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Help for a new guy!

09/02/2007 - 21:22
AndrewDavis
Posts: 3
 Joined: 2007-09-02

Hello!

My name is Andrew Davis and I am just about to finish my last tour in the military. I am very interested in the building of my own home and actually making a hobby of making cabins maybe even a career. I'm 25 and have worked at least 1 full time job since I was 9. From some of you out there that have taken the class and built already I just wanted to ask some questions. None of the trade secrets of course as I am planning on taking the class when I get home but if any of yall could answer or help me I would greatly appreciate it!

As I have seen on the site it speaks of a guy building by himself. Has plausable is that? I've got a few military related injuries and I just want to get a better understanding on how the process works. Can one man actually build one of these amazing homes?

I know it speaks of permits in the class, but when it comes to the electrical part/plumbing/ect., is this a contracted job or is this more of a read a book and do it yourself job when contruction is underway?

Before the site got all prettied up I had read that the parts/materials are discontinued types of materials being used? How available is cheap material to build with?

What is an average turn around time for building one of these homes?

Has anyone built one with duct work? Central heat and air? Is that possible for these types of homes?

I'll leave it at that for now and thanks in advance to those who reply!

God Bless you all.

Andrew

‹ Block basement Hello Everyone ›


Comments

09/03/2007 - 03:40
lbrowne
LHBA Member
Posts: 87
 Joined: 2007-07-27
Hi Andrew

Hi Andrew,

I haven't taken the class yet either. From the FAQ http://www.loghomebuilders.org/faq

Quote:
Can the average person with no building experience build a log home with no help from anyone?

Yes. The average person can build a log home even if they have no prior building experience. The methods that we teach can be used by almost any average, healthy man or woman. We've even had teenagers attend our class and then go out and build a beautfiul log cabin. One of them, Jerry Smith, took our class at 15 years old and built a log home on his parents property. His log home was awarded a 'Log Home of the Month' award from us, and it can be seen on our page featuring log homes built by our students.

How many people does it take to build a log home?

One person, working alone, can easily build a log home. With two people on the job, it is easier. But if there are more than two people it seems as if they just get in each other’s way and the work doesn’t get done as fast. It is generally accepted that if there are a lot of people on the job then it will only take LONGER to build the home.

How much physical strength is required to build a log home?

Hardly any.

As a girl (her words, not ours) who weighs 100 pounds, can I build a log home by myself?

Skip’s girl-friend, Elvie, is an Asian who is 4’ 10" tall and weighs 85 pounds. She can do anything that is required on a log home job.

There is another FAQ on that link about how much time to build. This can really vary, but it shows an example of what can be done. The example home can be found under Student Log Homes (link at top of page). On this FAQ it mentions the couple did their own plumbing and electrical work. I'm sure some others with no experience have also, while it can also be contracted out if you need it done faster or feel it's more than you want to deal with. The simpler the plan, the easier it is to learn anything so keep that in mind for planning out your first project.

Availability of cheap materials will vary with where you live and how hard you work to find them. We're a long ways from any town or city, so I tend to do preliminary legwork by phone. It's easier on the fuel bill and time, but sometimes less effective. I'm sure the class will have plenty of tips on finding deals.

Duct work and central heat/air is always possible, but also are many alternative methods of heating and cooling you might want to look into. Duct work doesn't feel as "right" to me in a log home, but that's just me.

Good luck with finishing out your tour and getting into this new hobby/career!

~ Linda



09/03/2007 - 09:07
papackbi
LHBA Member
Posts: 28
 Joined: 2007-08-09
So I am not the only one

So I am not the only one over in the desert looking at this web site. I am also interested in cabins as a carrer, and something I can teach my kids. What time frame are you wanting to take the course? How much time will you have left after you redeploy?
Keep your head down.
Stephen



09/03/2007 - 15:59
AndrewDavis
Posts: 3
 Joined: 2007-09-02
Not the only one

Nope I'm getting close to the end of my spell with the military. I will have 18 wonderful days of debriefs and out processing and a wakeup when I get home. After that and the fact I haven't had a vacation in what feels like 90 years I figure around July or after I'll take the class. I've always wanted to build my own place and also although it isn't a common ideal job any more I've always wanted to be in construction. If I can pop one out a year and relax in the process I figure it's a darn good transition between DCU and civ'y life. :)

Take care brother. Prayers will be with ya.

God Bless

Andrew



09/03/2007 - 17:33
papackbi
LHBA Member
Posts: 28
 Joined: 2007-08-09
I worked almost every aspect

I worked almost every aspect of construction from a laborer to running the jobs in the years leading up to the military, and I am looking forward to relaxing and working my own jobs again but I still have a few more years of time away from the family before it becomes a reality once again. It really is a great transition.
God Bless,
Stephen



09/03/2007 - 21:09
zato_ichi
zato_ichi's picture
Posts: 32
 Joined: 2007-05-21
Thanks

to both of you for putting your necks on the line over there...stay safe and come home as soon as you can. you're in my thoughts and prayers as are all our other brave men and women.



09/15/2007 - 04:26
grannyk
grannyk's picture
LHBA Member
Posts: 34
 Joined: 2006-02-07
Our Military Heroes!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Fellas,
How my heart goes out to both of you and I want you to know
that you are often in my thoughts and more importantly in my prayers
to God. Please stay safe and come home as soon as you can we
love you and appreciate all you are doing.

--

God Bless Ya, grannyk



09/25/2007 - 02:02
pinecone pam
LHBA Member
Posts: 175
 Joined: 2007-08-29
Help for the new guy!

Hello Andrew Davis! First off, you came to the right place. Yes, one guy can build a house like this all by himself. Yes you can have duct work, airconditioning and anything else you can put ina stick frame house! But, take the class first. We first built a 12x12 log shed using Skips method as a prototype. Now every teenager near here wants to rent it to live in! Then we built the big house that we call home. Then on to others. We've helped with at least five others. My son is in the Marine Corps. He has been a major part of construction on all of these. He started on his first one at age 13. Now he can't wait to come home and start on his own home. He's 25, married with a daughter. Can he do it alone? Yes. Will he have to? No way. We'll all be there to help him. That's whats so great about being a part of this whole log thing. It's a lifestyle. I come from 3 generations of log home builders. None of them contractors. They built their homes and their neighbors homes. It gets in your blood. I love hearing from you newbies! It gets me jazzed all over again! Best of luck to you. We'll be here to help you along!