Questions!

[edwardbj]

Greetings All,

Found this site last night after work and all I can say is WOW! I've read everything thread available at least two times and am simply impressed!

I do have some questions for the forum though:

After the class (seemingly full to my dismay!), is it implied that you can build just the shell of the house, or complete the inside as well to a livable standard upon completion of the class?

Also, I'm not sure where to go or who to ask, but since I can't get into the members forums since I've not yet taken a class, despite them being full, is there a way to find a list of tools needed that I might go shopping now and again to prepare?

Thanks in advance!

Bryan & Richelle

[Basil]

The class focuses mostly on how to build the walls and roof structure. Once this is done, a lot of the other construction methods are similar to standard construction. There are modifications necessary on some things, and needed modifications are supplied. As far as tools, most are giong to be similar to any other log home-chainsaw, circular saw, hammers, etc. I would advise to begin looking for the obvious tools for now, and just learn standard construction techniques. You'll still have to learn how to frame windows, gable ends, floors, etc. If they teach a different way in class, you'll then know two different ways so you're still ahead!

[rreidnauer]

Welcome Bryan & Richelle,

Yes, the classes ALWAYS fill up fast, so sign up early if you want to take the course. (you could probably cancel if you give them some warning, as there's usually someone ready to jump into an available opening)

You read everthing in the public forum in one night?!?!?! Wow! :lol: Well, don't forget to ingest everthing on the main site, at www.loghomebuilders.org There's a ton of info there, but it's easy to get lost there, as many pages link onwards to other pages, that link to other pages, etc. I was half tempted to draw a site map the first few times I navigated it. :lol:

Yea, for now, look for great bargains (I'm talking real steals) on common construction tools and materials, until you get a list of more specialized tools from the class. I bought a few things before the class that they don't recommend you using or I won't be able to use, (drawknives and a floor nailer) but the drawknives make nice decor and heck, might even get used for some furniture making some day.

[heavyopp]

Bryan and Richelle,

If you are serious about going to the class I'm sure you can get in. You will just have to move quick. Get your name on the list. Email Chuck over at the class registration page.

I got into a class within 12 days of finding the website Fortunately they had a last minute opening and I was able to get the flight and logistics worked out.

I actually got a better price on airfare and a rental car than I would have if I booked it months in advance. Last minute deals at Travelocity.

Good luck, and welcome. Jer

[dvb]

Bryan & Richelle,

Welcome to the forums and to the first step in building your own LOG HOME!! We took the class just over a year ago and I am still gathering tools and supplies. Don't get in too big of a hurry. One thing this experience will teach you is that time is inversely proportional to money. (More time/ less money or less time/ more money) We already owned our property when we took the class and I am ready to pour a foundation next spring after the snow melts. I could go faster but I want to save the money.
I agree with everybody else, look for deals on basic hand tools and basic supplies.
Hand Tools: Hammers, framing to sledge. All Kinds!! Never can have too many hammers. :wink:
Pneumatic Framing nailer, quality chain saw (electric & gas) and safety equipment, Log Dogs, Hole Hawg drill, Shovels, etc.......
Safety equipment for working at heights. (Roof)
Supplies like glavanized nails, regular nails, 1/2" and 5/8" rebar, wiring, 12 and 14 gauge, electrical boxes, etc......
I don't mean to go to Lowes and buy this stuff, find good deals like surplus supplies, storage unit auctions, Craiglist. Do your research so you know a good deal when you see one.
Rambled on long enough. First - Sign up for the class!!!!
Good Luck!!!!
Dean & Carla

[Carolyn]

Hi. I'm new. I discovered Skip's site recently in a search for log kit info. Well...I guess we won't be doing the log kit thing after all. I understand why Skip suggests taking the class two years before beginning to build, but we don't have two years.

Quick background: In '88, in effort to avoid that 30-yr mortgage, my husband and I taught ourselves how to build a house. He worked for a builder as cleanup guy, and we built our house out of all manner of reject materials from expensive homes. After 14 years we sold the home to be nearer to family. We intended to buy land here in SC and do it again, but were sidetracked by a total loss fire and other things.

Anyway, skipping ahead to the present, we now have a renovation business and, along with very handy children, we can do everything by ourselves except well and septic. The problem is that we need to move out of our current house soon before our interest-only loan goes wacko. I don't know when Skip's next class will be after summer '07. (I put our name on the e-mail list.)

My question is: Since we already know how to build a stick house but do not know how to build a log one, would it be worth our while to suck up the mortgage payments for a year or so longer in hopes that Skip will have another class that we could attend? Will the info we could learn help us to save enough $$ to justify the continued mortgage expense? Or should we just look for that land, get out of Dodge, and wing it with a stick house? We want to avoid debt at all cost.

Does anyone know if/when there will be a class after this summer?

Thanks for any response. 8)

[RockEngineer]

If things go like they normally do, they will probably start having classes again about October. That's my best guess. The classes have lots of information. Whether it will save you more than a years mortgage payments depends on you and what your mortgage is. They are definitely worth the investment if you want a log home. The other skills not taught in the class, it sounds like you already have.

[Kola]

Carolyn,

Contact Chuck or Steve and see if they can put you on a waiting list in case someone cancels. You have to have the flexibility to leave on a last minute notice and expect to pay more for airline tickets.

After hemming and hawing around I finally decided to take the class
(squeaked on for the April 28th, 2007 class). I will be able to avoid dealing with financing through "banksters" and I won't be in debt for 15-30 years. Taking the class and building my own loghome will save me thousands of dollars AND I will build a loghome that will be better (creatively and structurally) than any overpriced "kit" built home.
I want a REAL log home and I want to DIY it!

Good luck and cheers!
Kola

[Bronco]

buy land, build pole barn move in save$$$$$$$ 8)

[Kola]

Jim,
Did you build a polebarn? I would be interested in seeing pictures of it.

Kola

[Bronco]

No I bought a 102 year old house with a seven inch list :shock: :? (pier blocks, post and bean ,blocks,bricks,and dirt )that I will tear down in the next year or two.I plan on building a 28x30 log this year,moving in to that first.