How to build a log cabin

Three different families share their experience with building their own log homes.

People ask us how to build a log cabin all the time.  It’s probably the number one question asked by the general public, and you might be asking yourself that question right now.

In just a minute we will introduce you to 3 separate families who did exactly that — built their own log cabin from scratch (despite never having built anything before). And we’ll explain how they did it.

One thing they had in common was that they all signed up for our 2-day class and lifetime membership in the Log Home Builders Association. Our class focuses on the easiest way to build log cabins, the quickest way to build log cabins, the least expensive way to build log cabins, the strongest way to build log cabins, et cetera. 

It’s because of the techniques we cover at our class, that regular folks with no previous construction experience can build the shell of their log cabin in just two weeks… or build their log cabin for just $20,000 total cost, or make a $160,000 selling your first log cabin.

Each class is slightly different, based on questions asked students.  For example, if the class seems very interested in a specific topic, like passive solar design, than we’ll be happy to talk about it… if the class does not seem interested in that topic then we’ll skip it.  But our class will always show you everything you need to know in order to build your own log cabin.

Here’s an overview of all the topics we cover at our class:

• Log selection, log peeling, transporting logs (by truck and rail), seasoning logs, etc.
• Buying property, site selection, site plans, site preparation, etc.
• Dealing with building codes and engineering.
• Construction costs and materials lists (take offs), etc.
• Building loans and traditional financing and alternative financing (which is not recommended), etc.
• Building plans, building permits, tips and tricks about dealing with building inspectors, etc.
• Foundations: excavating, building forms, placing forms, pouring concrete, etc.
• Log work: erecting log walls, installing joists, rafters, pulins, ridge poles, girders, columns and posts, notchwork, etc.
• Roofing: sub roof, insulation, venting, roofing felt, roofing material, ridge vent, etc.
• Framing: gable ends, interior walls, fire blocks, cats, etc.
• Plumbing: kitchens, bathrooms, hot tubs, solar hot water heaters, wells, city water, pex, wet walls, fixtures, etc.
• HVAC: heating options, air conditioner options, alternative energy options, etc.
• Log wall settling: keyways, settling space, slip joints, screw jacks, installing windows and doors, etc.
• Electrical: how to wire a log home, electrical plans, panels, etc.
• Log home maintenance, restoration, etc.
• Selling log homes, marketing ideas, etc.
• How to minimize your property tax burden.
• Pioneering techniques: log lifting, joist work, wells, foundations, etc.
• How to lift all your logs using tools that can fit into the truck of your car, etc.

At our class you also get a copy of the Association’s Log Home Construction manual.  The manual already has the class info in it, including notes, diagrams, pictures, span tables specifically for log home building, charts, etc.  Having this reference makes the learning process a lot easier.

In just 2 days, our class literally covers all aspects of log cabin building.  It also includes tons of other invaluable general construction information.  The knowledge gained at our class will help you have a wonderful and successful experience as an owner builder of your own low cost log cabin.

After the class, this members and his wife built themselves a very nice log home — like countless other members have.

A project well under way to being a beautiful finished log home for a loving family to live in.

Below are three families who each built their own log cabin from scratch… Click the links to read more about how these former students accomplished their log cabin projects:

• Sheri and Debbie’s log home
• Larry’s log home
• Jeff’s log home

Here are some other articles you might find interesting:

• Student feedback and testimonials
• Why you shouldn’t buy log cabin kits
• Warnings about kit log homes
• How to save 50% on building your log home