Introduce yourself

My name is Guru. I live in San Francisco bay area.

I am a regular reader of this forum. I like the idea of building my own log home.

My dream is to build a log home (my primary home) in Los Gatos Mountains. As of now I am just gathering information.
I would definitely take the class in the next 2-3 years just to learn and appreciate the art of building your own home. There is a voice in the back of my mind that keeps telling me that I cannot do it and it is not as easy. I am just being practical and not getting too carried away by dreams.

It is do able. You can build your own home in a year or two. They will tell you in the class: "this is hard work, no doubt. But is it harder than working for 30 years?"

You need to decide what your priorities are. I know one member who spent a winter in an 8x8 garden shed. I'm guessing that if you are living in SF, you make some decent (for the rest of us) money. Save some. I saw a news story of a lady who built an 8x8 "mobile home" on the back of a trailer, and parked it at a friend's house. She showered there, but other than that, lived in the home. You can build one of these for 500-1000 bucks, have next to no utilities, and save your salary (I'm guessing ~100K?) for a building project. Take the class, network with other members, buy your land and in 3-5 years, you could be debt free. Sell the first one and in 5-10 years you can retire.

Oh, one of the biggest issues with building your own place is the codes you have to jump through. They were never written for owner builders of log homes, but are applicable none the less, just ask your local code enforcer. In washington, they can't do much to you, save not giving you a Certificate of Occupancy. But if you ever want to sell, you will be hard pressed without a CO (banks don't like to loan money wihtout one). Anyway, you will be able to balance the issues and bounce ideas off other members in the member's area.

Anyway, you CAN do it, get as much money as you can saved (I might recommend changing it to gold--paper has no backing) and take the class. You'll learn more than you will in a 3 credit class without the cost or time.

-Peter

Guru,

We're from just outside Sacratomato. Temporary home of the Govenator. The wife and I will be going to the Feb 14th class and are very excited about what we're going to learn. It'll be one of those 3 day weekends stuffed into two days. A huge amount of helpful information and tricks of the trade. Gaining new friends. But probably the best thing that comes with the weekend is access to the members only areas. I've read every single post here, now I want the rest. Access to new future friends and a lot more helpful details.

We got our land and we hope to start the process of collecting supplies and materials. From our own trees/logs to the type of lighting is all up to us. To be able to live there without the cost of buying our power. Pretty cool dream/plan this late in life. A new type of excitement.

I've been on this site for a few months now, but I dont think I made a formal introduction. I'm Suzanne, searching for land in Western North Carolina. I live at the coast now, havent liked it since I got here, and anxiously waiting the move home. Actually I'm going up this weekend to look at some land and I hope its what I'm looking for. Southern exposure, perfect for a passive solar log cabin. I'm looking forward to taking the class too. I've always been handy, remodeled with my dad and build a few things as well. Sounds like this method is exactly what a single person (with occasional help) could use to build a beautiful structurally sound home. I have a ton of questions that I'm sure will be answered in the class. That's the next step!

Thanks for such an informative group.

Suzanne

Searching for land, gleaning all the info I can get
Suzanne

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by edkemper

Guru, We're from just outside Sacratomato. Temporary home of the Govenator. The wife and I will be going to the Feb 14th class and are very excited about what we're going to learn. It'll be one of those 3 day weekends stuffed into two days. A huge amount of helpful information and tricks of the trade. Gaining new friends. But probably the best thing that comes with the weekend is access to the members only areas. I've read every single post here, now I want the rest. Access to new future friends and a lot more helpful details. We got our land and we hope to start the process of collecting supplies and materials. From our own trees/logs to the type of lighting is all up to us. To be able to live there without the cost of buying our power. Pretty cool dream/plan this late in life. A new type of excitement.

---

Howdy,? I live in? Los Angeles county//? true story about Arnold--or according to his friend. Met a guy on a jobsite that is a friend of Arnold's--goes to his home often--gets to eat free at one of the restaurants he owns--this guy is a cabinet maker. Says he meet?Arnold years earlier in the 80'S? on vacation in??Rio De Janeiro and became friends.




Said his worker was arrested for battery to his wife--so knowing Arnold he calls him up asking?for some inside help to get the charges dropped etc---silence on the phone??......????? then Arnold says? hey---your my friend right------yea-----when you have no food? or shelter call me......??in other words--don't call me to get some buddy of yours out of jail!....The cabinet maker said he waited a few months? before he called Arnold again!---let him cool down------so I tell this story to a drywall contractor friend of mine --when I get?to the part about no shelter no food call me----my friend says --hey, get?me that phone number!? Arnold's a billionaire, you know that right?

Hello All...
I am a little taken aback right now. I just read on the opening page that Skip has passed away last August?
I have a hard time believing that.... I guess, because he is just too good at outfoxing everything... and I suppose that applies to death as well. I do not mean to be rude... he is a very dear friend of mine...and I just cant assimulate this very well.
I wonder.... is this true?

I have taken Skips classes two different times, and many of my family have attended... and built. I cant count the monthly log house meetings and dinners... and just the friendly times at the house.
I still believe that Skip forcast so many things, including the turbulent times our country is in now... he hit the nail on the head with that forcast, and many other things as well.
Where is Chip? Where is Skips wife?
Oh, I just cannot believe this...
Sorry to all for the loss. He really is a legend in his own time... and in my mind.
Valerie Carsen
Firetrail7@yahoo.com

Hey edkemper

Good to know that there are people close by who are also dreaming about log home.
I am sure it is worth while to take the class. Its a great skill to know.
I am reading all the posts here and preparing mentally for the big task. Good luck with your class. I have read that the member group is like a family. People help each other and you can rely on people.
Will join the member club someday soon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StressMan79

It is do able. You can build your own home in a year or two. They will tell you in the class: "this is hard work, no doubt. But is it harder than working for 30 years?"

You need to decide what your priorities are. I know one member who spent a winter in an 8x8 garden shed. I'm guessing that if you are living in SF, you make some decent (for the rest of us) money. Save some. I saw a news story of a lady who built an 8x8 "mobile home" on the back of a trailer, and parked it at a friend's house. She showered there, but other than that, lived in the home. You can build one of these for 500-1000 bucks, have next to no utilities, and save your salary (I'm guessing ~100K?) for a building project. Take the class, network with other members, buy your land and in 3-5 years, you could be debt free. Sell the first one and in 5-10 years you can retire.

Oh, one of the biggest issues with building your own place is the codes you have to jump through. They were never written for owner builders of log homes, but are applicable none the less, just ask your local code enforcer. In washington, they can't do much to you, save not giving you a Certificate of Occupancy. But if you ever want to sell, you will be hard pressed without a CO (banks don't like to loan money wihtout one). Anyway, you will be able to balance the issues and bounce ideas off other members in the member's area.

Anyway, you CAN do it, get as much money as you can saved (I might recommend changing it to gold--paper has no backing) and take the class. You'll learn more than you will in a 3 credit class without the cost or time.

-Peter

---

Hey Peter

Good to hear from you. I understand that it is not a easy task. I have a decent job and make decent money (otherwise you cannot survive in SF bay area). For the life of me, I cannot sign up for a million dollar home and get into the rat race for 30years. I don't want to worry about loosing my job for the rest of my life.

In Los Gatos, there is no buildable land less than 250K. I need a few more years. My plan anyway is to take the class, learn from other members, find the land, get a more practical building plan (nothing fancy) and go from there. There must be some way to get CO. Like you said if makes sense to check with the authority before hand.

Holy crap. I work for Boeing, and make good money. I still couldn't bring myself to buy land for 250k. How much do you get? I know areas where you can get 500 beautiful acres for that kind of cash. How much you reckon the home will be worth once it is done? I would think my (20 acres of) land and house(s) would be worth less than 250 when done.

Like my mom said... "housing should be bought for shelter, not for an investment."

Anyway, good luck, Guru. I look forward to you taking the class and being a member. BTW, you will save MANY TIMES the class cost (especially if you are working with a 500k budget!) on your home.

-Peter

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StressMan79

I would think my (20 acres of) land and house(s) would be worth less than 250 when done. -Peter

---

Actually this will have more to do with location than anything else. A big beautiful log home on a fat piece of land that is 3 hours from the nearest hospital is worth a lot less than one 10 minutes from town.

Also to an extent the amount of land doesnt matter that much. For example if you only had 10 acres where you area instead of 20, and you built the same home, they would carry very close to the same value unless you can subdivide the land.

Greetings to everyone here.

I'm a new member, and have given much thought to building a log home. I'm a high school student preparing to go off to college. Part of my "life plan" is to find work in Alaska (I know it sounds cheesy and naively romantic, but I've given it serious thought) and live in a house I've built myself (in other words, a log cabin). My question to anyone here is this:

Assuming that I can find work that pays for the college debt--and find a wife who shares my dream :) --is this a plan that will be financially feasible and secure and allow me to start and support a family relatively early in my life? I understand that there are many factors involved, but I just want to know if it's realistic to build a cabin to raise a family in. Also: what is a wise way to go about it? After college, find a job, live in an apartment while saving money, buy the land then build the cabin?

Any advice would be appreciated, and this seems like the right group of people to clear up any misconceptions I might have.

Thank you,
Shank

Sure, it's very feasable, but most all of that possibility lies with your own ambition. This is just a group for support, encouragement, comraderie, and instruction.

Jerry was sixteen when he built this one:

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/log-cabins-small-log-cabin-built-jerry

-Rick

<a href="/user/tshank2" title="View user profile."> </a>

t.shank2
//// Assuming that I can find work that pays for the college debt...? ////



http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/lee115.html

hello,
My name is Brian Steinwand, i live in the southeast part of washington state, the tri-cities. I've lived here for the past 30 yrs or so. luv the sun!. plan on buliding my log home and retiring here.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Yuhjn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StressMan79

I would think my (20 acres of) land and house(s) would be worth less than 250 when done. -Peter

---

Actually this will have more to do with location than anything else. A big beautiful log home on a fat piece of land that is 3 hours from the nearest hospital is worth a lot less than one 10 minutes from town.

---

I agree with Yuhjn. I might get 1-3 acres of land for 250K. It is 40 miles from my current work and 10-15min from the downtown. In future I will figure out a way to work from home 2-3 days in a week. We sure will have some cars that can efficiently run on renewable energy in the next 4-5 years and so I won't be guilty of burning 5 gallons of gas a day to drive the distance.
Nice conventional houses in the bay area sells for around a million. I don't care for how much I can sell it for because I will be living in it for a while.

Shank,

It is very feasible! It will require lots of hard work, patience and planning but it's definitely possible. It's all about time and money. If you have plenty of one you don't need a lot of the other. Take a look at this article which explains this theory much better than I can. http://www.loghomebuilders.org/how-build-log-homes-rich-dad-poor-dad-method

My best advice, other than to read everything on this site, is to take the class to learn all about the possibilities of this building system. Welcome to the forum.

JD

Its my first forum being a part of, I seem to read a lot of them on this site. Lots of good info. More the less Im fro the Black Hills of SD. I used to cut a lot of pine beetle trees down for people and usually just bucked them into firewood. They are PP and always have a sweep in them. I started keeping some of the logs and built stick frame house using the logs for deck uprights, hand rails, corner wraps, etc. Mostly just accent stuff with that turned out really cool. What I have been wanting to do for as long as I can remember was to build a log cabin/house. This is now my plan, got a spot picked out and have been reasearching different techniques and designs. I wont do a kit, not that I am against them but seems to not be for me. I am planning on doing this for a very minimal cost and time considered and tools needed for other scribed methods, that is why I like this method and I like the look when its done and size of the logs used my R-value should be pretty high compared to the kit stuff. I also plan on using a lot of recycled materials and obtaining a roughcut saw, but know a guy that can mill me boards when needed. I plan on doing a small log house 700sq ft with a loft/bedroom up with battens and stick frame 2nd level. I think that using PP Im going to have a lot more short sections due to the sweeps in the logs, so my question is to use this style of construction what would be the proper way to hold the logs together in the middle of a run, or do I need to just have longer logs? Can I leave a little sweep in them and if so how much. What tools should I start aquiring that I can possibly find used. Lots of questions which Im sure I'll get out there at a later time. Roof system engineering, tricks, suggestions to make learning a little easier. I'm a trail and error guy but always listen to suggestions. Have a good one.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tsikirk

Its my first forum being a part of, I seem to read a lot of them on this site. Lots of good info. More the less Im fro the Black Hills of SD. I used to cut a lot of pine beetle trees down for people and usually just bucked them into firewood. They are PP and always have a sweep in them. I started keeping some of the logs and built stick frame house using the logs for deck uprights, hand rails, corner wraps, etc. Mostly just accent stuff with that turned out really cool. What I have been wanting to do for as long as I can remember was to build a log cabin/house. This is now my plan, got a spot picked out and have been reasearching different techniques and designs. I wont do a kit, not that I am against them but seems to not be for me. I am planning on doing this for a very minimal cost and time considered and tools needed for other scribed methods, that is why I like this method and I like the look when its done and size of the logs used my R-value should be pretty high compared to the kit stuff. I also plan on using a lot of recycled materials and obtaining a roughcut saw, but know a guy that can mill me boards when needed. I plan on doing a small log house 700sq ft with a loft/bedroom up with battens and stick frame 2nd level. I think that using PP Im going to have a lot more short sections due to the sweeps in the logs, so my question is to use this style of construction what would be the proper way to hold the logs together in the middle of a run, or do I need to just have longer logs? Can I leave a little sweep in them and if so how much. What tools should I start aquiring that I can possibly find used. Lots of questions which Im sure I'll get out there at a later time. Roof system engineering, tricks, suggestions to make learning a little easier. I'm a trail and error guy but always listen to suggestions. Have a good one.

---

You sound like the perfect candidate for LHBA building. I can answer a few of your questions, but honestly you'll be best served by taking the class.

You probably dont want to break the runs other than for windows and doors. It can be done, but not recommended. There are people who have used a modified version of the LHBA techniques to build with logs sitting vertically, because they only had very short logs. Ultimately you can make almost anything work, but some ways work much better than others.

As far as the bend in your logs: If I'm not mistaken logs without bends are favored for aestetic reasons, not structural. I'm sure that's within reason, if your logs are so bowed you end up with a round house, that might be a problem. But in general as long as you dont mind the walls being bowed out, it shouldnt hurt.

That said, you do want your logs to have similar bend as you stack, which will make log selection more difficult. You'll also want the bends going out and not in.

Again though, your best bet is to take the class. Much of this, including the tools you need, is covered there. You can also ask specific questions about your particular logs. You might even take pictures of them and bring them to class... and afterward you can post them on the members forum and all will comment.

Good luck!

Hi Everyone

Long time lurker and finally posting on this very informative website that hopefully will give me early retirement !

I'm a 40 something married guy from the UK currently living on the outskirts of Calgary . And working as a Truck driver .
My dream is to retire in 5 to 6 years and build my own log home out in BC with equity I have in my current home. Still in the early stages of course but will hope to take the course in the next year or so In the meantime I will try and gain as much knowledge as possible .

Kevin

BC = british columbia to N. americans...
Calgary is a town in Alberta.

Are you thinking of moving across the pond?

In any event, I would suggest dumping the home now, as the equity won't increase in the next 5 years, and you can rent for much less. That is what I am doing. Also, take the class sooner than later--that way you can start looking for what you need (tools/materials, etc).

-Peter

I just wanted to make you aware of the level of obliviousness we have to british areas...

Oh right.. I re read it and still assumed that it was clear and understandable.

OK start again ...

I'm from the UK living on the outskirts of Calgary Alberta Canada and would like to move to British Columbia Canada.

I'm not sure I agree with you on the equity thing though The market is different here in Alberta to the states and seems to go cycles. Also we are in the process of doing a few upgrades as well as getting the mortgage down as much as possible which in turn will increase our equity.

I'm Keith from way down in Lafayette, LA.
I just retired as of Jan 2nd.
Looking forward to attending the Feb 28th class.
Would like to make contact with other attendees prior to the class. I'll be flying in to SEA on Friday the 27th and will be renting a car. Am looking for one or two others to share transportation costs and possibly lodging. Haven't made sleeping arrangements yet, but would like to share room costs if a room with two beds is available (maybe even at Walace Falls Lodge?).
email me at KeithDupl@aol.com

If you haven't already attended the class, you must. I got enough before lunch on Saturday to more than cover the cost. I drove 1000 miles in two 10 hour days (thanks to weather) to get there and it was worth every mile and hour. Then I had to drive home 800 miles while looking at everything differently. From the logging trucks in Washington and Oregon to the number of corners in any particular house along the way home. It'll take a few days to empty enough of what I learned to let the rest soak in. Damn that was fun and full of help.

Welcome EdKemper!

Wow, you did some driving. I am glad you took the class.

Your life will never be the same. :)

Kola

HI there! Inga, here.....
Seems a lot of you guys are up in the Pacific Northwest, am I correct?
I just moved from a little north of Sandpoint, Idaho....back in the Eastern High Sierras again now...loving the sun and high altitufe once again. But, because of land and costs, I am thinking about Northern New Mexico or Southern Colorado mountains to make my new home.

Seems I read that some folks are building these homes very inexpensively. Does that invovle buying land that has enough cuttable trees on it, then and milling them by oneself?

What about me? I have a background in architecture, but these days, I have some health issues. Do you think a gal can do this on her own?

~Inga

Inga,
Getting land with trees on it does cut down on cost to build.
And allot other things add up. Does the land perk for septic.
Mine dosent so it cost me some more but i got my land cheep for my area and thats why.
If you want to build it and are not the kinda person to give up easy you could build it. And if there hard parts you can always find help from friends and family.
It all comes down how bad do you want to build it.
My property is at slant little harder to work then buying flat land. But i am in the mountains were a log home fits in.
Inga read all what the site has to offer and see if it for you.
Nothing in life is easy that you relay want becuse your gone have to work for it.

Hi Inga:

You may want to incude the mountains of south central New Mexico.........That is where we will build. Found land much less costly than in northern NM, AZ or southern CO. The Sacramento mtns are beautiful - but since you are a bit further south... the winters are milder-which is great unless you are a winter sports person! Labor costs are less as well....
Good luck in your search!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Inga

Does that invovle buying land that has enough cuttable trees on it, then and milling them by oneself?
What about me? I have a background in architecture, but these days, I have some health issues. Do you think a gal can do this on her own?
~Inga

---

Inga, I am a single woman planning to build my own log home. In July 2006, I bought my land in upstate NY. In January 2008, I took the LHBA class. Last month I bought my house plans and this Spring, I am going up to my property to map it and to mark trees to use for my log home. When the time comes for actual construction, I hope to have a timeline and strategy for each phase of the job. I don't expect to do everything myself but I don't think anybody who builds these homes ever does it alone. Many have family, friends and contractors contributing time and skills. Also association members frequently help each other out with labor and information.

Frances

Hi, I'm Yob from south korea. I'll be flying in with my wife for the upcoming class. I first found the LHBA website several years ago, but finally I'm going!

Because it is not easy to cross the Pacific often, I would love to see and learn as much as I can in everything about building a log home and other forms of natural building, such as cob and roundwood construction. So I plan to visit owner-built homes around the area (Pacific Northwest and even perhaps So Cal) before heading back home in mid-March. Can any of you suggest anything I can do to do this? Any word of advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

I waited until I was convinced this was the way to go for me to take the class. I did as much background as I could so I wouldn't waste time learning the obvious.

Steve and "Mister E" (you'll learn what that means in class) will infect you with exactly how easy (so to speak) this is and how to make a modern beautiful home with the expense account of a log cabin like the Unibomber's.

I think you'll find more than enough to digest and will return with a clearer picture of your options. Debt v. Ownership. You will never be the same after you go through the class.

Welcome home. Ed

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StressMan79

Calgary is a town in Alberta.

---

Just wanted to point out that at a population of over a million people in the metropolitan area alone, Calgary is much more than a "town".

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Calgary_skyline_cloudy_2004-08-30.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgary

whatever. a "place" in Alberta

-Peter

Wait a minute. Calgary is Cowtown, especially in the east end of the city, by the stockyards. Whoa, what a stench around Stampede time, but the loveliest cowgirls you'll ever see...and I bet they all dream of living in log homes, it's that kind of an outdoorsy kind of town.

Hello all,
I have lurked this forum on and off for a few years now, so i just wanted to introduce myself and thank you for all the past knowledge i have gained here.
I live in the North Eastern U.S.
I built my own 28'x40' log home 4 years ago from milled logs, but it was not a kit. I read that even with a kit, you still have to do a lot of trimming and cutting, so i figured it made more sense to just do it all myself.
With no prior experience, my project tuned out with none of the horror stories associated with some of the name brand kits i have read about. It actually turned out real nice.
I still would like to attend one of the classes you offer when i can find the time.
So for now, hello, and i look forward to getting to know the community.

Ron

that weren't a kit, eh? Where did you buy them? I am just curious. Yes, the fact that you did it yourself likely saved you LOTS of heartache, as you doubtlessly paid closer attention to detail (and it is details that fail, not logs) than a kit company will. Do you have any pictures! Sheesh! We need our fix of log p0rn!

Welcome to the forum. There is a growing contingency from the NE USA.

-Peter

Its really good to see your still hanging in there
time flys when your having fun i see it been four
years since i attended class
you guys keep up the great work

My Name is Danny, I'm a musician from Montana.
Haven't attended the class yet, out of my price range for the time being, I hope to though. I'm building this summer near Glacier Park. Cant wait to break ground, and a sweat!
-Danny
www.dannymcintosh.com

Welcome to the LHBA forum, blog etc. Nice tunes!!! I?love guitar?&amp; goof off on mine, and one day I may learn to play it.



Make sure and read the home page on why not to build a kit log home. There are a lot of very nice homes built by the average?person here.



Best wishes and keep commin back. Oh and if you take the class bring that guitar and do some home? town pick'n for um.? Ps what are ya building in the picture?



Jesus Bless Al B. Slidell.

I cant go anywere with out that guitar, so if I make to the class you can bet I'll be bringing it. The project in the pic is last years winter project. it's a woody of road camper modeled after the 1950's tear drops. I'll post some pics if I can figure out how.
Thanks for the welcome.
keep on playing!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dmcintosh

I cant go anywere with out that guitar, so if I make to the class you can bet I'll be bringing it. The project in the pic is last years winter project. it's a woody of road camper modeled after the 1950's tear drops. I'll post some pics if I can figure out how.
Thanks for the welcome.
keep on playing!

---

Great winter project aside... It kinda lacks the traditional teardrop shape (I'm kinda observant in that annoying way).