Introduce yourself

I have some land in the Hill Country near San Antonio, I envy you going to the Las Vegas class, they are sold out, or I would be there. I am really trying to decide for my house in Texas on straw or butt and pass log. My main concern is getting timber down where I live. Bastrop is about the closest pine timber to my area. How plentiful are big pines 12 - 24" diameter in your area? Can you purchase them from private individuals or get them from forest or state land? If you need any ideas on well or septic, I have some experience in that area. Will you be on the grid as far as electricity or are you looking at alternative energy options? Good luck with the class.

.....with enough pine timber to build my house,( I believe) let me take the class first. But I do know of about 100 trees approx 35' tall with at least 12' tops. That should be enough to get started. All things are on hold until after the class, as in plans , location, and other variables. I already have a well, am looking for a filtration system, and will be staying on grid, but would like to find a less expensive alternative to air conditioning.

I have 10 acres.....

.....with enough pine timber to build my house,( I believe) let me take the class first. But I do know of about 100 trees approx 35' tall with at least 12' tops. That should be enough to get started. All things are on hold until after the class, as in plans , location, and other variables. I already have a well, am looking for a filtration system, and will be staying on grid, but would like to find a less expensive alternative to air conditioning.

Thanks for the reply. What do you mean by filtration system? Hard water, iron content in well water? As far as the less expensive ac, not sure what would be cheaper on the front end, but I am currently involved with some geothermal wells for heating and ac in the San Antonio area for a residential home, it is the first one in the area, pretty expensive upfront, but if you do a lot of the work yourself, can pay for itself in 6 to 12 years. Maybe we can do some trading and help each other out.

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Originally Posted by Nero

Hi, Im David from New York. Looking forward to attending the class in Las Vegas. The plane and hotel are costing me $1118. So I hope this class lives up to what I have been reading.

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Hi David, where in NY are you and where will you be building? I have a property in Fulton County and there are other NYers about also.

I think you will find that the money you spend will also bring you years of support, information and resources also. You're not just getting a class for the money. You are getting a lifelong membership in an association with member benefits.

Welcome and good luck!

Frances

I am from The Bronx, In NY. I will not be building in NY. I am looking to build in Toms River NJ or Brick NJ. Im glad to hear that I will be getting years of support because I will need it . lol . Building my own house is a dream of mine . Although like most people on this forum I will not be building mY dream house. MY goal is actually to see if I can build a house and then sell it , and then repeat the proccess again . but I am getting a little bit ahead of myself . First things first, I need to take my class........ I really am amazed about how helpfull everyone is on this forum .

Is there any one on this forum who has built in New Jersey?

Hello Everyone

Looking forward to the Vegas class since I want to build an addition and a garage. I currently live in a log home that covered up with brick by the previous owner.

Hoping to come away with some ideas and am already very inspired by what I have read on the website. See you this weekend!

-Andre

I just got back last night from the training in Vegas and I am so excited and raring to go and build. A buddy has a 4 acre wooded lot and he & his wife want a cabin, I am confident we can work something out & get started this year. Taking the class is an awesome opportunity towards self sufficiency be it eliminating one's mortgage or eliminating one's wage slavery. I'll post more as the build progresses.

Welcome back. We'll be looking for those pic's.



Still A Dream. But saving funds for the class. 1/2 way there now.

Howdy
I too have always wanted a log home but was not going to pay for the kits.
I am Jo Dahlin living near Comerce Texas on a 36 acer ranch. I raise children, cows, goats, chicken, dog and cats. A lake is being built next to my property and my oak grove will be destroyed. I plan to build my log home over looking the lake then rent out my present home or turn it into bed and breakfast while keeping the ranch. Above all I will show my children how to build a home debt free. I am exited about the class in Dec.

Sounds like an awesome plan! Good luck. Too bad about the Oak trees though... I love Oak trees. :)

Hey Jo, I am a fellow Texan, down in the San Antonio area, I just took the class in Vegas a couple of days ago. Congratulations, on your decision to go forward with this, I have always wanted to build a home debt free. I am trying to do it now in 2 places, Texas and Colorado but it is very attainable. The class is definitely worth the time and investment. Would love to trade labor, ideas , or tools, after you take the class. There is another member ssshipley who took the class in Vegas, he is planning to build in the Sam Rayburn lake area, I think that is a little bit closer to you then I am. You are in the Dallas area aren't you? If you think the public forum is awesome, wait till you get to access the member forum. Good luck!

land owners have been fighting against the proposed lake but it is a done deal. So I have decided to make lemon aid - use the trees to build the log home. I have been watching the posting and may use the oak trees for the floor. They are not long and straight. Will see after the class.
JO

Hi, my name is Christopher. I am partialy from NW Illinois and the Ozarks of NW Arkansas, but currently living in Illinois. I have been designing my 1000 sq ft cabin for the past 2 years, and hope to buy some land and build it soon.

Welcome aboard. Read every word on this website... It's all true. If it grabs you like it did me, take the class and get on with your life.

I hope you're all as excited about the Dec 5th class. I can't wait myself. just thought i'ld post something since i just created an account. See you soon!

Hi all! I attended the Vegas class in October. I was born and raised in Sibiu, Romania and grew up around log homes so having the knowledge to build my own is really exciting. I have the plans and I'm looking for land in Illinois or Wisconsin.

Hello ICE,
I adopted two children out of Romania and I was in the Las Vegas class.......Welcome!

Karen (Blondie)

Hi from missouri
just found this site hope to learn something about log homes.

I also took the class in 2003. I lived in Vancouver Washington
but have now moved to a 40 acre farm in the Missouri Ozarks.
I would be interested to hear how you are doing. I purchased a small farm in the Ozarks, have Dexter cattle, a Jersey milk cow, chickens, a couple hogs, and a big garden. My wife and I are attempting to do our best to become self sufficient on our land.
My life has become so much richer since I left the city.

Phil

My knee-jerk answer would be; "Definately, NO!"
My suits are custom tailored, I wear an Omega, and
I write with a Mont Blanc.

but....

I may have been cured. I have no problem with Bic pens
(they can get lost just like a Mont Blanc), my Mercedes
sports coupe turned into an old oxidized Honda (ahh...
let them stare and point, it doesn't require payments),
my son so graciously did the laundry without being
asked (wool suits don't like the spin cycle, or the dryer),
and the Fred Meyer wrist band cost me more than the
yard-sale Omega.

Really, who do I have to impress? I woke-up one day.
As I got out of bed, my ankles hurt, there was a crick in
my back, and the old guy in the mirror was rapidly losing
his hair (how much you wanna bet e-harmony.com is
just looking for a guy like me?). Hey, let's face it, I don't
look like James Bond, so I may as well throw the reigns
over the horse.

If that weren't enough....

We sold our house and are in a move-down situation.
Many of our neighbors are in a move-up situation.
Since I feel there are no neighbors to impress (like that
matters!) I have no problem bringing my projects home
from the shop (new R-34 front door) and storing my
projects on the front porch. My (trying so hard to be)
yuppie neighbors have given me their opinion of my
projects being oh, so visible. Ohhh...have they ever
given me their opinions.... Do they have weekly
meetings? Am I the first topic on their weekly
agenda??? Don't these people have lives???

So....

I've decided to get the projects out of the entry. I may
spread some lime, and fertilizer on the lawn, pressure
wash the house, and trim the roses. After that, I may
(once again) start my search for matching pink toilet
planters. A pair of matching stone lions atop twelve foot
tall stone pillars judiciously guarding the driveway just
isn't (well, no longer) my style. Those pink toilets with
a bouquet of plastic, dollar store daisies, proudly sitting
on both sides of the driveway will suit me just fine. No
one will be able to accuse me of being pretentious. (The
trouble with being better than everyone else is that
people tend to think you're pretentious. ;-) )

I have friends who spend $200+ for a dinner at the
Columbia Tower Club, but I'm happier, and more
comfortable eating food foraged off the property with
my friends, some of whom don't have two nickels to rub
together. I like the simple life, and I enjoy being with
people who enjoy spending time with friends rather than
spending money on themselves.

Since I have no water at our new property, my next big
desire is for an outdoor toilet. Indoor plumbing...well,
that may be a ways off. It's like Pa Kettle said as he
surveyed his house; "Carved this from a wilderness!"

Yup...hillbilly.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GENTLMEN'S QUARTERLY GUY I
MARRIED? YOU'RE TURNING INTO A HILLBILLY!!!" -Sue
Buchanan


-Rick

Hello! Just joined, not yet a member. Looking forward to the next available class to be posted and I'm there. I have read hundreds of posts in several forums and lovin it. Really a great source of info!

Welcome!

I believe thatt there are still spaces available for this last class of the '09!

Home page says sold out. No prob, have land already, can be patient. :(

we have been reading your post for awhile. We are waiting for the next class, hopefully it will be at a time that we can attend. We are very much looking forward to building a log home. We have land and dreams. We love to garden, build, and enjoy nature. We are a very close family and are looking forward to building our log home as a family project.

Hi Steve, Ellsworth and everyone else...

Just wanted to drop in and say hi to everyone here and say how excited we are to learning the techniques you guys teach and someday becoming a life long member (maybe spring of 2010, if classes are available)...it has been a long dream of ours to build a log home in Alaska...I look forward to learning more on the forums and getting to know this community...

Keith

Al, are you still in Massachusetts?

Hi, all,

I have been lurking for quite some time now, and your discussions have long ago sold me on the idea of building my own log cabin one day. And I know -- take the class! :-)

There is no question of "if", only "when", and that depends on money. For now, I will continue to read all I see here, and, on a daily basis, keep my eye on my goals of taking the class, gathering good stuff on the cheap, and building my log home.


Peter Lawton

welcome all.

Mr. Larson has the right approach. It is no secret to buy low (use) and if possible sell high. If you can find a good deal on a chainsaw, pick it up. Of course that is just a suggestion. However, if you look around there are tons of deals out there. NEVER buy retail. At least not at the first place you look. This goes for buying soda at the supermarket, to buying Levis at the mall. Standardization has made the exact same unit for sale at many resellers. I bought 1 sara lee frozen pie at albertsons, got another free, and three quarts of ice cream too (free). The whole lot cost me 7 bucks. I never pay more than 2.50 for a 12 pack of pop (brand name). You might guess I have other limits on buying things, groceries and otherwise.

Welcome to freedom. The ideas on this page are really put into focus by the class instructors. Enjoy the page, but try to scrounge the money for a trip to Seattle for the class. It truly will change your life.

Peter (Andersen)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by donjuedo

Hi, all,

I have been lurking for quite some time now, and your discussions have long ago sold me on the idea of building my own log cabin one day. And I know -- take the class! :-)

There is no question of "if", only "when", and that depends on money. For now, I will continue to read all I see here, and, on a daily basis, keep my eye on my goals of taking the class, gathering good stuff on the cheap, and building my log home.


Peter Lawton

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Anyone who desires a log home and is having trouble coming up for the cash to spare for the class is definately on the right website. Where else could a family turn to find the kick in the rump that this Association offers. You shall have your house my good man... just take the class.

Hi, everyone! I can't tell you how excited I am to be here. My name is Junette and I'm a Marine stationed in VA. I intend to attend the course within the next two to three years.

Welcome to the site and set your crosshairs on the class. That is where the light starts to brighten. Please be safe and thank you for your service.

Thank you for your kindness, edkemper. I've got my crosshairs set on the class, and I'm saving pennies in order to attend.

I was worried the class would do me no good because I've no building experience whatsoever (not even construction common sense!) and I am not as strong as a man. But in the FAQ section, it's been documented that a there are many with just as little experience as me, including a woman much smaller in stature than I am, that have successfully built their log homes. It's very encouraging. I can barely wait!

YEAH I REMEMBER YOU. I ATTENDED MEMORIAL DAY OF '08. PLAN ON GETTING STARTED THIS COMING YEAR. I RECENTLY ACQURED AN OLD TRACTOR W LOADER AND BACKHOE TO START CLEARING. SO I WILL START POSTING PICS AS I GO ALONG. THE SHAVED HEAD IS A NEW LOOK. ALMOST DIDNT RECOGNIZE YOU.

The all CAPS style of posting is like yelling at us. But welcome to the family.

I am in the early stages of a major Eco project in the Caribbean, and would like to know, for the purposes of ventilation and durability, what would be the recommended type of logs, and a suitable design for a one week stay over couple/family cabin?





"The Best Things In Life Are Always The Most Natural"

Name is Kevin " Crockett " Haney. I am a sixty year young carpenter and building a log home has been a dream of mine since childhood. Currently working in Iraq and will be home soon on leave to look at a parcel of land in La Pine Oregon. Busy planning this log home and trying to convince my lady that its a good thing and something we can do. Its my best plan to get away from a bad mortg. and out from under the boot of the scum bankers! What one man can do another man can do!

Kevin, you could do worse that LaPine. You won't be alone as you build a butt and pass home there. We cut the logs for our home from an area just south of LaPine. It is something you CAN do and you'll enjoy the process. Your lady should take the class with you to keep you both on the same page and she will be right in there with dirty hands and smile every step of the way. It is both the easiest and the hardest thing you will ever do (kinda like going into a war zone). Read everything on this forum and after you take the class you'll get to read the really good stuff.

Hey Kevin, I am a 46 year youngl office manager, I attended the class with my husband in October. I thought it was going to be too much for just us two, but boy was i wrong in a big way. have your lady attend the class with you and she will be as excited to get started as i was my husband calls me a slave driver just because we need to clear the land and get started on the house. she will see all the things she never thought she would be able to do. I loved the class the instructors are great.

I am 33, a Chemist and a Baker. Currently working as a sales enginner for scientific instrumentation (mass spectrometers and toys alike) in the Tri-State area (NY, CT, and NJ). Manufactured originally in Russia, lived for 8 years in Kent, OH and last three years - in Lake Carmel, NY. I was reading this web site for last two years, and eventually came up with lump sum to register for the class in Las Vegas in February of 2010. My biggest fear and reservation about building my log house (which was my dream since I was five years young) is that I am sole soul in this country ? with no relatives (or friends nearby) to give me a hand: would be interested to hear about solo-build-home stories. Me in English: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1061328218 and in (mostly) Russian: http://goilem.livejournal.com wraps this introduction. Alex. guigngnm at gmail dott com