Introduction

[5Solas]

Hello and good afternoon...stumbled across the LHBA a week ago and already have "the fever" along with getting the wife hooked as well. If the training dates work out (blasted military scheduling) we should both be attending the June class and are very excited about learning how to build our own house with our own hands.

On my initial perusal of the site we both had visions of completing a 30x30 for under $40k in 9 months with me working a full-time+ job but after sifting through the forums it seems that this might be a bit ambitious, especially since neither of us have construction experience or the proper tools. Regardless, we can't wait to take the course and get started on the journey even if it means not building this assignment (though maybe we'll get lucky!).

Everyone here seems quite friendly and I look forward to picking your brains about all things log home. Talk to you all soon.

[jrdavis]

welcome 5Solas and read all you can.
There are lots of "military folks" lurking around here.
I'm currently a contractor working for the military in baghdad.
I'm heading home in the next 40 days and have been accumulating items for quite a while.
Look forward to hearing more from you -- just ask LOTS of questions (after reading lots) :D and we'll answer what we can till you "get to the other side".

[StressMan79]

hello 5.

yeah, 9 months is a bit sporty, especially if you want to keep costs down. You'll prolly hear this: Fast, good, cheap: you can only have 2 out of the three. If you want it done fast you had better live on site, but that often precludes a job, so the income is basically stopped. If you want it done fast, you'll also have to buy much or the supplies retail, which will cost > double than if you buy them used or surplus. Tools go the same way. I don't know where you are, but if you are in the washington area, I am building my one and only home, and will pay member helpers in tools...not a bad way to go.

Thank you for your service.

-Peter

[donjuedo]

hello 5.

... will pay member helpers in tools...not a bad way to go.



That's especially smart -- great idea!


(other) Peter (future member)

[5Solas]

Thanks all for the replies and welcomes...for some reason I never got the emails saying that there were new posts here or else I would have responded sooner! JRDavis, keep your head down and powder dry for the home stretch; you and I both know too many that didn't make it and the ones that went just prior to homecoming felt all the worse. Stressman, you're absolutely right about the "2 out of 3" issue and I'll be sure to keep that in my hip pocket. Of course, I also wish that I lived much closer to WA so I could help you out and get some tools in the process!

So, thanks to that aforementioned military scheduling, it turns out that I don't have leave during the period, only "admin days" which precludes us from attending the summer course. As I want to start collecting tools and resources now but can't go to a class until much later, is there a "public" list of tools or supplies that I can start squirreling away or a link to a similar thread that discusses this? Thanks in advance and take care.