Common Sense

[Builderguy]

I have been studying log home building for years, well dreaming maybe. Some background on me is I was a custom homebuilder/realtor (stick) for years. Common sense told me if you wanted to lock something in place you cross stacked it. Everything I read on this site is common sense. From the overhangs to protect the wood, to the butt and pass stacking. All make sense. I am also a Dave Ramsey fan so this is right up anyone who likes hims alley. For the people that truly fear some of the steps after taking the class, you can always hire quality prople to help you in certain steps. Your still going to save tons AND get a quality, if not technically perfect home. I know this goes against the grain just a bit, but might remove some of the fear. I have lived in big stick built homes, and am soooo tired of the headaches. I have always wanted a log home, nothing fancy, but comfortable. I am truly excited about this class and look forward to it. I am planning on Sept in Vegas (where my sister lives). Anyone wants to chat here until then lets talk. I cannot get enough of this.

[Shark]

That is how we built ours, the LHBA plan + Dave Ramsey plan. Rice & beans, beans & rice, budget budget budget during the build.
Some people want the "Cadillac" of log homes, this way I say you get closer to a "3/4 ton diesel truck" of log homes, you can still shine them up, but most likely stronger than 95% of everything else on the block :)

[blane]

Common sense is rare these days. Life can be simple and uncomplicated from the preasures of "making the note". Dave Ramsey kept me encouraged as my family of 7 paid off 150000 in two years. Our friends thought we lost our minds and still question the lifestyle we have choosen live. Simple does not mean easy though, however any one willing to work hard and live within their income will not have the stress in life that can put a person into bondage.

Our journey in building our home has been such a blast and has given us so much confidence in so many areas that we previously had no experience in before. Our home will not be perfect by any means but it will be the best built home I have ever owned. A tank rather than a cadillac I would say.

Builderguy, you will love Ellsworth and Steve and their gift of passing on the knowledge they have. It is amazing how much you can learn in two days, then the forum on the other side is priceless. This is a community of people who want to see others succed in life.

blanefowlerfamily.blogspot.com

[Builderguy]

Thanks for the replies. The lifestyle is definitely what I am after. My children are grown and I want to live comfortably close to them. I am a Dave Ramsey ELP, and love my career (real estate). I cant wait to take the class. I will be relocating, so my income will drop drastically, so I need the paid off mortgage. Blane, congrats on your DR plan working. ITs an incredible feeling isnt it? most have no clue how much the finance and pay in interest, and most likely health issues from worrying about everything. The biggest questions I have are in the way of the foundation. That is such a big expense in stick building, and these log homes are considerably heavier. I cant wait to see what is suggested, or taught, in the class, in this area.

[blane]

If you use the pier foundation as taught in class your foundation will be very inexpensive, but very sound.
Thanks for the replies. The lifestyle is definitely what I am after. My children are grown and I want to live comfortably close to them. I am a Dave Ramsey ELP, and love my career (real estate). I cant wait to take the class. I will be relocating, so my income will drop drastically, so I need the paid off mortgage. Blane, congrats on your DR plan working. ITs an incredible feeling isnt it? most have no clue how much the finance and pay in interest, and most likely health issues from worrying about everything. The biggest questions I have are in the way of the foundation. That is such a big expense in stick building, and these log homes are considerably heavier. I cant wait to see what is suggested, or taught, in the class, in this area.

[LogSurfer2]

Nice to meet you, builderguy! I really do hope you make it to the Sept. class....that is the class my husband & I will be in....and it seems this class will be right up your alley and change your life like I know it will change ours. I feel like I know what is in store for us, and yet I'm sure many others thought that, too. Still it seems everyone says there is so much more than they expected....so I'm thrilled that we are finally signed up. I am from San Jose, CA, where are you from? We are hoping to buy land & build about 3 hours from here, so as to escape the Bay Area's rat race & high price tags...but close enough to our family & friends that we just can't do without! :-) Take care and I hope to meet you in the fall.

Judy & Don (logsurfer) Rainey