.pikeplacemarket.com/frameset.asp?flash=true

Jeff

[KeithMN]

Steve, the Wallace Falls Lodge was my first choice. I called last night for reservations but the only night they had open was Sunday night. I really would like to stay there so I'm considering staying Sunday and Monday nights.

ponyboy, the Space Needle is a definite possibility. Part of me says it's a given and the other part of me thinks, "how touristy." But, with the one or two days I'll have there, I'm sure I'll probably see it. Pike's Place Market is a definite must though. I just hope I can find a good cup of coffee somewhere in Seattle. :wink:

By the way, how many students does it take to fill one of Skip's classes?

[Steve Doocy]

Keith, when I took the class we could only get in on Sunday night because they were booked as well. Our only regret was that we were leaving on Monday and only had one night there. Book it before its gone and have a great class.

Steve :lol:

[KeithMN]

Steve, I'm seriously considering it. When I called, they said they don't take reservations for single rooms until two weeks before the arrival date. Part of me says that ridiculous but the other part of me understands that they do a lot of group business and use the advanced time to try to bring in groups for booking blocks of rooms. It would top off my vacation if I could stay in a great log house where I could see the stars again and walk in the countryside again. Man I miss that.

Ever hear the expression, "count the stars"? Well, you can do that in Minneapolis. There are exactly four of them. Rumor has it that two of them might just be planes passing over and one is a satellite. :::sigh:::

[Steve Doocy]

Keith, I understand the problem! I'm in LA and we have those stars flying over us all night long. :shock: Let us all know how the class goes.

Steve

[rreidnauer]

Keith,

The Gaylord B+B has been strongly recommended by LHBA and it's members who stayed there. I wish that I had stayed there when I went for the class.

Details and reviews here ----> http://www.loghomebuilders.org/gaylord-house-bed-and-breakfast.htm

[dbtoo]

If you can't get in the wallace, the Gaylord house was great. They offer a discount to LHBA members and also will provide an awesome lunch for 5 bucks a day. There's a review of it on the LHBA website. It changed owners but I stayed there after that the review is still applicable, if not moreso. Kay is Great! Hot coffee delivered outside your door for when you wake up, along with the morning paper. For 5 bucks extra, she packs you a humongus lunch, you probably won't be able to eat it all. mmmmm - drooling.....

[KeithMN]

Steve, I lived in LA for awhile. Burbank more directly. After all the plastic people, perversions and pretension, I packed it up. Talk about a whole other existence out there! Where are you hoping to build?

Rod, Yeah, the Gaylord B&B is another place that was high on my list. Still a bit disappointed I can't get into the Wallace, but I will definitely be giving the Gaylord a call. Should probably do that pretty quick here.

dbtoo, I'll have to check into those lunches. Sounds like a bargain!

Doesn't seem like much time is spent in the hotel, B&B, sleeping, though. You think it's still worth it?

[dbtoo]

When I consider the cost of a hotel, the 'value' of the breakfast they provide, and having to buy my own lunch, it was well worth it to me! I prefer to spend the extra money and get a much nicer, personnalized attention to detail (when I travel for myself, not business) and will stay in bed 'n breakfasts.

Will the hotel give you hot coffee at your door when you arise?
Will the hotel provide a sitdown hot breakfast or is it a continental with dry donuts and instance coffe?
You'll have to stop off at a food store and get a sandwich or something from the deli - will that include: fresh fruit, cheese, sandwich, chips, and juice box (for 5 bucks - I doubt that!)

So, is gaylord house worth the time and money - IMHO, u bet. (Ask Kay if she can make the Stuffed French Toast -mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, and say hi to Craig and Kay for me.)

Of course, you can always sleep in your rental in the 'Deliverance' parking lot, if you need to save the bucks.

[adubar]

KeithMN,

Then again you just might think 68 f is a heat wave!
I very good friend of mine moved out this way from Bemidji about 10 years ago---he wears shorts 365 days a year and he's just fine (except when we get 90 f weather---he usually heads back to his parents for a visit that time of year). He thinks I'm crazy when I say I want one of the traditional wool coats made by Bemidji Woolen Mills. They sure look nice.


I think you will do just fine here.

By the way, have you ever come across information or had experience with the Cedar River Horse Logging courses in Lyle?


-A

[Oneshot]

I stayed at the Gaylord when I was there Sept. 1st & 2nd. You can not beat the value. Kay's cooking is worth it if nothing else. GREAT PLACE TO STAY!

[KeithMN]

I'll be calling the Gaylord B&B today for reservations. Can't pass up all the rave reviews the place is getting!

68 degrees in November? That's definitely tropical! Here in Minnesota, at 68 degrees, we're still in shorts and t-shirts. We don't put jackets on until the low to mid 30's. Coats come out of the closet when temps hit the 20's. The parkas don't come out until it's 0 or less.

68 degrees? Yeah, that's camping weather. Just means you won't get bugged by the mosquitos!

[Adam B]

KeithMN,

I promise you. If you bring desire to the class you will come away with a whole new outlook on life. As said before, bring clothes for all conditions. If you need to write things down to absorb information, bring a reliable writing device. There is alot of ground covered in 22hrs!

Enjoy!

Adam B
Marysville, WA

[KeithMN]

Adam,

Thanks for the encouragement. It's not wasted on me. Posts like yours are greatly appreciated.

I tend to have a different outlook on life that's different from a lot of people already. All around me life is busy and hectic. Stress levels are high and people are constantly moving, thinking, going, doing... I live very simply, 99% stress free, happily, and enjoy the slow pace.

Living in a big city, I pay a price for my lifestyle though. People around me notice it and see it as odd. I'm often viewed as an weird because I'm not stressed out, I'm happy and I care about others. People view that as suspicious. "He must be after something. Nobody is that nice for no reason!" Simply because I'm not running around like a head with my chicken cut off! When I lived overseas or in the country, people didn't look/think twice about my lifestyle.

I feel sorry for city folk who've bought into the deception of the "American Dream" and are working their lives away to continue living the way they do. :cry:

[KeithMN]

Just an update: I'm set for class!

Staying at the Gaylord B&B. Kay took my reservation and was grateful to hear everyone's hearty recommendations from the forums. I tried to get into the Wallace Falls Lodge, but they only take individual bookings less than two weeks before you need the room. I just wanted to get things booked, so I'm staying at the Gaylord.

I'm also splurging and spending a night at the Edgewater Hotel downtown Seattle on Pier 67 on Thursday night, the 9th. Can't wait for that. Room with a fireplace, view of the water, big cushy armchair, king-size bed... Can't wait to get there!

Got a great rate on my airline ticket and a rental car, too. Whew! I haven't spent this much money since I don't know when! Not regretting a penny of it though! 19 days and counting!

[Steve Doocy]

Keith it sounds like your all set. Don't forget to get a lunch from Kay to take to class! You won't go hungry :o Have a great time and let us know what you think when its all over.

Steve Doocy

[KeithMN]

Steve, I already pre-ordered the boxed lunches from Kay. The price went up to $5 to $7.50 but it's worth it to not have to find something and prepare it for those two days.

Since I was already on the forums when I called her (got her phone number from here), I read her some of the comments. She was so grateful because she thought the B&B's popularity was still running off the previous ownership. When I read her name in the posts, mentioning her specifically, she was very grateful.

[greenthumb]

Keith,

Good choice!

Kay is a great cook, and will make sure you have plenty for lunch and breakfast. She's also real sensitive to planning around dietary needs so if you need something special, let her know.

What room did you book? Can't remember if I've mentioned this before, but the Lilac Terrace(downstairs) room has one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept on! We also stayed a night in one of the upstairs rooms that has a gas fireplace. Tell Craig and Kay that Christal and Andy said hello! :)

The pacifac science center(might still have the dead sea scrolls on exhibit?) and underground seattle are two interesting things to see.

[rreidnauer]

Way to go!!! Wow, booking everything with less than three weeks to go. You are quite the risk taker, eh?

Well, sounds like you're all set. Now just try to keep it together for the next several days. :lol:

[KeithMN]

Andy, I'm staying in the Lotus Room. Oriental is not my first style choice, but it's what they had left. They were getting pretty full. I think Kay said the Mediterranean Room was still available, but I was already splurging on the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle, so I took the Lotus Room. It should be great though, because Kay said it's the quietest room they have. It also has an extra large double-headed shower with bench seats. I'm not sure why that sounds so great, but it should be an experience! The whole experience there sounds like it will be incredible. I don't think there's anything Kay's left to want. Besides, it'll be great to stay somewhere where other classmates will be staying. 8)

Rod, Actually, I tried to book everything when I still had a month and a half before class. Everything still had summer pricing so it behooved me to wait a bit! I got better rates on airfare, car rental and my Seattle hotel by waiting a bit. Waiting. :::sigh::: Always waiting... Then again, with how quickly time flies lately (like it's on free frequent flyer miles) the anticipation is as much a part of the experience as the actual event, huh? :wink:

[KeithMN]

Another Update: I can already tell this class was meant to be. Get this... The class, as you all know is $795. I got a late tax refund and that paid for the class. My airfare was $234. I just got a bonus at work that, after taxes, comes to $235! Airfare paid for!

Can't wait to see what God has planned for the B&B and car rental fees! :D Cookies, er, I mean class, here I come!

November is a busy/great month for me with time away for class and participating in NaNoWriMo. Gonna be one exciting month!

[dvb]

KeithMN
Pardon my ignorance, but what is NaNoWriMo? :oops:

[dbtoo]

KeithMN
Pardon my ignorance, but what is NaNoWriMo? :oops:
It's some writers month thingy that he's participating in. It was in one of his previous posts. No need for a :oops: :lol:

[KeithMN]

Thanks dbtoo.

dvb, It means National Novel Writing Month. Writers from around the world unite in November of every year with a goal of kicking out at least 50,000 words of a novel. It's an exciting time actually, if you like writing. There are a lot of people who struggle horribly at it because they're so busy. Fortunately for me, I live a simple lifestyle. I have plenty of time to get everything done and still have a few hours in the day to write.

My ultimate dream would be to have my own, mortgage-free log home, built by me (very do-able) and make my living as a writer. I want an office with the walls lined with bookshelves, a stone fireplace and my writing desk with a serene view. Throw in a Golden Retriever, a horse and lots of countryside and I'm set for life!

[adubar]

You know, that is a very refreshing thing to read. What makes it all the more profound is that you really CAN do that.

Makes me want to take a step back and see if my own aspirations are on track. There is something to be said for simple gifts.


-A

[dvb]

Thanks dbtoo & Keithmn!

I think your goals are admirable. You have taken the first step by signing up for the class. I hope you are as impressed as I was. Follow their guidance and you should be well on your way. Remember that time is money. The faster you build, the more it will cost. The biggest obstacle we have had to overcome is friends and family that don't think we can do it.

We are trying to get to retirement at 50. My son is in the Air Force and stationed at Langley, VA right now. I told him I would keep the place he grew up in until he either got out or decided to stay in. (2009) It was important to me to have a place to call home during my enlistment and I believe it will be important to him also. We have a ton of equity in this place and are building our log house from cash reserves. We should be in pretty good shape when all is said and done. I have another property that we hope to build on and sell when the first house is done. Dreams keep me young!!

Good Luck!!

[Mark OBrien]

Keith, you are about to have a truly life changing experience. Even if you don't build right away you will come away from this class with new friends, (Ellsworth and Steve) plus your classmates, a new perspective on life liberty and the pursuit of your freedom and dreams and not least of all an appreciation for Skip's world famous cookies! :lol: Seriously, go with an open mind and see that they are reinforcing American values that built this country. Most of what they teach is a simple, common-sense approach to building a good home hopefully w/o a mortgage, and a common sense approach to solving most of lifes' issues.

[KeithMN]

I don't know of many other places a body can go to get such genuine encouragement. Thanks adubar, dvb and Mark. Not to mention Steve, Sara, Rod, dbtoo, Andy, Adam, Jordan and everyone else. It's meant a lot to me to be able to have a place to get excited about a dream and have others understand and cheer you on! The world seems to have become so focused on themselves that it's every man for himself, trying to out-do your neighbor. It's sad that people can't just be happy for others and give genuine encouragement instead of the obligatory, "that's nice" or "good for you."

I do know that I can do this. The funny thing is that I know it's right so I'm not in any hurry. Maybe turning 40 this year has something to do with getting a little wiser. I don't plan to rush this because I want to do it right. I plan to use Skip's method as closely as possible. There are a few things I'll splurge on, but I'm excited by the adventure of the process. I learned long ago that the process is just as rewarding as the final product. It's where most of life's lessons are learned.

Don't mind me. I've been in a very reflective mood lately. I'm planning two major events in my life and that tends to make me evaluate things in my life. It's a good way to get rid of all the clutter in your life, tangible and intangible. I love living simply.

And I get to have double the excitement with the fury of NaNoWriMo and pushing out 50,000 words of a novel in November. As they say here in MinnesOta: Uff-da!

[KeithMN]

By the way, what would be a quintessential Seattle souvenir?

What is a great Seattle souvenir?

[Bronco]

COFFEE-SPACE NEEDEL-LHBA

[Travis R]

I'd have to agree, but I would list the LHBA membership card as #1, and LHBA T-Shirt as #2.


Travis Rawlings
Riverside, CA
Class Oct 7-8, 2006

[greenthumb]

That workbook is a pretty darn cool thing to bring back home too. :) There are some other things available at the class as well so bring a little extra cash(not sure if its ok to specifically mention them?)

Glad to see some more of the guys from our class filtering in here. :D

[JeffandSara]

Hey, guys--

Just an aside here. I agree whole-heartedly that in general, building fast costs more, because taking your time can give you more options. I'd just say that specific situations can indeed change that generality. For example, if you have to pay rent while you build, like we did part of the time.

Because everyone's circumstances are so different in so many ways, I think that the key is not to get your mind set on a blanket idea of either/ors... just to move fast or move slow, buy new or buy used or borrow, or do everything yourself or hire some subcontractors, etc. But to be mentally flexible, and try to really see your situation realistically so that you can chart whatEVER course will be most advantageous to whatever your situation is.

Good luck, everybody. (And hey, Keith! It's almost November! :D )

Sara

[adubar]

What is a great Seattle souvenir?

Well, if you are making your way to Pike Place Market you need to get a picture in front of the pig (locals will know where it is if you ask). And, get a picture with a "fish toss"---if you've never seen this, locals can tell you about it and point you in the right direction.

Also, we have quite a bit of good salmon, so if you don't mind that your souvenir doesn't last beyond your trip, you should get youself some fresh wild salmon or smoked (might last your trip back?). The edgewater has a decent restaurant and there are quite a few others within walking distance on the pier that have great seafood (Ivar's restraurant is a local landmark).

Also, there is the large coffee corporation's original store, which people tend to like pictures of or at the least go in and get a cuppa joe.

It you like "touristy" souvenirs, there is always the obligatory wooden "banana slug"(we have huge spotted slugs here), a Mount St. Hellens ash trinket (they make glass out of the ash--it has a greenish tinge). Or the "Mt. Rainier" snow globe.

As you are a writer, you might be interested in bookstores. Near the waterfront there is the Elliot Bay bookstore (tends to carry an ineresting assortment of litterary books from current authors), located near Pioneer Square (you can catch the street car right in front of the Edgwater to take you a few blocks from it). I don't know if you like to buy knew or collect antique books, but Seattle has a few of both types of sellers.

Also, I happen to work within walking distance of the Edgewater (well, a bit of a walk, but walkable none the less) so if you think you may need a guide to get you pointed around, let me know and I can give you my work number.

-Andrew

[KeithMN]

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice everyone. I'm taking it all in.

I hope it's ok to ask questions about the Seattle part of my trip, along with log home questions. I know it has to be 'old school' or 'been there, done that' for most of you. I'm just excited to get there and when I do I have so little time and a lot to see. I really want to maximize my time.

As far as the coffee goes, we have red bags (I think) of coffee called "Seattle's Best" here in Minneapolis. Is that a known/good brand by Washington resident standards?

A mini Space Needle on my desk. Tacky. Totally touristy. MINE! :lol: I'm not a souvenir person myself but that's pretty much a must have momento! The Mt. Ranier snow globe will be perfect for a friend of mine.

Does the LHBA Membership Card come in poster size? As far as the extra LHBA trinkets, I think I'd rather be surprised, adubar. I'm hoping the excess anticipation of my trip will get me started strong in my novel endeavors at the beginning of the month! But, if they sell souvenir toasters......!!!

Sara, I believe you and I think alike. It sounds like we have the same building philosophy. Just like in life, two people going through the same event/hardship are going to react differently based on their own life experiences and circumstances. Whether my log home is built slowly or quickly, is left to God's timing for me. My faith comes first in my life and two verses in Proverbs come to mind regarding the classes and building my log home:

"Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge." - I'm not the knowledgable one when it comes to building log homes. Steve and Ellsworth are. I'm there to learn, not to figure out how to do it my way or tweak their instructions. What they teach, I will do.

"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." - In other words, put God first in everything you do and work like you're working for Him and He will bless your work. His timing. His ways.

Anyway, I'm not trying to 'preach'. Just tossing in my thoughts about the whole building process and the classes.

P.S. Keith

[JeffandSara]

Hey, Keith--

It's not just a personality thing that makes our house projects different, though I believe that to be a huge factor having met and gotten to know a number of Skip grads who have built, are in the process, or are still planning.

As we've discussed before (but maybe more in the members' sections which you'll be reading in a few weeks :wink: ), it's not just about philosophy, it's also a matter of logistics.

Do you have land already? If not, can you afford land in your area? How much working cash do you have? How much working cash do you need to do what you want to do in your area? Are there forests in your area? If so, what kind? If on your property, will you harvest what you have or preserve your own woods for privacy, etc.? How expensive are local permits, how strict are local building regs? Do you have utilities? How fast/slow/cheap/expensive/helpful are local utilities? Do you have somewhere to live while you build? Do you need somewhere to live while you build? Are you taking time off or working full-time while you build? Do you have help to build? Do they have any skills? Are they enthusiastic? Are they careful? Do they have any idea how hard the work is, or will they come once and never show up again? Do YOU have any skills? Do YOU have enthusiasm and endurance? Are YOU careful? (Okay, I said it wasn't just about personality, sorry! :lol: ) How big/elaborate a house are you planning? How expensive are materials locally? Do you have to have things shipped in from other places because they aren't available locally? How big a factor is weather in your building schedule? How much are required to finish before you can officially live in your home? What mistakes and injuries and unexpected snafu's happen along the way?

You get my drift. :wink:

Most projects for homeowners and home builders come down to a balance between two main things... time and money. The "right" balance for anyone's individual situation and/or project depends on the factors (and hundreds more) plus how MUCH time and money YOU have. THAT's why all our building stories are very different.

OH, and by the way... I know nothing about Seattle souveniers because we steered clear of town as much as possible every time we've been up to Skip's, and I know probably less about salmon. But I DO know that often local products that you aren't supposed to take on planes and such (don't know if salmon is one or not) can be bought and shipped by the place you buy it without any problem. It's certainly the case from Alaska and Hawaii.

Sara :D

[KeithMN]

Do you have land already? If not, can you afford land in your area? How much working cash do you have? How much working cash do you need to do what you want to do in your area? Are there forests in your area? If so, what kind? If on your property, will you harvest what you have or preserve your own woods for privacy, etc.? How expensive are local permits, how strict are local building regs? Do you have utilities? How fast/slow/cheap/expensive/helpful are local utilities? Do you have somewhere to live while you build? Do you need somewhere to live while you build? Are you taking time off or working full-time while you build? Do you have help to build? Do they have any skills? Are they enthusiastic? Are they careful? Do they have any idea how hard the work is, or will they come once and never show up again? Do YOU have any skills? Do YOU have enthusiasm and endurance? Are YOU careful? (Okay, I said it wasn't just about personality, sorry! :lol: ) How big/elaborate a house are you planning? How expensive are materials locally? Do you have to have things shipped in from other places because they aren't available locally? How big a factor is weather in your building schedule? How much are required to finish before you can officially live in your home? What mistakes and injuries and unexpected snafu's happen along the way?

Sara :D

Are you trying to make me cry? Is that what you want? Do you want to see me cry?! LOL :lol: Just teasing!

Two things I've already taken into account are: 1) There are logistics that I haven't even thought of yet. They exist and there's not much getting around them. But I'm not going to let them dampen my spirit or enthusiasm. Nothing I can do about them right now without having all the information, so I'm just going to enjoy the process. That's where each person's philosophy and personality come in.

And 2) I knew most of the truly helpful posts and advice on these forums were going to be in the Member's Forum. (After all, there's only so much detail you can get into here.) The General Forums are for pre-class fun, encouragement and newbie excitement. A great place for passers-by to get good information about log home building and the truth about log home kits. The General Forums are like "Member's Forum Lite" (The diet version!)

Thanks for all of your advice and straight-forward information! Those are legitimate questions that need to be addressed. I'm just biding my time and enjoying myself before class starts and then being loosed into the Member's Forum!

[JeffandSara]

Hi, Keith--

I'm glad that you know I'm not trying to be discouraging or overwhelming. :D But to anyone else who might mistake my post, my point is not that ANY of those issues have to be "problems" necessarily... but they are important variables in the process.

And frankly, as more and more people who take the LHBA class are not locals, more and more interesting variables arise in individual members' circumstances. It may be one thing to find good, straight, low-taper free house logs in Washington... or Idaho... or Minnesota ... or Michigan...or parts of Canada. It's another to find them in Kansas (where our first LHBA friend was building) or here in southern California or on another continent or whatever. It's one thing to buy land and build where land prices and taxes and building costs are relatively low; it's another to do so where land, taxes, and building costs are high. Etc.

My other point is exactly what you said, Keith... you can't know ahead of time what all your circumstances and variables will BE. Most of the things that slowed us down and complicated our building processes were things we couldn't have predicted in a million years. That's why it's important to plan ahead but stay aware and flexible as you go along. Some of the suprises in our experience were GOOD ones as well. Unpredictable, and you couldn't "count" on getting cut a break in that way. But if you're keeping your wits about you, you'll be readjusting and looking for your options and opportunities and making the best of whatever your particular circumstances and logistics turn out to be. :D

And don't cry, Keith. I can't stand to see a grown man cry! :P

Sara :D

[mbailey]

Hi KeithMn,

Just wanted to say that I enjoy your enthusiasm for the task ahead. I also appreciate that you desire to learn. There are a lot of folks on this forum that we can all learn from. Also thanks for those words of wisdom from Proverbs. He will honor those who honor Him.

Take care,

Mark

[KeithMN]

Thanks for the encouragement, Mark. It feels good to have a dream without having to be anxious for it. I trust Him with it.

What part of Knoxville are you in? I used to live there 10 years ago. I'm sure it's all changed since then. I'll bet Mrs. Winners still makes the best sweet tea, right? :::sigh::: I used to live in Maryville, too.

Are you looking to build soon?