Josh,

LHBA is unique, I don't think there is a clone out there. Like I told another inquirer, there are people in your area building now, I'm sure they wouldn't mind an extra pair of hands. Also, there are no more classes CURRENTLY SCHEDULED this year, but wait around, I'm fairly certain there will be one or two coming this fall/winter (they often put them on 3 day weekends so you can make the trip easier).

Anyway, your 5 acres sounds just about right. You can likely save some $$ by using your own trees, if there are ~80 of them that are large and straight enough. Just be careful if you decide to fell them yourself. Many people more skilled than you have been killed by a saw or a falling tree.

One final note, you'll save more than the cost of the class and the ticket by taking the course, and many times more than that by participating in the forums (esp the members area). If you have the cash, then buy the property, but don't go too into debt. There islots of land available. You just have to look.

-Peter

You probably can, but...

1) The foundation might not be thick enough for the weight of a log home. I would consult and engineer on this.

2) The layout of the foundation may not be right for a log home. What are the dimensions of the foundation?

But the general answer is yes, you can build a log home on pier blocks, continuous foundation stem wall with crawlspace, slab foundation, or full basement. All of these variations can be done.

Here are some pictures of the foundation:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781333391/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781334539/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781334631/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781334733/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2782195012/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781335487/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29711122@N05/2781335687/in/photostream/

The lot needs a *ton* of work to get it cleaned up and taken care of. But I'm willing to sweat and work hard. The current house we're in looked terrible when we moved in, and I'm quite proud of how we cleaned it up. But this place would be a lot more work, so I'm moving forward cautiously.

-Josh

that I grew up right down the road in Hagerstown. I used to be a raft guide for River and Trail on the Shenandoah and the Potomac around Harpers Ferry. That is a pretty nice area.

Hey, now actually sounds like a clever idea. Not sure how that would interface with the well and septic work that's already been done, though.

Still, my first preference would be to figure out a way to take advantage of the work that's already been done for building my house, and then go from there. But at the same time I don't want to make bad decisions that I'll regret for the rest of the time I live there (which I hope is a long time).

-Josh

It's going to be tough to get equipment back there to do a poured foundation, though--this lot is kinda "off the beaten path." Hopefully I'll be able to figure something out.

I've seen them get a cement truck into some pretty crazy places before.

And in the case that every single concrete delivery company says it's "impossible" you can also mix your own for a pier-block foundation, which uses the least amount of concrete and is the preferred method for LHBA homes.

I bet for the cost of getting a concrete rig to a tough site, you probably can buy a decent mixer and rent the quad to pull stuff in. Or a tractor. Or barter/trade/borrow..... Get a beater 4x4 truck.... could probably find somebody in the association happy to help out. The whole deal is to save bucks and live as free "from the man" as possible, right? However, those concrete trucks get into spots you would never think possible. Just depends on the $$$$ you have to use for each task.

Oh ya, blocks. Nope. Bad idea for such an awesome house. If I did blocks, they would be solid granite and massive. :0) Hmm. Concrete is easier.

Hey rckclmbr428,

I was checking out your link titled "stuff I've built" and saw that you built a bridge for the High Knob area in Norton, VA. I've been there many times and may have actually walked on the bridge you've built.

Cy

Wow! I didn't know the tower burned down. I truly hate to hear that. I have a lot of childhood memories from the top of that mountain.

I am curious to know what resources you have found for log material . Having just found this site , I am not sure the classes are worth the effort in that its all a seemingly west coast activity . GLK

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

I have read so many books on how to build log homes.
And it made me rethink on how i was going to build and pointed out mistake built from the past builders.
It teaches so many things and you got take notes.
The internet site is worth it alone to make conections with other builders and swap ideas and get help if your stuck when building.
I spend over 2 years looking over the site and allot thought i was crazy to go out for the class.
I spent allot money in my life but this was worth it to me and many others.
Best money Many have spent if your truly gone to build.
The classes sell out for a reason.
Out 50,000 people i dont think anyone felt riped off.
Ok take it if you relay want build your own log home.
Good luck on what ever you decide.
PS I am from the East cost here in Va and there seems to be allot more of us now.

...I was lucky enough to attend the only class held in the East....what a lucky find for me. I was practicing chinkless log coping and it would have taken me many years to build by myself. I then decided to try a kit and wasn't impressed. Most folks are skeptical of the course and methods (myself included), after the course the experience has given me the confidence to turn my dream back into reality.

I got white pine with 20+ in fat ends 12"+ skinny ends for $200 a log here in VA, there should be plenty of choices up in good ol WV, My neighbor is building a kit home which he said he got a "deal" on his kit, paid just over 100k for it. I am going to have under 20k in all my walls and rafters. and I think my house has ALOT more character. was doing some thinking today, and I plan on building a vacation home in Fayetteville, WV, much smaller, probably around a 20x20, and would have less then 10k in the whole thing done. so, ya its possible up there.