When it comes to log homes, experience matters.
Few people understand that better than Jeff Fore, a Gastineau Log Homes dealer and builder who has spent more than 35 years helping families build custom log homes throughout the Midwest. Since becoming a dealer in 1990, Jeff has been involved in the construction of more than 110 log homes, ranging from hunting cabins and vacation retreats to full-time family residences.
Recently, Jeff joined us on the Acorn & Leaf Podcast to share stories from his career, lessons learned from decades in the industry, and advice for anyone considering building a log home of their own.
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This article is based on our conversation with Gastineau Log Homes dealer and builder Jeff Fore, who has spent more than 35 years building custom log homes throughout the Midwest. Watch the full episode below to hear Jeff’s stories, insights, and lessons learned from building over 110 log homes.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
A Dream That Started at Age 16
Long before he became a builder, Jeff was simply a young man fascinated by log homes.
At just 16 years old, he wrote to nearly twenty log home companies requesting information. Gastineau Log Homes was one of only a few companies that responded.
Years later, after working as an X-ray technician and building his own Gastineau log home, Jeff found that friends, neighbors, and visitors were constantly asking questions about his home and wanting help with their own projects.
That curiosity eventually became a career.
More than three decades later, Jeff is still helping people bring their vision to life.
Why People Continue to Choose Log Homes
Throughout his career, Jeff has noticed a common theme among log home owners: they want a home that feels different.
Many of his customers were doctors, nurses, and professionals who spent their days in highly structured, sterile environments. For them, a log home offered something natural, warm, and restorative.
As Jeff explains, many people view their log home as a vacation destination, even when it’s their primary residence.
It’s a feeling many homeowners describe when they pull into the driveway after a long day. A well-designed log home doesn’t simply provide shelter. It creates a sense of retreat.
What Has Changed in Log Home Design?
While trends come and go, Jeff believes some elements of log home design have stood the test of time.
Open-concept living spaces remain one of the most requested features. In many ways, log homes embraced open floor plans long before they became mainstream.
However, several homeowner priorities have evolved over the years:
Outdoor Living Spaces
Today’s homeowners are investing more heavily in outdoor living areas, including:
- Covered porches
- Screened-in porches
- Expansive decks
- Outdoor gathering spaces
These features help homeowners connect with the surrounding landscape while extending their usable living space.
Larger Kitchens
Kitchens have become more important than ever. Homeowners increasingly want room for entertaining, cooking, and gathering with family.
Fewer Traditional Fireplaces
One surprising trend is the decline in demand for traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
While many homeowners still love the atmosphere of a crackling fire, modern heating systems and energy-efficient technologies have reduced the necessity of large masonry fireplaces in many new homes.
The Importance of Building for Longevity
One topic Jeff feels strongly about is designing homes that are easy to maintain over the long term.
According to Jeff, proper design can dramatically reduce future maintenance requirements.
Features like:
- Adequate roof overhangs
- Proper drainage
- Functional gutter systems
- Covered porches
all help protect the home from unnecessary weather exposure.
In his experience, many problems attributed to log homes are actually the result of poor design decisions or neglected maintenance rather than issues with the logs themselves.
Oak vs. Pine: What Builders Should Know
Having worked with multiple log systems over the years, Jeff has developed a deep appreciation for oak.
One of the biggest advantages of oak is durability.
While every log home requires care and maintenance, oak has proven exceptionally resilient over time. Jeff has seen examples where homes built with less durable materials suffered extensive deterioration due to neglect, while oak homes remained structurally sound despite years of minimal upkeep.
His own Gastineau log home was built in 1986 and remains in excellent condition today.
The lesson isn’t that maintenance can be ignored.
Rather, quality materials combined with smart design provide homeowners with a stronger foundation for long-term success.
What Makes a Great Log Home Builder?
For anyone considering a career in the log home industry, Jeff offers straightforward advice.
The opportunity is still there.
Because log homes occupy a unique niche within residential construction, skilled builders often face less competition than traditional contractors.
His recommendations include:
- Learn the fundamentals of construction.
- Invest in quality equipment.
- Be willing to travel when necessary.
- Focus on customer relationships.
- Build a reputation for honesty and quality.
Perhaps most importantly, he emphasizes that relationships matter.
Many of Jeff’s closest friendships began as client relationships. Decades after construction was completed, homeowners still call him for advice, maintenance questions, and future projects.
A Career Built on More Than Homes
When reflecting on his career, Jeff doesn’t focus solely on the houses.
He remembers the people.
He remembers the families who trusted him with their dreams. He remembers homeowners who became lifelong friends. He remembers helping people create places where children were raised, holidays were celebrated, and memories were made.
One homeowner even thanked him after a tornado struck their property, telling him she believed the quality of the home’s construction helped protect her family during the storm.
Those moments are what stand out after more than 35 years in the industry.
Final Thoughts
Building a log home is about more than floor plans, materials, or square footage.
It’s about creating a place that reflects who you are and how you want to live.
Jeff Fore’s career serves as a reminder that thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and lasting relationships are what truly stand the test of time.
After building more than 110 log homes, his passion for helping people create meaningful spaces remains as strong as ever.
