Cost Difference?

[Shannonbeth]

Hello everyone,
I am new as this might appear obvious. I really want to take the class but i noticed that they're all full :-(
I love log homes and i have always dreamed of having one, and building it myself would be a bonus.
My soon to be hubby and I have a large family ( 6 children) so we would need a large house.
My question is this, what is the difference in cost from building it myself than it would be to have a kit sent or have a contractor do it?

[Shark]

There's honestly too many variables to even consider a $$ difference number to throw out.

One thing to consider, if you do take the course, you will have so much more knowledge of what to look out for, proper techniques for a long lasting structure. (not to mention you'll notice alot of things about the 'kits' that you would want to avoid if you had known).

Also, if you take the class & take 2 years to plan & collect materials, you'll save a huge amount as well compared to buying everything retail.


I don't doubt for a second, that to get something equivalent to our place that we are building right now, would be over twice the cost that we will have in it, if we bought a shell from someone else & had a contractor build it for us.

You can sign up for a reminder e-mail when classes become available. Worth the wait, was the best class I ever took.

[Shannonbeth]

Thank you for taking the time to reply, i will sign up for the reminder.

Is there anyway a person can start collecting materials while waiting to get into the next class?
That way i have a start on it and would be able to start sooner after the class?

Like, what should i be collecting as well what kind of wood and sizes?

[Klapton]

Accquiring logs is a major topic of the course, so I wouldn't try to get logs before taking the class.

I'd recommend starting with BOOKS on construction topics: plumbing, wiring, framing, etc.

You can also start looking for bargain tools. In addition to a few specialized log-related tools, you will definitely need many of the same tools you would use in conventional construction.

[Shannonbeth]

Thank you for your help!

[Shannonbeth]

Is it cheaper to have the interior of the house as log as well, or to have that sheetrock?

[Klapton]

One of the wonderful things about the Butt and Pass construction method taught by LHBA is that all the load bearing is in the exterior log walls, log girders, and RPSLs (ridge pole support logs). What that means is that the interior walls bear no loads, so you can frame them in any way you like. When you do the interior walls, they are normally done with conventional two-by framing. You could panel those walls any way you like, but most people like to use sheetrock because for most folks, there IS such thing as TOO much wood, hehe. I'll be using sheetrock and painting it white or some other bright, neutral color.

As for saving on cost, the most important things are going to be carefully placing your "wet walls" with the plumbing to reduce the amount of plumbing work involved, and not going nuts with stuff like kitchen cabinets and expensive flooring, etc.

[Loghomeguy]

Money saving elements of log homes are, No siding, no sheetrock, no wall insulation (logs have thermal mass) . In my mind not much point in sheet-rocking over beautiful logs ! Both time consuming and expensive. It is a normal thing to have sheetrock in interior walls though.

Building a log home has many variables. I have seen people in the 80's build for dirt-cheap, ($9,000.00 ) .

It depends on where you are building.

It depends on how much you pay for your logs (in some cases people have paid nothing, like me) I have also seen people build for in excess of $300,000. Again there are so many variables and so many choices there is not one right answer but here is my story..

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/should-you-take-class

There is more available in the members section or in class.

Mikey--- journeyman 1988

[Shannonbeth]

Thanks!
I want to take the class so bad i can't stand the thought of waiting till another one opens.
We live in west central Minnesota and i would really like to get something started, but without the proper training i of course do not want to start.
That is why i hope they will have another class this year, but i know they're busy and i will not hold my breath on it i guess.
Just can't wait till i can actually get in one. :-)

[Klapton]

That message on the home page about "no more this year" is actually recycled from last year. Classes are scheduled based on demand and availability of the instructors, and thus they tend to schedule them "as needed". So the message on the home page is really a bit more pessimistic than things really are. One of the nice things about their email sign-up is that they automatically know how big the "waiting list" is. Every time they have a class, and it fills up, they re-post that "no more this year" message. But this has also been re-posted several times this year... so don't take the "no more this year" thing too seriously. I don't speak for the instructors, and I suppose it COULD be that they are SO busy that they won't have a class soon... But from what I've observed, they have been having quite a lot recently.

[Debby]

We also have a large family (only 4 kids), and nobody builds houses for large families without charging a HUGE amount of money. This way of building is, by far, the most economical. By the way, our kids are so excited about this whole process and they will get to have some sense of ownership when they can help with things. Hope another class comes up for you soon. In the meantime, if you can find anyone who is building or has finished building close to where you are I am sure they would love to let you come and see things.
Debby

[CarmenO]

shannon, I also live in minnesota - northwest. maybe if there is a class we can travel together!

[Shannonbeth]

That message on the home page about "no more this year" is actually recycled from last year. Classes are scheduled based on demand and availability of the instructors, and thus they tend to schedule them "as needed". So the message on the home page is really a bit more pessimistic than things really are. One of the nice things about their email sign-up is that they automatically know how big the "waiting list" is. Every time they have a class, and it fills up, they re-post that "no more this year" message. But this has also been re-posted several times this year... so don't take the "no more this year" thing too seriously. I don't speak for the instructors, and I suppose it COULD be that they are SO busy that they won't have a class soon... But from what I've observed, they have been having quite a lot recently.
Shannon


I can't seem to find the link for the e-mail sign up?

[Shannonbeth]

shannon, I also live in minnesota - northwest. maybe if there is a class we can travel together!
Shannon


That would be cool, i assume you're not signed up yet? I'm waiting for another class to start. Let me know!

[JD]

Here you go, Shannon.

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/alert

JD

[Shannonbeth]

Here you go, Shannon.

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/alert

JD
Thanks a bunch JD!

Shannon

[rreidnauer]

My question is this, what is the difference in cost from building it myself than it would be to have a kit sent or have a contractor do it?
As Shark already says, too tough to answer accurately, but in general you can figure a contractor built home cost is probably 50% for materials, 50% for labor. Cut out the labor and do it yourself, it's half the cost. But, the class teaches acquiring materials more affordably, perhaps 50% below retail, some do even better. (like free for some things) So, no labor and half off materials, you're now at quarter the cost of that contractor built kithome.

You'll find that the ultimate cost savings will be ascertained by your own determination.

[Shannonbeth]

Accquiring logs is a major topic of the course, so I wouldn't try to get logs before taking the class.

I'd recommend starting with BOOKS on construction topics: plumbing, wiring, framing, etc.

You can also start looking for bargain tools. In addition to a few specialized log-related tools, you will definitely need many of the same tools you would use in conventional construction.

For the plumbing, wiring and framing, is there specifics that pertain to the log house or would any book on these subjects work?
Shannon

[greenthumb]

The class covers the details on specific techniques- but most books on those subjects would be a good start. There are a few threads on here in the public forums that detail some of the better books. Try bestbookbuys.com for good prices on used and new books.

Be sure to read through ALL of the articles, many questions can be answered from these. http://loghomebuilders.org/categories/articles

I know there is a lot to read, and some things may seem 'too good to be true', but this stuff really works. I've seen many owner built log homes, and am about to start my own. I'm not going to speak for the instructors, as they set the classes, but if you find a class available this spring(I suspect there may be a few more yet), take it! Often there aren't any classes in the summer, and the next one may just be next fall. Good luck on your project!

[Klapton]

Accquiring logs is a major topic of the course, so I wouldn't try to get logs before taking the class.

I'd recommend starting with BOOKS on construction topics: plumbing, wiring, framing, etc.

You can also start looking for bargain tools. In addition to a few specialized log-related tools, you will definitely need many of the same tools you would use in conventional construction.

For the plumbing, wiring and framing, is there specifics that pertain to the log house or would any book on these subjects work?
Shannon
In the class, they teach you plumbing and electrical stuff that is specifically related to log homes. For example, how do you put outlets in your exterior log walls? How do you hide your wires in a cathedral ceiling? If you were already experienced in construction, this would be enough information. If I was contracting those things out, I would know enough to explain to the contractor what they need to do. But for me, I still needed to learn the basic fundamentals of plumbing and electrical if I am going to actually do it all myself. There's not enough time in two days to teach you EVERYTHING you need to know. The good thing is that there are books-o-plenty on conventional construction stuff.

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/log-homes-stuff-we-recommend

I'm not sure if this will work, but hopefully, here is my "Wish List" from Amazon.com. (I may or may not buy some of these, but some of them I got from recommendations here). http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html?ie=UTF8&type=wishlist&id=9XB4OXY7M5BG

I bought and liked both the "Sunset" wiring and plumbing books, and the "For Pros by Pros" plumbing and wiring books.

[Shannonbeth]

I had just ordered a few items off of Amazon. Can't wait to get them, i'm so excited to mostly start playin around with the Home Design!!! *excited*
Here's what i have ordered so far!
__________________________________________________ ______________
-Log Construction Manual: The Ultimate Guide to Building Handcrafted Log Homes

-100 Best Log Home Floor Plans (100 Best (Krause Publications))

-Build Your Own Low-Cost Log Home (Garden Way Publishing Classic)

-Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 4000 v10 [CD]

[lbrowne]

From what I've heard, the way you look at home design will possibly be quite a bit different after the class, when you're thinking about the different elements of actually getting down to building. I'm sure it'll be very beneficial to learn how to fully use the software ahead of time. Any changes or new designs that come to mind later will be much easier to work with.

Be sure to read through all the articles here.

Another book that I really like is Building an Affordable House by Fernando Ruiz. http://www.amazon.com/Building-Affordable-House-High-Value-Construction/dp/1561585963/ Talks more towards building with selling in mind, but good info for building for yourself also.

[Klapton]

I had made several designs before I went to the class. It helped me decide on some key design concepts I wanted. But I pretty much scrapped most of my overcomplicated ideas, and bought the LHBA 40x40 stock plans after the class, hehe. I'll be making some tweaks to the interior layout. But as they say, "Four walls and a roof = a house". My previous design had 12 walls and three roofs. I don't need to build three houses, hehe. Nor can I afford to.

[akemt]

Yep. I had looked through all kinds of log home magazines and kit websites and info before I went to the LHBA class. The method and style are quite different. I only find those books helpful now if I'm looking for interior design ideas, but I don't have my log home yet, so I don't need those! ;)

Something I'd consider collecting, if you're sure about building yourself a log home, would be windows, doors, light fixtures, refrigerators, washer/dryers, freezers, sinks, toilets, bath tubs, etc. When adding on/remodeling our stickbuilt house we found 2 windows from friends and classifieds, a pellet stove (for dirt cheap) and a bath tub from garage sales (both in good condition), etc. Now, you have to have an idea of what you want, and it is hard to know that if you don't know what the basic LHBA design is, but some things you need in any house stickbuilt or otherwise. You can find kitchen cabinets for cheap too if you keep an eye out...though I LOVE the look of built-ins that use the leftover logs so the wood matches perfectly.

FYI: I hate sheetrock and think log interior walls would be overload, so I'd prefer to go with plywood used LIKE drywall. Grew up in a painted plywood interior wall house. Ah, that's the life! ;)

Also, we're on our way to our 4th kid. I'm a sahm and soon-to-be homeschooling mother. I LOVE the fact that with these houses you can design the layout however you like. I want a first floor that is completely open living space, except for a pantry, coat closet, and bath so that my kids can play inside, have room to spread out, etc. With our weather, the ability to play inside will be a life saver. I am still debating a partially enclosed (perhaps in a corner of the house with double-doors to open/close as necessary) library area for the ability to separate a bit.

With our remodel/addition of our stick built, it was great to have our girls helping out. They learned so much! How many two year olds can see an air compressor on someone's deck and name it? ;) And our then 4-year old helped nail in the drywall corners and did a fabulous job --except for perhaps using more nails than needed! They LOVE hammering. What a great skill for children to learn, though? Thrift, self sufficiency, and the ability to build their own homes. Our children will definately be involved in the building of our next home. Another bonus is that even at a young age, they could be trusted around things like nails, hammers, etc, because they knew what they were used for and there was no curiosity there.

Best of luck getting into a class soon! You'll LOVE the class --best money (and weekend away) we ever spent as a couple.