Ontario is a bit weird when it comes to wood and lumber. Although we have a HUGE multi-billion dollar logging industry in northern Ontario, most of the wood is exported to the US. In fact, it seems to be cheaper to buy logs from the US and import them back to Canada (still checking on trucking costs).

There aren't many log homes here....although ya can find the odd one tucked away in places. Same goes for supplies (caulking, screws, etc). If ya can find them they are grossly over-priced.

I know there are several Ontario members on this forum. We really need to "pool" our knowledge because we are at a disadvantage compared to the folks in the US or even in British Columbia where the log home industry is big.

Just my thoughts!

I'm currently living in Ontario was well, Toronto, so you can imagine there aren't too many loghomes in the city (like none!) I'm probably not going to build in Ontario, most likely the East Coast, so I haven't done any investigation into building in Ontario, sorry I'm not much help on that.

I too am interested to see if Canada has any "pole Permits" like they do in the US, not sure where to even start looking though. Anyone have any ideas?

What species are you looking to use in your home Rumble? Squares? Round? I could probably send you a few names that would be able to help you out on your material supply problems...

I too am in Ontario, been wanting to take the class for several years now, finally had the chance last month (May 2008). My father in law built a "kit" log home, and lets say that the wife won't let me discuss his many flaws...(he has 40+ acres outside Bancroft, I plan on building a small cabin beside his, and let him see that his roof cost more than my cabin...).

Right now I'm looking at my own property to build the 2 car garage on (since there is already a house there!), I plan on using some White Pine off the property, or may talk to some buddies that are loggers down the road, worst case I'll call the local mill (I know expensive, but still better than shipping costs, plus I know the owner!!).

As for building codes, I know the father in law had no problems, the inspector was very helpful, but then again, she didn't know squat about log homes. As for materials, if you're really needing stuff, Permachink has a distributorship in Eganville (2 hours West of Ottawa) that sells all sorts of crap for log homes, but in all honesty, wait and take the course, you learn so much, it's invaluable!!! Good luck!!

Cool, let me know what you come up with, I'm hoping to build someplace closer to Bancroft (the in-laws are there). There are many loggers in the area that should help you out with the logs...let me know when you're building, would love to try and get some "hands-on" I'm just dying to get started....

Sounds good, you call, I'll haul...

I haven't found anyone yet from Ont. who has built (I'm close to the Quebec border so I'd happily go their too), but I hope too start spring 2009. Building up here certainly has it's own challenges because we get every kind of weather imaginable.

Definately take the course, it's worth every penny.

Drop me a message if you want to e-mail me, there were a whole bunch of crazy Canucks in the April class (I think it was the largest group ever at the same time).

Jason.

On the log prowl. Got any contacts for me?

Jason.

There are many Canadian LHBA'ers..thats a good thing, aye?

LHBA is spreading worldwide..and thats what its all aboot'.. :)

now what ever happened to the McKenzie brothers?

Kola

Timberwolf, be sure to count me in

Been awhile since I replied to any of these. Still living [and dying] in Oakville. My wife and I are fairly certain were going to chance moving and build. I'm hoping to start this spring on logs/peeling etc. Of course that is if I get in this coming course. I know they won't take you if we have started so I need to get in SOON! :)

If anyone is doing any building in the ontario region we would love to chat and perhaps help some for some experience. We're thinking we'll start with a small building/garage single story that we can build fast and live/store our stuff. Then build the main house more slowly. Then rent out the small place. I'd love to know what you think about this.

On the LOG front I got [I think] good news. I happened to be on a canoe trip in Temagami this summer with my family and ran into a local logger. I got his info and we have talked. He was ESTIMATING [not quoting] ~10K for logs, shipped. That has been the best and REAL talk I have had with anyone in Ontario for logs. I'll give his name privately if you email me at linzel[at]gmail[dot]com. I just figure to not list his name publicly for his privacy. Seemed like a nice guy. He seemed ready to allow the logs to be stored on his site if need be and said we could arrange for me to peel the logs on site if needed. I figure no matter what I could buy logs and get them ready if I had to but once again, I want to take the course first to be sure. He was confident to be able to get 40-60+ foot lengths of red or white pine, depending on the stand he is allowed to cut. Not 100% sure what we need. We have a few hand drawn ideas in the 40x40 and 30x50. We just want to meet with an architect and get something more definative down. Like all of you I want to build it as much myself as possible. I'm really hoping I can get it weather tight in a summer [I'm a teacher so I have 7-8 weeks I can dedicate - seems like it should be possible from what I read here] and then finish the inside.

Gimme a mail if you want for his name and number and if we could help you out if you are building. Hopefully meet some of you at the course. [keeping fingers crossed!]

James

sorry Jason..Ehh!

Long live Fort Erie and the "ballet theatres"

Kola

I prefer a basement anyway.

Cedar in this part of the country is pretty small for a log home (maybe a cabin) and a good deal of them (almost 100% of the ones I've cut) usually have heart rot.

Good for fences and decking though.

Keep an eye on your e-mail.

Jason.

Look, listen and learn
Im Your Huckleberry!
Keep Rocking With Dokken!

Heidi how bad do you want a log home becuse you could build one better then a kit home.
Just take what theres looks like and make it into a butt pass style after you take the class.
If you want a cabin bad you will work for it. And its hard work but its rewarding work also and it be allot cheeper if you build it.
It will be allot better built if you build it a butt pass style home.
I dont even pick up those mags any more there a joke to me.
They should call it dowl pin homes ore 4 by 6 sqware wood legos.
I am glad i took the class and didnt get ripped off on a kit.
One the coolest things i did in my life is taking the class.
Its been some time and i am slow worker but step by step things are getting done on my own land.
Take the class together if you realy want to make your own place.
Good luck

I started researching the whole self-build alternative construction biz about three years ago and I have found it facinating. There is a pile of different ways to do structure, infill, foundations, heating/cooling methods. I never thought there were so many way to shelter one's self. The neatest thing I've found is these methods are far better then conventional construction techniques, mostly because they are hundreds or thousands of years old and more developed. Anyway enjoy the new toy shop of ideas :)