Labor Trading in the Association (Ohio)

[SMP]

Hi All,

I am considering the LHBA class but would like to get some information first. After attending the class, I would want to offer my labor, free of charge, to other log builders around Ohio. I could imagine that this would be an ideal way to learn the craft.

So, I am wondering how easy or difficult it will be to locate such opportunities?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Best!
Sean

[loghousenut]

Sean,

If you don't mind a bit of a drive, you are surrounded by LHBA members. I live in Southern Oregon and most folks would say I am in prime log home country. Funny thing is that there are very few members that are closer than 8 hours away from me. You will probably find yourself within a 2 hour drive of 10 or 20 members who are at various stages of their build. You'll have a chance to swap as much labor as you can afford to get rid of, and you'll meet lifelong friends who share an interest.

Learning the craft will happen at class. You'll come away from class with 90% of what you need to build your home and the other 30% you'll get from the members side of the forum. Even if you never touched another LHBA home you would be able to build your own home with your own hands.

Keep reading and see if you can find anyone to offer an opposing view. Happy Thanksgiving.


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Wow/Rafters9-2010442.jpg

[panderson03]

FUNNY LHN! was math your specialty?? :)

MR/MS SMP, our LHN is quite correct. there will be plenty of opportunity to hone your new-found skill after you take the class. you'll have to decide how far you're willing to drive though. we're in MN and would be most grateful for the help, once you take the class!

welcome aboard:)

[StressMan79]

I paid for one member from Ohio to fly out to my place (in WA) for a month last year...I know of several members building in PA right now, lots in NY state... In short, there are opportunities out there.

[rckclmbr428]

I'm always building in Virginia, sometimes in Colorado, sometimes New York, sometimes North Carolina.....

[dazedandconfused]

Stress is right, i am planning on my build in the spring so take the class soon :), I have a circle of about 5 guys who are within a few hours of me, i am heading up to another members tomorrow to gain insight, about 2 hrs away, I took the class in May and have started collecting money and tools, you will meet as many builds as you like and we will open our arms to someone willing to help and will help you as well.

[rreidnauer]

Looking forward to your arrival dazedandconfused. Steve and I made a ton of prep-work progress today, and will be definitely getting to log peeling & stacking of the first course. In addition, we'll have two other members coming up too. Gonna be a rocking time.

[JeffandSara]

On the other hand, Sean, when we built our home we had no local LHBA graduate contacts (no forum at that time, and no fellow students from our class in our area). My husband and I both took the class, and we built by ourselves with some help from one friend and a couple of family members. We didn't even build a shed or other small building first. The log building part of the class is VERY practical and straight-forward, and the rest of the build is pretty much standard construction.

As loghousenut said, take the class, pay attention, ask questions, do visit other members' homes if you get the chance (so you can see it all up close), and it ought to make sense to you, whether or not you get to help with other builds. :)

Welcome to the forums! Sara :)

[Egilkinson]

SMP,

I live in North East Ohio and I am also considering taking the January class. Where are you located in OH.

Eric

[drummer boy]

Dexter Yeager said "If the dream is big enough the facts don't count." I am a father of 7 special needs children and a pastor on a tight budget and schedule. (ages 2-14) I really wanted to see a home in progress and maybe even get to help. I drove over 12 hours 4th of July weekend from Arkansas to North Carolina (one way). I helped put in the rafters and build a life long friendship. Hey, I even made it back to preach. Not only that but the builder in NC helped me with my message. Thanks Fowler family. The friendships are more valuable than the experience of building in my opinion. I think many here on the forum will agree.

[stamic55]

I have a member from Ohio on my email list. He's not planning to build anytime soon, but there's at least one member there. I hope to build in Sharon, PA at some point in the next 10 years. That's right on the Ohio border!

[ivanshayka]

I am planning to build in 1-2 years. I had planned on next year, but due to financial strain, i have to delay a bit. So, if you are not building in two years I will contanct you on member's side.

[ivanshayka]

PS. I am in process of building 10X10 shed. here is the pics after only 8 months of taking the class.
http://s1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee382/ivanshayka/Log%20Home%20-%20Practice%20Shed/