Printable View
We are looking forward to go to the class on April 19th & 20th, we are hoping that this class will help us build our dream retirment home in Missouri. We have 34 acres of hilly farm land, the main thing we grow are a few black berries and a lot of tics and chiggers. And by the way the tics and chiggers are free for the taking!!!!
We will see ya'll in April,
Hello from sunny Florida. I love the ocean but miss the trees and mountains. Our highest elevation is Mt Trashmore the local dump. Looking forward to signing up for the next course and seeking a plot of land to build our 1st log cabin. Wish I could do some preliminary studing. I have read alot of the postings but does anyone have any suggestions of books, articles I can read before teh course? Looking forward to a few slivers.
Thanks Steve
Hello Steve, I live in Florida too. You're right about Florida flatness. I can almost get 32 miles per gallon in my 6 cylinder Chrysler when I put it in cruise. I've even pushed my 4x4 monster Dodge truck to 18MPG.
I took the class last January after collecting alot of information about kit homes and finally going to a log home show in Tampa. I drove away from that thing disgusted about what they were calling log homes these days. I even contacted an architect up in the Adirondacks about his building designs. Then I just cut through all the B**Sh** and took the class in Monroe.
I would suggest reading everything on this site. Don't worry about being prepared for the class because it's after the class that everything else begins to make sense. You'll have a better idea about what books you'll need to read then. Like me? I have a stack of books now about concrete, masonry, plumbing, and my favorite, a book about barn building. I have books on old time woodworking, how to work alone, building for lower tax assessments. I'm even thinking of taking a welding course so I can build a metal staircase. I just finished a preliminary floor plan and I'm going to try to start a model.
I won't be building in Florida though. I'll be building on a 23.5 acre property I bought in 2006, upstate NY, 3 miles southwest of the blue line.
Good luck! I hope you get your class soon.
But I want to winter it out in Florida,,,,
:)
Mikey
I was born in rural Kansas too, Gypsum 67448.
I took the class in 1987 and the journeyman's course in 1988. I know you will enjoy the course. Southern Colorado sounds great ! You can visit four corners, mesa verde and a lot of great places!!! Thanks for serving the country!
Best wishes,
Mikey
Hi.
I am just a guy from sweden. A friend of Skip
Hello everyone! My name is Shannon and i live in West Central Minnesota. I am engaged and we have 5 children and i am currently pregnant and due in November 2008 with baby number 6.
As any one knows large houses for large families is hard to find and if and when you do find them they like to charge out the a** for them!
I have always loved log houses and i have always wanted one. I actually was talking to my Fiance a few weeks ago telling him it would be cheaper for us to buy land and build our own.
I was just doing some general searching on building log homes and i ran across this site, and am i ever glad i did!
I am just waiting and hoping another class is scheduled yet, sometime fairly early this year.
Can't wait to get to know all of you and see how you're doing on your projects, i have seen all the photos of ones already done and they're just gorgeous!
After my return in November, 2008, I will begin earnestly seeking out home options for our very large family! We are seriously considering purchasing a log home vs. building. With the "new housing market" taking a dump (i.e., stick home construction), we are wondering how the log-home industry is doing and if the timing is right to buy a student log home vs. building one.
We have six acres around the Angelica, New York area but remain open to living anywhere from north Georgia to New England if the package and/or building opportunities are right! We are seeking enough sqf. for our family of 16. How's that for starters! :)
Anyone have or know of log home project that might fit our situation?
http://www.hike4fathers.com
http://www.truthhiker.com
I can tell you that you won't find a home that large for anywhere near an affordable price. You really should look into taking this course and building a house for yourselves. Sounds like you may have lots of help from family and then you can build what you want.
Debby
Hello Steve, it is very nice to meet you. My husband David and I are planning to retire to Richmond, IN in June 2009 on 7 acres of land. We have always wanted to build our own log cabin home and your course sounds like just what we need to get started. Sure hope you have a class between now and then.
Patricia
Change your water...Change your Life!
Discover the Power of Kangen
Presrve your body and the environment!
www.powerofthemind.com
I hear you SPiral. I cannot wait to take the course and get some land off the grid too. I used to live in Mass. and have hiked the Adirondacks and camped out while in school. I see the writting on the wall in regards to fuel and energy and am looking into ways of making the cabin as off the grid as possible.
Florida is nice but getting a bit toooo crowded and inhospitable here in Ft Lauderdale area. Nice to bake the bones but that can be done by a fireplace too. Nice chunk of land you bought. I haven't settled on a state yet. If I find I enjoy building cabins, I would love to build one in each state I want to see.
TIme will tell. Let me know how the build goes.
It's 6:00am Pacfic Time (my internal clok is set to Eastern), and I'm sitting in my room at the Wallace Falls lodge....waiting.... waiting.
After 2 years of reading this site. After 10+ years of thinking of a log home. After more trains of thought spent on the subject than I can count, I'm about to walk through the door to a reality that until now has only exisited on-line and in my mind.
Boy the clock moves slowly on this coast.
I wish I'd got more sleep.
I'll be right behind you on the 19th - 20th class
Hope you have a great day, enjoy, :-)
We've been watching and reading this site for 2 years now and finally decided to add ourselves to the crowd. We own 150 acres in West Virginia and plan on building there after the Navy is done with me. (or me it) We've picked up ideas and information and are planning on taking the class when we get back to the states. Being stationed here in Japan has made us both long for the open spaces and tranquil silence of our property.
Hello everybody, I am Ivan. I have been looking around this website for the longest time, sence 2006 i think. Just now i sined up for posting forums, I love the discussion about log home.
I am planning to take the class in 2009, after I graduate from nursing program. And by 2013 i am planing to build my log home. Tanks, (sory for the spelling), ivan.
Hey everyone,
I'm Rob from Washington State. I've been lurking around this website for a few years. Building my own house is one of the last few things on my Bucket List. I'm excited to start on this project. I'm currently looking for land in the Methow Valley, On-grid or off, I still haven't decided yet.
Anyway, I'm signed up for the May 2008 class. See you all there.
My wife and I have been planning on building a log home for years now.. I'll be honest, up until now we thought that the only way to go was with a milled kit. And we have planned it that way.. But not anymore.. I'm going to sign up for the class soon, and hopefully be able to build our dream home using the methods discussed on this site and in the class.
The good news is that we just inherited 15 spectacular wooded acres and have access to another 200+ acres of family owned land for logs.. So I'm ready to build!! I'm hoping with the sell of our current house that we can make enough to build our next house mortgage free!!
My name is Mandy and I found this site because I'm doing research on Log Homes. My husband and I are interested in building a log home in 2-3 years from now, but I figured it never hurts to compile information ahead of time. We will be building our home in NY. I look forward to gathering more knowledge and advice from this site!! :)
Welcome to the forum. There is a wealth of information here and you arrived just in time. The association recommends you begin planning and learning about two years from when you want to start. This way you can start collecting tools, equipment, logs, etc as you find deals and can keep the final cost of construction low. It also allows you to develop your house design, make changes if needed and build your model to make sure that what you designed on paper will actually meet your goals.
Have you considered taking the class? Ask anyone here and they'll tell you it's the best money they ever spent. It will really open your eyes to the possibility of building your own home morgage free, or at least very low mortgage (many variables here but many members have done it). I think there are still seats available for an upcoming class. In the mean time browse and search the forum. I log on every day and haven't even scratched the surface. Ask questions! Everyone here is happy to help any way we can.
Enjoy
JD
Holy Cow is all I can say. I've spent dozens of hours reading the public forums over the last couple weeks and I'm in awe.
The depth and breadth of knowledge exhibited by the members is staggering (And where did you guys find Rod?! That guy?s got to be some kind of genius).
I?m signed up for the May class and I?m incredibly excited. I?ve always wanted a log home but until I found this site would never have imagined I could build one myself for a fraction of the cost of a ?traditional? home.
I?m starting to see this as a life changing opportunity for me, not just a way to get a nice home on the cheap. I?m currently writing software for a multi-billion dollar corporation and I?ve really fallen into a very sedentary lifestyle. I work in a dark office all day, get little or no exercise, eat garbage most of the time, and spend much of my free time wondering what I?m doing with my life.
After a couple days on this site the light bulb really went on. All of a sudden the path was clear for me? I will save up some money, buy some land, obtain some logs, move onto the land in some kind of travel-trailer, and start a daily regiment of hard work.
The more I think about it, the more it starts to snowball in my mind. This is my opportunity not only to get out of the rat-race but to really rediscover myself. This is my opportunity to make a radical life altering change that will lead me to a place where I?m living much more in harmony with myself and the world around me.
I?ve heard it said on the forums that this class can be a life-changing experience. Well I?m ready, bring it on!
This is the most impressive online community I?ve seen and that?s obviously a big part of what drives the process. So thanks a lot to those people who make this happen. I can?t wait to get access to the members section.
At this point my biggest challenge, other than waiting for the class, is to not get fired from my job for spending all day on the LHBA web site! ? Can?t lose the job yet, I have to save up some cash to make this happen.
Current status: Waiting for the class and looking for land.
Craig
I too am a programmer who has been sedentary for the last 10 years or so. Before that, I had nearly every miscellaneous job you can think of, including lots of food service jobs that kept me active.Quote:
Originally Posted by Yuhjn
Donna and I recently joined a gym, and are working to get in shape. Our goals are not only to be healthier and slimmer in general, but also for me to rebuild many of the muscles I let go flabby over the last 10 years. Last year I tiled my basement / foyer, and it KILLED me! I was SO sore, I had to wait more than a week for the pain to subside before I could do the grout. There's no way I'm going to build my log home in a timely fashion if I'm crippled for a week after every time I do anything physical. Anyway, something to think about.
I too am longing to simplify my life and live in harmony with my environment. Fortunately, I telecommute, and my boss is pretty excited for me and my plans, and fully supports keeping me around after I move to the middle of nowhere, hehe. (I currently drive into the office periodically - about a 90 minute drive). I'm still working on my budget for my home. I'm hoping I can afford to have some of the ammenities Donna requires (nice kitchen, luxurious master bath, nice flooring, etc.) and still have enough money to add solar hot water heaters, pv panels, geothermal heat pump, and a windmill. Oh yeah, AND have a spectacular view of the mountain I have pics of on my website.
(btw - my website must seem very crude for being made by a programmer. Please don't take this as an indication of my coding prowess, lol. It's just that right now I don't have much to put there anyway, and building a fancy website right now feels an awful lot like WORK -- you know, the kind I do all day until my eyes bleed.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Klapton
After looking at that view all I can say is "wow". I sure hope you can make that work, it's a view to die for.
I will probably look for a telecommute job after I build, but during that process I want no outside distractions or obligations if I can possible help it. It's going to be challenging for me to throw off the old habbits and if I can truely isolate myself I think I'll have a better time with it (yes I'm a pretty obsessive person :)
I tried joining a gym... I went a few times and then quit. I find it hard to change my life in small increments like that... too easy to fall back into old patterns. That's why I want the complete immersion in the build. I realize it's going to kill me getting started, but if I've left myself no other option (by quitting my job, selling my current residence, and moving into a travel trailer on some land without utilities) I'll have no choice. I seem to do better when I dont have much choice in the matter. :)
So good luck with your land hunt! I'll be watching your website for progress.
Craig
This is a great site. Have always wanted to build my own home for my family, something I could be proud of and so could they. Im motivated to attend the class, but still have some convincing to do w/ family. Anyways great info and seems to be some nice people involved.
greetings:
class of june 2007 and was/still blown away by the amount of info we got in just a weekend.
hope to get started soon.
Hey Steve,
i took the class in Seattle in November of 2006, unfortunately, i don't yet have land or the funds to start building or buying things for a log home, i'm in
the planning, searching, saving-money, stage of the process. I haven't really spent much time on this website since the class, so i'd like to start reading and refreshing my memory on all the stuff that you went over in the class, and i also want to look around for others here in South Carolina who may have advice on good locations, good trees, etc.
I am originally from the NW but moved to Missouri about 10 years ago. Fell in love with the Ozarks but miss the mountains. I plan to build a cordwood home so I am not exactly in the right place but everything I have been reading about in reference to alterative energy has in one way or another brought me here. So I figured I would quit lurking and sign in.
I am currently working in Iraq. My down time provides ample opportunity for mind building. I will look at the pics from my place and think everything through from the ground up. Radiant heating, on demand water, wind power, rain catch basin, grey water recycling, red worm composting, raised bed gardening. oh and with the 3/4 acre pond, there are ducks, bass , crappie and if I can keep it cold enough, trout.
That is me in a nut shell
Could you please tell me how many cement blocks,stacked 2 high staggered, do I need for a 32' , 8 sided navajo hogan style log cabin foundation. I am getting ready to start digging out the outter perimeter so that I can pour, and smooth out within, cement and then get started on the block laying. I know I am suppose to insert rebar within the middle of each wall area that is to be built and then thru the first log laid. The getting started and making a strong foundation is going to be the hardest for me. Thanks for any help you may have and info. Do you ever hold classes in Missoula, Montana? hml
Classes are held in Monroe, WA.Quote:
Originally Posted by hoganmtnlady
Your question about foundations isn't one that can be answered very simply here. Cement blocks really aren't strong enough to hold up a log structure. You want to have at least poured concrete pier blocks every six or seven feet (you should consult an engineer for specifics), or use a continuous poured foundation. If there is one step you might consider leaving to professionals rather than doing it yourself, one of the most cost-effective ones is excavation and concrete work. But even then, the specifics about how that foundation should be built should be answered by an engineer.
I think you could benefit greatly from taking the class. I have imagined what it might be like to build an octagonal log home, and the techniques and principles taught in the class should work fine. (I have no idea what kind of roof to put on it though... they encourage a simple, gable roof in the class, because everything they teach in the class is geared toward simplicity and cost-effectiveness).
Hi everyone! I have been 'lurking' on the site for probably two years, finally got signed up so that I can post. We currently live in an A-frame in the Rockies, but have dreamt about building my own log home since I was a little girl (just have to convince my other half!). Hoping to find some property in Wyoming in the next year or so and start building in two or three. Can't make it to the May class, but really crossing our fingers for the next one to be scheduled.
Hi Mandy,Quote:
Originally Posted by Mandy628
Where in NY are you going to build? already have land? I am going to build on a 23.5 acre lot I picked up in 2006 near the town of Dolgeville, 3 miles from the Adirondack blue line. There are a few more Ny'er aboard.
Frances
Hello everybody from the April 19th class! I for one am very excited! I learned all the stuff we need to go ahead and build. Thanks to two great teachers, Steve and Ellsworth. The other teacher is the house itself. Worth every cent to attend!
I spoke to our county tax assessor(San Juan County, Washington) and got a few tips on reducing future property tax. One is that open lofts are not taxed at the same rate as closed in rooms. Cool, right? I wanted a loft to make the house feel more open any way and now I find that it is even cheaper on taxes. Also, basements are taxed at a cheaper rate than the main levels of the house. Taxes are of serious concern as they are one of the few expenses we will have after we build our home. By the way, I am actually Sharon, the one with so many questions in class. Keep in touch everybody.
Taking the plunge.
Working on talking the lady into taking the class, and looking for land. Mostly working on the lady.
Hi to all
CB
Welcome Sharon! wear your badge proudly
and welcome to the NOOBIES!
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s.../whacky024.gif
So,get on the list..get on the list
Hurry up newbies or ya might get missed..
and if you're missed
ya might pis..zzzzt..
(err I mean mad.)
wheres Steve with his Hakiu stuff?
heh heh
Kolapest
Hi all,
Family and I are relocating to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho next month and we are going to construct our own home - log home that is. Our first stop is buying a piece of property in the area. If anybody has any advice on this stage I would sure appreciate it... I plan on joining the association, attending the class, and starting the build all in due time but must first pick out the right acreage.
Anyway, I look forward to getting to know you all and eventually meeting you.
Thanks and have a great week.
Idaho Jay
gatrdet98@aol.com
Welcome Idaho Jay,
The class contains some tips on finding land, but if you happen across a deal before you take the class, be very careful to read the title. Also, do some research on adjoining properties and speak to owners of those properties if you can locate them.
The main thing to look-out for in the Western US in rural properties is to verify who owns the mineral and water rights. Don't take these for granted. Water rights may be covered by a communal agreement by local authorities or it may not.
But, in most cases, the Mineral rights are owned by a third party. Don't buy the land unless you can re-attach and control the mineral rights (you may have to purchase these, as most holders won't let them go cheap). Without these, you only will own the top 6' of soil. And the mineral rights owner can near do anything they like to your home and property in exercising their right--making it impossible for you to remain living on the property. Don?t let local attorneys tell you differently (they often will, either to help increase the perceived value of property in their area--and by association their own investments, or simply because they've never been exposed to a legal case resulting there from) ---the laws that allow them to do this have been around since the late 19th century and are Federal laws. Local authorities have no ability to alter or amend them (except in cases where the property boundries are within a municaplity/city/township or other incorparation where legal instruments have been used to define the limitations---if you live in a city, chances are that the city government has dealt with the legal issues at hand for the enire land area and a third party rights holder either was bought out or is legally put in check---one good thing that actually comes from eminent domain????). They and especially members of the real estate industry WILL TRY to talk this notion down--usually, saying it NEVER HAPPENS. Don't be like 90% of rural land buyers and fall for that. Mineral Rights controlled by a third party is a LIABILITY. Never buy land/property with existing liabilities.
That being said, you will find more rural properties in the Western US that do not fit this simple requirement than those that do. If you are not legal-savvy, pay the fee and retain a real estate lawyer ---NOT a local one. Get one from the nearest large city possible who will take on your title review and purchase agreement AND has experience with rural properties and governments.
This may seem at odds with "getting away from bureaucracy" that most of us seek in rural areas, but local legal advice tends to be filled with nepotism, back scratching and graft. What you want is completely impartial expertise on your side.
Now, if the property you want is part of an incorporation/municipality/City/& etc. There may be overarching legal protections on all property within its boundaries with respect to mineral and water rights. If this is the case, then the above would not apply ---but check first before buying.
Best of luck!
-Andrew
Hey Idaho Jay,
Ascertaining mineral rights in the area you mention is mandatory.....and might be too expensive for you to purchase. That district is one of the biggest silver mining regeons in the world. The mines are mothballed until the price of silver shoots up. They undercut many houses in their time. Beware.
Marcus Ward
Howya doin, Steve? You and Ellsworth were the instructors when I took the course last June. I've found 6 acres near Pittsburgh in a residential area to build my log home and am excited by the prospect of making something out of nothing. I'll own the land free and clear, so the "no mortgage" plan will be in full effect. However, I have to dig a well and could use any input as to how to proceed. Thanks for the forum. Dan
Hi all-
I just registered for the class coming up in June - I can't wait! I've been thinking of taking it for a couple years and finally decided to take the leap. I'm in Chicago and am thinking that I'll probably be shooting to build something in Northern Wisconsin a year or two after taking the class - as I understand that's the recommended time to gather necessary tools, investigate log options, etc. I was wondering if there was any advice you felt was important to share with me before taking the class. Anything special I should prep? Should I start thinking about ideas of what I want or is to too early, all that kind of stuff......
Any thoughts, ideas, recommendations, advice, etc. would be appreciated. Also, I know I'll learn much of this in the class, but any gut reactions to how easy or difficult getting house logs in WI might be? There seems to be some decent deals on land.....
Hi all. My lovely wife and I took the class with Skip as our instructor in 1989. We were married on the porch of a log chalet (really just a log outhouse that turned into a "flushtoiletbathroomwithalargeporchandareallycoolr oof") that I built as my first practice log building. I've since built several log buildings for myself and others, including one that was in a Grizzly Adams movie. It's been a long road getting where we are right now and we're ready to finally build OUR home. We own the land and have lived here for 15 years in the ugly trailer that we thought would be gone years ago. I just hope I'm not too old and worn out to finish the job. I'll be needing you guys and gals to push me once in awhile.
PS. Do we still have those monthly meetings that used to happen so we can get a bit of critique and inspiration?...
Thanks... Ron and Patty... Mr. n Mrs. loghousenut
What I would do is find people in your area who have a well and ask who drilled it? If you can find 2 people who recommend the same driller, go with them.
Ron