Central Oregon Log Home Plans

[drtechs]

Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone has built their Log Home in Oregon yet? I bought my land, had my Well drilled and now need my plans drawn up. I had drawn my plans for the Log Home I want and now I guess I need to find a Licensed Architect/Engineer to take my completed idea's and draw me up some completed plans to submit. I was having an experienced, not Licensed, Architect draw these out for me until I spoke with a County Planner in the area I am going to build. He stated to me that when it comes to a Log Home, it HAS TO be drawn by a Licensed Architect and then the Foundation and Roof/Truss sections need to be drawn AND STAMPED by a Licensed Engineer. Does this sound correct for Oregon? If so, if ANYONE has built their Log Home in this State and had your plans drawn up by someone honest and reasonable, can you recommend them to me, especially now that I have been told this by the County Planner. If what I stated above is not correct, can someone please explain to me what exactly my options are for obtaining exceptable plans for my small dream Log Home?
Thx In Advance

[edkemper]

I have plan for both a 30X30 and 40X40, including the 14X14 shed and garage. I bought them as stock association plans when I took the class. They are drawn by one of our members. The cheapest and best way to build your home is to first take the class the association puts on first. The relatively cheap plans are only the tip of the iceberg on saving money building this way.

I will be building in South Central Oregon if you remember. We'll become good friends along this process.

[loghousenut]

Have you considered maybe hiring a contractor to build a kit house? It might be easier and cheaper than having to learn it all the hard way. On the other hand if you are interested in the style of building and the lifestyle that is promoted on this site, why not give the LHBA method a try. I have easily saved the price of a new house with what I learned and the connections that I made when I took the LHBA's two day course from Skip Ellsworth 20 years ago. There have been few days in those 20 years that have not been affected by that class.

We are currently building the first legal building that I have ever built. It is happening on the property that we currently live on right here in Grants Pass, Oregon. Getting my plans approved using the connections that I made through the association was a BREEZE. I knew going in that I needed plans drawn by a liscensed archetect who was versed in the LHBA method and backed by a liscensed engineer who was also so versed. I did not find those proffessionals by asking my local County Official. My County plans inspector shook his head and commented that he had never seen anything like this as he first viewed my plans package. He then glanced through the engineers calculations and verified that both archetect and engineer had signed of and said "Let me make a small change or two and I'll call you in a week... These plans will pass". Had I asked him to suggest a local archetect and engineer I can imagine that he would have directed me to the fellow who designs for the local log house kit company. It could NOT have worked.

You are an experienced poster on this forum and you have a good idea how most of us would advise you. You appear to me as a "one of us" kinda person and yet, when we sit on the stump beside you trying to get in your head without getting in your face, you seem to turn a deaf ear.

If I understand the situation, you are doing this thing from the southern end of another state. Long distance building is tougher but definately doable if you use the LHBA methods. I'd like to offer my assistance as a guy who is going through it all from a site that is within driving distance of your building site.

TAKE the CLASS and, once you are on the members' side, I will leave you my contact information. Stop in and check out what is happening here and pick my brain. You'll be welcome anytime and I have TOOLS that can be borrowed. Learn everything you can from my mistakes and then regroup and see where you're headed. I'd invite you over before class but, believe me, it wouldn't be the same. It would surprise me if I were the only one in our group who makes this offer to you. TAKE THE CLASS and TAKE THE SPOUSE WITH YOU!

You have my personal "Costco style" guarantee that after class you will thank all of us who have pushed you.

[davids]

I"ve paid a visit to the planning department here in Eugene already, with my plans in hand. They were real helpful. I have plans purchased through the LHBA for a 30 X 30. They said that all I'd need would be and Engineer's sign off on the plans and I'd be good to go. I contacted the one engineer that is a part of the association and he is licensed to approve the plans, in Oregon. My suggestion is to take the class and all will come together, as there are alot more ideas/info there.
My 2 cents.

[kehaney]

what county are you in?? I am building this summer in La Pine, Klamath county, have drawn the plans myself and have hired a engineer to calc the foundation and roof structure. I think thats all you need. If you are the owner and builder you can draw your own plans

[kehaney]

Building in La Pine this summer ( Klamath county) Have drawn my own plans with an engineer calc the foundation and roof................should be no trouble.........any info on a good source of logs in that area at a fair price???

[Blondie]

Good Morning,

Please, before you spend any money or any more time...please take the class. I know that we sound like a bunch of broken records BUT your opinion of what you want and need will change after the class.

Blondie
Have land/with a spring and a VIEW
wking on septic
wking on plans
Have logs nailed down.

[RockEngineer]

Building in La Pine this summer ( Klamath county) Have drawn my own plans with an engineer calc the foundation and roof................should be no trouble.........any info on a good source of logs in that area at a fair price???

Your engineer should also do a lateral analysis for wind and seismic loads. The analysis should vary depending on how you are planning to connect your logs together (rebar, thru bolts, spikes, lag bolts, drift pins, etc). You and your engineer need to recognize the problems and advantages of each connection method and how that changes the design details (i.e. is settling a problem and do you need to account for that).
Drawing your own plans is not a problem as long as you understand what is required tobe on the plans and you include all the proper structural details for your log building system.
If you are using log girders and other than 2x floor framing, these should also be engineered.
Yes, I am licenced have engineered many log homes both LHBA and others in Oregon. There are also many other fine engineers licensed in Oregon. Just be sure your engineer is knowledgable with the log building method you are using.