Introduce yourself

[StressMan79]

sorry for not welcoming you all individually. I do have a couple of comments:
1) Jon, you named your blogspot "peeling logs"! That may be the least fun part of building. If you want, you can come out to my place and peel some, since your obviously like it so much!
2) Dan, Russia, eh? There has to be a story there. 35 deg below zero is friggin cold!
3) Beauty, you'll do well in the class. I am sure your fiance will take to it after a couple hours. Everything is laid out in such an orderly fashion (you COULD learn everything they teach from the internet, but it would take you years and years. Mostly to sift through the crap and get to the stuff that actually works). Plus the member's side is worth it, even without the class.
-Peter

[Red]

Hello all! I'm Red from MI. I just found the LHBA site and I'm glad I did! We bought a log home built in 1979, but it's all sorts of "unique" and we keep finding things that need to be fixed or updated. I'm happy to have found an experienced group of people to talk to!

[Scoutman]

Welcome Red! The log home you purchased. A B&P? A Kit? How 'bout a pic?

Hello all! I'm Red from MI. I just found the LHBA site and I'm glad I did! We bought a log home built in 1979, but it's all sorts of "unique" and we keep finding things that need to be fixed or updated. I'm happy to have found an experienced group of people to talk to!

[dirtydeeds]

Howdy, i'm Matt from Central TX. Stumbled across this forum on the web & look forward to reading/sharing ideas with everybody. We have property in SW Colorado that we plan on to build a cabin on within the next 7yrs or so, that i would like to do as much on myself as i can. Log work has always fascinated me & I enjoy making log furniture by hand when i have the time. If only i could grow Aspens in the hill country, i wouldn't be limited to cedar!

[loghousenut]

Mr Deeds,

Welcome aboard.

PS... So what's wrong with cedars? I'd build with them.

[jestertree]

Dirty... I guess you don't know about the history of Texas and Loblolly pines. There are plenty of great pine trees in Texas in and around Austin all the way to Houston. Cedar trees are indeed everywhere but I've seen better pines in Texas than a lot of places. I will be using all native, local pines to build my house. I'm going to Vegas this weekend to attend the class to get more detailed info. Where in Texas are you located?

[jestertree]

loghousenut is like a shadow of a ghost... Passing ever so gently, like a breeze that dances with the desire of selfless intention!

[dirtydeeds]

Hey, thanks for the welcome fellas. I do know about the pines - not around Austin, but more towards Bastrop & east on from there. They are quit nice! In fact, i have a nice hunk of a stump i snatched up from between the borders of Bastrop & Buscher SP.
I'm located out in the Wimberley area (about 30miles SW of Austin), nothing wrong with the cedars unless you have bad allergies like i do. Not even in just the pollen, just the particles that come out when skinnin' that dry bark down. I know i know.... I would smart to invest in a pressure washer! Other than that, i love working with cedar. Last long outdoors & has bunches of notches that give each log it's own unique characteristics.

[dirtydeeds]

Also, i suppose an avatar is out of the question on this forum until you hit a certain amount of posts? Noticed when i click on "edit avatar" it doesn't give me an option to add one. Just says "don't display one".

[greenthumb]

Welcome dirtydeeds!

I'd like to see some pictures of your log furniture if you have any(might want to start a new thread for that.)

Thanks,
Andy

[loghousenut]

loghousenut is like a shadow of a ghost... Passing ever so gently, like a breeze that dances with the desire of selfless intention!

Definition... Ghost shadow... "Massless lack of light radiating from the dark side of a spiritual non-mass of protoplasm usually weighing considerably less that 300 lbs."

That doesn't sound like me but I can appreciate quality poetry.



PS... And I haven't had a selfless intention since I was in knee pants! hahhhahhaa

[leoq]

Greetings from West Virginia!!! My name is Leo Quilichini. I just retire from work and currently live in Parkersburg, WV with my wife and our two dogs. We are planning on selling our house and buy 5-10 acres of land. Early next year we would like to attend the classes so that then we could start working on building our "dream home".

[edkemper]

Welcome Leo and bride. This is a great place to re-define or clarify your dreams.

[huntinmup2]

Howdy My name is Rick and we are gettin ready to built a 35'x45' log cabin w/ 6:12 pitch roof... single storey 3 bedroom,,bath and a half

[panderson03]

Welcome Rick. Ohio's beautiful country! read all you can here, and if you're planning on building butt and pass method, take the class. you'll get a LOT of great information on how to do it in the best and cost effective way. using techniques we learned in class we've saved a TON of money and not only on our build. we thought we'd get ahead by going to class with plans in hand, but by the end of the first class day, we'd changed EVERYTHING quite a learning experience for us

[Francis]

Hi all,

My name is Francis and i come from Quebec in Canada.
I want to build a 30'x30' camp with the butt'n'pass method... i wish i will be able to attend to the LHBA class!

[yellowstone]

hay steve how are you? chris legourd and i ( patricia kennedy) attended the class workshop.we are moving to west yellowstone mt. to build our 30x30 log cabin, but as of now we are still here in the south. we bought the plans right away. you will be happy to know we are building a practice storage shed. i posted some pictures under user name yellowstone.our she is 10x10 and it still looks huge, someone said we could use it for a guest house. i think when we sell it will make a good selling feature for a child's play houe, plus value to the house. loved your class workshop thanks again our logs should be here next week

[yosemitegirl]

Hello, my name is Becky and I'm from Tucson, AZ. My dream is to buy 10 acres or so in northern California in order to build a few cabins for myself, my parents & any of my siblings that wish to join us. I'm just working to save up enough money to get the land, and that will probably take a couple of years. I'm planning on taking the LHBA class with my dad once I have enough in savings. My parents & I are really excited about the idea of living in the midst of nature, debt free. I'm trying really hard to think long term & set realistic goals, but the whole process is a little overwhelming.

So anyway, that's my story. I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I'm hoping to draw strength & motivation from everyone's success stories.

[logsurfer]

Hello, my name is Becky and I'm from Tucson, AZ. My dream is to buy 10 acres or so in northern California in order to build a few cabins for myself, my parents & any of my siblings that wish to join us. I'm just working to save up enough money to get the land, and that will probably take a couple of years. I'm planning on taking the LHBA class with my dad once I have enough in savings. My parents & I are really excited about the idea of living in the midst of nature, debt free. I'm trying really hard to think long term & set realistic goals, but the whole process is a little overwhelming.

So anyway, that's my story. I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I'm hoping to draw strength & motivation from everyone's success stories.

Are you thinking around the Mariposa area? The gateway to Yosemite? We also have scanned around those parts...It's a tall order for sure. Were a few hours outside of that area...It's a challenge indeed to steer clear of GOV. involvement in most of those outlying areas...be sure to do your homework on all facets...It certainly sounds like a beautiful plan...need a roommate?
Welcome to the fray...hope to see ya around

[yosemitegirl]

Are you thinking around the Mariposa area? The gateway to Yosemite? We also have scanned around those parts...It's a tall order for sure. Were a few hours outside of that area...It's a challenge indeed to steer clear of GOV. involvement in most of those outlying areas...be sure to do your homework on all facets...It certainly sounds like a beautiful plan...need a roommate?
Welcome to the fray...hope to see ya around

Well, originally I was looking in that area, but I realized early on that there was no way I could afford it lol So, I'm really just keeping an eye on the entire northern California area for now until I have enough $$ to really jump on anything promising. Honestly, I'm open to any of the southernmost areas of the country as well (can't take snow country lol), but my parents have made it clear that it's California or nothing for them, so....

But it's nice to know that I'll have some LHBA neighbors in the area...and I may need a roommate after seeing land prices

Talk to you soon!

[edkemper]

logsurfer,

Since you haven't even had enough time to dry off from your plunge in the class yourself, would you suggest she wait to take the class until she has the savings to buy the land or take the class as soon as you save that much and take what you learn in the class to arrange to find and pay for the land?

I know you've had more than your share of weight on your shoulders lately, but what do you think?

[logsurfer]

Good point Ed...hmmm, I would suggest the latter. We pondered that same thought (at least I did) HA! I would wholeheartedly suggest that book 'Finding and buying your place in the country' Great read and sound advice throughout! We would welcome any fellow Ca folk who we could beg, borrow and pick their brains regarding such an endeavor! YGirl- what are your Parents position on such a journey? Do they include muscles, brains or funds? We would certainly be left to our own on all counts...that's what frightens me the most! :O....To clarify, YES, take the class...read all you can throughout the forums before. Can't even begin to tell you how much that helped before attending class.

[yosemitegirl]

It's funny that you mention that book Logsurfer...I ordered it on Amazon last week & it should be here any day now lol

Originally, I was going to take the Vegas class in November, but decided that I would be able to build more momentum by working really hard & saving first. I don't have any debt & I have a small nestegg that I was saving for a home here in Tucson, so I can realistically envision 3 years until I'm in a position to buy.

To answer your question, Logsurfer...my parents are the ultimate homesteader types. They've always wanted to build on acreage, but they started a rather large family & that kind of derailed their plans. This is kind of my plan to take care of them as they hit retirement age, since my dad his whole career working at a small business (translates to no retirement plan) and my mother was a homemaker. He is an incredibly handy guy & can build/fix anything he puts his mind to. He taught me some of his skills, but I'm nowhere close to his level. My dad & I are both pretty tough, so I know we can handle the building part...just not so sure about the red tape So my plan is that I buy the property, they sell their house here so that they have the money for their cabin materials, and we all work on each others cabins together. I know this sounds simplistic, but I think we can make it work if I can save up enough (by working a couple of jobs if necessary).

I've been reading these forums obsessively, and honestly I'm starting to get super nervous about Northern California I had no idea that there was a place more difficult to build than Pima County lol! I completely agree with Logsurfer about needing to find someone who has successfully built in this area so we can pick their brains!

[BoFuller]

What is there insistence on CA all about? I lived there for 20 years and could hardly wait to get out. We bought our 40 acres in Northern AZ for 2 main reasons. The lesser of them is that it was hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper. The major reason was to just get out of CA.

[BoFuller]

You're not too much farther away from our place than we are (Seligman area to Mesa is about 220 miles). Add another 100 for Tucson. Come up and see how nice it is up there.

[LogSurfer2]

Hello YosemiteGirl,
The Logsurfer wife here....with my 2 cents Yes, there are plenty of counties in CA that are difficult to say the least....but don't be too afraid. There are a few that are still fairly reasonable and less expensive. Don & I started with the intention of building in these Santa Cruz mountains since we're both from San Jose. BUT we would be spending at least 75K-150K just for land and then at least 25K-35K to get permits and the permission to begin building. That being said, we have decided to expand our search to other counties and areas, maybe even Southern OR. Yes, my family will be very upset with me if I move more than 1 hour away, but I figure they will just have to follow me or vacation with us frequently.

I have been doing plenty of research on CA counties, their regulations, fee schedules and scouring the MLS to put 2+2 together....it takes time, but we have that on our side, since our savings fund is small. Taking the class was key, and will remain our inspiration to keep this dream alive. In the meantime, reading up on buying land, and learning what we can on other building needs; plumbing, electrical, framing and the like. I think this will be enough to keep us striving to save as much as possible and spend as little as possible to keep us going in the right direction.

For land, I've also looked into Property tax default auctions, as well as Billyland.com. It at least helps you to see trends and see why land is priced the way it is. Once you spend some time researching that, you will begin to see the good, the bad, and the great deals. You'll have more confidence as you search for land. You'll get cheaper land if you are up to the tasks of doing your own septic, well, pad clearing, etc. Obviously when those things are already on the land, the price goes up! You can save time or you can save money....

Keep your chin up, you are already WAY ahead of us in many ways, just try to become a member soon....I think that the class will help you with planning & timeline and give you the confidence to know what your next steps should be. Since you already have a nest egg started, the class should be a small dent, assuming you & your dad can share a room & take the class together to save $200. I hope to keep tabs on your progress and would love to see where your dream takes you!

Judy Rainey

It's funny that you mention that book Logsurfer...I ordered it on Amazon last week & it should be here any day now lol

Originally, I was going to take the Vegas class in November, but decided that I would be able to build more momentum by working really hard & saving first. I don't have any debt & I have a small nestegg that I was saving for a home here in Tucson, so I can realistically envision 3 years until I'm in a position to buy.

To answer your question, Logsurfer...my parents are the ultimate homesteader types. They've always wanted to build on acreage, but they started a rather large family & that kind of derailed their plans. This is kind of my plan to take care of them as they hit retirement age, since my dad his whole career working at a small business (translates to no retirement plan) and my mother was a homemaker. He is an incredibly handy guy & can build/fix anything he puts his mind to. He taught me some of his skills, but I'm nowhere close to his level. My dad & I are both pretty tough, so I know we can handle the building part...just not so sure about the red tape. So my plan is that I buy the property, they sell their house here so that they have the money for their cabin materials, and we all work on each others cabins together. I know this sounds simplistic, but I think we can make it work if I can save up enough (by working a couple of jobs if necessary).

I've been reading these forums obsessively, and honestly I'm starting to get super nervous about Northern California. I had no idea that there was a place more difficult to build than Pima County lol! I completely agree with Logsurfer about needing to find someone who has successfully built in this area so we can pick their brains!

[yosemitegirl]

Hi BoFuller,

It seems like we have the inverse of your situation. My parents have lived in Tucson for 30+ years, and I've lived here most of my life (with a 2 year stint in Yosemite National Park & a 3 month stint in Memphis, TN). At this point we're all looking to get out of the desert/heat & into the green! My parents did actually own some land in Prescott Valley when I was a teenager, but they ended up selling because they had some major water issues (water table has been significantly diminished). I think I'm still looking to recreate those wonderful years spent in Yosemite & my parents just want out of AZ at all costs lol! I will agree that land is much cheaper & it's probably much easier to build in northern AZ, but we're all just really looking to get out of the desert entirely.

Logsurfer2,

Thank you so much for the encouraging words! I have also been broadening my search to southern OR, and even some southern states. My parents are not fans of humidity (I'm not really either), so I really don't think that we'll get past the northern CA, southern OR area. I would LOVE to stay in touch with you & keep up with your progress as well, because you really seem to know your stuff I fully intend to take the class. But I would be paying for the whole trip & my dad's ticket also, so I'm going to wait a little while on that. This is more about outsmarting my pessimistic self more than anything else (I know that makes no sense, but my mind works in strange ways lol). I will definitely not be buying any land until I take the class, though.

I've looked into property tax defaults in the past, but it was always for homes & never land. They always scared me because you never really knew what you were getting. Maybe it's a little different with land? I will definitely start watching Billyland.com...thanks for the tip!

Btw, I just got "Finding & Buying Your Place in the Country" in today's mail. I know what I'll be reading for the next couple of weeks lol!

[Eckasha]

Greetings Steve!
It was great to be part of the course the other week. Though i must say Las Vegas is quite a crazy place which i thought i'd never visit and support. But how could i pass up a chance to attend one of the associations gatherings.
Thank you for putting on a stellar weekend of human empowering home building
Until next time,
Polek