Fired my builder -- need help with new GC and their "cost plus" amount 5 Replies

After 2.5 years, I finally had to get rid of my builder. I am now looking for a replacement. I would like to use a GC, but am also considering acting as the GC myself. My stick-built house is under roof, and has windows, exterior doors installed and most of the electrical and plumbing done; HVAC ducting is about 50% complete and no HVAC equipment installed. My favorite replacement builder wants cost + 20% to finish the place, plus a monthly fee of $15k, with about 5 months of effort left. I…Continue

Started by Mat in Building and Maintenance Issues. Last reply by Mat 59 minutes ago.

Bad experience with Old Dominion Custom Homes of Front Royal, VA 2 Replies

I have been struggling to complete my log-ish home for close to 3 years. I ended up firing my original builder in the fall of 2011 because he was taking my money and not doing the work. I decided to take over the project and find the various subs needed to finish the home. It has gone quite well with one exception -- Old Dominion Custom Homes operating out of Front Royal, VA.The most challenging problem I had in completing my home was finding a contractor with solid experience with log post and…Continue

Started by Mat in Building and Maintenance Issues. Last reply by Mat on Tuesday.

Restaining - Cetol 1 Reply

Hello All,I would like to give the exterior a freshening up, after I fill the checks and seal it up. I like the fairly natural colour that is on, and with the exception of a bit of wear and fading it looks pretty good.My question is can i use a water based stain (looking for a lower VOC) over the house if it was previously done with Cetol?Thanks everyone for your help,S Continue

Started by cogboy in All About Stains and Sealants. Last reply by CharisB on Monday.

Introduce Yourself! 231 Replies

Welcome to The Log Home Neighborhood! We're glad you stopped by.Feel free to introduce yourself here, or, create a profile and start uploading photos and videos, start blogging, join groups and take advantage of all the best resources the The Log Home Neighborhood has to offer.Oh, and by the way, I'm the Neighborhood Host - so let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns and I'll be more than happy to accommodate you!Continue

Tags: home, neighborhood, introductions, log, introduce

Started by Neighborhood Host in Welcome to the Log Home Forum. Last reply by Denny Johnson on Sunday.

How do i price a log home shell? 4 Replies

Since i built my own log home, i have had requests to build a few smaller cabins for people, but i am not sure of the formula for calculating building and labor cost.I would be building weather tight shell's, under 800 sq. ft.I would like to venture into this area, but need a little assistance.  Thank YouSteveContinue

Started by Steven Adler in Issues, Questions, Suggestions, Complaints (and Compliments!). Last reply by Steven Adler on Saturday.

Can I restain using Olympic that is now oil formula when original was water based? 8 Replies

My log cabin was originally stained 3 years ago with Sierra water based Olympic stain and seal.   But now the product is an oil formula.   Not sure if I should use this oil based stain over my old water based stain....same brand - Olympic.If I use an oil based stain this time...will I have to keep restaining it with another oil based stain?? ..can't go back to water based, right? Cabot has a water based stain and seal....Should I use this product over what is there?   or because it is cabot and…Continue

Started by Pat Watters in All About Stains and Sealants. Last reply by CharisB on Friday.

1x6 vs 1x8 1 Reply

A builder told me that he would not use 1x8 hardwood flooring because of it's tendency to cup.  He only uses 1x6 as his maximum width.  I like the look of 1x8 better than 1x6. Am I asking for trouble if I go with 1x8?Continue

Started by Hank Hill in Building and Maintenance Issues. Last reply by Raymond Wengerd May 9.

Any log home inspectors in florida?

Any log home inspectors in Florida? buying a log home and would like to get it inspected.Continue

Started by Gina in Building and Maintenance Issues May 9.

Should I replace my aluminum windows? 1 Reply

I'm doing some remodeling on my log cabin and I'm wondering if I should spend the money to replace the 1970's aluminum windows. There are double windows throughout--aluminum on the exterior of the log walls and wooden windows on the interior of the walls. The photos below will hopefully demonstrate this. So, is going to a vinyl window worth the cost for the sake of energy efficiency, or would the double window situation suffice?Thanks in advance for any advice!Continue

Started by JOHN in Building and Maintenance Issues. Last reply by John Duke May 8.

Cost of log home 9 Replies

How do you determine what it will cost to build your log home without anything custom, and go with the exact floorplan in your state? I live in Colorado and was curious of how this is figured out. Please help.

Started by Regina Harmon in So, How Do I?. Last reply by Steven Adler May 8.