Introduce yourself

[loghousenut]

I have been watching this site for years. I wished I'd attended when it was close in Washington where i live. I know when Skip was alive, it was held in Monroe? I know he moves to the Phillipines and hjs since, passed away and now his son has taken over. I am glad to see they offer classes that are not on the crowded 3 day weekends, ie memorial and labor day etc. I may attend the one in Feb, hashing out logistics now.

I own outright, 40.52 acres of timberland near the Okanogan National Forest. I have a solar well on the place, have been developing the land for some time, its 2 20 acres lots side by side. I just purchased the second 20 in 2014. It has about 95% Ponderosa pines, rest of Douglas Fir. I had a well drilled back in 06 one year after I bought the first 20 acres. I have just recently trimmed out the well with a solar livestock well. Basically, I flip a switch, water runs out at about 2.8 gallons a minute. The front 20 acres if fully fenced in with 4 runs of barbed wire. I will fence off the newest addition soon.

I have a cabin I built myself on the front 20 acres. I only contracted out the foundation and the metal on the roof, rest was done by myself. I used a full footing/stemwall with no outside crawl space access. I pulled permits myself. I purchased every tool a contractor could use, air nailers of every kind, table saws, worm drive Skil, Multi tool, sawzall..... but made sure everything would run off of my Honda EU2000i generator.

Anyway, I still have the itch to retire into a log home. I have the land, I have the timber, I have plenty of space. I retire in 6 years, wife retires the same time. So I want to build out log home myself. Wifes family is all brick/stone masons, so that will help out loads.

I have pictures of my gorgeous stick built cabin, but not sure if I can post them without them being on a server.

Yeah,you are a bonehead... You shoulda taken the class in 1981 like I did. That means there is no hope for you and you will die a lonely old man in an apartment in Sultan (that's Washington... look it up Bo).

[loghousenut]

Or you could take the class and get on with your life before you really are a lonely old man in that apartment in Sultan. Imagine how old you are going to be in 10 years... now imagine how old you'll be in 10 years if you take the LHBA class in February.

If you get with it right now, you'll most likely be done before I am and I am currently really old.




Life is really good, either way... Take the class, JJ

[cianiedalope]

Hello, I really don't know what Im doing. I stumbled on this site because i was looking for answers. My 83 year old mom owns a house on a 7 acre property in the woods of New Jersey. This house became dilapidated when my father got sick and passed away in 2009. My mother lives with us since the house is unrepairable. My father was a pastor and he spent his life in the ministry, serving and helping others. During his time, churches from the city would come, stay in the house, and camp out in his land as a retreat. It was an enjoyable and prosperous time in the ministry. Before my dad passed away, he instructed us to never sell the land. Since then, we have hired and spent several thousands to have the house repaired, but had no luck in contractors who destroyed the house even more. Now, the house is unrepairable and has to come down. We're stuck with taxes and have no more money to spend. We were heart broken to make a decision to go against our dad's wishes to sell the property. We had no choice.We had a buyer last April but the sale fell through because he couldn't get a lone from the bank. Wow. This to us was a sign that we shouldn't sell the property.Now, we are faced with this burden, what are we going to do? It's clear to us that the house has to come down. If i were to dream, i would love to have a log cabin in place of the house, and use the house and the property as a camping ground for churches to go to and have their retreat. One big factor, we have very little money. My Mom used up all her retirement money to try to fix the old house. I work full-time and a mother of two who are in college. But is building a log cabin a possible dream? I am 5'2" and weigh 130 lbs (well maybe more);-) Will i be able to do this? Or who can i ask to help me do this? Anyone here in the East Coast know how to build a Butt and Pass Log Cabin?I would like to attend the class in Feb 2017, but it's on the other side of the country. Im in New Jersey. Can anyone please bring me back to my senses and break my bubble. Im posting this to get answers. Thanks for any inspiring feedback.

[rreidnauer]

Rarely would I suggest what I am about to suggest, but I believe it would be for the best.

You already say that you are behind on taxes. To pour any more money into a property you are on the verge of having taken away from you is a bad choice. You already lost so much to bad contractors with nothing to show for it. Why would you consider repeating the past?

I believe selling it is your wisest choice. You can aquire more land with WAY lower taxes in places other than NJ, then keep your father's legacy alive, of a property to span the generations. As it stands now, it sounds like you will lose the land to the gov't, and your father's wishes with it.

Tough decision, I know. But if keeping land in the family was what he was hoping for, I see no better path to achieve it.

[pip1972]

I posted last week can not locate my post. Been a lurker but now....Ive got a handle. Thanks for the words of advice, recommendations etc.

[panderson03]

welcome pip!

[bensanders]

Hi!!!

My name is Ben. I just took the class this September and bought the floor plans last week. I am preparing to build in the Spring. I might even try and get the piers in the ground before it freezes in late November. I am from Southeast Montana on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. I hope to be in touch as my project gets rolling!

Beers,

Benjamin

[loghousenut]

Good having you around, Ben. Get over to the other side of the forum and we'll all have a party for you.

[clarksal]

Evening - I'm Sally. I bought a nice flat acre near Mt. Lassen in Northern California. My husband and I are signed up for class in February and can't wait. We've been reading all the notes and viewing the LHBA site for several months getting ideas, looking at pictures, reading what others have done, and are super eager.

[Nick]

Evening - I'm Sally. I bought a nice flat acre near Mt. Lassen in Northern California. My husband and I are signed up for class in February and can't wait. We've been reading all the notes and viewing the LHBA site for several months getting ideas, looking at pictures, reading what others have done, and are super eager.

Welcome Sally! Which February class?

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[clarksal]

[QUOTE=Nick;132584]Welcome Sally! Which February class?

Hey Nick - We are signed up for the President's day weekend class, February 18th/19th 2017

[Nick]

[QUOTE=clarksal;132585]

Welcome Sally! Which February class?

Hey Nick - We are signed up for the President's day weekend class, February 18th/19th 2017

Fantastic! Look forward to seeing you there. You'll love the class.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[ALM1983]

My name is Alex, and I've dreamed and dreamed and dreamed of building a small log cabin for a good 24 hours now.

Backstory: I'm in my 30s, single, and living in Charleston, S.C. It's my hometown, and where my family is (or was) based. Unfortunately, my sister is moving to Boston, my parents are moving to Pawley's Island, and I'm suddenly considering a move to Colorado. Would I rather buy some old, cramped place in the city -- or buy a few acres outside of town and build the coolest, coziest log cabin of all time?

The latter option intrigues me.

So, I'm here to learn whatever I can about materials, design, etc.

Hi.

[donjuedo]

Welcome, Alex. Read what you find interesting here, take a look at the student homes, and ask questions.


Peter

[panderson03]

welcome Alex!

[loghousenut]

That "building a cute little cabin in Colorado" thing has been done to death, Alex. Just take the class and go to Colorado and live in an apartment in town someplace.





That ought to do the trick just fine.

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[John17three]

My name is Alex, and I've dreamed and dreamed and dreamed of building a small log cabin for a good 24 hours now.

Backstory: I'm in my 30s, single, and living in Charleston, S.C. It's my hometown, and where my family is (or was) based. Unfortunately, my sister is moving to Boston, my parents are moving to Pawley's Island, and I'm suddenly considering a move to Colorado. Would I rather buy some old, cramped place in the city -- or buy a few acres outside of town and build the coolest, coziest log cabin of all time?

The latter option intrigues me.

So, I'm here to learn whatever I can about materials, design, etc.

Hi.

My pastor relocated from Charleston, S.C. to my obscure little county seat town in SW MO. Cheap land here. Pine is within an hour driving distance. Cost of living is decent, and depending where ya buy, there are larger cities within a short commute. Definitely cheaper than Colorado, though.

Keep dreaming, take a step, you'll be coming (in?)famous like LHN (LogHouseNut)

[Loggity Dog]

Hi All! My wife and I are living near Roanoke, VA. We've recently relocated from Texas as a result of my military retirement. I sent Mandy to the last class in 2016, so she bears all the log building knowledge. I'm excited about plugging in with you guys to see if we can actually do this thing. I'd love to get out to some build sites if there any going on around us or in NC! We look forward to engaging!
Thanks,
Rob and Mandy

[Arrowman]

Hi All! My wife and I are living near Roanoke, VA. We've recently relocated from Texas as a result of my military retirement. I sent Mandy to the last class in 2016, so she bears all the log building knowledge. I'm excited about plugging in with you guys to see if we can actually do this thing. I'd love to get out to some build sites if there any going on around us or in NC! We look forward to engaging!
Thanks,
Rob and Mandy

There are several going on in that area. I know the resident expert has his he's building somewhere in that general area, mine is a few short hours down in NC just north of Charlotte. There is another member somewhere between charlotte and Roanoke that is somewhere in the process as well. Not sure where exactly, I haven't touched base with him in a few months. I'm doing framing right now. Logs are up and most of the roof decking is on. You are always welcome to stop by for as long or short a time as you want.

[Loggity Dog]

Arrowman,
Thanks for the invite! Its about three hours for us and we will surely drop by at some point. We've always got to worry about our three dogs and the two-year-old in tow! But other than that, we'd really like to come by and see what you're up to! Hope to hear from the folks between us and you as well.
Thanks again.
Rob

[INTREPITREE]

Hello everyone,

I am writing today from Cold Springs, Ontario, Canada. My wife and I have are currently searching for a building site, but have access to a large family woodlot filled with mature oak, maple, poplar, white pine and red pine.

We would eventually like to build a small log home or a timberframe home. I have recently purchased and refurbished an older bandsaw mill, and I am slowing acquiring the necessary tools and knowledge.

I am interested in taking some courses in both types of building, and am in general very interested in natural building.

Thanks, and I look forward to speaking with and learning from everyone!

Matt


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[mudflap]

Welcome, new people- wishing you all the best in your journey- I took the class in Feb. 2016, so coming up on a year. I've almost got all my logs, will probably start stacking in a month. #3 best thing I've ever done!

[Arrowman]

Arrowman,
Thanks for the invite! Its about three hours for us and we will surely drop by at some point. We've always got to worry about our three dogs and the two-year-old in tow! But other than that, we'd really like to come by and see what you're up to! Hope to hear from the folks between us and you as well.
Thanks again.
Rob

Dogs and kids are no big deal. I have a few of my own. You're welcome anytime.

[rocklock]

I am writing today from Cold Springs, Ontario, Canada. My wife and I have are currently searching for a building site, but have access to a large family woodlot filled with mature oak, maple, poplar, white pine and red pine.
We would eventually like to build a small log home or a timber frame home. I have recently purchased and refurbished an older bandsaw mill,
I am interested in taking some courses in both types of building, and am in general very interested in natural building.

I have built a log home and I have a neighbor that built a timber frame. I went to the class and learned what I needed. My neighbor built many templates and lots of stuff for his timber frame plus he had some one to help him... IN other words, a but and pass log home is for the unskilled but willing to work. A timber frame requires a moderate amount amount of skill and a bunch of people during the initial erection phase. A butt and pass log home can be built easily by two people or one person that can work really hard.

I have used mixed logs, but they had the same taper. Mixing tapers can be a problem. but can be over come.

In very cold areas I would suggest a basement because of the depth that the foundation requires almost a free area...

The very best thing that one can do is to look at the student build homes... Everyone is amazing....

Good luck

[JBloghome]

Hi Steve and fellow log home-lovers,

I am completely new to the idea of building a log home and had just been looking at some of the different topics in this forum. I just had one question that perhaps you(Steve)or one of the fellow members on here could help me with. I'm looking at purchasing a small plot of land (1.2 acres) in El Dorado county, Northern California and have seen most of the members here say that it's the worst place to build due to all of the county restrictions and fees. Would you or anyone else have a general idea what it would cost in the way of permits and fees to build a 1200 sq ft cabin. I know that this isnt a simple cut and dry question, but any help would be greatly appreciated. I am looking at checking out the class in Vegas come February, but wanted some realistic advice before doing so.
Thanks in advance for your time.
Jordan

[Steve]

Hi Jordan, welcome to the LHBA

I've never built in El Dorado, but they do have a building department page here, and there is a link to the PDF planning fees document here. I looked through those and it takes a bit more detail than we have to calculate the cost.

If this were my project, I would walk right in to the planning department and tell them I wanted to build a house and ask for the requirements, just to see how they react. Try to get a feel for how they treat owner-builders and what sort of costs you can expect to pay. Then I would find a structural engineer who is licensed in CA and who seems enthusiastic about working on log homes. They will be able to give you a much better picture of what is going to be involved there.

Maybe we have some members around your way who can chime in with more info...

Steve

[Little Eagle]

Welcome to the LHBA, great site for know how and do it yourselfer's who are not afraid to smash a finger! Hello Jordan, welcome aboard! Watch out for loghousenut is a sneaky kinda fellow with the strangest ideas . . . .

[rreidnauer]

Loghousenut is a saint and a scholar, and would never dare think of doing or saying anything in the name of trickery or silliness.



I know, because he paid me to say so.