Would the course benefit an Aussie?

[jensanau]

Hi I am new to the forum and glad I found it. My hubby and I would like to build our log home in Tasmania, Australia. We have researched the net and building centres here and cant find a single builder that specialises or builds in log construction. On the mainland there is approximately 2 builders but I imagine we would have to pay heaps and by the look of the pics on their websites, they seem to be milled logs which I think takes character away (we both love natural looking knobs and knarls).

We have built approx 5 traditional homes before and extensively renovated 2, doing a lot of the work ourselves. Now we would like to build a small log home on a private fishing estate which we could use now for weekends and holidays but can extend when we retire in a few years time.

When I came across this site I was intrigued because it says not only do you not need a crane (which would in itself cost the earth to get to the remote area we have in mind) but even women can build using the methods explained in the course. And to use the existing trees might be an option too as we have to clear the area anyway. Mostly what I am wondering is if it would be worth my hubby and myself coming to the US to find out more though doing the course or whether it would be a waste of time considering we have different species of trees and different building codes. It is extremely expensive to build here and hearing what you guys have saved sounds a wonderful alternative and may well be worth the cost of a trip there.

Any input gratefully accepted...

[loghousenut]

Assuming that you would enjoy a vacation here as much as we would enjoy a vacation there, I'd say that you've just found a reason to justify the trip. The value of this class, at least for us in the States, is that it awakens a bit of the enginuity that is inate in our species and allows us to attempt to solve some of the problems that we are told are unsolvable. If you have trees in your vicinity that can be laid into a square, then you have log house trees. In this class you will learn and discuss methods of building, methods of procuring logs (some of these methods will work in any part of the world), methods of moving logs with normal tools and vehicles, and you will meet your support group. It's a small world and your support group is right around the electron. Take a look at some of the photos in the archives here and ask yourself "How did they get that ridgepole up on those support logs using only hand tools?". When I took the course from Skip, he answered this question in two ways. First he said "You just figure out how to do it and you do it". Then he told us how he had done it and we saw that he had been right all along.

My wife and I took the course 20 years ago and have put up several log building since then. We are now building our retirement home in the classic Skip Ellsworth style. We have saved up the money to do it without a mortgage and will end up only owing only property taxes and whatever it costs to maintain it. I go to work every day with people who make too much money and yet will never own their home. I assume it is the same down under and I am assuming that many of the same techinques will work for you and your wife there in your paradise. Do it.

[hemlock77]

I say go for it. If your trees have stight trunks thats a big bonus. It may seem like a big expence to fly over to the states for the class, but worth every penny. This type of construction can be adapted to any building codes i suspect. Welcome.?
?
Stu
<a href="http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/hemlock77/">http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/hemlock77/</a>?

[rreidnauer]

Well, it'd definitely be a good idea to take the class, but the current exchange rate would make it painful. (8 months ago wouldn't have been too bad) You could probably learn much of the construction technique to build from through searches on the net, but you'd only be getting a portion of the whole picture, and the risk of overlooking critical details could occur.

It's a tough call.

[Timber]

There is a member named Roy but i cant remember if he is in Africa or Australia. He built his home there too.

[chadfortman]

Look, listen and learn
A man who works with his hands is a laborer,
A man who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman,
A man who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist.
St Francis of Assisi.

Roy in South africia

[jensanau]

Thanks for all the replies so far... Loghousenut, I am not sure if my previous reply might have gone directly to you as I hit reply instead of adding a comment, but no worries it was great you replied so fast, I appreciate it.

Sounds like I might have to try organise myself and hubby to go there as soon as the dates for the next lot of classes are released. We have plenty of time to wait for them as this is just at the beginning of what we are planning and if the block we want doesnt go through then all wont be lost because not far from that one we already own another fishing place that we are thinking we could add a second house to that block.

Since we arent adverse to hard work I am sure we can do this, but I am a bit concerned that we dont have local backup if we get stuck... with all our wonderful timbers in Australia I am quite amazed that we dont have more expertise in log homes. I think we would definitely need some help solving some of those 'finer details' that rreidnauer mentioned (thanks for the tip) but everyone here seems full of information and very helpful... mind you, there is no net (or mobile coverage) up at the lakes there so my questions would have to wait till I returned to Hobart to ask questions which could mean a slow old process but might be well worth it ;)

[jensanau]

Hemlock77 thanks for letting me see your pics.... wow that pic of ?you on top of the erected log wall just puts it into perspective how huge those logs are. Yep there are some great straight trees on the place but I always thought you had to wait to let them season before you could use them so if we are able to use those, then all the better.

Thanks for that...

[hemlock77]

With the methods tought in the class sesoned logs ar not required. There are no settling issues. Ther class goes into great detail on this. Your welcome, pictures are a good way for others to get a small peek at this?wounderful journey we have embarked upon.
Stu
<a href="http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/hemlock77/">http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/hemlock77/</a>?

[ragdump]

Here's a photo of my best tree a 65 ft. Doug fir for my ridge pole



http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/ragdump/cid_49BD32AAE8E011DDBF47DBCB72BCCC4.jpg

[Roy]

Hi
I have built a small cabin in South Africa using some of your local Australian Eucalyptus timber (E.Saligna/Grandis, E.Diversicolor) which grows well over here.
In the USA they do not seem to know much about the Eucalyptus species(I think they grow in Florida and Hawaii, but are not major timber crops), so could not advise me on this particular timber, however you can find out all you need to know in that regard from someone local. At the course you will learn the principles and methods of the construction which apply to all log homes of this type.

I have spent the equivalent of about $38,445.75 AUD (R250 000 ZAR, $24,951.52 USD) to build my 340sq/m place (including furniture), take a look at the link below.

As far as building regulations are concerned, the same principles seem to apply in many western countrys, with some local variations. Building regulations are often based on common sense. We don't really have any regulations over here (in South Africa) that apply to log homes of this type, so they cannot tell me how to do it. I tell them! It can be an advantage.
You mentioned concern about not having local backup, I had the same concern (would I be able to get the tools mentioned in the class, was one of them). Well, the members forums are the greatest! Almost any query has already been answered, and any new querys are welcome and replied to extensively.
When if comes down to it, it's not rocket science, it's just stacking timber!
Take the course! - the cost of the flight, car hire, acommodation and course fee will be well worth it - absolutely - totally - 100%.
Roy.

[huffjohndeb]

Wow for us yanks 3600+ sq ft for 25K USD furnished not bad at all. From the pictures it looks like the Eucalyptus trees have minimal taper and I like the grey weathered appearance.

Nice Job!