Welcome Family to the September 2013 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!
Trivia Question: Are there more chickens or people on Earth? (See the answer below.)
Log Raising in Iowa on September 7th: See Below for Details and a Link.
This is a photo of a basement ready for the construction to begin. Note the “brick” exterior look provided by the forms used to pour the walls. The black you see is the waterproof coating that is applied to the outside of the foundation. The “J” bolts in the top of the foundation wall connect the foundation to the sill plate (treated) and the first row of logs. The concrete “piers” in the floor are for the load bearing posts for the first floor girder beam. This is the foundation where the log raising will be on September 7th in Carlisle, Iowa. (See below for more information.)
Designing a Shared Log Home: Who would do that? How about widowed siblings or friends who want to share costs and be able to look after each other? Or multigenerational families living together. Or people who must travel for work and are away from home most of the time? Designing a home for these situations should consider privacy, comfort and what is most important for the people who will reside there. This may include multiple “master suites” and/or bedrooms suites that have access to a private porch or deck. (Like the floor plan below.) Maybe separate entrances. Separate laundry and storage areas should be considered. Garage spaces should be designated. Sound control through design is important and should be evaluated. If you are thinking about sharing your new log home, let us help you design a home that will work for everyone who will be living in the new home.
This is a home recently completed in Ohio. Custom design.
Spiced Rum is the name of this Trex color that can be used for floors of porches and decks. There are several colors available.
Are you concerned about the exterior maintenance of a log home?: The maintenance of a log home is easy. When you can reach it from the ground or a porch! What makes maintenance difficult is when you have to work off a 20′ ladder because of a walk out basement or a high pitched roof. So if you want to be able to maintain your log home yourself (vs hiring someone) consider these ideas: 1) wrap around porches or decks so you can reach the logs 2) use no-maintenance siding in the gables and on the dormers (we can provide several alternatives) 3) use no-maintenance soffit materials (again, we can provide in the package) 4) use Trex or similar decking on the porches and/or decks (again, we can substitute for the wood flooring in the package.)
We are currently designing some one and two story resort cabins to go to the Himalaya Mountains in India. Thought we would share one of the designs with you.
This floor plan would be great for a family weekend home in the mountains or on a lake. If you could put it on a full basement, you would double your available living space.
This is just too cool; I had to share! Kwikset now has a deadbolt that is blue tooth enabled and allows you to use a mobile app as an electronic key. Which permits the deadbolt to recognize and respond to the touch of a finger. From someone who hates to lock their home, this is perfect! Slated to begin shipping in September. I am going to order one!
The most popular type of tub on the market is the freestanding soaking tub.
Do you like to soak in a tub? Freestanding soaking tubs are one of the top ten trends of the year for kitchens and baths. (Vs a tub that has a surround.) If you would like to see 9 amazing free standing tubs, click on the picture for a link.
MOVE IN DAY! This photo was sent to us by a customer who is taking a break while moving into their new Gastineau Log Home!
Construction Seminar Schedule for 2013:
Only one more construction seminar this year! Sign up now!: 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!
Log Raising:
Carlisle, Iowa
September 7, 2013
9 AM to 2 PM
Call 800-654-9253 for details or go to iowa Log Raising.
Please RSVP if you are coming to the log raising!
Home Shows:
Sportsman’s Expo
Oley Valley Community Fairgrounds
26 Jefferson St.
Oley, PA 19547
Saturday, September 7, 2013
11am – 4pm
From 1:30 – 2:30pm – “The PROCESS of Building a Log Home” – presented by Dennis Gabel, Co-owner of Pennsylvania Oak Log Homes, representing Gastineau Log Homes
For info, call 610 – 790 – 7479 or email
th*******@pa***********.com
Oley Valley Community Fair
Oley, PA
September 19 – 21
9am – 10pm daily
For info, call 610 – 790 – 7479 or email
th*******@pa***********.com
Fall Open House at Pennsylvania Oak Log Homes, Model Home
Saturday, October 19, 2013, 10am – 4pm
131 Oley Furnace Road
Fleetwood, PA 19522
For info, call 610 – 790 – 7479 or email
th*******@pa***********.com
->Answer to the Trivia Question: There are 19 billion chickens running around on earth right now. That is almost three chickens to every person! And in the US, each of us consumed 249 eggs in 2012! If you would like more fun facts about chickens, click here.
Quote of the Month: ” The future ain’t what it used to be “- Yogi Berra (The older I get, the more wise this quote appears to be. – LG)
