Good resources for someone getting started on the east coast?

[jbeall]

Hi All,

I'm interested in learning more about building a log home, but in light of the fact that there are no more classes scheduled for 2008, and that the Association is actually closed for the next several months, what do you all recommend I do to get started learning more about this process?

There are 5 acres on a heavily wooded lot that I'm considering buying, and if I could put a log home on it myself, that would truly be outstanding. I haven't found anything similar to the Log Home Builders Association in my area (Harpers Ferry, WV), but it may be that I just haven't looked long enough.

-Josh

[StressMan79]

Josh,

LHBA is unique, I don't think there is a clone out there. Like I told another inquirer, there are people in your area building now, I'm sure they wouldn't mind an extra pair of hands. Also, there are no more classes CURRENTLY SCHEDULED this year, but wait around, I'm fairly certain there will be one or two coming this fall/winter (they often put them on 3 day weekends so you can make the trip easier).

Anyway, your 5 acres sounds just about right. You can likely save some $$ by using your own trees, if there are ~80 of them that are large and straight enough. Just be careful if you decide to fell them yourself. Many people more skilled than you have been killed by a saw or a falling tree.

One final note, you'll save more than the cost of the class and the ticket by taking the course, and many times more than that by participating in the forums (esp the members area). If you have the cash, then buy the property, but don't go too into debt. There islots of land available. You just have to look.

-Peter

[jbeall]

This particular lot already has well, septic, and foundation done.

Question is, could I put a log home on a "traditional" foundation?

I like the fact that I wouldn't have to do anything with the well and septic, and that all the permits and inspections for that portion of the process are taken care of.

-Josh

[Klapton]

You probably can, but...

1) The foundation might not be thick enough for the weight of a log home. I would consult and engineer on this.

2) The layout of the foundation may not be right for a log home. What are the dimensions of the foundation?

But the general answer is yes, you can build a log home on pier blocks, continuous foundation stem wall with crawlspace, slab foundation, or full basement. All of these variations can be done.

[rckclmbr428]

Josh,
I am building down in Roanoke, VA, if your interested in seeing the work in progress....give me a shout rckclmbr428 at aol dot com

[jbeall]

Here are some pictures of the foundation:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781333391/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781334539/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781334631/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781334733/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2782195012/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781335487/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781335687/in/photostream/

The lot needs a *ton* of work to get it cleaned up and taken care of. But I'm willing to sweat and work hard. The current house we're in looked terrible when we moved in, and I'm quite proud of how we cleaned it up. But this place would be a lot more work, so I'm moving forward cautiously.

-Josh

[patrickandbianca]

put a log cabin on there. I havent seen any photos of any LHBANA log homes on a concrete brick foundation. Another thing is that your home would be stuck with the layout of that foundation, not neccessarily the layout that you want. You could always build a pretty sweet garage or storage shed with it though.

Patrick

[patrickandbianca]

that I grew up right down the road in Hagerstown. I used to be a raft guide for River and Trail on the Shenandoah and the Potomac around Harpers Ferry. That is a pretty nice area.

[StressMan79]

The shop/garage you could build with that foundation would be quick, easy, and quite enviable.

You could build another foundation close by for your log home. The existing septic could be re-routed to that home.

Peter

[jbeall]

You could always build a pretty sweet garage or storage shed with it though.

Hey, now actually sounds like a clever idea. Not sure how that would interface with the well and septic work that's already been done, though.

Still, my first preference would be to figure out a way to take advantage of the work that's already been done for building my house, and then go from there. But at the same time I don't want to make bad decisions that I'll regret for the rest of the time I live there (which I hope is a long time).

-Josh

[Yuhjn]

Unless I'm mistaken I believe the LHBA strongly recommends against a block foundation. The weight of a log home is tremendous and 100% of that weight is carried by the foundation. You need a poured foundation, whether it be basement, pier-block, stem-wall, or slab. A block foundation wont work.

You would want to consult with an engineer of course, but I'm pretty sure that foundation you have wont work for a skip style home.

[jbeall]

It's going to be tough to get equipment back there to do a poured foundation, though--this lot is kinda "off the beaten path." Hopefully I'll be able to figure something out.

[Loghomeguy]

I agree that it is best not to put logs on concrete blocks. I prefer at least a 2 foot wide footer and an eight to ten inch thick stem wall with plenty of rebar.

You can learn more specifics in the class.

Mikey journeyman class of 87

[Yuhjn]

I've seen them get a cement truck into some pretty crazy places before.

And in the case that every single concrete delivery company says it's "impossible" you can also mix your own for a pier-block foundation, which uses the least amount of concrete and is the preferred method for LHBA homes.

[StressMan79]

Paul Kahle used a continuous footer/pier combo foundation. He lives 3 miles down the worst county road in existence (it took me 45 min to get down), and a cement truck got there and poued over his temporary housing with a boom! don't believe me? See http://www.paulkahle.com/logstep4.html for more.

But Yuhjn is right, you could truck in bags of cement (using an ATV, etc) a couple hundred pounds at a time, mix on site and pour your own pier blocks. You'll use less cement, and if access is really a problem this is probably your best bet.

-Peter

[pbs7mm]

I bet for the cost of getting a concrete rig to a tough site, you probably can buy a decent mixer and rent the quad to pull stuff in. Or a tractor. Or barter/trade/borrow..... Get a beater 4x4 truck.... could probably find somebody in the association happy to help out. The whole deal is to save bucks and live as free "from the man" as possible, right? However, those concrete trucks get into spots you would never think possible. Just depends on the $$$$ you have to use for each task.

Oh ya, blocks. Nope. Bad idea for such an awesome house. If I did blocks, they would be solid granite and massive. :0) Hmm. Concrete is easier.

[mlr1968]

Attended Class March 25th/26th of 2006.
Actual you can use a cement brick foundation, though I wouldn't but that is me. Basil used a brick foundation with cement poured into the bricks for his HUGH poplar logs. If using this method get an enginnger to design it if posible. Oh, scroll down for the example.
http://www.loghomebuilders.org/stacked-logs-last-week?page=1

[Cy]

Josh,
I am building down in Roanoke, VA, if your interested in seeing the work in progress....give me a shout rckclmbr428 at aol dot com

Hey rckclmbr428,

I was checking out your link titled "stuff I've built" and saw that you built a bridge for the High Knob area in Norton, VA. I've been there many times and may have actually walked on the bridge you've built.

Cy

[rckclmbr428]

Glad to hear you have been out enjoying the beautiful state of VA, dont know if you heard or not, but the tower on top of high knob was burned last halloween by a local volunteer firefighter. Alcohol+Redneck almost always = Fire. anyways, the job I just quit I actually came up with a new design the Congressman boucher took to try and get some pork to rebuild it. http://clinchcoalition.net/index.php?pr=Rebuildthetower anyways, the bridge we put in was down below the dam in the recreation area, very pretty place, and they just dredged the lake, and added alot more sand for the "beach"
Ronnie

[Cy]

Wow! I didn't know the tower burned down. I truly hate to hear that. I have a lot of childhood memories from the top of that mountain.

[Timber]

here is a site i found on footer and stem wall formula width in relation to size footer http://www.construction-resource.com/articles/index.php?news_id=6
read this article it is very good.

[coastie]

I am curious to know what resources you have found for log material . Having just found this site , I am not sure the classes are worth the effort in that its all a seemingly west coast activity . GLK

[kyle]

Coastie, I also commented on the other post for you. The class not only covers the building techniques of LHBA but also includes techniques and ways to locate logs in your area. As for it being only a west coast activity, that is not true. While a majority of the people are from the pacific northwest there are more and more students building here in the east coast.

If your intentions are to build a log house then I highly recommend the class. Its worth the cost many times over.

[Shark]

I am curious to know what resources you have found for log material . Having just found this site , I am not sure the classes are worth the effort in that its all a seemingly west coast activity . GLK

The classes are worth it, 10X over actually. You will save FAR MORE than the cost of travel & a couple nights in a hotel after taking the class & building your own log home. I know, because we're doing it right now. (we're from Indiana, not west coast).

[chadfortman]

Look, listen and learn
Im Your Huckleberry!
Keep Rocking With Dokken!

I have read so many books on how to build log homes.
And it made me rethink on how i was going to build and pointed out mistake built from the past builders.
It teaches so many things and you got take notes.
The internet site is worth it alone to make conections with other builders and swap ideas and get help if your stuck when building.
I spend over 2 years looking over the site and allot thought i was crazy to go out for the class.
I spent allot money in my life but this was worth it to me and many others.
Best money Many have spent if your truly gone to build.
The classes sell out for a reason.
Out 50,000 people i dont think anyone felt riped off.
Ok take it if you relay want build your own log home.
Good luck on what ever you decide.
PS I am from the East cost here in Va and there seems to be allot more of us now.

[Bill LaCrosse]

...I was lucky enough to attend the only class held in the East....what a lucky find for me. I was practicing chinkless log coping and it would have taken me many years to build by myself. I then decided to try a kit and wasn't impressed. Most folks are skeptical of the course and methods (myself included), after the course the experience has given me the confidence to turn my dream back into reality.

[Rowjr]

Let me know if you find anything, I have a farm not to far from you

[rckclmbr428]

I got white pine with 20+ in fat ends 12"+ skinny ends for $200 a log here in VA, there should be plenty of choices up in good ol WV, My neighbor is building a kit home which he said he got a "deal" on his kit, paid just over 100k for it. I am going to have under 20k in all my walls and rafters. and I think my house has ALOT more character. was doing some thinking today, and I plan on building a vacation home in Fayetteville, WV, much smaller, probably around a 20x20, and would have less then 10k in the whole thing done. so, ya its possible up there.