Printable View
Have experience with power tools, know how to measure, am quite resourceful, and don't put any stops to accomplishing my dreams.< You said
Open to any and all suggestions, experiences, trial and errors, etc. < also said
Thats about all you need. Attitude and faith! look out!! You can do it--you will do it! Welcome :)
Hi Nancy, I'm also a woman who plans to build her own. I took the class last January and have my 30X30 stock plans in hand. I love stone too. The land I bought two years ago has lots of round granite stones on it and I imagine when I dig up the area for a foundation that I'll develop quite a rock pile on the side.Quote:
Originally Posted by solomonswish1
Frances
Hey y'all!
My name is Jason and I am an LBHA addict.
My family and I reside high in the mountains east of L.A., were I am currently a slave to the corporate medical monster. I just signed up for the February class and figured it was time to intruduce myself. I've been lurking here for over a year, soaking up the wisdom, insight and humor while becoming inspired. We are desperately trying to divest from this industrial existence and carve out a simple, agrarian homestead somewhere else in the next coupla years.
I ran into Skip's old website a few years ago while researching the true nature of land "titles" in this country. Those articles opened my eyes to so many things that have literally turned my worldview on it's head... kinda like waking up from a loooong sleep. I was so disheartened to learn that Skip had passed on... he was definately someone I wanted to meet and speak with eye to eye. This community speaks volumes to the substance of his character. I reckon Ellsworth is a reflection of that as well, so I look forward to meeting him, and Steve.
Anyway, I am impatiently waiting for the February class and looking forward to meeting and learning from all of the amazing personalities I see here!
Sasquatch, welcome. I am kinda stuck in L.A. also. I do have land in Cody WY. and if all pans out--i am out of here leaving you holding down the riff raff here ;)
Hey Steve,
I'm working on getting out to your class. I live in Florida near the Ocala National Forest. I am gathering information on building my own cabin from scratch. I'm not sure if the timber in this area is proper for a log home. Looking to better understand what I should be doing at this time besides saving for the airfare and checking for land.
Keep reading what you can on this site and get to saving money for the trip to class. Remember, it'll cost less for you to come up here and go to school than it would for me to go to Disneyworld and, believe me, your trip will change your life more than a trip to mouseland would change mine. It took twenty years for me to start on my dream house but I assure you those twenty years were different for me after I took the course from Skip. Keep an eye on this website and get to class as soon as you can. Your questions will change after you have attended the class.
Christine,
What type of music on your label? If you don't mind me asking.
Curt,
I know Auburn well. Let me know when you return.
On the (seasonal) Williamson River. mostly catfish. 40 miles north of Klamath Falls on 97. I have a Klamath great broker to hook you up with if you're interested. It was just over $500/per. Half is mostly mid to early growth lodge pole pine and aspen stands. The other half is mostly wetlands with a multi-acre seasonal duck pond with island. It's on the migration route for just about everything walking or flying. I'm betting less than 100 foot elevation change from high to low. Water table is fairly shallow and possibly used by solar to run year round to keep the pond full. Electric 50 ft away so I'm going to be on grid with solar for sell back. This feels like one of those once in a lifetime lotto win. I'm learning a lot and will be taking the class with my wife as soon as we can arrange it so we don't have to take the kids out of school for long. They can stay with family in Seattle while we're in class. Let me know when you come home. Maybe I can help with my research efforts.
Be safe my friend. By the way, my wife is from Tokyo, moved here over 30 years ago. I am a very lucky man.
I HAVE A PLACE IN BLOOMFRIELD MO 34AC RANDY
Hi all,
I just wanted to inform everyone here that you have all contributed to my decision to take the class come February. I've been visiting the website for a few years now, officially registering last year. I am very much looking forward to learning everything I can about building and becoming debt free. And I can't wait for the class and to meet others who share my dream!
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to post their thoughts/testimonials here as well as pictures of their beautiful homes.
~ross (WA)
p.s. anyone else taking the Feb. class?
What are the dates for February's class? Trying to arrange things.
Check the home page: http://www.loghomebuilders.org/
Thank you. Am there now. I'm an idiot sometimes. Thanks for the help.
Just booked our reservations for the February class. I'm kind of surprised at how excited I am over getting it booked. Now, how to sleep tonight. Thanks for the help.
see you there!
good to hear from ya^0^
klamath does sound intresting!!!!500/acre and it sounds like you found a nice piece
we are thinking about returning in the summer some time. the little woman is getting ready to deliver #4 baby so after it gets strong and healthy then we will prob. head back to the states. then hopefully take this class A.S.A.P...trying to get in touch w/friends and family to see who is intrested to take the class w/ me...
keep me posted on the solor research i would love to do my log house all solor power
and yes we are lucky to have found wonderful wifes^0^
My hats off to all the newbies and I wish to give y'all a hearty welcome to LHBA. Its great to see new folks signing on to take the class. What really gets me excited is to see that so many people share common goals of self sufficiency and resorting back to simpler days.
The Rural Revival Revolution is in full gear.
as John Lennon sang "Power To the People, Right on!"
Kola
when you get back to the states and are done with the class, you can likely look me up (stressman79@hotmail.com) and I can tell you how I rigged up my off-the-grid home (all solar, since negligible wind and no creek). I'd be happy to tell you all about it once its done (starting next summer on the build, likely next with the electric)
-Peter
This comment has been moved <a href="http://www.loghomebuilders.org/node/5914">here</a>.
I have been wanting to attend this class for about four years now, and this year my wife bought the class for me for Christmas.
I am building a non profit camp for inner city children in the depths of the mountains of northern Idaho. It is surrounded by wild life roadless federal land.
The camp will be constructed with the materials on the property (as much as possible.). Everything else will have to be airlifted or back packed in.
This camp will be 100% self sufficient and will allow the children to experience nature how it really was designed to be experienced.
I am looking forward to this weekend with much anticipation. Thank you for still offering the class even through difficult times.
Excited,
Nathan
LHBA member since 2006
I don't have any kids, but If I did, I'd send them to that camp.
You and a troop of youngins should be able to get a cabin done in a season. Well, the roof on. You can finish stuff the next summer.
-Peter
HELLO,
I am a single mom, living in Shippensburg, Pa. I have about 6,000 dollars to invest in building a log cabin home. My brother is skilled and has built homes in the past though he's not a licensed builder and he says he would help me once I find the land and get a permit.
Can you please tell me what I need to do to get started? I have to be out of my apartment by May of this year and want to start looking asap for land and getting my home built... HELP. What should I do?
Also-- how do you get a free mobile home to stay in till your home is built?
thanks! -- Melanie
www.poetmelaniesimms.net
hey thanks for the offer Peter^0^
have no idea about solar (or elec. for that matter) but it cant be to diff. w/ all the info on the net and also w/all the good people and ideas on this site...for sure will be hooking up w/u in the future...kinda started my solar research and for earth4 energy.com...it was on sale for 50 bucks so i bought that. not a lot of info but just enough to get me going
Hello,
In my humble opinion, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE! First, I suggest that you take the "fabulous class," then spend the weekend reading this entire website for more information. Many of the answers are here waiting for you. I am single Mom too, waiting to build my first as well.
Blondie
LHBA member since 2006
first, you'll need gumption. Either that or a bunch of money. you can't buy much land for 6k, let alone easy land. As a general rule, if you want to sell your property ever, log home buyers want at least 5 acres. That and you'll want to be able to move around and move logs... this is really hard to do on sub 1 acre suburban plots.
If you can find a place for cheap where you can actually live while you build, that is best. there are members in florida with land in New york, and I live 7 hrs from my property, so we can't maintain our jobs and live on the property. If you can, you'll get done a whole lot quicker and save all that rent.
Oh, on the 6k. That is really not that much, even for a down payment. Also, banks are leary of lending--even (maybe especiially) on raw land. You may have to wait 1 yr, move into a cheaper apartrment, and save as much as you can--and get to know lots of people who can help. Many will gladly offer, and you can help each other out.]
How old and what gender is your child? a 16 year old manboy will be much more help than a 2 year old girl.
In my opinion, taking the class is the best way to learn the basics and know exactly what you need. You'll get into the member's area (which, btw has LOADS more info than what is here). You can buy the stock plans, which will help you get a permit. And you'll be much more advised of what you will need as far as tools and supplies.
As far as the trailer, search CL. You can buy a used camper for the price of 1 month's rent and if you have a friend with water/power, you could live in his driveway until you build. You can find mobile homes that are livable for free. One place to look is CL. You have to know a trucker to move it. Either that or you have to pay one... or maybe you are one... Anyway, if you can haul a mobile home and have a place to put it, you can live in one for free.
Melanie,
Use this single mother's story for ambition... http://www.dorothyainsworth.com/
She has a truly amazing story and when you read the tragedy that struck when her dreams were almost complete you'll be amazed at her will to achieve her dreams!
As for the $ factor don't be detered, be determined! I'm about an hour and half west of you and bought 5 mountain top acres with a gorgeous view of Bedford County 3 years ago for 10k. My recommendation to find affordable land is don't look in realtor mags or sites. Usually the more time you spend planning the less $ you'll need.
And yes if you are serious about building a log home...take the class before you do anything!
Kyle,
Now I am curious - how did you find your land?
hey Peter,
or others?... Do you have any idea what a trucker would charge to move a trailer/mobile home? I know a lot depend on distance and so forth, but is there a typical rate per mile to do that? What would be a ballpark figure? Some older mobile homes don't even look safe to move. Not sure? I agree CL is a good place to find these. Another resource for those in Maine or NH is Uncle Henry's swap and sell it guide. It comes out every week and has tons of stuff, including a section for free stuff. If you are from Maine, you know what this is.