Welcome Family to the December 2012 issue of The Oak Leaf! For new readers, this is a monthly newsletter that is sent by e-mail to those that have expressed an interest in Gastineau Log Homes. We use this as a way of communicating technical, design and industry information. For more information, check out our web site at www.oakloghome.com.
Please “Like” Gastineau Log Homes on Facebook! And read below to find out how to win a $1244 set of blueprints just for Liking us!
Trivia Question: What popular Christmas song was actually written for Thanksgiving in a tavern in 1850? Also, what is the name of the horse in the song? (See the answer below.)
I recently came across this kitchen cabinet idea that I thought I would share. I have never seen this offered in off-the-shelf cabinets, but I am sure a custom cabinet maker could make this unusual drawer configuration. Would be really handy when the cabinet lay out does not include enough drawer space.
Win a free set of $1244 design blueprints! On Dec 10th we will have a drawing for a free set of design preliminary blueprints, valued at $1244! All you have to do is “Like” us on Facebook! If you are already a “fan” you are already registered. If not, just sign up by Dec 9th!
The log raising in November drew about 60 people to north-central MO. We were extremely lucky to have warm (but windy!) weather. Despite it being the first day of deer season in MO, we had a great turn out. Omer Yoder is the builder for this custom design which will have a window wall looking out over a beautiful valley.
Lock in 2012 Prices before the Increase Jan 15, 2013″ Good news and bad news. The bad news is that we must have a price increase on Jan 15, 2013. The good news is that you can lock in today’s prices even if you are not going to build until 2016! Call or email to find out how you can save a lot of money on your new log home.
The words “soffit” or “overhang” have the same meaning in home construction. This picture shows the most common manner of building an overhang. This extension of the roof protects your exterior walls from sun and rain damage. The width can be varied according to the site, the direction of the sun, and for aesthetic reasons. It can even be different widths from the top to the bottom.
This is a modified Shenandoah plan. There is a log detached garage as well. Two extra dormers were added to the front to give extra space and light into the second floor.
What is good design? Most people think design is how good something looks. That is not what we think is good design. We agree with Steve Jobs when he said “Design is how it works.” He was describing the creation of the iPod, but his comments could just as easily have been about designing a home. Great home design should be about functionality and usability. It should make life at home easier and more pleasant. In good house design, here are some things to consider: How far am I going to have to carry laundry? Can one person unload the dishwasher while another person is cooking? Can I get a towel when I am soaking wet without walking down the hall? How far do I have to carry groceries? Where can I put my muddy boots and where will I charge up all my electronics? Thinking in advance about how you live in the home will make a big difference in how much you love your home. Remember, you can’t see the outside when you are inside….
This is a 30 year old one story home built in AR. This end of the home features a large porch area that can be used during all 4 seasons.
Dual-socket wall outlet with two USB ports for power and charging at the same time. This is a convenient and energy-efficient in-wall solution. You can charge up to 4 devices at once. It will install on any 15 amp circuit and can be installed in either new construction or as a retrofit to an existing electrical plug. Cheapest place that I have found them is on line.
They are available in black, light almond, white and ivory colors.
This photo shows butt and pass corners with a 10″ overhang. This means that the log that extends out on the corner goes out 10 inches. This is our standard but some people like it shorter and some people like it longer. All you have to do is tell us your preference. There is no right or wrong dimension; it personal choice.
Open Houses:
Fleetwood, PA Sat Dec 1, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Contact Dennis and Colleen Gabel for more information at 610-790-7479 or email: thegabels@paoakloghomes.com
Construction Seminar Schedule for 2013:
Here is our new schedule for 2013! Note that we added a seminar in January for those of you that want to get started early this year!
Jan 19th
Feb 23rd
April 6th
June 1st
August 3rd
Sept 28th
The one day construction seminars are held at our model home center on I70 on the southwest outer road of Exit 144 in Central Missouri. Call or email to register as class size is limited!
Answer to the Trivia Question: First published under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh,” in 1857, the name of the song was later revised to “Jingle Bells.” It was written in 1859 in the center of the towns square in Simpson Tavern in Medford, MA. There is much debate over the name of the horse with many thinking it is “Bob” or “Bob-Tail.” This was actually the practice of cutting the horse tail short at that time in history in order to keep it out of the harnesses.
Quote of the Month: “It is unwise to pay too much, but it is also unwise to pay too little.” – John Ruskin
Here is an update photo from the log raising in KS in Sept. Thought those of you that attended might like to see what it looked like as of the end of October.
Here is the “front” of the house….
