Welcome to the November 2014 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.
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The Oakridge design shown here was built by Jim Cooper in Frederick, MD. Jim was a dealer and employee for Gastineau for many years. He authored the best selling book ‘Log Homes Made Easy.” Most of the photos in the book are GLH homes. Jim now writes an article for Log Home Living magazine and is a construction consultant.
Trivia Question: True or False: Wild turkeys are native to North America and are only found on this continent? (See the AMAZING answer below.)
New Audio CD available for FREE! I recently completed an audio CD which describes our Model Home Center as well as an overview of the products and services offered by GLH. If you would like a free copy, give us a call, email or smoke signal and we will mail you one at no charge!
Here is a charming photo of a Caroline design. I love the winding stone walkway that goes up to the front door and also to the side deck.
What is the time frame for building a log home? Building a custom home on your land requires more time than building a tract home in a subdivision. On our web site, we have a page to help you develop a time frame. We suggest that you first answer the question “When do I want to move into my new log home?” The answer to this question will help you work backwards to determine when you need to start the process. Check it out by clicking to the line above.
This home is in Wasilla, Alaska. It is a Cumberland Mountain design which is a modification of the Cumberland plan. The view of the snow capped mountains off the deck is incredible!
If I go to the bank, how much will they loan me for the construction loan to build my log home? The first step is to get “prequalified” by a finance company or bank. They will do this for you at no charge. However, if you would like to see how it is calculated, go to the budget calculator on our website. It is a simple Excel spreadsheet that you can download and put in your own information to see the numbers. Hope this helps!
In Kansas you can find this Georgetown model Gastineau Log Home. I designed the Georgetown plan in 1985 and still live in this home and still love it! There is plenty of room on the main level now that I am an “empty nester” but the bedrooms on the second floor are great when I have guests. Especially my favorite guest: my new 7 month old grandson Austin!
Living in your dream log home may improve your health! Most log homes are not built in close density urban areas, but rather in more “natural” environments. Research shows that our environment can increase or decrease our levels of stress which in turn impacts our bodies. Numerous scientific studies have proven the impact of nature on general wellbeing. Time in nature improves depression, anxiety and even increases our ability to pay attention. Nature even helps us cope with pain. And I have to believe that being surround by a warm, nurturing natural log home would contribute also.
This home has a gambrel roof design. Sometimes called a “barn roof,” it provides a lot of headroom on the second floor at a reasonable cost.
If you have a small powder room, use unique fixtures to give it some “wow” factor.
Do you know about the Log Home Council? The LHC is a national organization of log home manufacturers. To be part of the LHC, a log home company has to do three things. First, they have to sell graded logs. These are logs that meet requirements to ensure structural soundness and has oversight by a third party inspector. Second, they have to have a construction manual to ensure correct construction methods. Third, they have to abide by a strict code of ethics. Gastineau Log Homes is a founding member of the LHC and Lynn Gastineau has served as President on two occasions. Recently, Timber Frame manufacturers have been added to the membership and the name has been changed to The Log and Timber Homes Council or LTHC.
Here is a picture from a timber frame home. Give us a call and we can provide you with a free quote if you are planning to build a timber frame!
If you do a lot of cooking, consider a pot filler faucet above your stove. It is faster, easier and safer than carrying heavy pots full of water to your stove from the kitchen sink. The cost of these has gone down over the past few years.
Gastineau Log Home photos available through DropBox. If you would like to see a lot more photos of our homes, send us your email and we will send you a link through DropBox. We have folders of photos in these categories: Exteriors, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Living Rooms, Miscellaneous Interiors and Construction Shots. Let us know if you would like us to send you a link.
Trying to decide between butt and pass and saddle notched corners for your new log home? This is an unusual photo as it features both corners in one home. The saddle notch corner is closest; the butt and pass corner is furthest away. Which do you prefer?
Construction Seminar Schedule for 2015:
Click here for information on our one day construction seminars.
We will announce the 2015 schedule in next months Oak Leaf.
Open Houses:
Open House in Fleetwood, PA: Saturday Nov 1. 10AM to 4PM
131 Oley Furnace Road
Fleetwood, PA 19522
Call 610-790-7447 for directions
Remember that the GLH Model Home Center on I 70 in central MO is open 7 days a week! We have three houses there that you can tour!
Log Raisings:
We are planning a log raising near Ada, OK in November. More details as we get closer!
Log Home Show:
We plan to be at the Dallas Log Home Show on Nov 14 – 15, 2014. Call for more information.
Answer to the Trivia Question: TRUE! Wild turkeys are one of only two North American species to ever be domesticated. Spanish explorers took wild turkeys from what is now Mexico back to Europe where they were bred and domesticated.
Quote of the Month: ” I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage.” – Erma Bombeck
