Advice for a newbie looking to buy a logcabin

[logpibe]

Hello LHBA forum,

I am new to this forum and I want you to know that I have been reading everything on this site. The level of collaboration and sharing of knowledge that I see taking place here is what drove me to register for the forum.

I will start off with two questions:

1) WHere can I find the schedule of the upcoming "2-day building class", if there is one scheduled.

2) We are looking to purchase a small log cabin in the Lake Tahoe, CA/NV area. We have our eye on a log cabin built in 1941, so I assume it was built correctly or it would have not lasted this long. Can you advise, what I should be looking for on a cabin this old? Do you recommend any certified inspectors that know log cabins to inspect it?

Thank you for any support that you can provide.
Mike

[rreidnauer]

Welcome Mike,

As for the classes, hang in there. The LHBA staff usually takes Summers off from classes, but also is in the process of getting all the features up, and cleaning up bugs in the new website here. Check back regularly on the front page, as there is quite a backlog of folks wishing to take this class, so when a class is announced, they will fill very quick. (for that matter, they usually fill fast no matter when they are announced)

And the cabin your looking at. Rot, especially around the foundation, is the number one thing you want to be on the lookout for. (soil against bottom logs is very, very bad) Then followed by roof integrity and leaks, then the state of the mechanics. (well, septic, electric) Any decent home inspector will be able to find problems, whether it be traditional construction, or a log home.

[logpibe]

Rod,
Thank you for your reply. I will keep checking with the site for when the dates get released for the next class.

And I really appreciate your feedback about the cabin. If we decide to move forward with it, then we will definitely have an inspector take a look at it.

Thanks,
Mike

[Basil]

I'd literally poke around the corners and lower logs. With a sharp metal object. You'll know a problem if you see it. Check the integrity of the chinking and the foundation. Also, make sure the doors and windows all work properly, as settling can cause them to warp.

[adubar]

The best tool to use for that is an Awl.
Experienced home inspectors carry them.

One thing to keep in mind in hiring an inspector---see if they are a stickler for details. You want that.


-Andrew

[artc1]

Hi Mike,

I don't know much about the rot thing 'cause I haven't taken the class yet either. I'm merely writing because I'm in the same area that you are seeking in and wanted to introduce myself. Maybe we will cross paths?


Good luck


ArtC1