Introduce yourself

[edkemper]

I'm still living outside of Sacramento, CA but bought land in So Central Oregon. Welcome to the family. When will you be taking the class is the first key question?

[softail]

Hey Steve
Came across your site becauHey Steve
Logged onto your site because I am not building, but am think of buying a log home that was disassembled and moved then reassembled on site. The ad reads ?The logs are pre-Civil War and were disassembled from a vintage log home in Columbus, Wi. The logs were incorporated in to the structure of this home in 1986.This home was built by a master log home purist." About 6 years ago the mechanicals were updated or replaced. I have read a lot of your posts but I do seem to be lacking the a b c s of log homes. I?m hoping your team of experts can give me the 411 on what to look for and what to expect. I can send pics or post them if possible

[StressMan79]

without copius pictures. in general, we don't like homes that can be disassembled. I recommend taking the class, as it may save you the cost of making a mistake.

-Peter

[Yuhjn]

Hey Steve
Came across your site becauHey Steve
Logged onto your site because I am not building, but am think of buying a log home that was disassembled and moved then reassembled on site. The ad reads ?The logs are pre-Civil War and were disassembled from a vintage log home in Columbus, Wi. The logs were incorporated in to the structure of this home in 1986.This home was built by a master log home purist." About 6 years ago the mechanicals were updated or replaced. I have read a lot of your posts but I do seem to be lacking the a b c s of log homes. I?m hoping your team of experts can give me the 411 on what to look for and what to expect. I can send pics or post them if possible


It's probably worth taking a look at, if nothing for than curriousity. Depending on what they mean by log home purist, this guy might have built something great. Chances are probably more likely that there will be maintance issues over time.

The LHBA techniques focus very heavily on building in such a way that minimizes maintaince over time.

But now that you're here, you can always consider building your own :)

[spiralsands]

There are a lot of businesses that go around and reclaim wood from historic ruins. My neighbor's house in Oppenheim was built in 1830 and all the large timber beams in the roof are solid and the pegs are tight. However, the basement beams are a different story. They've been exposed to too much dampness and are soft and slimey. There were two old barns on the property and salvagers came and bought the huge floor planks to use in some famous person's house who was renovating. So you might see a house with some reclaimed or salvaged logs or beams or plank flooring out there. Old wood could be very distinctive even if it had had past infestations and is now clean of pests. I tore off damaged veneer from an old sewing bench to find interesting worm patterns on the cherry wood underneath.

I have to say though...we have some people on this forum who really know log homes, but a master log
home "purist"? What's dat????

Frances

[mfortin]

My name is Matt and I am from the Pacific Northwest. My wife and I are expecting a child this September and I am interested in learning to build a log home for my family. I enjoy reading, listening to music and being outdoors.

[davids]

Took the February class. Well worth the drive up from Oregon. If you're wanting info on building log home, spend the money and take the class. You won't be sorry and after the class you'll have access to a wealth of information and good help. Good luck.

[Shark and Bake Queen]

Hello,

I have just booked my husband and I on the June course, we are both looking forward to it very much. We live in the UK and are both martial artists/ instructors. We will soon be leaving the UK at the end of the year (yippee!) to settle in the West Indies where we will continue on our martial arts journey, this course is our first step. I have been inspired by many of your members courage and conviction as we too pursue our dream. In the meantime however, we remain very much entrenched in the corporate world :-( ....... the end of the year can't come soon enough! We have no money but we have our dream!

Looking forward to meeting you Steve and the rest of the newbees!

[Codeman]

This comment has been moved <a href="http://www.loghomebuilders.org/node/6412">here</a>.

[Codeman]

This comment has been moved <a href="http://www.loghomebuilders.org/hi-jim-i-dont-know-if-you#comment-37348">here</a>.

[PhoenixW]

Thanks for sharing

[teatime]

Saying hi to everyone. We are not so new to this web site, having found it over a year ago. But are finally in a position to purchase land and begin building. So, now we are here with more serious intentions!!

Looking forward to learning from ya'll, as we say here in tx.
teatime

[fossten]

My wife and I are flying in to Seattle this month from Kentucky. We are looking to start building this fall. Will we have to take copious notes or will we be receiving written materials?

[NM bound]

I took the class in April - there is a note books with drawings & lots of explanations - but you will also want to take some yourself - just to clarify things in your own way! Enjoy! You will be very glad you came!

[Tuscarora]

Hey Steve,
did you ever get to build you scale model?
If so post a pix.
T.

[taylormade_mttg]

Howdy all!

I was looking around at land with log homes to see how feasible the costs were for our future dreams and stumbled on this website. I am so excited and can't wait to attend a class. I sometimes think I should've been born in an era long ago as I long for the ability to do for myself and have life skills to teach my children. I have a desire to get back to the basics as our world is so fast paced. Hopefully my dreams will be realized soon. I would love to build in 3 to 4 years. We'll see where our dreams take us!

Tracie

[Gascozark]

Hi folks,

My name is Jason and I'm from South-Central Missouri. I have been wanting to build a log home on my 450 acre family farm on the Gasconade River. I have been contemplating/mulling over/thinking about this for several years now. I had originally planned on purchasing a kit, but haven't really found what I'm looking for. Even before I found your website, I considered trying to tackle building the house myself with logs sourced from our property. I thought that maybe it would be too big a task to tackle until I poked around on this site a bit. I'm starting to think that maybe it is something that I can do myself. I am a pretty handy guy with tools and such (being a mechanic by trade). I have cut firewood for my family for more years than I care to remember. I have a Logosol M7 sawmill, so I am familiar with handling logs. And most importantly, I have 450 acres of every type of tree that you'd find in central Missouri. Including an over-abundance of Eastern Red Cedar. I have built a few things out of Cedar and really enjoy working with it.
Coincidentally, we actually have a log house on the farm. It was built in the late 1920's by my Great-Grandfather. It was a pretty substantial structure for central Missouri at the height of the Depression. It is around 3000 sq. ft. with a 900 sq. ft. great room. It is built from Oak logs harvested locally. Tragically, it has fallen into quite a state of disrepair (it's a long story dealing with uncooperative family members) and I'm afraid that it's fate is probably sealed. One of the only positives from the old house going downhill is that I can see several places in the construction that I would do differently if/when I build my own log home.
One of the things that I'm not sure about is that most of the folks here seem dead-set on using the butt & pass corner style. I'm really not that crazy about it myself (I'm more of a traditional style kind of guy), but...that being said...I'm not going to say that I can't be convinced/converted.
I look forward to visiting with folks here and asking for advice and/or opinions.

Thanks!

[Timber]

well like you, i was not to thrilled with the butt and pass style at first-and thought this site was a &quot;gimmick&quot;.? the butt and pass has more advantages than disadvantages.


no settling...means no roof jacks ... no key-ways above windows and doors. NO wood on wood--no notching and hacking into your logs. that alone could make a class last a couple of months/plus add tons of back breaking hours to your build (not for the beginner)


this is truly the best method of building a log?home.

[2 cents]

welcome Gascozark,

I definitely think you can do this. My husband and I had no experience building before, but we have now mostly built a small log structure and are ready to move on to a full size house, starting to peel logs now.

I really had an open mind going in, really just wanted a house made of logs and wasn't sold on any particular style.

Your Great-Grandfather's house sounds really cool.

2 cents

[JayK]

Jason,
If you've been a mechanic, and have run a sawmill, I doubt you'd have any issue doing your own build. Sorry to hear about your Great-grandfather's home, but now you have a chance to leave a legacy, too. I am building now in NC, and I have altered the stock plans (like most I'm sure) to better fit my environment and needs for a home. Look forward to your postings, and good luck with your decision: "To build, or not to build".

[Gascozark]

Thanks for the warm welcomes.

I do have to admit that not having to notch the logs makes me want to investigate the butt & pass style.

I nearly forgot. If anyone would like to see a couple of pics of my Great-Grandfather's log house (as well as read a little bit about him) you can go here: http://www.oldstagecoachstop.org/webgeezer/Gazette07/Gascozark.pdf

The big picture of the farm can also be found here: http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg283/ramcharger_dodge/Vintage%20Pics/Jonesfarmpartial.jpg
The log house is in the foreground with the semi-circular porch. Directly behind is a 2 story 3-car garage with an upstairs apartment. In the extreme background of the picture you can make out a road running across the top of the picture. This road is Rt. 66.

I hope you enjoy the pics.

[panderson03]

Thanks for sharing it! such a sense of history your place has. in one of the pictures it sees as though our grandfather's place was butt and pass. in the pic described as 'a group arrives outside the log lodge....'.

I wasn't too fond of butt and pass in the beginning either but now I'm not only convinced that its the way to go, but I actually prefer the loo:)

welcome!

[loghousenut]

Hey Jason, Welcome to the forum. So what size are those cedars? Also how about a photo or two of the log mansion in its present state of disrepair. Seems to me like you have quite a legacy to live up to. I'm lucky... all my ancestors were failures.

[Gascozark]

in one of the pictures it sees as though our grandfather's place was butt and pass. in the pic described as 'a group arrives outside the log lodge....'.

Sorry, not a butt & pass. It is what I think is called a tenon joint notch. Similar to the way toy Lincoln Logs go together. The logs are spiked together and chinked with concrete. Here is a better photo that might show some better detail: http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg283/ramcharger_dodge/Vintage%20Pics/Groupinfrontofloglodge2.jpg
This photo also gives you an idea of the size of the house. I can imagine it was quite something in rural 1920's Missouri. Supposedly it was the first home in the county with indoor toilets. And prior to rural electricity, they had 3 gasoline generators powering the house with 28 volts DC! My Great Grandfather had experience with "electrification". He was contracted to install electric streetlights in small towns in Anderson County Kansas (where he was born) early in the 20th century.

I can't imagine how much work it would have been to build the place by hand, without power tools (remember it was the late 1920's, there wasn't even electricity!). I actually even have 16mm film of it being built. The basement was poured wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow. All the notching would have been of course done by handsaw and chisel. I really need to get the film converted into DVD so I can share it with others, maybe even get it hosted online.

Loghousenut, we have acres upon acres of Eastern Red Cedar of all sizes. I'd say the bigger trees are around 24" at the base but most average around 10-12". Most of them have a pretty good taper, but there are some with a pretty straight trunk that (to me anyway) would make great logs for use in a log structure.

I'd better stop as I could ramble on for hours...

And again, thanks for the welcomes. :-)

[panderson03]

how great that you not only have these great pictures but also film!! that's unbelievable! you are very lucky!

quite right. I see its not BnP. Thanks for pointing that out.

let us know when you make your decision. to build or not to build. BnP or not BnP.

good luck!

[The_Nunnallys]

Hiya everybody,

We are Will and Julie + 6 kids. We are modern era backwoodsmen. We enjoy the nostalgia of yesterday's living couple with a real need of simplicity. We have 8 acres of land and are going to start building a 6 bedroom cabin this fall. I have to say hands down throughout all of my research this site is beyond informative and a must read for anyone who desirs to build their own log home! Nice job guys!

[rckclmbr428]

hey! where in VA are you? I am down in Roanoke building right now!

[StressMan79]

Don't ever take the class!

You'll never stop kicking yourself. ;)

Sounds like you won't make any major mistakes, and you have kids to help out too...Why 6 BR? if each kid gets their own, then you'd need 7. Is one going off to college soon? If so, you'll have even better (older) help.

-Peter

[Annie J]

Hey teatime, I thought I was the only one from this part of the country that wanted to build a log home. I was beginning to think I was going to have to move out of Oklahoma to build the home I am dreaming about. I have not taken the class and it looks like it may be a while before my husband and I will be able to get in on one. We are looking for a peice of land and have gotten some helpful hints from this site. We're city people that are running as quickly as we can to get out! :-)

[jjh01]

Hey everyone, I'm just in the planning stages of building a cabin I don't even know were yet. Anyway you have an amazing site with beautiful cabins. Awesome for research.

Jack Hunter

[keving]

im looking at building a log home, over here in the UK.

just wondered if the class is taylored for this neck of the woods. or if anyone else has done this in the uk.

land is soooooo expensive!

its either that, a caravan or wait till i have a decent job and do the same as everyone else. lol

[panderson03]

welcome to LHBA! we do have a few members in UK. not sure if anyone's built yet, though.

[StressMan79]

In my class, there was a guy from the UK, who was going to build in France... dunno if land is cheaper there?

Welcome, in any event.

-Peter

[trokotui]

Hello to all & thanks Steve for this forum. I am new but have been researching log homes in the last 2-3 years. My dream is to build my own Log Home here in Carlisle, MA without a mortgage. I am looking forward to learn more about log homes from this website.

Cheers,
Taina.

[hemlock77]

Welcome;

?? We are building in Asford Ct, which is just bit over the mass line off I84. Once you take the class and get your plans rolling give me a shout. I might have some resource info that might be helpful to you.

Stu

???<a href="http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/hemlock77/">http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/hemlock77/</a>

[T Hunter]

Hello There!
I am planning to build my own log cabin in a very primitive location(no power or utilities) and like the butt and stack method.I will be cutting Beech wood for the project on site.I want to know if this type of wood is acceptable and is there any special fastening system you prefer to join the logs?Log Hog screws?Also wouldn't mind finding some free labor to do the project with. Any and all advise would be greatly appreciated.
Todd

[panderson03]

VT is so beautiful! good luck with your build.

the LHBA class goes into all the specifics of EVERYTHING you need to know about building using LHBA methods INCLUDING preferred joining methods (in meticulous detail) and how to find free labor.

my advice is to take the class. We're glad we did:)

and WELCOME!

[T Hunter]

Is the CD available for those that cant afford the class?

[loghousenut]

The CD will only make sense after you've been through the class. It has been 20 years or so since we took the class from Skip. There is a mind-set change that happens to most people who take the class. For me it happened toward the end of the first day. It is a change that can't happen any other way. The CD is just a garbled bunch of info to remind you of what you already know. Take the class.

[panderson03]

The CD will only make sense after you've been through the class. It has been 20 years or so since we took the class from Skip. There is a mind-set change that happens to most people who take the class. For me it happened toward the end of the first day. It is a change that can't happen any other way. The CD is just a garbled bunch of info to remind you of what you already know. Take the class.

Hunter, take the class:) you will learn WAY more than you bargained for! what you learn about cost savings will MORE than pay for the cost of the class. you won't regret it. my husband is the biggest sceptic I've ever met and HE feels the same way.

[rainbowbuilder]

i just thought if i could find some one who knows their way aound this site it would be smart, i am new here and from oz so don't know who to contact about log building classes, the hand book and cd etc

so if you could mentor me i would be very appreciative

thank you

[panderson03]

i just thought if i could find some one who knows their way aound this site it would be smart, i am new here and from oz so don't know who to contact about log building classes, the hand book and cd etc

so if you could mentor me i would be very appreciative

thank you

we have a few members from Australia!

when you first arrive at the LHBA site, click on the 'our famous 2 day class'. it will take you right to the info about the class. work your way through the public forums. that will answer lots of questions and probably generate a few more! ask any questions you have. most likely someone here will be willing and able to answer.

again, WELCOME!

[curlygirl110]

Hi all!

Wow! I just realized I never posted an introduction! My name is Teresa aka curlygirl110. Single mom w/ 4 kids...two of whom are now grown (one decided that I should become a grandma this year). I think I'm way too young for that...but apparently I'm not. I did the math. LOL

I took the Dec 2/3, 2006 class. I am finally looking for land! I've had enough of California, and am looking for a little bit of earth to call my own in Idaho. My sis lives up there with her hubby and 4 kids, and my parents want to retire next year and move up there (they are here in California right now). So mom, dad, and I are looking for some land where they can retire and I can build my log home!

I've been so busy trying to get my accounting degree, and I knew I wouldn't be able to/didn't want to build in California, so I haven't been doing much about the log home lately. But now that we're looking at land, I seriously have "log fever"! I can't pass a nice straight tree along the road without drooling! I drove through the redwoods a few months ago and all I could think was "wow! what kind of house could you build with those!" But I definitely wouldn't want to try pounding rebar through one of those!

I plan on building as small as I can. My first plans were quite...well...grandiose. But with 2 kids out of the house and the other 2 will be grown in just a few years, I really don't need that much space. So a 30x30 with a second story will do nicely.

Teresa :)

[yellowroseoftexas]

Currently live in Texas but can't wait to get back home to the NWP--probably Montana. I am excited about this project and fully intend to get to working on it in the near future. Thanks for providing this site. Look forward to sharing a cup of java with you in the future.

[kilkamesh]

Hello all,

I would like to build a small log cabin. But for now, I need to learn how to do it. I guess attending the class is the first thing to do ?

Thanks

Kilkamesh

[loghousenut]

Hello all,

I would like to build a small log cabin. But for now, I need to learn how to do it. I guess attending the class is the first thing to do ?

Thanks

Kilkamesh

No question about it. What you'll learn is that you CAN do it and you don't have to pay someone else $180,000 to put up a log shell so you can then pay someone else else $100,000 to finish it. This site is all about having a home for your family that is paid for before your Grandkids inherit it. Take the class.

[sherri37]

ive wanted a log cabin for as long as I can remember. Is it really possible to build your own cabin cheap. I want to attend the how to classes and looking for land.

[edkemper]

The class will teach you about everything you'll need to know. Yes it's very possible. Only the appropriate teacher and knowledge keeps you from it. Welcome to the neighborhood. Take the class and join our family. The best part of taking the class is getting into the Member's Only places.

[Keysoflife]

Hi everyone,
Am really excited to take the class in Vegas! I live in Phoenix so it will be an easy commute for me. I also have family in Vegas so this class is in the perfect location. My name is Scott and my wife and I are planning on getting some land in the mountains of Northern Phoenix. Plan on getting more involved with this site and look forward to meeting all the members.

[pressureman]

I want a log home so bad,but i am patient. I want to do this right.I really need to attend on of your classes,huh.Well i can sure use some intelligent advise on the whole thing.



Thanks,
David McFarland

[panderson03]

it all starts with the desire (DREAM) to build a log home:) now register for class and READ THOUGH these public forums. just know that the dream is POSSIBLE if you are willing. welcome!

[Nero]

Hi, Im David from New York. Looking forward to attending the class in Las Vegas. The plane and hotel are costing me $1118. So I hope this class lives up to what I have been reading.

[NM bound]

I have read every comment on both forums - I can not tell you how many times I have read something like this comment. It will change your way of thinking & very likely change your life! Just think about how different a person's life would be without a mortgage payment to make for 15-30 years???

We will start our dream log home early next year. It would NEVER have happened this soon without the knowledge we gained from LHBA!
Class of April - 09

[tigerscorpion]

This is a dream of my wife and I to have a log home someday. That dream was kinda destroyed when I started seeing how expensive log kits were and then I found this site and hope that our dream will be rekindled.

[2 cents]

hey, same here.... and now we will be pouring a foundation at the end of the month... :)

[natekenz]

Greetings Everyone!,
I will be attending the Las Vegas class here in 09 and am looking forward to my first build ASAP ( : -trees will come down this year. My name is Nate and I live in Yelm (just east of Olympia), Washington.
To joining the Association! -Nate

[loghousenut]

You'll have no trouble finding good lookin logs in your neck of the woods.

[2 cents]

We are building in Ashford, WA.
(living in Portland right now though, & drive up on weekends)

Let me know if you need a good logger/tree farmer in the area. I know a good one near Eatonville. :)

[tjalaska]

Hi Steve,
My wife and I just purchased some land to build a recreational cabin on. I found this site when I did an internet search for "cabin kits" and got a hit for "why you shouldn't buy a cabin kit". It as been a dream of ours to have a log cabin and the site has been quite informative. I am intrigued by the butt and pass process and we are anxious to attend a class. I signed up to be notified of your next available class and hopefully it will be soon. My wife and I look forward to attending.

Terry (TJ) and Norma Jones
Chugiak, Alaska

[go4ureddiem]

Hei, this is Edward Mugumya, 25 years , my second name means Conforter and i understand Edward is from two words Ead- meaning "happy" & Wealthy and Weard- meaning Guard .
Any way , am in Uganda "The Pearl of Africa" in East Africa, Africa. Ilive in the Western part of Uganda, my president is His Ex.Yoweri Museveni but am a graduate of Makerere University in Development Economics. Graduated in Jan this year but have not found a job.

Am an Internship Student with the District Local Governement and w'd want to start up a small bussiness to sustain me . But would want to construct a small wood house to operate a Canteen and at the same time a Secretarial bueaure. There is good potential for the bussiness to grow.

Can any body help me draw the simple plan for that simple cabim so i c'd do something instead of moving aroud looking for the scanty job opportunities.

Look i get a facilitation of 150 dollars per month and w'd want to save some bit to start up.
Got to know about you via the Net, Google searched for Cabim houses in US , it was Amazing to see those houses i tell you.
Bless you all.

=Eddie Mugumya in Uganda, East Africa

[panderson03]

Hei, this is Edward Mugumya,

Can any body help me draw the simple plan for that simple cabim so i c'd do something instead of moving aroud looking for the scanty job opportunities.
it was Amazing to see those houses i tell you.
Bless you all.

=Eddie Mugumya in Uganda, East Africa

Welcome to you. My brother-in-law is from Gambia. and we have a LHBA member already building in Africa! just drawing the plan is pretty simple, but there are lots of details to building safely with logs. they cover all of these in the class. its most often held in Washington state USA. I don't want to sound discouraging. but if at all possible, come to the USA and take the class. again welcome to our community

[wristwister]

Hey folks, new member here. Well, not exactly new. My wife and I took Skip's class back in the 90's, but I'm just now building a log cabin of my own (although we helped several neighbors build their houses using Skip's methods).

I've got a gorgeous hunk of dirt in the mountains above Leavenworth, and a couple years ago I bought a ~100 year old log cabin from down below. Last summer I dissassembled it and moved all the logs and pieces to the land, built a new foundation, and got the floor in. This summer I've sanded and stained all the logs (only had to replace a couple of them!) and I've now got the walls reconstructed. In a couple weeks the roof goes back on (I was able to remove it and move it in 2 sections). Been a fun project, as the logs were hand carved with primitive tools to fit each other, and there's not a spike or nail holding it together!

Anyway, I stumbled upon this site and figured I'd sign up. I've got plenty of questions and maybe even some answers. Hope to get to know some of you!

Dan

[Yuhjn]

I bought a ~100 year old log cabin from down below. Last summer I dissassembled it and moved all the logs and pieces to the land, ... Been a fun project, as the logs were hand carved with primitive tools to fit each other, and there's not a spike or nail holding it together!
Dan

Wow. That sounds amazing. Those old growth logs last forever. Even notched 100 years later they are solid.

Would you mind posting some pics of the project? I'm sure everyone would love to see it.

If you have your membership card, or perhaps an invoice or something, you can probalby get onto the members forum. Other's may have more information about former students getting membership priveldges in the forums.

[Bronco]

We are in snohomish also.About halfway done with our first one.
Jim

[CSim]

Hey guys,

My name is Cory.

I've been thinking about building my own home in the woods since I was a kid, and for the past few months have become serious about building a log home to raise my kids in.

I've been around the site a bit and keep seeing references to your class. As much as I'd like to go, I live in WV and can't really move at this point. Is it possible to take this class online or something?

Anyway, glad to be here and I hope I learn a lot from you guys. ;)

[patrickandbianca]

Why would you have to move? The class isnt available in any format other than in person at the class locations.

It used to be soley at Skips home in Washington. The last one was in Las Vegas.

[rckclmbr428]

where at in WV are you? I grew up near huntington, spent 5 years at WVU, am hoping to move up to Fayetteville at some point in time. and I am currently building down here in Roanoke, VA

[steven_odon]

my name is Stephen had to come up with something else so i could join, used part of my last name to do it.

any ways, always wanted to build my home and love camping so thought what would be better then a log cabin. currently looking for land in Alaska and hope to have everything going in the next year or so.

[wristwister]

Wow. That sounds amazing. Those old growth logs last forever. Even notched 100 years later they are solid.

Would you mind posting some pics of the project? I'm sure everyone would love to see it.

If you have your membership card, or perhaps an invoice or something, you can probalby get onto the members forum. Other's may have more information about former students getting membership priveldges in the forums.


Yuhjn, I'll take some pics next weekend and post them. My wife and I are heading up to the land to hopefully get the gables and ridge pole up. We've got an appointment in mid October with some heavy equipment to get those roof sections up, so we're sort of racing the clock right now.

We both took Skips class back in the mid 90's. Our little paper membership cards are long gone, and I doubt there are any kind of invoices to be found (unless Skip kept accurate records). However, we do still have our class notebooks chock full of log wisdom. I'm not sure what it would take to prove my membership, but if there are advantages to this I'm all for it.

[logguy]

Hello from MO!

I've been wanting to build a cabin for several years and almost just bought a finished shell from battlecreekloghomes.com. But after having them build to the extent I wanted so that it really was a dried-in shell, it was going to cost me about $100,000! AFTER sending the bank the plans, my wife and I decided against it and I emailed them over the weekend and told them to forget it.

The very moment I received the email that LHBA was having a class in December I booked my room, flight and rental car!

I'm really looking forward to this class and to taking my time building my home the way I want to build it, on my timeline, and without spending $100,000 on the dried-in shell!!!

[2 cents]

whew! glad you found us. :)

[ssshipley77]

Just wanted to introduce ourselves, my name is Scott and my wife is Doris we will be at the Vegas class next month. My wife is counting down the days to attend. We are both excited and fortunate to have 10 acres of land (paid for) with plenty of pine timber to use. Looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started.

[panderson03]

Just wanted to introduce ourselves, my name is Scott and my wife is Doris we will be at the Vegas class next month. My wife is counting down the days to attend. We are both excited and fortunate to have 10 acres of land (paid for) with plenty of pine timber to use. Looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started.

welcoime aboard. you'll enjoy the class! see you in the members section!

[wacked]

Hello to all,

I've actually been a member here now for a few months but became so engrossed in researching so many informative threads in here I forgot to introduce myself.

The name is Mark and pleased to meet you all.

I actually stumbled across this website by accident while looking up info on log homes but after looking around in here and seeing the pictures of so many students' beautiful homes and projects and I knew I'd be here for the long haul. I'm definitely planning on taking the course though it may be a year or so for that.

One thing I DO like that it stresses no experience necessary - that's me - handy with tools but never built anything larger than a dog house way back when I was in my teens.


Mark

[logguy]

whew! glad you found us. :)

YES--just in the nick of time! Heck--for $100,000 I may be able to build half a dozen cabins! ;)

[Rustico]

Hello Steve, do you ever run the courses in the North Eastern area, say Maine?

What are your suggestions for seasoning white spruce logs harvested in fall?

[Yuhjn]

Hello Steve, do you ever run the courses in the North Eastern area, say Maine?

What are your suggestions for seasoning white spruce logs harvested in fall?

There has been one east coast class in the 40 year history of the LHBA. There will almost certainly not be another one.

The cost of the class plus airfair plus accomidation is the best investment you'll make in your home. You'll make that money back several times over based on the knowledge you gain from the class.

We do no season our logs in the LHBA style. We build with them green. You CAN season your logs but that actually makes it harder to build with them.

As far as how do you season logs, there isnt much to it. YOu lay down a few sacrificial logs, lay your logs out on them, peel them, and then rotate I think it's once every two week or once a month. You'll have to research the exact time between turning them. You continue this for a year or two and your logs are seasoned. Now have fun driving rebar into your seasoned logs :)

[mountains for me]

Is your land in Texas or other parts? Only East Texas has pines. I am looking for some logs close to the San Antonio area. Any ideas? Willing to buy or trade. Thanks

[mountains for me]

I am new to the forum, planning on building a cabin in Texas. Have you built yours yet, and was it in Texas? I am trying to locate resources. Thanks

[ssshipley77]

We live in East Texas, south of Lufkin, and close to Lake Sam Rayburn. Getting ready for the upcoming class in Las Vegas. No we haven't started building but my wife has had me clearing and burning since we got signed up for the class. What part of the great state of Texas are you from, mountains for me

[mountains for me]

I have some land in the Hill Country near San Antonio, I envy you going to the Las Vegas class, they are sold out, or I would be there. I am really trying to decide for my house in Texas on straw or butt and pass log. My main concern is getting timber down where I live. Bastrop is about the closest pine timber to my area. How plentiful are big pines 12 - 24" diameter in your area? Can you purchase them from private individuals or get them from forest or state land? If you need any ideas on well or septic, I have some experience in that area. Will you be on the grid as far as electricity or are you looking at alternative energy options? Good luck with the class.

[ssshipley77]

.....with enough pine timber to build my house,( I believe) let me take the class first. But I do know of about 100 trees approx 35' tall with at least 12' tops. That should be enough to get started. All things are on hold until after the class, as in plans , location, and other variables. I already have a well, am looking for a filtration system, and will be staying on grid, but would like to find a less expensive alternative to air conditioning.

[mountains for me]

I have 10 acres.....

.....with enough pine timber to build my house,( I believe) let me take the class first. But I do know of about 100 trees approx 35' tall with at least 12' tops. That should be enough to get started. All things are on hold until after the class, as in plans , location, and other variables. I already have a well, am looking for a filtration system, and will be staying on grid, but would like to find a less expensive alternative to air conditioning.

Thanks for the reply. What do you mean by filtration system? Hard water, iron content in well water? As far as the less expensive ac, not sure what would be cheaper on the front end, but I am currently involved with some geothermal wells for heating and ac in the San Antonio area for a residential home, it is the first one in the area, pretty expensive upfront, but if you do a lot of the work yourself, can pay for itself in 6 to 12 years. Maybe we can do some trading and help each other out.

[spiralsands]

Hi, Im David from New York. Looking forward to attending the class in Las Vegas. The plane and hotel are costing me $1118. So I hope this class lives up to what I have been reading.

Hi David, where in NY are you and where will you be building? I have a property in Fulton County and there are other NYers about also.

I think you will find that the money you spend will also bring you years of support, information and resources also. You're not just getting a class for the money. You are getting a lifelong membership in an association with member benefits.

Welcome and good luck!

Frances

[Nero]

I am from The Bronx, In NY. I will not be building in NY. I am looking to build in Toms River NJ or Brick NJ. Im glad to hear that I will be getting years of support because I will need it . lol . Building my own house is a dream of mine . Although like most people on this forum I will not be building mY dream house. MY goal is actually to see if I can build a house and then sell it , and then repeat the proccess again . but I am getting a little bit ahead of myself . First things first, I need to take my class........ I really am amazed about how helpfull everyone is on this forum .

[Nero]

Is there any one on this forum who has built in New Jersey?

[skyrican]

Hello Everyone

Looking forward to the Vegas class since I want to build an addition and a garage. I currently live in a log home that covered up with brick by the previous owner.

Hoping to come away with some ideas and am already very inspired by what I have read on the website. See you this weekend!

-Andre

[GBennett]

I just got back last night from the training in Vegas and I am so excited and raring to go and build. A buddy has a 4 acre wooded lot and he & his wife want a cabin, I am confident we can work something out & get started this year. Taking the class is an awesome opportunity towards self sufficiency be it eliminating one's mortgage or eliminating one's wage slavery. I'll post more as the build progresses.

[Cbear429]

Welcome back. We'll be looking for those pic's.



Still A Dream. But saving funds for the class. 1/2 way there now.

[Jo D]

Howdy
I too have always wanted a log home but was not going to pay for the kits.
I am Jo Dahlin living near Comerce Texas on a 36 acer ranch. I raise children, cows, goats, chicken, dog and cats. A lake is being built next to my property and my oak grove will be destroyed. I plan to build my log home over looking the lake then rent out my present home or turn it into bed and breakfast while keeping the ranch. Above all I will show my children how to build a home debt free. I am exited about the class in Dec.

[taylormade_mttg]

Sounds like an awesome plan! Good luck. Too bad about the Oak trees though... I love Oak trees. :)

[mountains for me]

Hey Jo, I am a fellow Texan, down in the San Antonio area, I just took the class in Vegas a couple of days ago. Congratulations, on your decision to go forward with this, I have always wanted to build a home debt free. I am trying to do it now in 2 places, Texas and Colorado but it is very attainable. The class is definitely worth the time and investment. Would love to trade labor, ideas , or tools, after you take the class. There is another member ssshipley who took the class in Vegas, he is planning to build in the Sam Rayburn lake area, I think that is a little bit closer to you then I am. You are in the Dallas area aren't you? If you think the public forum is awesome, wait till you get to access the member forum. Good luck!

[Jo D]

land owners have been fighting against the proposed lake but it is a done deal. So I have decided to make lemon aid - use the trees to build the log home. I have been watching the posting and may use the oak trees for the floor. They are not long and straight. Will see after the class.
JO

[Timberline]

Hi, my name is Christopher. I am partialy from NW Illinois and the Ozarks of NW Arkansas, but currently living in Illinois. I have been designing my 1000 sq ft cabin for the past 2 years, and hope to buy some land and build it soon.

[loghousenut]

Welcome aboard. Read every word on this website... It's all true. If it grabs you like it did me, take the class and get on with your life.

[briand34]

I hope you're all as excited about the Dec 5th class. I can't wait myself. just thought i'ld post something since i just created an account. See you soon!

[ice]

Hi all! I attended the Vegas class in October. I was born and raised in Sibiu, Romania and grew up around log homes so having the knowledge to build my own is really exciting. I have the plans and I'm looking for land in Illinois or Wisconsin.

[Blondie]

Hello ICE,
I adopted two children out of Romania and I was in the Las Vegas class.......Welcome!

Karen (Blondie)

[Bramlar]

Hi from missouri
just found this site hope to learn something about log homes.

[phcaan]

I also took the class in 2003. I lived in Vancouver Washington
but have now moved to a 40 acre farm in the Missouri Ozarks.
I would be interested to hear how you are doing. I purchased a small farm in the Ozarks, have Dexter cattle, a Jersey milk cow, chickens, a couple hogs, and a big garden. My wife and I are attempting to do our best to become self sufficient on our land.
My life has become so much richer since I left the city.

Phil

[ChainsawGrandpa]

My knee-jerk answer would be; "Definately, NO!"
My suits are custom tailored, I wear an Omega, and
I write with a Mont Blanc.

but....

I may have been cured. I have no problem with Bic pens
(they can get lost just like a Mont Blanc), my Mercedes
sports coupe turned into an old oxidized Honda (ahh...
let them stare and point, it doesn't require payments),
my son so graciously did the laundry without being
asked (wool suits don't like the spin cycle, or the dryer),
and the Fred Meyer wrist band cost me more than the
yard-sale Omega.

Really, who do I have to impress? I woke-up one day.
As I got out of bed, my ankles hurt, there was a crick in
my back, and the old guy in the mirror was rapidly losing
his hair (how much you wanna bet e-harmony.com is
just looking for a guy like me?). Hey, let's face it, I don't
look like James Bond, so I may as well throw the reigns
over the horse.

If that weren't enough....

We sold our house and are in a move-down situation.
Many of our neighbors are in a move-up situation.
Since I feel there are no neighbors to impress (like that
matters!) I have no problem bringing my projects home
from the shop (new R-34 front door) and storing my
projects on the front porch. My (trying so hard to be)
yuppie neighbors have given me their opinion of my
projects being oh, so visible. Ohhh...have they ever
given me their opinions.... Do they have weekly
meetings? Am I the first topic on their weekly
agenda??? Don't these people have lives???

So....

I've decided to get the projects out of the entry. I may
spread some lime, and fertilizer on the lawn, pressure
wash the house, and trim the roses. After that, I may
(once again) start my search for matching pink toilet
planters. A pair of matching stone lions atop twelve foot
tall stone pillars judiciously guarding the driveway just
isn't (well, no longer) my style. Those pink toilets with
a bouquet of plastic, dollar store daisies, proudly sitting
on both sides of the driveway will suit me just fine. No
one will be able to accuse me of being pretentious. (The
trouble with being better than everyone else is that
people tend to think you're pretentious. ;-) )

I have friends who spend $200+ for a dinner at the
Columbia Tower Club, but I'm happier, and more
comfortable eating food foraged off the property with
my friends, some of whom don't have two nickels to rub
together. I like the simple life, and I enjoy being with
people who enjoy spending time with friends rather than
spending money on themselves.

Since I have no water at our new property, my next big
desire is for an outdoor toilet. Indoor plumbing...well,
that may be a ways off. It's like Pa Kettle said as he
surveyed his house; "Carved this from a wilderness!"

Yup...hillbilly.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GENTLMEN'S QUARTERLY GUY I
MARRIED? YOU'RE TURNING INTO A HILLBILLY!!!" -Sue
Buchanan


-Rick

[smokerdude]

Hello! Just joined, not yet a member. Looking forward to the next available class to be posted and I'm there. I have read hundreds of posts in several forums and lovin it. Really a great source of info!

[NM bound]

Welcome!

I believe thatt there are still spaces available for this last class of the '09!

[smokerdude]

Home page says sold out. No prob, have land already, can be patient. :(

[welovewood]

we have been reading your post for awhile. We are waiting for the next class, hopefully it will be at a time that we can attend. We are very much looking forward to building a log home. We have land and dreams. We love to garden, build, and enjoy nature. We are a very close family and are looking forward to building our log home as a family project.

[54darock]

Hi Steve, Ellsworth and everyone else...

Just wanted to drop in and say hi to everyone here and say how excited we are to learning the techniques you guys teach and someday becoming a life long member (maybe spring of 2010, if classes are available)...it has been a long dream of ours to build a log home in Alaska...I look forward to learning more on the forums and getting to know this community...

Keith

[sean andrews]

Al, are you still in Massachusetts?

[donjuedo]

Hi, all,

I have been lurking for quite some time now, and your discussions have long ago sold me on the idea of building my own log cabin one day. And I know -- take the class! :-)

There is no question of "if", only "when", and that depends on money. For now, I will continue to read all I see here, and, on a daily basis, keep my eye on my goals of taking the class, gathering good stuff on the cheap, and building my log home.


Peter Lawton

[StressMan79]

welcome all.

Mr. Larson has the right approach. It is no secret to buy low (use) and if possible sell high. If you can find a good deal on a chainsaw, pick it up. Of course that is just a suggestion. However, if you look around there are tons of deals out there. NEVER buy retail. At least not at the first place you look. This goes for buying soda at the supermarket, to buying Levis at the mall. Standardization has made the exact same unit for sale at many resellers. I bought 1 sara lee frozen pie at albertsons, got another free, and three quarts of ice cream too (free). The whole lot cost me 7 bucks. I never pay more than 2.50 for a 12 pack of pop (brand name). You might guess I have other limits on buying things, groceries and otherwise.

Welcome to freedom. The ideas on this page are really put into focus by the class instructors. Enjoy the page, but try to scrounge the money for a trip to Seattle for the class. It truly will change your life.

Peter (Andersen)

[loghousenut]

Hi, all,

I have been lurking for quite some time now, and your discussions have long ago sold me on the idea of building my own log cabin one day. And I know -- take the class! :-)

There is no question of "if", only "when", and that depends on money. For now, I will continue to read all I see here, and, on a daily basis, keep my eye on my goals of taking the class, gathering good stuff on the cheap, and building my log home.


Peter Lawton

Anyone who desires a log home and is having trouble coming up for the cash to spare for the class is definately on the right website. Where else could a family turn to find the kick in the rump that this Association offers. You shall have your house my good man... just take the class.

[Junette]

Hi, everyone! I can't tell you how excited I am to be here. My name is Junette and I'm a Marine stationed in VA. I intend to attend the course within the next two to three years.

[edkemper]

Welcome to the site and set your crosshairs on the class. That is where the light starts to brighten. Please be safe and thank you for your service.

[Junette]

Thank you for your kindness, edkemper. I've got my crosshairs set on the class, and I'm saving pennies in order to attend.

I was worried the class would do me no good because I've no building experience whatsoever (not even construction common sense!) and I am not as strong as a man. But in the FAQ section, it's been documented that a there are many with just as little experience as me, including a woman much smaller in stature than I am, that have successfully built their log homes. It's very encouraging. I can barely wait!

[dave0000]

YEAH I REMEMBER YOU. I ATTENDED MEMORIAL DAY OF '08. PLAN ON GETTING STARTED THIS COMING YEAR. I RECENTLY ACQURED AN OLD TRACTOR W LOADER AND BACKHOE TO START CLEARING. SO I WILL START POSTING PICS AS I GO ALONG. THE SHAVED HEAD IS A NEW LOOK. ALMOST DIDNT RECOGNIZE YOU.

[edkemper]

The all CAPS style of posting is like yelling at us. But welcome to the family.

[springvalley]

I am in the early stages of a major Eco project in the Caribbean, and would like to know, for the purposes of ventilation and durability, what would be the recommended type of logs, and a suitable design for a one week stay over couple/family cabin?





"The Best Things In Life Are Always The Most Natural"

[kevinhaney]

Name is Kevin " Crockett " Haney. I am a sixty year young carpenter and building a log home has been a dream of mine since childhood. Currently working in Iraq and will be home soon on leave to look at a parcel of land in La Pine Oregon. Busy planning this log home and trying to convince my lady that its a good thing and something we can do. Its my best plan to get away from a bad mortg. and out from under the boot of the scum bankers! What one man can do another man can do!

[loghousenut]

Kevin, you could do worse that LaPine. You won't be alone as you build a butt and pass home there. We cut the logs for our home from an area just south of LaPine. It is something you CAN do and you'll enjoy the process. Your lady should take the class with you to keep you both on the same page and she will be right in there with dirty hands and smile every step of the way. It is both the easiest and the hardest thing you will ever do (kinda like going into a war zone). Read everything on this forum and after you take the class you'll get to read the really good stuff.

[tinker-87]

Hey Kevin, I am a 46 year youngl office manager, I attended the class with my husband in October. I thought it was going to be too much for just us two, but boy was i wrong in a big way. have your lady attend the class with you and she will be as excited to get started as i was my husband calls me a slave driver just because we need to clear the land and get started on the house. she will see all the things she never thought she would be able to do. I loved the class the instructors are great.

[Guigngnm]

I am 33, a Chemist and a Baker. Currently working as a sales enginner for scientific instrumentation (mass spectrometers and toys alike) in the Tri-State area (NY, CT, and NJ). Manufactured originally in Russia, lived for 8 years in Kent, OH and last three years - in Lake Carmel, NY. I was reading this web site for last two years, and eventually came up with lump sum to register for the class in Las Vegas in February of 2010. My biggest fear and reservation about building my log house (which was my dream since I was five years young) is that I am sole soul in this country ? with no relatives (or friends nearby) to give me a hand: would be interested to hear about solo-build-home stories. Me in English: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1061328218 and in (mostly) Russian: http://goilem.livejournal.com wraps this introduction. Alex. guigngnm at gmail dott com

[loghousenut]

Alex, All your life you have had an unfulfilled dream. It may be time to live the dream. Take the class. Make the contacts. Work on the contacts homes. Don't worry about your handicap of having no family in the area to help you. Most of my family has no idea what I'm doing and would think I'm crazy if they knew. Your support group will be as big as it has to be and if you are the type of person who enjoys being alone, you'll do fine alone.

Photo is Son, Jake planting a seed log for the next house.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Our%20Home/2ndrowlogs8-31-09006.jpg

[d5nuke]

I am new to the site and the also teh construction of log homes. My wife and I just purchased 6 acres in Tenn and have decided on a log home. Most work will be done by use as we believe more care is taken when you work on what you own. Hope everyone is having a great holiday season

[loghousenut]

I am new to the site and the also teh construction of log homes. My wife and I just purchased 6 acres in Tenn and have decided on a log home. Most work will be done by use as we believe more care is taken when you work on what you own. Hope everyone is having a great holiday season

Have you signed up for class yet?

[d5nuke]

[/quote]

Have you signed up for class yet?[/quote]

I have not signed up for a class as it looks like only Las Vegas is listed as far as I can find. That wont work for us I have 4 little girls to tote around. if a class was in Georgia,Tenn,or north Florida it would be great.

[loghousenut]

Have you signed up for class yet?[/quote]

I have not signed up for a class as it looks like only Las Vegas is listed as far as I can find. That wont work for us I have 4 little girls to tote around. if a class was in Georgia,Tenn,or north Florida it would be great.[/quote]

I know it is cheap to fly there and might not be a bad drive if you are up for your 30 days of leave. How about you and Mom and the four little ones taking Gramaw out for her first trip to the city of lights. There are a number of kid friendly hotels and the old gal probably deserves a getaway from all that Southern hospitality she's been dishing out.

If you wait for the next class in Washington, it would be a great class, with the oportunity to touch and feel what you'll be studying, but probably a more costly affair all the way around.

The NUMBER ONE rule in my book would be to not even consider leaving a spouse at home for the sake of expense. I think my wife's pushing, prodding, accounting, purchasing, scheduling, forklifting, and muscle-powering would be much less effective (and less affective as well) if she were coming from a different "school" of thought.

Patty Smith, Class of August, 1988
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/4th5thsilllog8-28-09081.jpg

[wifeyandhubs]

Well after several years of lurking and dreaming it's all systems go...
I'm currently in England and my hubs-to-be is in Canada, the next couple of months are going to be a real whirlwind of activity as not only are we getting married but we shall also be spending our first Valentine's day together in Vegas...can ya guess what we'll be doing????
.........NOOOOO, not THAT ;o)
.......we'll be attending class, of course!!

Yeeeee harrrrrrrr!!!!!!

Michelle and JP are the names, pleased to meet y'all...

[2 cents]

welcome!
this is gonna be fun!

2 cents :)

congrats on the wedding ( and the class of course! )

[tomm]

Hello everyone, I'm Tom, 49 years old, have been dreaming of a log cabin far out in the woods....... for 20 years. I'm purchasing land this Spring, somewhere in the Central Cascades of WA.

My current dream is to build a small rustic cabin 12x18 that looks like it's been there 100 years. Would like to find someone who can help, ideally experienced. Or do the whole job is an option. Depends on the class schedule for 2010.

Looks like I missed the 2009 class in Gold Bar dangit....

[StressMan79]

depending on your intestinal fortitude for regulations, and where you currently live, you may find it easier to build elsewhere. Washington thinks it is their business to meddle in all facets of construction. If you are attempting to get around that by staying under 200 SF, Perhaps you should consider 14x14. Square is better for practical purposes.

Anyway where are you now? if in Western WA, I would be available to scrub your plans a bit. I live up by everett.

stressman79@hotmail.com

-Peter

[yummytork]

I'm from the Salt Lake area, and I like to have fun with my friends and coworkers. I love lifting weights, and building stuff.

[Chili]

Hi everyone. I am Stephen and am stationed at Langley AFB in VA. I will be retiring in 12 years an want to build a small cabin in Alaska after I get out and just enjoy life with the wife. Cant wait to learn from all of you. Take care.

[panderson03]

welcome Chili, you've come to the right place:)

[mikerich4]

My wife and I will be going to Las Vegas in Feb 2010. We are excited and looking forward to being a part of the LHBA family. I know nothing about building a log home but have always been able to put together anything I set my mind to. We can't wait to be full-fledged members and learn from you all. BTW, you don't see many custom, hand peeled log homes in our area of SE Texas. Maybe we will be the first....Mike

[ramblinman502]

well howdy and welcome : )

[squiggyflop]

hello im new here.. i found this site yesterday. and i would love to build my own home. im a little intimidated because im a girl and not strong. i dont think i could do it on my own.. but i do have a very strong brother and some cousins who if i were to buy several acres around here would take an acre or 2 as payment for helping.. i dont have the ability to take the class yet but ill start saving for it now.

my cabin wouldnt be grand.. just 25' by 25' with a loft.

im not sure how i would go about finding land but im told that ill learn that in the class.

[panderson03]

I'm a girl too and have no doubt I have what it takes to build a log home. would be hard work but I could do it! good thing I have family to help me too though:)

welcome and take the class. you won't regret it!

[mountains for me]

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on signing up for the class. I took the class in Vegas in October, I am lining up materials, and learning as much as I can. What part of Texas are you looking at building in? I will be building in the Hill country around San Antonio. There are a lot of other Texans on this forum as well. Maybe we can get together and help each other out.

[mikerich4]

We are about 60 miles north of Beaumont. Plenty of yellow pine in this area. Glad to hear there are other Texans here, maybe we can share some knowledge and labor.

[Jo D]

Welcome
There's several of us in different phases of building in Texas. Where are you'al from.
Jo
Commerce Tx

[ssshipley77]

We are in the process of clearing south of Lufkin, sounds like you are close, hope you are taking your better half with you. My wife thoroughly enjoyed the class and it gave her the confidence that we CAN do this. Welcome again....and Jo D the word is " ya"ll"

[Jo D]

Thanks- spelling and typing are not my strengths.
What phase of building are you in? Keep in touch so I can help during the building phase. I am waiting on plans(which will be arriving anytime now), looking for tools.
Jo

[mikerich4]

We are in Kirbyville. Pretty small town. I would love to see your project, Shipley.

[moyer]

Hey! I want to build a log cabin ASAP! All I have to do first is pay off my personal debts and save some $$$. My time frame is 5 years from now to start. All of the homes on here look awesome, hopefully mine will be on here in about 6 years! Good luck to all.

Mike

[StressMan79]

building small is a pillar of the class. If you can talk a guy or two to give you a hand for 3 weeks of the heavy lifting, and got a bunch of hands to help with the tedious stuff (read peeling), you can do the other stuff by yourself or with a helper (not necessarily strong, just a separate set of hands). If you worked on it as outlined, you could get it dried in in as little as a couple weeks, the interior done in as long as you require.

Take the class. It teaches the fundamentals behind the plans, so I am deviating significantly, but obeying the fundamentals. I am building a 24x24 w/ a 1/2 loft and a clerestory for passive solar. The floor plans are on the member's side.

Anyway, 25x25 is a good size for a couple or a small family.

Enjoy the process, and I am looking forward to seeing you as a full member!

-Peter

[carringtonhobbit]

Greetings!
My name is Jane and my husband and I just finished building an American version of an English Cottage in 29 acres of solid timber in central Illinois. As soon as hunters in Chicago heard about our house we have been approached by them to sell our prime hunting property and house. If they pay the right price, we will sell, buy another wooded lot and build a log house. Building is kinda like childlabor. Once the pain is over and two years pass, you are ready to do it again.
My husbands first question when I told him about Butt & Pass building technique was, where do you get your lumber? Who will built it since we are getting "up" there in years and our backs aren't as strong as they used to be. (he's a contracter and his body is paying the price for years of doing alot of the building himself).
We are seeing if we can manage the seminar in Vegas in Feb.

[ramblinman502]

ahh..my hometown : ) welcome...tell your husband to grab the timber off that 29 acres before you sell! sign up for the class..youll be glad ya did. : )

[scapearist]

Hi :) I found this site a few years ago, have been dying to attend a class, am hoping I can do so in Feb...waiting for final orders for divorce. Anyway...I'm in Southern Colorado, final orders should include 1/2 a 401k, which if possible I think I can get a loan for real estate (borrowing from myself basically, am thinking (after attending a class, to know what to look for) of looking for land, getting something temporary to live in, always seeing used mobile homes cheap, I have 4 kids, 5yr old, 12, 13, and 15 yrs, prob. 1/2 time, as I know it will be a slow process for me. I prob will have no cash otherwise from the divorce I mean. I am trying to finish school, no job (keep getting fired, mainly for reasons related to money...ie car probs, working at home for home-based call center, internet cut off, both before getting first check which i needed to prevent these problems, awful circle.
I do get spousal maintenance, which should increase, which allows me to barely cover rent at least...ANYWAY...I really want to do this, have pretty much developed a habit of giving up almost before starting things, after 15 yrs of a fairly abusive, controlling marriage, and a horrible horrible year of the most awful accusations, having kids taken from me all but once a week, etc, etc, (all unfounded, finally shown to be) and am worried about being too easily discouraged, ...I realize this is way too much info lol, and don't mean this to be a 'poor me' session, I've had some help from some wonderful people as well, but just figured if I am going to do this, d this is the only place I can maybe count on finding some positive reinforcement/feedback re: this specific idea, which I will need to succeed.
Thanks!! :D

Amy

P.S. Couldn't understand why I couldn't sign in......my username was meant to have a 't' in it..lol scapearTist...anyone know if that could be fixed? :)

[fossten]

You need to stabilize your financial situation first, and then you need to scrape together the money for class, but some members have built very nice log homes for less than $35,000 here. Just take the long view - this isn't a race. Take your time, put together a 5 year or even a 10 year plan and start checking off things on your list.

[LeighG]

I know we have had some members that look pretty "seasoned" that have built their log homes by themselves.

Don't know if you have seen Vern and Sarah's website - but when I think I'm getting to seasoned to build or make my dreams a reality - I keep them in mind.

You can check out their log home build at their website:

http://www.vernstreet.com/index.htm

[donjuedo]

Amy,

Your user name is the first hint. You've endured hardship, and "escaping" is not easy, but you've obviously worked out a plan for that and gotten through the hardest part of it.

You've been fired several times, but that can only happen if you get back up every time you fall, and you have.

You've been lurking for years, and still haven't gone away. Good for you.

You've also looked at the reasons behind each problem and learned from them.

My brother and his wife each went through a divorce before meeting each other, and both have told me that the process seems unbearably hard at times and sometimes seems like it will never end. But it does, life gets better afterwards, and all is well again. I believe them.

Hang in there. You are focussed and on track. The rewards that come with controlling your own destiny will be well worth it -- you may wish you'd started down this road years ago. :-D

With your best effort, I wish you the best of luck, too.


Peter

[Timber]

The most powerful belief is yours. It does help to have others to?encourage you. I found?no?encoragement?in my circle of family and friends. So its just my desire of wanting a log home that drives me to my goal.


Your situation reminds me of a movie called &quot;A home of our own&quot; If you have not seen it I recommend it....a pretty good movie about a family (single mother with 6 kids)?that sacrifices to build and have their own home.


?Yes you can if you want to and believe it.

[ceoinfo]

Steve this is joseph heupel.
I was at skips beach resort when skip passed away.
Remember me and eva? I posted pictures of the resort on youtube. Search
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj6tufsWj4g

picture of eva
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmzh61iQob4

I have a beach property in gingoog ph and want to know if I can use some of the log techniques to build a bamboo house??????????? any experince in bamboo??

I think it could work. Please email me or I can call u if you give me a date and time.

Joseph heupel
ceoinfo@gmail.com

[Steve]

Of course I remember you Joseph. :) I will reply via e-mail.



Best,



?Steve

[welovewood]

welovewood

We are still planning on attending a class. We are excited about being able to attend a class in the Northwest. We plan on using the class "trip" to see some of the country that we have not seen before and really want to see Oregon and Washington. We have bought our land, 38 acres, will have to buy our logs because we will be at an elevation that doesn't have trees tall enough to use for a home. We will be building in the Hondo Valley of NM. We enjoy the public post area and look forward to attending a class.

[hawgdawg50]

Just registered for the Feb class in Las Vegas. I came across this website about 3 years ago. I've finally realized there'll never be a 'convenient' time to take the class, so I'm just gonna do it. I have a few acres on a local watershed lake where I plan to build. Initially planning for a small cabin followed by a larger lodge. See you on the members side soon.
Tommy Watson

[mountains for me]

Congratulations on your decision to take the class! I took it last year, and it was one of the best investments I have ever made. The friendliness and help of members of this forum is truly amazing. It has been a breath of fresh air, in these troubled times of selfishness, greed, and financial uncertainty. Best of luck to you in class. I'd love to stay in touch, I have ancestors from Corinth, they were good people.

[NM bound]

So where in the Hondo Valley are you?
We are going to build in the Sacramento Mtns south of
CloudCroft (Timberon). Attended the class April '09 at the Lodge & as everyone agrees - it was a fantastic experience!
Shoot us an email : jjankiewicz1 @ cox . net.


Welovewood

We are still planning on attending a class. We are excited about being able to attend a class in the Northwest. We plan on using the class "trip" to see some of the country that we have not seen before and really want to see Oregon and Washington. We have bought our land, 38 acres, will have to buy our logs because we will be at an elevation that doesn't have trees tall enough to use for a home. We will be building in the Hondo Valley of NM. We enjoy the public post area and look forward to attending a class. [/quote]

[KevinMahabir]

Hello All.

My wife and I are from Trinidad, the Caribbean, and we're planning to migrate to Prince Edward Island to pursue a degree in Music Education and a subsequent career in Education.

About 7 years from now we would want to be paying our first mortgage. Buying a house was the original option, but then I met the allure of log homes. Better still, I learned about the butt and pass method through this site. We immediately started considering buying land in Canada and starting our own building. But building seemed so much of a headache.

After reading posts and articles from this site, I reconsidered and wondered even more fervently: Can this project really be done? Can I actually build my own home? This doesn't mean that it could actually still be standing after a while...

But as I read more and more, I'm putting more and more of my faith in the LHBA. I saw so much prompting from the graduates to take the class, I really would like to get a chance to someday. We would really love to put together something that we wanted, exactly as we wanted, and something as beautiful as a log home. And to think that it actually be affordable. Our upper limit we decided on was $200000 for 1000-1500sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 1.5 story, with a deck.

So in good time, we'll be taking that class and making our meticulous plans.

Cheers

[loghousenut]

Kevin, If guys like this can do it, so can you. I'll own the house free and clear when it is done. It will be the strongest house within miles and the neighbors will eventually stop thinking I'm crazy and begin to talk about how pretty it is. I have enjoyed every minute of the project so far and can imagine enjoying every minute until it is done. If I die tomorrow my Wife and Son will make sure the place gets finished the way she wants it done but, of course I won't. My Grandkids will be able to sit on the porch and tell stories about us building it long after I'm gone and their Grandkids will witness this house still standing. I know of no house with a mortgage that I would trade for this place. My only regret is that I didn't start this project years ago. Take the class.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Wow/walllogs9-09022.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/The%20slideshows/8rowshighandicey12-09013.jpg

[Bill D]

I'm new to this site and have never blogged or posted anything before. I am planning to build a log home in Nashville TN. Since a 'Kit Home' is not recommended, who can build me a butt & pass home?

[StressMan79]

1 (good answer). Anyone with logs can build a butt and pass home
2 (better answer). Take the class. If you decide that BnP is not for you, you can get your money back, no questions asked. Then you only paid for a vacation to the Northwest (or Vegas). Bring all of your questions, sketches, etc. The instructors are very good and can help you make floorplan decisions, etc. on the fly.

Anyway, there are members down in the KY/TN area. So lots of help/advice/inspiration available after the class is done.

Welcime to the forums.

-Peter

[ccosborne3]

Hiya all, What a great site. I'm not able to join in this class, I made a commitment to a friend. Any word on when the next one is scheduled? I'm thinking of taking my oldest nephew with me. He's a good kid, just turned 16. Is there any kind of age restriction? Thanks.

[Yuhjn]

Hiya all, What a great site. I'm not able to join in this class, I made a commitment to a friend. Any word on when the next one is scheduled? I'm thinking of taking my oldest nephew with me. He's a good kid, just turned 16. Is there any kind of age restriction? Thanks.

Welcome to the LHBA site.

There is no age restriction. If your nephew has an interest, you'd be welcome to bring him; you would have to buy him a seat in the class of course. (you get a price-break buying 2 seats together).

As far as the next class, we can only guess. The best way to stay updated is to sign up to be informed via email (accessible via the main site). You'll get an email notification a few days before it gets posted on the web site.

[spirochete]

Howdy!

I took the class years ago (maybe 2003 or so), and have signed up for the class on Valentine's Day. Massachusetts isn't the friendliest spot for do-it-yourselfers, but it's where I live and I'm giving it a whirl.

Sean Andrews

[panderson03]

Welcome back spirochete:) I'm quite sure that if we were to take the class a second time we'd hear lots of information that we missed the first time. they hit you with so much good info in such a short period of time. enjoy the class:)

[spirochete]

Thanks! Really looking forward to it.

[Waldo]

Hello Wife and i took your class in4-19-08. We just received the whole set of plans from LHBA, going to build the 35x35 in Stevens county washington, Want to put the basement in this spring, looking for 100 logs now, Thanks Waldo

[Richard T]

Greetings one and all, I am researching building a butt and pass log home here in North Spain, as Eucalyptus is the most prolific tree, i was woundering if anyone had worked with it,or knew much about it ?
Regards
Richard

[patrickandbianca]

Roy in South Africa used Eucalyptus, I think. His home is one of the homes in the student homes pictures. Its pretty impressive.

Patrick

[d.ganschow]

Roy told me (or I read it in his build thread) that he used the Saligna variety of Eucalyptus to build his home because it grows straight. I'd also have to add, that he had his flooring, beams, and other parts of his home built from the same eucalyptus saligna type of tree and grove his logs came from. I also think, based on looking at his photos, that this type of eucalyptus variety has less checks (cracks) than other eucalyptus types. But, you'd have to check with him on that.

[ragdump]

Ragdump
One thing that hasn't been mentioned about Eucalyptus is how hard it is,once it dries I doubt you could pound rebar into it

[johnandsue]

want to find out about classes. was looking at kits and found this site.

[StressMan79]

you'll forget about kits. Everyone I told about building a log home was like "those are buggy, and the windows/doors never stay correctly"

perhaps true of kits, but not of an LHBA home.

[bertelli]

Hi all:
I took the class in Las Vegas last October and find the hardest part is deciding where to build. I'm in southern Florida and definitely don't want to build here. I would like to build my 1st cabin and live in it for 2 years, then sell it off for a profit. I would appreciate any input as to where in the US would be the best place with the highest demand for sales and value.

[Merf]

tm
I am new. Have no idea what you learned in the class.

That said,
If you have a job in FL that sustains you (if money is a consideration), after taking the class, how do you think a log home of this type would stand a huricane.

My guess is Very Well, with some very slight little additions. Maybe you are missing the boat.

Merf

[Yuhjn]

Hi all:
I took the class in Las Vegas last October and find the hardest part is deciding where to build. I'm in southern Florida and definitely don't want to build here. I would like to build my 1st cabin and live in it for 2 years, then sell it off for a profit. I would appreciate any input as to where in the US would be the best place with the highest demand for sales and value.

The answer to this depends on a huge number of variables. Similar question to "how long does it take to build".

You already said you're building for profit. So how much capital you have plays a HUGE role.

To maximize profit one option is to buy a piece of land in an area with lots of very large, luxury homes. Then you build the LHBA version of a mansion, and sell it a couple years later. You can end up making a great deal of money this way. The problem is that building an LHBA luxury home is STILL going to cost you a lot of capital investment. So your bankroll, and your experience in construction project management, can play a big roll.

Or maybe on the other hand you're cash-poor, or you want to start off small. So in that case you might consider the pacific northwest where land can be extremely cheap. Then you build small. That way you don't get in too deep, and you have a low capital investment. The problem is that you wont make much money on it, in most cases.

There are obviously many more options, with a lot of gray area in between.

So no one can really answer this question except you. But the more information you provide about your specific circumstances, the better our advice can be.

Other considerations are "what states do you WANT to live in for the next few years?" Do you have family and do you have a maximum distance you are will to go from them? How much cash do you have? Do you have a wife and/or kids which you need to make sure are comfortable while you build? Lots and lots of variables.

I would also recommend you take this conversation into the members forums if you want to get into any personal details.

[RONNIE FLETCHER]

GOING TO ROANOKE, VA. THIS WEEKEND TO A LOG HOME SHOW. I'VE DECIDED WHO I'M GOING TO GET MY KIT FROM (ALMOST) BUT I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THEIR PRODUCT(QUALITY OR EASE OF CONSTRUCTION) WHAT DO I DO TO GET UNABISED INFORMATION? OR OPINION?

[rckclmbr428]

Come see me, I will be at the show this weekend, and will be doing an open house at a Home I currently have for sale next weekend. I dont do"kits" please read the links on this site about the pitfalls of kits, and steer clear of them. Read on this site, look at what I have built out in Hardy in my link below, and come look at it for yourself, you will never accept a "kit" as a log home again!

[RONNIE FLETCHER]

WHAT IS THE "NAME" OF YOUR BOOTH. YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT ME AT: JAADAD14@AOL.COM

[NM bound]

Go look at Rockclimber's fantastic loghome & talk to him.
We were in your postion 18 months ago - BUT thankfully stumbled on to this website before we made the mistake of buying a "kit" home.
Take some time reading the posts on this forum.
It will be time extraordinarily well spent! We are admittedly very biased towards building "real" log homes - ours will be mortgage free & have none of the typical headaches of settling, shrinkage etc. that kit homes frequently experience!
Best of luck!


GOING TO ROANOKE, VA. THIS WEEKEND TO A LOG HOME SHOW. I'VE DECIDED WHO I'M GOING TO GET MY KIT FROM (ALMOST) BUT I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THEIR PRODUCT(QUALITY OR EASE OF CONSTRUCTION) WHAT DO I DO TO GET UNABISED INFORMATION? OR OPINION?

[Upers]

Ronnie,

My wife started looking into "kits" and found this web site... I am now going to be starting on my own place and after visiting the other Ronnie's place, I am doing a very similar project. I highly recommend the visit.

Yoopers Pat

[riverfishone]

Hello Folks

Looking forward to learning more about a B and P style log homes and getting to know your members especially the ones that live around SE TN. . I look forward to visiting and helping them build while learning more about the whole process. I have been blessed with 19 acres in SE Tn on a river that is full of mature and straight Southern Yellow Pines (SYP) that are around 20 years old and ranging in size by the diameter of average around 20 inches at the base with the taper seeming to look good as well.

I plan on having about 4 or 5 camping cabins with covered porches (20' x 30' cabin with 10' coverage porches on each side) on stilts next to the river while on the hill out of the flood plain building a 40' by 40' cabin with plenty of open areas inside. I have a very large family and I want to make it availible all of them for holidays. Am I a great uncle or what?

I would like to use my SYP trees I already have on my property as I have experimented with skinning some to make my log skinning devise set up to place the logs on when I start my skinning process. The SYP that I have hand skinned have turned out to be very nice and beautiful since they have a very thin layer of dark bark left on from the hand process. I have a tractor already to man handle the logs. Since I have plenty of space I have thought about making a very large covered shed to work under while skinning and can even store and keep my logs out of the weather while they dry.

I really look forward to meeting some folks in my area with the same interest that I have.

IS IT SPRING YET?

Regards,

Riverfishone

[RONNIE FLETCHER]

DEAR YOOPERS PAT,? I'VE PURCHASED LAND WITH A WELL, SEPTIC, AND POWER IN PLACE. DRIVEWAY AND HOME SITE ESTABLISHED. I'M WORKING WITH A W.VA. LOG SUPPLIER ON PRICE OF LOGS. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM I ENCOUNTER IS WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE &quot;PACKAGE&quot; AS IF IT IS A DEEP DARK SECRET OR &quot;WE'LL SELL THE KIT TO A SUCKER AND LET HIM FIND OUT FOR HIMSELF WHAT WE DON'T INCLUDE.&quot; I HAVE EDUCATED MYSELF PAST THIS POINT AND HAVE GOTTEN TO THE POINT OF BUILDING A GARAGE TO RELOCATE MY &quot;STUFF&quot; I HOPE TO START CONSTRUCTION IN LATE SPRING.

[riverfishone]

Enjoyed your pics

Wish you were in SE TN to see my property and get some ideas off of.


Riverfishone

[wenzel_777]

Hello Folks

Looking forward to learning more about a B and P style log homes and getting to know your members especially the ones that live around SE TN. . I look forward to visiting and helping them build while learning more about the whole process. I have been blessed with 19 acres in SE Tn on a river that is full of mature and straight Southern Yellow Pines (SYP) that are around 20 years old and ranging in size by the diameter of average around 20 inches at the base with the taper seeming to look good as well.

I plan on having about 4 or 5 camping cabins with covered porches (20' x 30' cabin with 10' coverage porches on each side) on stilts next to the river while on the hill out of the flood plain building a 40' by 40' cabin with plenty of open areas inside. I have a very large family and I want to make it availible all of them for holidays. Am I a great uncle or what?

I would like to use my SYP trees I already have on my property as I have experimented with skinning some to make my log skinning devise set up to place the logs on when I start my skinning process. The SYP that I have hand skinned have turned out to be very nice and beautiful since they have a very thin layer of dark bark left on from the hand process. I have a tractor already to man handle the logs. Since I have plenty of space I have thought about making a very large covered shed to work under while skinning and can even store and keep my logs out of the weather while they dry.

I really look forward to meeting some folks in my area with the same interest that I have.

IS IT SPRING YET?

Regards,

Riverfishone
"Got the job, want the land, need the class"

Hey Riverfishone-

I've been lurking around the forums for a few years, and I'm currently living in Chattanooga, TN. I was going to take the Vegas class this time around, but lacked the finances at the right time. I'm definitely taking the class if it's in Vegas the next time around. Sounds like you've got a nice place to build. Stay in touch! Might be building near one another in the near future.

[riverfishone]

I knew there would be some more folks here in TN.

Do you have some land in Polk County? Have you been up on the Hiwassee?

I have some land in Hamilton County as well on Hixson Pike I am selling that would make a good place for a cabin. It too has lots of SYP on it already.

You should come up sometime and I will show you around. Do you know much about SYP logs?

Thanks for your responcse

Riverfishone

[wenzel_777]

I knew there would be some more folks here in TN.

Do you have some land in Polk County? Have you been up on the Hiwassee?

I have some land in Hamilton County as well on Hixson Pike I am selling that would make a good place for a cabin. It too has lots of SYP on it already.

You should come up sometime and I will show you around. Do you know much about SYP logs?

Thanks for your responcse

Riverfishone
"Got the job, want the land, need the class"

I've been in TN for a year and 1/2 now for work, so I haven't invested in any land quite yet. I've been to Ocoee area a few times. Beautiful up there. Hopefully, we'll make a trip or two there this summer for some camping & rafting. I've searched online for some land that way, but haven't come up with much. Best land prices I've found so far have been in northern TN near KY border--from Cookeville to Celina, and across the border in NC--Hayesville & Murphy areas.

I'm not an expert on logs at all, but from reading the forums, Southern Yellow Pine is plentiful, and it's usually pretty cheap. Grows fast, so it twists, shrinks & warps more than most...but w/ the butt & pass building method, it's perfectly acceptable.

[bertelli]

Thanks for the input I'll reconnect in the members area.
Starting to get a handle on this site.

[hobbes0225]

Hi all, Chris here, took the class just over a year ago (April 29, 2009) just after getting back from Afghanistan working for the state department. Afghanistan changed my life......I served in the military and actually was &quot;boots on the ground&quot; in Iraq 1, that too changed my life. Did twenty years in the Navy....lot of good memories and some that still haunt me....divorced once, remarried and have four kids. 2, 6, 8, and 10 yrs old, my family is my life and maybe that is a silver lining to going through some of the things I have. Chasing the $$ is not as important as it is to be with my family. Our kids and my wife are everything to me, hence trying to get some sort of financial freedom. It?s a shame our country has been almost destroyed by the elitists over the last few decades. But I digress? My second son is handicap; he has Hypochondroplasia and essentially will be short. Since we have been blessed with him and understand the system relative to doctors and health insurance we decided to adopt also. We were in the system for adoption for a long time trying to get a child from China. Long story short, it was a nightmare....after some time?we stumbled upon a little girl in S. Korea that was in the system for a year since birth, no one wanted her because she has brittle bones. God put it in our hearts to adopt her so here we are. She had 7 broken bones when she was born. We've now have had her for almost a year, she can now walk (feet never touched the floor in Korea) and has only fractured three bones in the whole year we've had her. We will be in Indy Indiana in about six months, looking to build our log cabin finally and balance the kids at the same time. We home school as well so this should prove to be interesting. Having two special needs kids, our goal is to get in a 35x35 as soon as we can to keep costs down. So needless to say I?ll be on here with the wife a lot. With the issues mentioned above, I?m sure the house will have lots of modifications, should be fun! I will keep pictures coming once we?ve started. Be blessed and thank you very much in advance for any advice or recommendations. -Chris and the Stanhope clan! (4-kids, 3-dogs, 4-chickens, 1 and ? adults?my wife says I?m still a kid at 48yrs old!) <img border="0" src="/sites/all/modules/tinymce/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-cool.gif" alt="Cool" title="Cool" />

[panderson03]

Hi there and welcome. sounds like your household is VERY busy:) Welcome to the family!!

[Randy A]

Hi Steve,



Thanks for allowing non-LHBA members to interact on your forum.



Great looking website, I've been lost in here for about 3 hours now and haven't touched the tip of the iceberg.



I don't usually get involved in joining forums. So it was no big surprise when after writing my very first post, I pressed the &quot;Preview comment&quot; button, followed by the &quot;back&quot; button on my browser - and the whole thing went away.



So now I have something else to learn about besides building a log cabin.



Several years ago I took a course similar to yours here in Burton, Michigan - except they taught me the scribe method of construction.?The project?never got started because of all the tedious labor involved. From what I gathered by reading some of the posts, the LHBA method seems a little more practical to suit my needs.



Basically, I have 20 acres in northern Michigan and would like to have a small, affordable cabin up there in the near future. I cant afford to spend 20 years or $200,000 building it and have been?searching the web for?some sort of alternate construction method to achieve this goal.



After exploring everything from building with straw bales to underground construction, I?believe I have finally come full circle when discovering your website tonight. A log cabin is really what I wanted in the first place.



Keep up the good work and thanks again.







&quot;I was going to write a short letter, but didn't have time so wrote a long one instead.&quot; ~Mark Twain~

[gunner2pilot]

I just couldn't resist... StressMan79, [redacted by staff?for privacy reasons] and I are all in Stevens County (I'm near Northport). Whereabouts are you? If you prefer, my email is akguy_1 (at) hotmail dot com. Nice to have another LHBA member as a neighbor. Cheers, Ken

[panderson03]

well, if you WANTED to you could spend 20 year or $200,000 building our LHBA way, but you have to try REALLY HARD!

I think most everyone who's built will tell you it can reasonably be done in less than 2 years if you're able to devote a bunch of time or have some help, and most folks who already have their land can do it in less than $50,000 (because they've taken the class and so they know the 'tricks').

if you're really serious about this then take the class. THEN after you've become a member you can come help us build and see what you learned in action:) we'll be building in northern MN this year.

welcome to the forums

by the way, I've NEVER done the preview thing (which explains some of my grammatical and spelling errors... Hmmmmm...) so can't help you there. sorry!!

[Randy A]

I?not sure?Michigan has a Stevens county, but I know where Northport is. I'm near Benzonia, about 10 miles east of Frankfort and a 40 or so mile drive south of you guys.



?&quot;I was going to write a short letter, but didn't have time so wrote a long one instead.&quot; ~Mark Twain~

[StressMan79]

I think he was talking about northport WA, just a bit east of where I am building (as the crow flies). I am up by Curlew WA, in Ferry County.

[Randy A]

Gotcha. Thanks.

[actionjoe]

Hello everyone, I'm Joe and my wife is Renee. We've been talking about doing this class and building a log home for nearly four years and everything has finally lined up for us to attend the May weekday class. I'm very excited about attending the class and taking the first steps to our dream house. Hope to see you in the class and on the members area.

[ramblinman502]

welcome aboard.. san diego eh?? my old stomping ground..i miss the fish tacos from south beach bar n grill.

are you planning on building out there??

Not all who wander are lost...

http://s888.photobucket.com/home/rusty_bucket_album/index

[gen2600]

Greetings, I'm new here and have been drooling on the website (I've gone through a few keyboards) for the past couple years wishing I could attend and now through an odd set of circumstances, I can! I'm signed up for the week day class in May this year and will be there.

I currently own 10 acres of land up north west of Fairbanks, Alaska and have cut the road (nearly a quarter mile) by hand (chainsaw and curse words) TO and INTO the property and will start on the clearing this Fall.

I'm pretty excited to get in and get taught some good habits for my personal foundation before I try it all on my own and learning bad habits...

[fossten]

Glad to hear we have somebody up in the frozen tundra. There are lots of northerners in here who can give you all kinds of tips for the colder climates, especially in the members forum.

[panderson03]

and congratulations on signing up for the class:)

[8490harley]

hello my name is tim from freeburg mo. north of rolla and i am attending the class may 2010 in boston. i talk to the conversation about pine logs and got a couple names of loggers in mo. who cut off the national forest. just thought i would mention it . good luck

[panderson03]

welcome! great that you have a lead on logs. enjoy the class and welcome to the family:)

[8490harley]

hello my name is tim and am singed up for the may 2010 boston class and looking forward to it. coming from mid mo. hope its as great as it sounds. see you in may.

[panderson03]

it is, Tim. changed our lives! again, welcome:)

[8490harley]

hello my name is tim long and have sinded up for may 2010, boston. just wanted to say hello to you to. have already said hi to ellsworth

[oneGODman]

looking forward to the boston class been wanting to take this class for a long time really stoked it so close

[Chuck Gitchel]

I'm sorry to hear about skip...
I took his class in the early 80's in Redmond and later helped chink the 1st house near Monroe.
I need a refresher course to remodel a log home my wife was born in in Canyonville Oregon.
Any information, how to books that Skip may have written or publications would be helpful.

Thanks,
Chuck

[rckclmbr428]

Try and email Ellsworth, and see if there is any way you could get on the members side, since you already took the class. there is enough info you wouldnt need to purchase any books

[actionjoe]

Ramblin, I'm actually not in San Diego anymore. I'm in the Marines and am stationed out in Japan for the time being. I loved San Diego and miss the fish tacos there too but we probably won't be back. My wife's family has some land in Missouri that we're looking at buying and build on but we have to get back to the states first. I saw your models on your website and was wondering how long it took you to make them. Did you glue the "logs" together or nail them. Does this help you determine the nummber of logs you need or just give you an idea of layout? They look good and that's a good idea.
Counting the days to May,
Joe

[ramblinman502]

i built those in about 2 in less than 10 hours..i did a little moulding on the dowels to make em look like peeled logs...so that added time. i started another one thats to more scale. i pin nailed them. i would say that the dowels can help bring you pretty close to the log count by im not sure if it would be exact. there some other factors that come into play. having them sure helps people "get" what you are doing. modified lincoln logs for adults..: )

Not all who wander are lost...

http://s888.photobucket.com/home/rusty_bucket_album/index

[actionjoe]

I'm definately planning on building one now, I think it would help me "get" what I'm trying to do. My home plans keep getting larger and larger.

[ramblinman502]

I'm definately planning on building one now, I think it would help me "get" what I'm trying to do. My home plans keep getting larger and larger.

will really help you get it : )

Not all who wander are lost...

http://s888.photobucket.com/home/rusty_bucket_album/index

[mrawson]

Hello - I hope to be a new member soon. I live in the St. Louis area but actually in Illinois and want to build a couple hours further into Illinois. Anyone out there who has used the information from this class to build a simple cabin in the midwest - affordably? What I am reading sounds "too good to be true" and I worry that after taking log transportation costs into account we aren't going to be able to afford to build a home after taking the class.

I could use some encouragment. Thanks!!!

[ramblinman502]

here ya go! we have plenty of members in the midwest.. including oklahoma..read..read..n read here..take a look at peoples photos..then jump in on a class : )

Not all who wander are lost...

http://s888.photobucket.com/home/rusty_bucket_album/index

[mrawson]

Thank you! I notice you are in KY which really isn't that far away ... I'll think positively and hope it all works out. I only wish I could afford to go with my cousin to the class but I will need to save my money to buy the land etc. This is going to be so much fun!

[ramblinman502]

Thank you! I notice you are in KY which really isn't that far away ... I'll think positively and hope it all works out. I only wish I could afford to go with my cousin to the class but I will need to save my money to buy the land etc. This is going to be so much fun!

than a barrel of monkeys!! lol..at least thats how i think the saying goes..: )

Not all who wander are lost...

http://s888.photobucket.com/home/rusty_bucket_album/index

[edkemper]

What you spend, you'll get back in spades. Not the same with your cousin trying to teach you the class after he attends. The best money you can spend. Just about everyone that became a member has worried about spending the money on the class. I'm not sure you can find one that regretted it and didn't profit from the weekend. Hell, just meeting Ellsworth and Steve is worth the price. The others in the class push it over the top.

[loghousenut]

And he's giving out sage advice. Take the class. It is like buying insulation for the attic. You spend a buck to save twenty. The payback time is quick and it keeps paying. Take the class with your cousin.

[jrdavis]

Hello - I hope to be a new member soon. I live in the St. Louis area but actually in Illinois and want to build a couple hours further into Illinois. Anyone out there who has used the information from this class to build a simple cabin in the midwest - affordably? What I am reading sounds "too good to be true" and I worry that after taking log transportation costs into account we aren't going to be able to afford to build a home after taking the class.

I could use some encouragement. Thanks!!!

mrawson -- Let not your heart be troubled.........

I took the class almost 11 years ago, BEFORE the Y2K scare (because who knew, if TEOTWAWKI would allow another chance) :+ and wondered if the cost then was worth it. I would definitely pay the price KNOWING what I learned and know now.
Trust me (ya, heard that before, eh!!) You will not regret the fee, besides its 100% guaranteed.
There is a lot here and you have a lot of folks near you.
I am in Iowa and there are ways and means...

James.

[Magoofskie]

Hi, myself and my wife and kids have just joined your great association. We are moving permanently out to California in the summer and have been inspired by your website to build our own log home; We have just finished a renovation of an old stone house in France, sold it and are ready to move on to our new home (my wife is from LA).

We are so excited and are both planning on taking the course sometime in the second half of the year/ when the next one is reasonably close. I have been studying all the information here and the projects of students. I have also been looking into land to buy however I realized today that you need quite alot for the construction process. I am afraid that the area we need to move to for work reasons (Southern Cali) does not have affordable land for such a project as so far the plots I have seen are just 1/4 - 1/3 acre max! Help!!

Well this is just our first step. Do you know anyone who was built on smaller lots?

Anyhow, we both look forward to being part of this community, see you soon!

Gareth, Rikki, Akira & Am?lie

[loghousenut]

I am one of the lucky ones who has never been tied to a job in Southern California but my Mother in Law lives there. I can't imagine building on a 1/3 acre plot anywhere near where she lives but I suppose it could be done. I think a more popular plan might be a short (or long) range plan to relocate to a "simpler-lifestyle" kind of a place. It is not uncommon for a couple to take the class as a part of their inspiration toward a bigger goal.

If you are tied to jobs by a large paycheck, perhaps the grubsteak principle would interest you. Work at the place that allows you to sock away as much money as you can as a grubsteak to give a fresh start in a new location where land and freedom come at a lower price.

Another alternative might be to take the class and reevaluate your enthusiasm level and perhaps make the move toward the location of your dreams and a lower payscale. I am making the assumption that nobody really wants to live in Southern California and ask your forgiveness if I am totally offbase and offensive. Our group is comprised mostly, though not entirely, of men and women who are leaning away from the urban lifestyle.

Whether the main content of this posting is of interest or not I would make one observation. I have talked with a lot of people who have perused this website. There are lots of them that look around and read a bit and loose interest. Those who keep reading and start dreaming tend to get hooked. Your background will have little to do with your success rate at accomplishing what the rest of us are accomplishing. If you retain a level of enthusiasm for what is happening on these web pages I urge you both to take the class and see where it takes you.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Allen%20and%20the%20forklift/Girderday10-7-09023.jpg

[Mikemenard]

If you mean tongs then you should try harbor freight they have all kinds of stufff.

[edkemper]

The first house I lived in was torn down to build the (405) San Diego Freeway. We used to have conversations with movie stars driving down the street.

What I can tell you is most of the greater LA areas are built in housing developments or areas where a log home would not be allowed as it would be totally out of character. You'd likely have to drive a significant distance to find an area where you'd be able to build.

I moved to Sacramento in 1983. I plan on being a full time Oregonian 2012. I already bought my land up there and will move when my daughter finishes high school.

Make as much money as you can. Sock it away. Make a better move as soon as you can.

Welcome.

[ccosborne3]

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Allen%20and%20the%20forklift/Girderday10-7-09023.jpg


Interesting photo. Just curious, were the window spaces left out of the original construction or were they cut out after stacking as usual? Looks like a lot more spaces than the average log home.

[loghousenut]

ccosborne3, I shouldn't have posted this photo on the non-member side of the forum. This is a very non-characteristic example of a LHBA building going up. I had the oportunity to obtain some very crooked, ugly, nasty, large, free logs and accepted them as a challenge. As we were setting the very crookedest logs on the wall we utilized the location of future windows and doors to cut and twist nasty logs in an effort to "straighten" them.

It has been an exciting challenge and will doubtless be a beautiful home. You will easily find much prettier logs that will stack nicely, allowing you to finish the shell before cutting openings. The rest will be explained in class. If you should show the above photo in class and ask about it, the instructor will snort and attempt to control his/her laughter. He/she will explain that there are many ways to build a log home for your family and this one is an excellent example of the hard way.

I knew that going in to this challenge and in all honesty it has been fun.

Take the class. Here is a less confusing photo.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Our%20Home/The%20logs/Logging/House3-23-09-3-26-09100.jpg

[Magoofskie]

Hi again. Thanks for the welcome. Yes in fact we are at this moment of our lives required to live within a couple of hours of LA. I personally hail originally from an island of the north west of Scotland so am country bred through and through. I'm trying to make this move as positive as possible and am going to be looking fir land in the mountains around the city. Probably to the north in the Los Padres Forest. This area is forested and mountainous so is perfectly suited to a log home and we are so fired up now! okay so you've got the odd earthquake and wildfire to contend with but hey, got to be better than the city! Biggest problem at the mo seems to be decent land availability. Oh well. We will take the course however as you suggest, and see where our life journey takes us. Wasn't one of your members built up on the San Andreas fault? They must be in the same ball park roughly.
Anyhow, I will continue to read and watch your website with eagle eyes....

Gareth, Rikki, Akira & Amelie.

[loghousenut]

If the class is held in Gold Bar, you'll wanna move there to build your home.

[2 cents]

I enjoyed reading this blog here, it's one of two LHBA homes i know of that were built in California... this one was built more recently near Big Bear Lake--

http://barnesloghome.blogspot.com/

Have fun, I just love reading other's stories of building.

[jill5418]

For my entire adult life I have dreamed of my log home. I never liked anything I saw in the mags, and wanted antique and simple. I was scared to find someone to build my home because you just don't know what you will get. This website is wonderful. My 14 year daughter. Has build an elaborate tree house outside of our house and she wants to build house for a living. I hate living in the 'burbs and don't want her making more trashy builder grade homes. I want her homes to be ART. We are going to do our best to come to Boston, it will probably change our lives forever, and inspire me to go live my dream.

Can't wait to kiss that banker goodbye and live a much simpler life. I grew up knowing how to homestead and very much want to go back to it.

Jill Reynolds

[loghousenut]

I'm fairly certain that each LHBA member will nod their head as they read your post. We have all felt the same things that you are feeling right now. All of those home shows, all those magazines, all those websites are out there with the sole purpose of binding you tighter into a slavery that you can't understand. This is one spot on the web that is filled with people who are saying that you were right all along. There is something different, and you can be a part of it. You live in Virginia. The Boston class was made for you.

[rckclmbr428]

I like seeing more people taking the class in VA, I am over in Roanoke and just finished a nice log home by Smith Mountain Lake, dont know if the boston class is being taught in a member home, but if you want to see the class teachings applied, drop on by, I'm only about 2.5 hours from you!

[The Murphs]

Hi folks, from the Murph's in Australia

[wifeyandhubs]

Welcome!!
Well I just did a round trip of 11,136 miles to attend class and thought that MUST be a record, looks like I may have some competition from Down Under though!!

[ramblinman502]

welcome..ive spent quite a bit of time in your neck of the woods..beautiful part of the world..espcially the MG region n perth.

Not all who wander are lost...

http://s888.photobucket.com/home/rusty_bucket_album/index

[GammaRae]

Welcome!!
Well I just did a round trip of 11,136 miles to attend class and thought that MUST be a record, looks like I may have some competition from Down Under though!!

You both have at least one other to complete with: Roy in South Africa. That's just about as far from Monroe as you can get.

[actionjoe]

wifeyandhubs:
"Well I just did a round trip of 11,136 miles to attend class and thought that MUST be a record, looks like I may have some competition from Down Under though"

My wife and I are attending the May weekday class from Okinawa, Japan and we may have you beat on round trip miles. We'll have to see how far we are from Tokyo. I'm not looking forward to the jetlag but I can't be more excited to get to the class.

[loghousenut]

Depending on which direction you fly.

[actionjoe]

I'm hoping to take the short cut over Alaska, the time change is already going to be bad enough as it is. The other way would be great for my air miles though.

[wifeyandhubs]

wifeyandhubs:
"Well I just did a round trip of 11,136 miles to attend class and thought that MUST be a record, looks like I may have some competition from Down Under though"

My wife and I are attending the May weekday class from Okinawa, Japan and we may have you beat on round trip miles. We'll have to see how far we are from Tokyo. I'm not looking forward to the jetlag but I can't be more excited to get to the class.


...double drat...TRIPLE drat even...

pesky competition ;)

[bighausdawg]

I&#39;m going to be attending the WA class mid-week in May. My girlfriend and I are definitely excited about coming out and learning a little something. I grew up in the mountains and hills of TN, but currently living in NC.

I&#39;ve not seen too many log homes, but I have always enjoyed working outside and thought it would be fun to build my own log home. I&#39;ve only built barns and sheds on the farm when I was younger, so I&#39;m liking the idea of getting back to working on something of my own.

My girlfriend is excited as well, as she hasn&#39;t ever built anything. She can&#39;t wait to get in on the action and see the fruits of our labor, knowing that we built it ourselves. :)

I look forward to learning all I can and meet some of you that share the same goal of owning/building your own log home.

[panderson03]

congratulations on signing up for class and for bringing your girlfriend too. have fun and welcome to the family!

[ramblinman502]

bighausdawg!

[wenzel_777]

I&#39;m going to be attending the WA class mid-week in May. My girlfriend and I are definitely excited about coming out and learning a little something. I grew up in the mountains and hills of TN, but currently living in NC.

I&#39;ve not seen too many log homes, but I have always enjoyed working outside and thought it would be fun to build my own log home. I&#39;ve only built barns and sheds on the farm when I was younger, so I&#39;m liking the idea of getting back to working on something of my own.

My girlfriend is excited as well, as she hasn&#39;t ever built anything. She can&#39;t wait to get in on the action and see the fruits of our labor, knowing that we built it ourselves. :)

I look forward to learning all I can and meet some of you that share the same goal of owning/building your own log home.


Bighausdawg-
Where in NC are you currently living? We lived in Hendersonville, NC (close to Asheville) for a couple of months before we moved to Chattanooga, TN. We love Chattanooga, but we miss the mountains in Eastern, TN &amp; Western NC. There&#39;s some great rural land in the Smokies. Have a look at <a href="http://www.greatcarolinaproperty.com">http://www.greatcarolinaproperty.com</a> The &quot;Land For Sale&quot; section has some incredible small acreage. We&#39;re going to the Boston class in May. We wanted to attend the Washington class, but it was much more cost effective to attend on the East coast. Enjoy!

[KenOnMaui]

Aloha everyone, Ken Jencks here from Maui. I plan on getting a piece of land, location as of yet to be determined, and I want to have a log home. So, basically I need help from the get go. I will be looking for about 5-10 acres or so of land that hopefully will have the needed resources on it. I like the west coast, so Washington is on the list. I am open to any and all comments and suggestions. This looks like a great site and I am eager to learn.

[GammaRae]

Aloha, Ken. We have a member very similar to your situation. Lives in Honolulu and building in Western Washington. I&#39;m sure he&#39;ll pop his head up here.


First thing first, of course. Class.

[rocklock]

Location: My suggestion is to live in Washington but near Oregon. Reason: Wash. has no income tax and Oregon has no sales tax. There are a number of areas that qualify, from Longview to some where way down the Columbia river. I would just drive Highway 4 to US-5 to Highway 14 and find a great place. You might even find DB Cooper as a neighbor : )

I personally would like to have more that 10 acres for sustainability.

Look at my log home. Get started ASAP. With the recent happenings in DC, I am making sustainability a real requirement with the needed resources.

[SandMan0069]

Your Focus Determines Your Reality
I would have liked to have been able to go to the Washington class because I live in NW Alabama and 2 of my freinds just moved up there 6 months ago. They've been trying to get me to come up there but I'm waiting on SSI and haven't been able to travel like I'd like to. But I was hoping that there is enough info and help on this site to help me get started on building a cabin until I can go to a class. I was also wondering if pine trees can be used to build cabins out of? I have about 10,000 26 year old fast grow trees on 30 acres of land. Most are 18-20" diameter for 20' from ground or longer before tappering. And I'm studing solar and wind energy and how to build both myself and off and feeding the grid styles.
I found a couple that has a log cabin kit for $3800 " said it was a $23,560 kit" that only includes the outside walls which is 101 logs dovetail style I believe they called it. It's for a 768' cabin with plans for a stone fireplace and expandable to 1154". I was wondering if it was worth the wood to buy it or if my pine trees are useable just go that direction? Anyway, will help with green power for help with building my 1st cabin for me to live in. I have 2 good freinds 1 can build a house from bottom to top and the other a brick and concrete mason and both been doing it over 20 years. My lower left leg was crushed in a motorcycle wreck in 1984 and I've had 13 major ops and my ankle and toes are locked in place. So I have some good help to with the building part. And a company near by that can clean the bark off the wood are is it better to leave it looking natural? Any advice wood be much appreciated. Good luck and have fun all.

[edkemper]

You need the class. All of your questions will be answered and you've find a thousand more after the weekend is over. That until you get into the Member's Only side of things.
My property is in Oregon. I'll be building with Pine. A large percentage of us build with one pine or another.
Welcome.