Massachusetts building codes laws etc

[Nordin]

Ok I live in Mass. The option of moving is not there for me. I'm very interested in building a log home but does anyone know if the hoops one has to jump through in Mass that would make this an unwise venture for me? Basically will the permits and building codes allow me to do this? I know that there is a class in Boston soon but money is tight. I'd be more inclined to sign up if someone with past experience in this state could help me. Has anyone built in Mass before that can tell me any issues I might run into? Also is it actually possible to get free logs in this state?

I'd appreciate any feedback you all have.

Also just out of curiosity how long does it take to build the shell of a log house meaning the outer walls and roof?

Any help at all would be appreciated

Nordin

[Shark]

I haven't heard of anyone in any state that was unable to build because of local codes.

The biggest hurdle might be having to have your plans engineered, but that isn't a big deal.

The class is well worth it, & there is usually only classes out west, so if there is one out east it might be the perfect time to attend.

Our logs were up in 1 month, and had a roof on 3 weeks later (hired that part out).

Hope that helps
Jeff

[2 cents]

i think hemlock is building in connecticut, same type of hoop-jumping as mass., i would guess....
maybe search for some posts by hemlock77.

[ccosborne3]

Hiya, I'm also from Mass. each municipality is different. Contact the city or town you want to build in. many of them have building requirements on their town web sites. Theoretically the farther you get from Boston the less the codes and rules should effect you. Someone who builds in Quincy will have a very different experience than someone that builds in E. Brookfield or Ware.

There is a story on the main page of a couple who built their cabin in under 9 weeks. It's a good question, I'd think that if anyone had the equipment at hand and the dudes to haul the logs up they could erect it pretty quickly.

Good luck with your decision.

[spirochete]

I live here in Mass, too. Yeah. there seem to be a lot of hurdles. The biggest one I've seen is that you must have a GC license to even build your own house, or at least that's how I read the rules. Have you found anything different?

Anyone got to the engineering stage yet?