Click here for these newsletters >>
October 1999 through February 2000
titles:
How does the builder deal with a crooked log?
Opportunities for saving money when designing and building your dream log home.
Where do I start and where do I go from there? Part 1.
How much does a log home cost?
March 2000 through August 2000
titles: Where do I start and where do
I go from there? Part 2.
A sad but true story.
Where do I start and where do I go from there? Part 3.
Why is it Important to use an
Experienced Log Builder.
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September 2000 through February 2001
titles: Comparing Kit Prices
Quoted by Different Manufacturers or Dealers.
Log Homes and Energy Efficiency.
So Now Its Winter and Your Kit is On the Way!
Fasteners for Log Walls.
Roof Systems.
So You Want to Do it Yourself!
Click here for these newsletters >> March
2001 to the present
titles: Delivery of Your Log Home
Kit.
Where can I find, or how do I prepare,
a log home plan that fits my lifestyle?
The Carpenter Bee.
Bees, Builders and Braggarts.
Windows.
What Can I Expect from my Log Home Dealer?
March 2000 (page 2) - Where do I start and where do I go from there? Part 2.
April 2000 - no publication due to problems with email software and Internet server
May 2000 (page 2) - A sad but true story.
June 2000 (page 2) - Where do I start and where do I go from there? Part 3.
July 2000 (page 2) - Why is it Important to use an Experienced Log Builder
August 2000 (page 2) - Lessons Learned Personally - or by Others.
Subject: WHERE DO I START AND WHERE DO I GO FROM THERE? PART 2.
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CHANGES AT OUR WEB SITE:
Click here and
you can view book covers, titles, authors and click directly to each book.
Once connected, you may review the book and/or place an order with
Amazon.com. Of course, only books on log home design, construction,
decorating, etc. are listed.
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As stated in the January newsletter, several newsletters can be written on
the subject of building your own log home. This month we will identify the various subcontractor skills needed if you are going to be your own general contractor. The list that follows is more or less in chronological order.>> Land Surveyor: to prepare a plat showing the proposed location of the
home. You may also want the surveyor to mark the footer and foundation corners (after the house site is excavated). The cost is reasonable and you can be confident that your house will be "square.">> Excavator: to clear the land, open a driveway, excavate the house site and dig the footers.
>> Well Driller: if public water is not available.
>> Drain Field and Septic System Contractor: if public sewer is not available. This may well be the same contractor as your excavator.
>> Concrete Contractor: to prepare the excavated footers and pour the concrete.
>> Foundation Contractor: to pour the foundation or lay the block for the foundation. This could be the same contractor that poured your footers.
>> Framing Contractor: this should be an experienced log home builder who will at least put the home under roof and install the windows and doors.
>> Electric Utility: to connect the home to the power grid.
>> Roofing Contractor: to shingle the roof.
>> Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractor (HVAC) - You will need to be on site during his first visit. The contractor will be asking questions and making suggestions regarding routing of the duct work.
>> Electrical Contractor - Again you will need to be on site to answer questions about location of fixtures, switches and receptacles. Yes, the drawings will show locations but once the house takes shape you will want to make changes.
>> Plumbing Contractor - In addition to the work inside the house, the plumber will hook-up to the water supply and sewer/septic system. Again you need to be on site for the contractor's first visit.
>> Insulation Contractor
>> Dry wall Contractor
>> Trim Contractor - Be prepared to answer many questions; however, a good trim man will have suggestions. This person can install interior doors and cabinets.
>> Floor Covering and Tile Contractors.
>> Interior and Exterior Painting and Finishing Contractor.
>> Finish Grading and Seeding of the Lawn.
>> Landscaping.
So, how does one find dependable, quality contractors? What is the role of the log home dealer in helping the log home owner/builder find these contractors? How does B and H Cedar Log Homes assist the log home owner/builder? How does the log home owner/builder manage these contractors? We will discuss these subjects next month.
REMEMBER, YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE NOT JUST WELCOMED, THEY ARE SOLICITED!
See you next month, SANDY HELMS
MAY 2000 - A SAD BUT TRUE STORY.
WOW!!! Who would have ever believed that software problems would make email newsletters so difficult. This is my third software program and it was
prepared from "scratch." Since this will be the program's first complete publication (a limited test publication was successful), this will be a brief newsletter.AND NOW, THE STORY.
In early April, a young (early 30's) couple visited
our model home in Fredericksburg, VA. Early in the visit, I was encouraged that they were serious prospects for a sale; after all, they were well dressed, well spoken, drove a new car, both held good jobs and they had placed a down payment on a building lot. However, the thought of a B and H sale died quickly. It seems they had already placed a $5,000 deposit with a competitor. Following is a paraphrase of our conversation:"Since you will be purchasing the kit elsewhere, how can I help you?"
"We need a builder."
Strange, I thought, how can they get financing without a builder? "Are you paying cash for the lot and completed home?"
"No, we are out of cash and are in the process of finding a mortgage."
"When will the kit be delivered?"
"June 1."
"So, at this stage, you do not know how much the completed home and lot will cost, you do not know how much money you are qualified to borrow, you have not contracted with an experienced log builder and the kit is scheduled to be delivered in two months????"
"Unfortunately, that is true; however, we do believe the manufacturer will allow us to reschedule the delivery."
"You will save 15% - 20% if you can act as the general contractor - is that a possibility?"
"Not really. We both work in metropolitan Washington, DC and our building lot is 50 miles south."
At this point I was pretty much speechless. As I recall, we visited a few minutes longer; I gave them information on local lenders, put them in contact with a local builder and wished them well.
I called a month after the visit. The kit manufacturer had rescheduled the delivery and I was lead to believe that everything was OK. I do hope all is well with them.
So, how can this happen? How can two, obviously bright individuals, put the cart before the horse; or in this case, the kit before the financing? In the B and H web site, http://www.cedar-log-homes.com, there are instructions and precautions intended to help our surfers avoid mistakes such as this.
I am reminded of the words of that famous philosopher, Peanuts: "I have found the enemy and it is us."
Well, I hope everyone gets this newsletter. I'll "see" you next month.
SANDY HELMS
PS: As it turned out, not everyone got the letter. After several weeks of work and strained conversations with our web host, this letter was published on June 7, 2000.
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For further information please visit our website at www.cedar-log-homes.com.
JUNE 2000 - Where Do I Start and Where Do I go from There? Part 3
This is not spam. You subscribed to this newsletter
while visiting B and H Cedar Log Homes' web site at www.cedar-log-homes.com. To unsubscribe, simply reply to the email with "Remove" as the subject.--------------------------------------------
We understand the B and H site is crashing Netscape browsers. We have spent many hours trying to uncover the problem, but without success. If anyone knows of someone who can help, please let us know. One person re-downloaded (if there is such a word) Netscape and it is working fine.
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If you have not visited http://www.cedar-log-homes.com [AOL users: <ahref="http://www.cedar-log-homes.com">Click here</a>] recently, when you do you will find two new menu items headlined in red. We think you will find both very
interesting---------------------------------------------
Last month we told an unfortunate story about a couple who made a down payment on a log kit before finding a builder, arranging financing, knowing exactly what came in the kit, or even knowing the final cost of the home. A similar situation came to our attention two weeks ago. Total loss because the Texas couple cannot afford a log home - $8,500.
We'll not bore you with details, but be aware you can lose a lot of money if you do not do your homework.
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B and H Cedar Log Homes' Tips and Tricks - June 2000
Where Do I Start and Where Do I go from There? Part 3
Following are a few thoughts on selecting and managing subcontractors after you have elected to construct your log home as your own general contractor. Many readers will find this information rather elementary; please bear with us. We know from talking to hundreds of visitors to our model, that what follows will be helpful to the majority of readers.
Acting as the general contractor can save the homeowner 15 - 20%. In today's market that translates to $20,000 - $60,000 and more. To us, that is a pile of money: however, as we tell each log home shopper, you will earn this money. And so, the first step begins with you - understand that there will be problems and be prepared to deal with them. However, the task is not impossible and when you finish you will be both pleased and relieved.
Here are our suggestions:
1. Always, ALWAYS, check out each prospective subcontractor. Ask for
references; visit former jobs. Was the subcontractor's work acceptable? Did he
complete the job on schedule? Was his final cost in line with his original
quote/estimate?
2. Develop a list of back-up subcontractors.
3. Consider hiring a local person with building experience who will charge
by the hour to visit the job site and give you advice.
4. Do not always select the lowest cost option. Dependability and
satisfactory work have value.
5. The fewer subcontractors on the job the better. For example, if the job
site needs to be cleared you will need an excavator. If that clearing excavator
can also deliver gravel for your drive, do your drain field, dig your basement
and dig your foundation footers, you should get a better price than if you hired
separate sub's for each job. Perhaps even more important, with one sub
responsible for multiple jobs there will be no "finger pointing,"
i.e., blaming a problem on the other guy.
6. Unannounced visits to the job are very important. The visits must be on no
fixed schedule. Check for work quality, number of workers and schedule for
completion.
7. Well before one trade has finished, contact the next subcontractor and
verify his timely availability. If you sense a problem, contact your
back-up subcontractor.
8. Be prepared to make changes as the job progresses. For example, you may add
or move electrical outlets; you may move a stud wall. By all means, make changes
as you feel necessary but be prepared to pay for them - it is only fair to your
subcontractors.
9. If you are supplying materials (e.g. bath fixtures) needed by a
subcontractor (plumber), the materials must be on the job when the subcontractor
arrives. Failure here can result in additional cost and/or delay construction.
10. Make sure the subcontractors understand your payment terms and abide by
those terms.
What is the role of the log home dealer in your project? B and H contends the dealer should always stay in touch with the job. Local subcontractors understand B and H is always involved. The subcontractors understand B and H sends business their way. They understand that B and H maintains a list of subcontractors and references. Your log home dealer should be an important player in the successful completion of your home.
As always, your comments are welcomed.
SANDY HELMS
July 2000 - Why is it Important to Use an Experienced Log Builder?
Wow! I did not know books on log homes would be so popular but judging from the number of books ordered by the B and H surfers, you guys are thirsting for knowledge on log homes. Fifteen purchases in one day is the new record. For those subscribers that have not visited the site recently, links begin on the home page and are scattered throughout the site.
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B and H Cedar Log Homes' Tips and Tricks - July 2000
Why is it Important to Use an Experienced Log Builder?
Building a log home is not difficult! However, the construction techniques and skills required are quite different.
For example, subdivision construction (as I call it) simply requires the framers to "slap together" 2x4 stud walls and cover them with vinyl siding. Today the roof systems are manufactured off site at a truss plant. The trusses for the typical house are usually set in half a day with the assistance of a crane. The name of the game is speed (to make money) and simplicity (so anyone off the street can be hired).
However, log construction is quite different. Proper assembly of the log walls is critical to the satisfactory completion of the home. The manufacturer's recommendations must be carefully followed and high-grade caulking must be used. Exposed beams and rafters for the roof systems must be individually cut and hand set. Few framers today know how to use a framing square or cut "bird mouths." As you can tell, compared to subdivision construction, both time and skill are required to properly frame a log home.
Electrical is another area that requires the attention of an experienced log builder. If outlet boxes are to be set directly in the log walls, the builder must drill for the wiring and notch for the boxes as he erects the walls. Pre-wiring for ceiling light fixtures is another important detail that differs from subdivision construction. If the builder does not study the drawings and pre-wire at the proper time and place, it will be impossible to hide the wire at a later date. Once the home is under roof, the electrical contractor completes the job.
So how does the log home buyer find an experienced log builder? Start with the dealer. The dealer should have a list of log builders. If not, go to the Internet and search on <log home builder> or <log home construction>. Our favorite search engine is google.com. You can always contact us at B and H Cedar Log Homes. We will do what we can for you even if you are not purchasing from us.
Regardless of who you select to do the log construction, CHECK THEM OUT. Visit completed jobs and talk to the homeowners.
By all means, purchase a construction manual from your dealer. This is a small investment that can save headaches down the road. Study the manual before the job starts and ask questions after the job starts. If the actual construction techniques differ from the recommended, ask why. Often times there are valid reasons, but it is your house, you pay the bills, and you deserve an explanation.
Most log home construction proceeds with completely satisfactory results; however, there have been a few disappointments in the past. Just remember, log construction is not difficult but it is different.
Best wishes and enjoy that dream log home!
SANDY HELMS
New at the B and H Cedar Log Homes' web site:
Do you know about pleated window shades known as "top down/bottom up"? When we went shopping for window treatments over five years ago, we were introduced to these shades for the first time. These shades open from the bottom (which we all understand) but they also open from the top. Opening from the top puts light into the room while maintaining privacy. Fewer than 10% of the 200 or so visitors to our model each year have ever seen these shades. Click here for more information and/or to see a photo of the shades.
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NEWSLETTER SUBJECT - Lessons Learned Personally - or by Others.
What follows is a series log home related frustrations or misfortunes experienced by the undersigned or others.
Leaking Skylights - Never try to save money by installing low cost skylights in your home. I know two builders who refuse to install anything but Velux skylights. Velux does not compensate me. There are probably other quality choices on the market. Whatever your choice, a little extra money up front will save money and frustration in the future.
Leaking Foundations - I have two identical, personal experiences with water leaking through the foundation at the point where the water line penetrates the foundation. In both cases, the well was up hill from the house. Although the trench was back filled, four years later rainwater was still coming through the foundation. This finally solved the problem:
1. Excavate to a point below the penetration. You will need 18" or more of clear space around the penetration.
2. With post hole diggers, continue the excavation to the French drain at the footers. Fill the posthole with gravel. This gives rainwater an escape route, preventing the water from backing up around the penetration.
3. Clean up any sealant previously applied in the vain attempt to prevent leakage.
4. Apply a generous amount of "Rockite" around the penetration. After drying, apply a generous amount of roofing cement at the interfaces of the "Rockite" with the foundation and water line.
5. Back fill the hole with gravel to a point 6" - 8" above the penetration. Again, to give the water an escape route.
6. Cover the gravel with non-woven (weed control) fabric. The fabric helps keep dirt out of the gravel; thus keeping the escape route open.
7. Finish the back fill with dirt.
Three years later and the repair is still working.
A Potentially Serious Problem with Decks on Log Homes - I received a call recently from a log home owner faced with a difficult repair. The band (around the floor joists) was rotting away due to rainwater damage. Rain was blowing between the first deck board (at the log wall) and the trim board (between the bottom log and that deck board). The rainwater was passing through this gap and running down the band boards. Over a period of time, 15 years in this case, a band board and a bottom log have become so severely damaged that a difficult repair is necessary.
The lesson from this experience: Maintain an effective caulk seal at this location.
Purchasing Standard Building Materials as Part of Your Log Kit - Last week, I took a call from a lady who has paid $15,000 (to another company) toward the purchase of a weather tight log home kit. She was frustrated because the company quoted her $1200 for a particular exterior door and Home Depot later quoted her $800 for the same door.
So why did this lady call if she has already committed to another company? She made the down payment several months ago and must now take delivery this year. However, the company that sold the kit cannot provide a builder.
One lesson from this experience: Before purchasing standard building materials as part of the log kit, price the materials locally.
Purchasing Interior Doors as Part of the Log Kit - Before you do this, at the very least, make sure the doors are pre-hung. Not only is it difficult to find a carpenter that can hang doors on the job, it is much cheaper (in the end) to purchase doors pre-hung in a door shop.
As always, your ideas and comments are solicited.
See you next month. SANDY HELMS
As always, your comments and suggestions are both welcomed and encouraged.
God Bless!
Sandy Helms
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