One of the benefits of membership in the Log Home Builders Association is that after you attend a class, you get access to our private members forums. All of the best discussions about construction issues occur in our members forums, and most members find it to be one of the biggest benefits of membership in the Association. There are several neat things you can do in the private members sections.
Get free labor
When you get ready to build your house, you can post a message in the private members section, and see if anyone would like to come help you build. There are usually far more volunteers looking for projects to work on than homes being built, so this will usually attract some interest. If you can provide your volunteers with a place to stay and hot meals you will probably get even more volunteers. Putting together a work party is like an old-fashioned barn raising.
Volunteer to help others
One of the best ways to get free labor on your house is to volunteer to help other nearby members building their house. If you find another member in your area, you might also arrange to share tools, materials, bargains, tips and tricks, etc. as you build.
Get hands-on practice
Every now and then we run into someone who wants to take our class, but feels that hands-on experience is important. We don’t think it is necessary for this style of construction (our own butt and pass style) because it is specifically designed for the average person to build, even if they have no previous construction experience. That’s why we are able to teach the entire process in two days. It’s also why you shouldn’t take a hands-on log home class.
But after your class, if you would like some hands-on practice, why not volunteer to help another member build their log home? It’s the best way to get real-world experience and it doesn’t cost a dime, as long as you are already a member of the Association.
