January 2013 Blog Posts (15)

Another year of IBS has come and gone, and what a great time we had in Las Vegas! With thousands of people attending one of the world's largest light construction show, you can imagine how busy we were!

And Timber Block's President Craig Johnson was featured on the nationally syndicated radio show, At Home with Gary Sullivan!

Gary certainly was impressed with our…

I've had problems with roof leaks long enough and I am considering a metal roof.

Does anyone have any pros or cons ?

Can anyone recommend a good roofer in the upstate New York area ?

And do Steel roofs rust ......... compared to aluminum roofs ........?

Thank you always for your consideration.

Conestoga Log Cabins Kits: A Brief History The idea behind Conestoga Log Cabins and Homes was developed nearly 30 years ago with a mission to be the leading log cabin kit manufacturer in the industry. In 1983, after ten years of R&D and several generations of machinery, we produced our first log cabin kit for the campground rental market. Over the next 30 years, the initial concepts and processes have evolved into a streamlined, 100,000 square foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing…

So many books and magazines have stressed the importance of taking your time when building a log home. It seems that most take 18 months to 2 years or more. We planned for nearly 10 years so when it came down to D-day (logs delivered mid June) we figured we'd be moved in by Christmas if we oversaw the whole process by living on site.

How'd we do? I've written a pictorial essay, downloadable from Amazon (free if you're a Prime member) for only 99 cents. You can find it…

We would like to offer our assistance to any contractor or do-it-yourself-er out there who needs professional advice for restoring log homes, wood siding, or decking.  We are always happy to assist others in their projects to help them avoid costly mistakes, streamline their operations, or choose the correct products for their environment.  Please feel free to call our toll free number (877) 966-3476 for any questions or advice, we are always glad to help.

I have tried a number of times to contact Jim Harbin, who claims to be building a log Home in Essex MD.  I have called this number 302-945-6706 and left messages.  The person at this number finally called me back and is not a builder and does not know who I am trying to reach.

I would like baseboard heat and a central AC unit.  This way neither is used all the time and both systems should last longer.  But I don't like the creaking sound of the pipes with copper baseboard.  Maybe Propane forced hot air and central AC.  I thought about Radiant heat but builders say it's not good with wood floors because it prematurely ages the wood and dries it out.  Any suggestions on the HVAC systems.  Thanks.

We are in the process of getting quotes & have heard many opinions regarding the type of wood to use.  The home will be built in Mineral VA (Earthquake area) near a lake using a Dovetail profile (I think).  Don't know which profile will hold up better and be EarthQuake proof. We have allergies and don't want borate.  So, which is better: Cedar, Southern Yellow Pine or White Pine. I know we should have big overhangs on the 3 sided deck, to protect the wood.  Thanks.

The final barrier to full legal compliance with the city's building code has been the stairway. The eight steps down to the lower level and an additional two to the bathroom require handrails to satisfy the guardians of our safety. I think it is similar to Darien refusing to let me wear slippers without treads, for fear I will tumble to my death going down the…

This step can take some time to complete and will take some patience. There are several items that most financial institutions require you provide when you apply for your loan. Listed below are just a few:

• Last 3-4 years of tax returns and/or W-2’s

• Last 3-4 pay stubs

• Your address for the last 2+ years

• Current…

Whew! What a whirl wind 2012 for Timber Block Insulated Log Homes! The end of the year brought us the opening of many new show homes and models, including our newest show home in Hickory, North Carolina. Since then, we've been busy with the grand opening, and day to day business at the model! 

We would love for you to come and visit....here's a sneak peak

 …

Unless you are building your dream log cabin yourself, you will be speaking with and interviewing several general contractors or if you plan to act as your own general contractor, numerous sub-contractors.

In this process not only is it recommended that you ask for references, but also to call and visit those on the reference list from the contractor. The references…

If you’re in a post-holiday slump, one way to lift your spirits is to attend a log-home show. The 2013 show season is just getting under way, with shows being held all across the United States through next fall. Click here for a current schedule of upcoming shows.

Each show is different, yet all can help you move closer to owning a log home. If nothing else, they prepare you for what lies ahead along the…

We are looking forward to 2013 and serving log home customers across the Mid-Atlantic States.  We just posted recent photos of some of the Jim Barna Log & Timber Homes that we have been a part of.

Happy New Year!

Mike & Linda

Now that you’ve got your floor plans drawn by your log home manufacturer, you can start gathering more accurate construction costs. Up until now any estimates or quotes you have received have been “any ones guess”. Most quality contractors we hear from won’t provide any type of pricing until a set of log home floor plans has been produced and folks are ready to spend some…