PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS

Update on Covnetry log homes in Mo

2011-09-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

Most recent photos of COVENTRY LOG HOMES

Mike Hompertz owner of Patriot log home builders up on the roof

Master wood cuter thinking over prints or whats for dinner!

PHOTO 'S of first days on

Beautiful night shot silhouette of Coventry log homes


Log stack competed, second floor framing competed

See the first log going down

Homeowner DAVE HOOVER!

Interior framing sowing lovely full log


fabulous generous homeowner put out satisfying lunch for the men

Taking a slight break from the heat in the shade of the camper

making progress in just 9 days

Patriot builds its first Coventry log home In MO

2011-09-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

~Patriot builds its first Coventry log Home~

Patriot Log Home Builders based out of Wisconsin travels to New Albany MO to build its first CONVENTRY LOG HOME ! We look forward to working this quality log home company. Today the homeowner shall put down the first log. A senior member of Patriot arrived Aug 30th to unload the semi truck, while Mike and Jeremy arrived Sept 1 st.

The camper was loaded with tools and taken to the job site where the men will stay. Every few days they will rent a hotel to take a shower as there is not water on site. The homeowner has been kind enough to allow the men to stay right on the job site where they can plug in . One of the great advantages of this is that the men waste no travel time and can leave their tools right on site. Very efficient .

PATRIOTS TRADITION

Homeowner Dave Hoover is setting his first LOG on his home!!!

Find them HERE

~PICTURES AND VIDEOS COMING SOON~

D Corner Detail

Round Corner Detail

Chink Corner Detail

Coventry Log Homes produces affordable, quality log homes and cabins. Their success has been attributed to their log wall system. The system consists of kiln-dried Eastern White Pine logs

Coventry Logs Are:

Kiln-Dried - Eastern White Pine

Profiles Offered

Ward Cedar Log Home Three car garage

2011-09-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

Mike Hompertz of Patriot Log Home builders received a call from a Ward Cedar log home Dealer Don to bid on this project which he completed a few weeks ago. The family , who works on a farm already had a log home. They loved it so much that they wished to add a 3 car garage to their property and add above it a living area above. They choose beam rafters and tongue and groove for the ceiling (see the second picture) which looks magnificent .

Three car garage aprox 1500 sq ft

tounge and groove cedar plank on ceiling

Homeowner Dave Enderlie

Rozanne wife of Dave

back view


Happy family on the last days

~10 day project~

This project took 10 days with three men. The homeowner and two sons wished to be a part of it and as they worked a farm were able to chip in. They helped with sorting logs, setting windows , purlins and lent a hand when called to do so. .

purlins were set with a smaller truck crane for about an hour supplied by the homeowner. typical crane is 4300 an hour plus operator. see veidos

3 car garage with Studio apartment WARD Cedar log home built by Patriot log HOme builder

2011-08-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.wardcedarloghomes.com/

Built by patriot log home builders in Illinois (summer 2011)

~Ward Cedar Log Homes~

See first hand 30 ft log purlins

being set with the aid of a truck crane.

The large full log purlins that extend out past the roof give this garage a look of awe and magnificence! They are very heavy and require skill to set however. Mike HOmpertz of Patriot log home builders is experienced in this field. A crane of some type is required. A small truck crane was rented for about one hour by the homeowner (usually about $300 an hour) which does not include the wage of the driver, while the men gently guided and secured the purlins into place. The driver of this crane was very skilled and made the job go smoothly. You can see where they hand notched the placement prior to setting the mammoth beams.

Ward FB page


This is how they turned out , what a lovely living quarters this shall make for some lucky resident

Patriot Log home builders Builds A LOG CABIN with that tradional rustic

2011-07-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

HOW TO GET THAT

OLD FASHIONED LOOK?

Mike HOmpertz and home owner Nick Hubbard go over print discussing window openings and electric layout

~NATURAL WEATHERING~

Log home builder, Mike HOmpertz built in Wells Mn, another Hochstelter MCKAY for Nick Hubbard after visiting the Steve miller home in Wisconsin (PLH builders built) which has the same look, a single milled (inside ) rough sawen exterior which gives this lovely old fashioned log home look. When Nick saw the quality workmanship of Mike HOmpertz he immediately contracted him to build his home and as he loved the old rustic look, the grey outside with all the toned variations, he wanted the same for himself.

~DOVE TAIL~

Dove tail is a style that has been used since the beginning of log home construction. It is an old fashioned look that is often seen with chinking but is not necessary for that old world feel . Dove tail is not any more money it just is a requested style.

~FULL WRAP AROUND DECK~

View~ walk out basement back side of house with walk around porch

Initially Steve Miller was sent unexpectedly from the mill these rustic style logs , it was not what he was anticipating . The milling company informed him that the look, a cleaner white look could be achieved with a type of beach or TSP chemical . The grey exterior that he later came to love resulted from weathering , from sun wind and rain, it is a natural weathering. Mike of patriot log home builders was instructed to put the logs up as they were and would perform the cleanup and staining.

What happened is that when his friends and family came out to see the home in progress, one of the first things that they commented on, was that they loved the color and look. In fact the writer of this post , made the same comment. I loved the old time feel, it seemed that the home had been there for years, which was comforting and very homey, quite inviting.

Steve Miller grew to love the color and looked at it with fresh eyes. He choose to keep it! Mike has taken several potential clients as a courtesy to Hochsetler, he does not sell for them, to the Steve Miller home,(see here ) to show them both the quality of his work and the product from their mill. As a result, Nick Hubbard purchased the same style , the McKay and opted for the same look! He requested that the logs be sent with the natural weather finish.

View is side front , showing full wrap around porch

SEE FIRST HAND THE exterior of the rustic look and the beam rafters on the complete wrap around pouch

Mike recently finished this home in MN around July 3rd , home for the 4th of July celebration. He and his log home accomplice finished the dry in , in 22 days!

. This is a great feature, worth the extra cost in my option.

~FULL LOG DORMERS~

Full log dormers , these are great as they don't have to be insulated, are already finished off (no interior labor costs)

2011-04-18T03:45:00.000-07:00

custom lgo homes by Patriot Log Home Builders 608-547-4129

Patriot Log Home Builders

2011-04-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Rustic Tulip Poplar Log STack in TN

2011-03-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

Patriot log home builders builds a

TULIP POPLAR RUSTIC LOG HOME in TN

Patriot had found when searching the web a log home company that got his attention, we wrote about it and you can read the post here since that time conversations with the owner, emails etc a relationship was developed.

The lovely yellow flower of the Tulip Poplar

Mike wanted to see first hand the product line offered by Grizzly log Homes, so he instigated contact with the owner and learned that a model home "The Shotgun ",was being erected in the state of Tennessee . He made arrangements to met the man behind the business, see the logs first hand and learn what tulip polar really is , as he has never experienced it before and was more than curious about what it was. In addition ,he would train some of the builders that where new to the company in the process. As Mike has been considering for some time, to begin the selling of log homes, and this company was of great interest to him, it made prefect sense to explore all aspects of the business before making any decision.

Feeding baby goat with baby bottle at the homestead in TN

Living arrangements were made for Mike, he lived with the neighbor on the property, in this close knit Christian community . The land was breathtaking, set in the heart of the Appalachians where plenty of chickens ran free ...with , horses , sheep, cows and goats, Mike learned that the goats are called Jacobs goats (the goat from the bible) this darling little baby , not a Jacob goat ,was a real treat to get to know. He was being fed by bottle and Mike took a cute video of this . The local people of this close knit community homestead, live off the land and animals are an integral part of daily living , it is really charming to say the least.

Delicious and wholesome meals were prepared for Mike each evening, as part of his compensation for building . The people were truly friendly, Mike noticed that no matter what, people would give you a warm gracious wave of the hand, with a sincere smile while walking or driving by.

On Sunday , the day was set aside for the Lord, and Mike, as most others, did not work, instead a local gathering in the home of the hospitable neighbor, set up her home as temporary church venue for Bible study which Mike attended and found both refreshing and inspirational .

Rustic log stack , old fashioned pioneer look

Affordable no frills log homes !!!

Mike discovered the men that he worked with were very open to other and different techniques that they were unfamiliar with. For example, the men found useful the importance of concentrating on each corner , stacking it plumb and level at this aspect because when they are stacked plumb the overall home stays square which less problematic elements during the roof erection ,. In addition, the tools he brought the men quickly learned how some of them saved both time and energy which took much of the hard lifting and other strenuous aspects of log building off.


This extremely affordable package, has log stack on first floor and siding on 2nd where the stick framing is being erected. A no frills home yet comfortable and practical-3 bedrooms and 2 baths!

Day 4 with Grizzly in TN

Day 7 with Grizzly in TN

beautiful log home finish in Wisc.

2011-03-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

I buit this home two winters ago begining in Oct. it was a zHochstelter McKay in Wisconsin near my home town of mauston. I was recently invited to see his home after it was in move in shape. It was great to be able to come back after they had it furnished and livable ,with a warm fire and food in the oven. In addtion, at the same time I met a potential homeowner whom wishes to build the same home, we met at Steves and I thought it would be nice to get another viedeo of the home now that its done. It is nice to compare the rough to the finish.

Take a look at these custom kitchen cabinets.. The decor really set this log home off with Steve's trophy deers and stuffed bear this place looked like it came right out of a log home magazine. In fact steve hopes to submit this home.

RUSTIC LOGS are now available at popular D-Shape

2011-02-18T08:12:00.000-08:00

Rustic D shape log has an average stack height of 8 inches

Inside of the flat D-Shape log with hand applied beveled edge to give the log that individual aesthetics that you are looking for

Here we see many long pine hand peeled logs

Isn't this the most lovely wood you have ever seen? Clean , white and given that it is rustic and hand peeled and shaped , just look at the consistency , yet it maintains that custom and rugged, natural look that you are looking for. LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK IT OUT HERE

WANTED log hom builders

2011-02-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

LOOKING FOR LOG HOME BUILDERS

Patriot log home builders is looking for experienced builders, log home or general carpentry . Qualifications ; not be afraid of heights and general carpenter skills which include knowledge in how to run a skill saw,drills, table saw, chop and chain saw, lag gun, can read a blue print. Other requirements no drug use, divers license, no legal issues that prevent your from leaving the state, cell phone, own tools (basic hand tools are beneficial) looking for someone who plays well with others. Internet skills, facebook page, email, digital camera a plus. Must have builders insurance. Will consider small teams of men.

THIS IS FOR OUT OF TOWN WORK REQUIRING OVERNIGHT STAYS FOR A DURATION OF UP TO 3-4 WEEKS.

call MIKE HOMPERTZ direct 608 547 4129 for preliminary phone interview

LEARN ABOUT CORNERS

2011-02-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

RUSTIC corners AND MORE

Log Stairs
Comes in:

Mortis and Tenon

Scribed

White and Red Pine

Cedar Half-Log and Thick Slab

Mantels

Scribed and Slabs
Any Species, Any Style Also Available:
Rough Sawn or Planed Trim,
Any Size or Thickness,
Edged or Wavy-Edge
and Wavy-Edge Siding
Oak Thick Slabs

	Handcrafted, Full-Scribe 12" to 18" Diameter, Full-Length Logs Comes in: White Pine Lodge Pole Pine Engelmann Spruce Douglas Fir Western Red Cedar Scribed or Chinker Style
	"The Natural Corner" Double Round, Butt and Pass Hand-Peeled, Natural Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Full-Log or Half-Log
	Double-Round, Butt and Pass Hand-Peeled, Natural Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Full-Log or Half-Log
	Saddle-Notch Corner Modern-Peeled, Cedar Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar Modern-Peeled or Natural 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Full-Log or Half-Log
	Full-Round, Butt and Pass Modern Peeled Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Full-Log or Half-Log
	Swedish Cope Comes in: White Pine Lodge Pole Pine Engelmann Spruce 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Inch Diameter Smooth or Machine Peeled Full-Log or Half-Log
	D-Logs Natural, Hand-Peeled Comes in: Northern White Pine Norway / Red Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8 and 10 Inch Stack Natural or Modern-Peeled Rough Sawn or Planed
	Vertical Log Corner Natural, Hand-Peeled Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar Natural or Modern Peeled
	Hand-Peeled, Half-Log Siding Pictured to the left in Modern, Thick, 10", 8" and 6" Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Natural or Modern-Peeled Thick or Thin CALL FOR PRICING AND MORE INFORMATION 608 547 4129

Patriot Log Home Builders wanting to build Packer players and fans log dream home

2011-02-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

PACKERS GET DISCOUNT !!

To show my appreciation , any GREEN BAY Packer PLAYER ,will receive a discount on my building!!! or log kit package.

It's been such a surprising and great Packer season to finish with a SUPER BOWL ,maybe start this season off with a new log home .All styles sizes best package prices,call for more information ,no high pressure sales tricks, I give the straight facts, always .

Call Mike 608-547-4129

LOWEST LOG home pircing in the industry !!!

2011-02-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

$$$$LOWEST LOG HOME KITS

IN THE INDUSTRY$$$$

 rustic or milled

we have the option for you.

easy pricing, simple to understand NO HIDDEN COSTS

most LOG STYLES and corner options

log styles

D shape
rustic
round
Swedish coup
extra large up to 19 inch plus diameter
hand hewed
no butt end log *

corner options

dove tail
Swedish coup
butt and pass

MANY LOG SPECIES

tulip popular
PINE
western red cedar

How can patriot log homes offer you this?

Mike Homeprtz through his years of building experience has networked with many companies and direct mills. As he works out of his home, there is to the extreme over head that other dealers/companies have to contend with. In addition, he can suggest many money saving options offering efficiency of material use , by CUTTING CORNERS NEVER QUALITY !

Mike HOmpertz works for you by shopping around for the best direct mill price from the many companies that he has establish relationships with. The mills that he works with presently are the ones that he has researched for the LOWEST PRICE at the HIGHEST QUALITY in the log home industry.

AFFILIATED WITH MULTIPLE log home MILLS you can out some of the middlemen. when you go to a log home company, that has lets say a big bold and beatify model home with multiple offices maned with salesmen, recipient, and nice glossy pamphlets and handouts, this is quite impressive and admitted, instill confidence that the company is reputable. It is true they most likely are. However ,you do pay for this in the cost of your log home kits, it is understandable that they have to pay their operating costs, electric bills, staff and pricey advertising from somewhere.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT NOT ALL LOG HOME COMPANIES that sell HAVE THEIR OWN MILL. They do not all have the ability to supply all the material, when they do not,they have to go find a mill that will supply their product.

TAKE the TRUE TEST

COMPARE, GO TO THE OTHERS get their pricing and come to Mike Hompertz. You will need to have either a print or a detailed plan of what you are thinking of building. Let Mike give you a quote. In today's economy we all need to save money. Why pay extra for the same quality, log or in some instances even a lesser quality log. This service Mike provides will cost you significantly less.

post written by Catherine Reinke

CALL DIRECT

608 547 4129

WITH QUESTIONS

* full log with no butts is an extra long log that can span the length of the house, logs as long as 40 foot. Why is this better? No seams or less seams. Why is this good? Less wind, water and bug issues. it has less infiltration.

Discovered new log home company

2011-01-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

Grizzly log homes

Mike HOmpertz, during his morning coffee, often surfs Craigs List looking for whats new, during his travels he cam across Grizzly log homes ad HOME OF THE $10,000 log home kit!. What he found was exciting, this seems to be a new budding company out of Tennessee who has the primary purpose of selling affordable log home kits with out the frills. It is ideal for homeowners who have the adventure and skill, to do some of the building themselves. Never hearing of them before , he called 1-888-261-9884 and spoke with Eric where he learned that the owner was rigorously searching for failing mills/log home companies to acquire with the intent to keep them up and running. Grizzy log homes has a rather altruistic approach to this companies philosophy...In there welcome statement it reads

"Our company was created to bring jobs back to our rural community"

Appalachian mountains

In about us it states
"Our company is your best source for professional, value driven low cost service.

We cut the logs, We mill the logs. We sell the logs.

You save the money!

There is no reason your dream home should be out of reach.

2 reasons we exist (besides God's grace);

1. Affordable housing.

2. Help the Appalachian economy.

We can set a home on your property for what others just sell the logs.

Pick on of our plans, or design your own. We want to be part of building your dream1-888-261-9884

and futher on we read:

" These homes should be around for your grandchildren. Our society is changing & with the current economic climate, this allows you to have more home for less money, &..." this statement Mike found particularly to his liking and beliefs " control debt instead of debt controlling you!"

apparently Grizzly log homes specializes in Tulip polar

Tulip Poplar

We specialize in Tulip Poplar logs which are perfect for log homes. These are not a poplar log but tulip poplar log. Tulip poplars are weather resistant, & termite resistant. The Indians used these trees for canoes. Pioneers preferred these logs to other logs for homes. In fact they were exported to Europe because they were recognized as a superior log.

The tulip tree is the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

It is native to eastern North America from Southern Ontario and Illinois eastward across southern New England and south to central Florida and Louisiana. It can grow to more than 50 m (165 feet) in virgin cove forests of the Appalachian Mountains, often with no limbs until it reaches 25–30 m (80–100 feet) in height, making it a very valuable timber tree. It is fast-growing, without the common problems of weak wood strength and short lifespan often seen in fast-growing species.(thank you Wikipedia-liriodendron)

I learned that it is not an actual poplar, the Tulip Poplar but a member of the magnolia family. The name is derived from the greenish-yellow tulip-like flowers that bloom spring. (Also, the leaves look like silhouettes of a tulip ) . Seeds are eaten by birds and small animals, but aren't great favorites of any, except cardinals. Once the seeds are blown away or devoured, the cones remain throughout the winter.

Tulip Poplar wood was used by American pioneers and they last ! This log home is from the 1830s and still standing! This is

Dog Trot House - A double pen log house separated by an open passage way covered by a single roof.

Finding this log home company has given Mike a new perspective on the value of poplar as a viable wood for log home building.

Stained Glass Mosaic Technique

2011-01-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

From White Bear Studios Beautiful Stained Glass Mosaic

The Solar Max

It only makes sense that any stained glass artist would end up with years of accumulation of beautiful glass. And I put this glass to good use.

Almost six feet tall all said and told. Okay more like five eight:)

Some design work straight onto the shower door, a couple of tubes (well more like twelve) of silicone glue, and an assortment of glass. If the pieces of glass are too large I particularly enjoy throwing them on the studio floor for the perfect chaos design. Or get a glass cutter from any stained glass shop and some hardware store sells them too. Scoring glass is easy... you just drag the cutter across it until a line forms and them tap it and it will break along the score. More details on this on the net or email me. Once you have scored the glass it has to be tapped and be broken right then because it will "heal itself if you don't Other pieces I custom cut very carefully with the diamond band-saw.( It doesn't hurt to have some really heavy duty sandpaper on hand to smooth off the rough edges on the glass, it makes it safer to work with.)

After a while though you just get a feel for it and almost never get cut. The combination of the two is very inspiring to me. Just draw your design onto the side of the glass you will not be gluing onto, it washes off easily when you are finished with the piece.

Spread the glue evenly onto the piece of glass you want to seal down.Then after all the pieces of glass are sealed into place on the shower doors, or clear piece of glass or whatever (f you buy a clear sheet of glass ask for double strength) the glue needs to cure for at least 24 hours (desert time.) Then there's a bit of fuss and muss with a single edged razor which involves getting stray glue from in between the pieces.

This will be important later when it comes time to grout. Grouting just ain't no big deal at all, you just slop it on nice and liberal, it looks a terrible mess at first but just make sure you have plenty of grout between the pieces of glass and that it feels smooth to the touch.

I prefer to do all my work barehanded as this is the only way I can really feel where I am on the piece. I have never cut myself doing this but you do have to be a little careful. Once the grout is really just all over the place you can smooth off the excess with your fingers. After about another 24 hours, again we're talking desert humidity which is usually zero, you can start to wash the piece down with rags soaked in water. This takes a bit of patience but not to worry, the grout will not stick to your glass and can always be dealt with one way or another. In the end if you are a real perfectionist anur glass has fissures or tiny cracks (and it all does) that have picked up some grout you can get those out with a small sharp tool. Just be careful not to scratch the glass. I use my fingernails more often than not. As the final step to this part after another couple of days of good drying time wash the whole thing down again and scrub with a soft brush. At this point it will probably be perfect but of course you have been staring at it for so long you will see every tiny flaw so\allow one more day of picking and preening:)

The grout can be painted any colour you want. I have experimented with this quite a lot. Starting with white grout you will find that any quality ACRYLIC paint will create an intense colour effect. (Only paint the grout after it is completely dry.) Of course they do sell special grout colour for triple the price and it sucks. Just get the acrylic, it works much better. This would be one of the final steps of the piece, painting the grout is easy because once again no worries as to how you go about it, any acrylic that gets on the glass will not permanently adhere. However if you do leave it all a mess overnight the acrylic will be more difficult to get off the glass, so again we use the one hour rule of thumb for drying.

If you live in Florida take a vacation to the Bahamas and check back later when you get around to it. No seriously in humid climates if you are keeping the piece in a dry area somewhere indoors just triple the drying time. Check it with your fingers, if it feels wet it is not dry...lol.

Oh and I was saying, I have tried just about every colour and black is by far the more beautiful and adds to the stained glass effect. Black is just best, it grounds the piece, the glass in the piece of course does all the work really with light and reflection and general dazzling display. The grout is only there to provide a frame of reference and I have found coloured grout to distract from that.

If you are creating your mosaic to be outdoors as I was, just for safety's sake I put four coats of marine varathane top and bottom on that sucker. After all that work I didn't want anything going wrong, and marine varathane (available at any hardware store) is the good stuff.

My particular piece survived some pretty knarly desert hail. Now in Missouri it has survived hail, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fall pecan missles;)

Decorate your log Home with stained glass

2011-01-15T07:55:00.000-08:00

BRING COLOR THERAPY INTO YOUR LOG HOME WITH STAINED GLASS

Remember spiders in the home bring good luck

With all the wood in a log home we here at Patriot Log Home Builders have seen first hand how simply adding one or two stain glass pieces to your windows can enhance your living enjoyment.

In addition, to the beauty, the color has added emotional and psychical healing benefits.

"Everything is made up of electromagnetic energy vibrating at different frequencies that correspond to sound, light and color. We are drawn to the colors needed to create balance in our lives, the goal in all healing. Colors attract ... certain clothing and accessories, colors in our homes, and even the foods we eat.

Colors are frequency wavelengths that we connect with based on grid (matrix) attraction. Primary colors following a spectrum called ROYGBIV or the rainbow spectrum."

Learn more about color at Crstalinks.com

Can you see this in one of your windows in your log home?

The owners of White Bear Studios are personal and trusted friends of Mike Hompertz and his wife, Catherine Reinke. They met many years ago in Sedona Arizona , living together for a spell, blended their two families, the Hompertz family, two girls became fast friends with the White bear female cubs and they enjoyed two memorable years , creating, drumming , dancing , dining and exploring alternative health , lifestyle and UFO Phenomenon that is so indicative of The wonders of Sedona Arizona.

These Trees are fine examples of the workmanship that the artists create which would be wonderful in any log home.


Computer art of Victoria from white Bear Studio in the style of Maxfield Parrish

Click here to have a custom order created just for you. This is the shop that my wife owns and operates

Who Are White Bear Studios?

White Bear Studios is based in a swampy corner of Southeast Missouri. From our little white house we can look across the Mighty Mississippi River. In the Summer it is humid and in the Winter it can get bitterly cold, but we call it home. It's a far cry from the high desert of Northern Arizona, the place where we originally set out to make beautiful and energetic artwork. Things have come a long way since the Sedona days, but as in all artistic people we still have that calling to...

CREATE

Creativity drives many people, and we are no exception. In fact holding back a creative person can have all kinds of negative effects. The art will find a way out somehow. The Studio has been in flux for several years but now we have become focused on creating some new pieces and trying some new things so that creativity can be released again. It's an exciting process.

Prefect for the bathroom

Article written by

Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you find something which interests you artistically at White Bear Studios. Maybe someday we can exchange stories. Perhaps you would like to tell us about something you've always wanted created but weren't sure how to go about it. Possibly you could put our talents to work creating that artwork you still dream of.

On site consultation

2011-01-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Need help ?

Want to stack your own logs?

Want to cut building costs?

$500 daily-3 day min.

Benefits of consultation:

What Patriot Log Home Builders provides:

Supplies for stacking , cutting,securing ,fastening, lagging, bolting drilling, logs during log stack are provided
Instruction and tools for drilling of electric outlets
Notching beams

Log Home Dealer Directory

2011-01-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON -THIS PAGE IS A

WORK IN PROCESS

Patriot Log Home Builders brings you A LOG HOME DIRECTORY

What is a hand hewn log home

2011-01-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

THE MOST RUSTIC LOOK-hand hewn

The beauty of hand worked logs and natural stone cant be beat

Q and A
by: C.Reinke
Log Home Building Information

Is it more expensive? Yes
If so Why?Lets just say, generally speaking, when they are hand hewed, it is almost like building the log structure twice.
What does that mean? Because to properly fit the logs and form them together, you want to set it up there, each log up, and scribe them with a pencil above and below and each butt end to form each log to each other. At this point , you take the log down, and hand hewed all the lead lines off, up to where you scribed the lines. So it has a flow, as to leaving big rustic edges and knots.
Does this take more time? In a milled log home , every log is already milled to fit each one, so there is no scribing and then taking it down and hand hewing.
What tools are involved? A hew knife is a two handle craving knife, which you pull towards you.

Is it hard to use, does it require skill? It first of all must be very sharp, and yes it takes an element of skill and definitely strength, and some endurance . Like going threw knots.
Is this method done much any more? There are a few craftsmen left.
Why is not used anymore? Well it is becoming a lost art and the experience from it taking so much longer.

Are there any befits over a factory milled to hand hewn, why would any one choose this? Because a hand hewen custom crafted log home , definitely looks very different than a milled log home. It is strictly up to the eye of the beholder, what look they are trying to achieve. Some people really like the rustic look.

Do you? Would I put up some of my rustic log homes over a milled log home? Do doubt. Atheistically I feel it is superior. The only thing that would deter me is the cost and or time.

Rustic log home, I built where the movie On Golden Pond was filmed. State of New Hampshire, Squam Lake

Are you saying that because you personally like the look of a rustic log home, or are there other features, such as quality involved? Well you have the consistency from a milled log home, easier sealing than what you can get from a hand hewed home. I have to admit I am one of those who really appreciates the rustic look. I did start with rustic hand hewn homes and this probably plays into it.
Do you still do rustic hand hewn homes? I haven't done one in years, it is just not very common any more, but would I , absolutely.
What is the comparison to your building costs of a milled home to what you might charge for hand hewn? Apples to apples, same floor plan, and species of wood,I would charge $35.00 on outside perimeter/lineal foot on the log erection.
Why does species of wood matter? Typical hand hewed logs are white cedar. If you gave me a hardwood, such as oak, that would cost more, and is not practical.
Why do they use Northern White cedar? It is a softer wood and easier to hand hew. It also has the highest insulation wood value.
Would you build a hand hewed home? Yes, I find both rustic and milled gorgeous, I love log homes. Also It would depend on location, some places really merits a rustic log home, I would build a milled log home in town, where as I would not a rustic log home.
I heard of rustic look , milled log home , what is that? It is when they take a milled log and take a tool that is like a form of a hatchet or craving and putting that look on it. Really they hack the log...by putting the marks on the exterior of the log,see my video showing how this is done at the Hochstetler mill.

Milled log in the Hochsetler mill, where you can see Joe Hochstetler putting a hand hewed look on prepared logs.

I personally love the look of a hand hewn log home.I recently found these pictures in my file box . As I said I have been building for at least 20 years, and these pictures bear that statement out, back before my hair turned its stately gray!

I have been thinking lately that so many people, with the internet can say, hey I have all this experience and therefore you can trust me to build your home. For instance, the fact that I was invited to extreme home make over. Really couldn't any fraud or desperate man/individual make statements like these on a blog, over the phone or what not.What proof do you have that it is or is not true? In my building career I have encountered my fair share of characters...I remember the pathological liars, cheats and extreme exaggerators, none of which I am. but how can you as a homeowner know? Well I think that posting my work on line for you to see if pretty effective.

Mike Hompertz and Jim Boardman

I have oodles of pictures! All in boxes and not in digital format. I scanned these images for you...they were taken back in the 1980s! I will continue to scan my older work. It is my portfolio after all. I hope you enjoy these images, I sure loved working on this log home.

Mike Hompertz in Wisconsin working on a hand hewn log home

Great wood log home hand hewn built by Patriot Log home builders . Home with front prow in New Richman Wisconsin

Back of Great woods log home showing hand hewn logs built by patriot log home builders

This was many years ago, we love building without shirts on.

Contact Mike with Questions

2011-01-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

Builder Apprentice Program

2011-01-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

This page is currently under construction , program not in place.
LOG HOME Level 1-log stack

BUILDER APPRENTICE PROGRAM

Wanting to learn how to build a log Home? Patriot log home builders offers an unique opportunity to men who desire to learn a trade . A three level program. First level log stack instruction, once certificate is awarded and desire is ongoing,participant may enter into level three and progress to the last and final of Roof framing .

You will

Learn how to stack full logs

Receive room and board as compensation

Have video produced of you stacking logs

Receive the youtube link /embed code for your resume/site and to share with friends and family

Have the opportunity to advance to next level program of instruction

Receive certificate of completion , hard and digital copy for web site

Testimonials from Happy homeowners

2011-01-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

Log Home Builder Mike Hompertz leaves

happy homeowners

In many ways, I do not believe that much in testimonials. However, I have had a few requests and I am providing what I have thus far. The I phone application My Log Home Dream that I am involved in , at ground level, feels they are important, so I am addressing the issue. I do not ask for any thing formal from my homeowners ,such as a testimonial. I do not leave a job unless my homeowner is satisfied and happy. I have, always thought that having them write up a letter can just be an added burden to the homeowner at an already very busy time. Building a home is allot of work, sometimes stressful and the process can be both exasperating and exciting.

I have however received unsolicited cards, notes , and facebook messages which are provided below.

The quotes that I provided are facsimiles from my recollection of previous homeowners. I hope they are helpful and are intended to give you a sense of how the homeowner felt, during and when I left the job site.

I am thinking of asking the homeowner of the job I am working with , if I can provide their phone number for a limited period so folks like you could call them and hear first hand what they think of my building ethic and quality workmanship.

Thank you card from Jack and Pauline Deraway of Ohio, this home was featured in Log Home Design Ideas

Christmas card from Jean and Mary with their Ward Log home built by Patriot Log Home builders

Direct/Recreated happy homeowner quotes

Steve Miller built a Hochstetler Log Home, recently invited to visit now that the home is finished

"Mike, please feel free to show my home if you ever want to ,

for future people who might want one of their own"

"Every time I stand in my home or look out my window, with the fireplace glowing,

I get teary eyed, I cant believe this house is mine".

Sue Wallace built a Hochstetler Log Home (She put down the first log and is on our you tube site) wrote an email to me after her home was completed

"....our door is always open to you and your family for the sacrifices it makes for other peoples dreams. Reilly [Grand daughter] misses you."

" Looks really nice Mike, love the spindles and rails. We have lots of work ahead of us but hopefully it will come together. really getting to know you, Jeremy and Mike Jr. tell them hi and everyone is welcome here any time. Merry Christmas , Keep in touch."

Log Home Company photo portfolio

2011-01-03T13:41:00.001-08:00

Photographs spanning 20 years

of log homes building

from 12 log Home Companies

Mike Hompertz

(Patriot Log Home builders)

Log Home COMPANY photo Portfolio

KATAHDIN LOG HOMES

KUHN BROTHERS LOG HOMES

WARD CEDAR LOG HOMES


Log home builder-Mike Hompertz Ward cedar log home built in Illinois

HOCHSTETLER MILLING

built in North Dakota

ORIGINAL LOG HOMES

PRIVATE MILL -HAND CARVED

OLD TIMER LOG HOMES

LOG HOME BUILDER Mike Hompertz 6x12 full log home by Old Timer log home

LOG BUILDERS OF AMERICA

Log Home builder-Mike HOmpertz built for LOG BUILDERS OF AMERICA in West Virginia

GREAT WOOD

Log Home Builder-Mike Hompertz hand hewed log home by GREATWOODS built in Wisconsin front view

JIM BARNA

Log home builder-Mike HOmpertz-Jim Barna Log Home in Illinois

JIm Barna large showing window mullins

Log Home Builder-Mike Hompertz full log ranch in Wisconsin

GOLDEN EAGLE

Log Home Builder-Mike Hompertz Interior finished 4000+sq. ft. Golden Eagle Log Home

I worked on approximately 5 logs homes , attended and am certified as a builder for Golden Eagle Log Homes. This company presents itself as a one shop stop. To read my experiences, opinions and insights on this company read here. (coming soon)

HIAWATHA

Company link directory (coming soon)

Hochstetler Milling
Ward cedar Log Homes
Original log homes
Old Timer
Kathadin
Kuhns Brothers
Jim Barna
Hawatha log homes
Greatwoods Log homes
Private Mill
Golden Eagle
Log Builders of America/Nature built

Men at Work Photo Gallery

2011-01-03T10:13:00.000-08:00

The photos you see below are a sampling from my 20 years plus experience

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz, one of my first jobs 1980s Fairfax Virignia white Cedar mill direct custum hand hewn

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,1980s deck for sunroom where swimming pool will be located overrlooking the 4 car garage with apartment and elevator on 40 acreas of grapeyard vineyard.

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz, 5000sq.ft. custom hand hewned log home from white cedar

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz, thinking about next project , let's get the roof sheeted Jack Dereway's log home in Ohio for Kuhn's Brothers

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz ,Old Timer log home co.in Milwaukee area preparing gable end to accept main ridge for rafters,

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz, laying out deck joists

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,setting main rafters on Kuhn Brothers log home co.

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,and crew with homeowner Jack Dereway

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz, fireplace cut out of full log

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,putting together beam gazebo ,at end of deck

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,putting up facsia ,soffit,on Kuhn's Brothers

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,drilling,and chiseling electric outlets in full logs. That is my wife Catherine Reinke

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,setting ridge for rafters

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,roping rafters up to a 6x28 inch 30foot long ridge

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,with homeowner Conrad,on his future pool green house ,concrete deck with his log 4 car garage in the background

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,putting log hand hewned sided garage with appaarment and elevator in it

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,with Rob our beloved friend RIP cutting out log opening for fireplace

Log home builder-Mike Hompertz,with extra hammer hoop filling it with a broom , as a joke.

photo gallery of Wallace home in ND

2010-12-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

Another harsh winter day wind and snow

This is the foam plywood built up roof ststem

Full log dormers with beam rafter porch roof system

Early Nov. snow fall is taller than the truck

Beam post and beam rafters

The sunroom is held up with the big beams and posts what a great look from their basement walkout

The rustic stairs before the spindle and handrails

The bay window was installed on the second floor of the garage

Elegant log home with plenty of space

rustic staircase

At Home In Ohio Magazine article from LOG HOME IDEAS

2010-12-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

Mike Hompertz of Patriot log Home Builders in the extreme cold winter of 2002 built the Jack And Pauline Deraway log home. After the interior and decorating were completed it was featured in LOG HOME DESIGN IDEAS

Photo Gallery of Log Home in process

Log home builders front view with roof on of Derway home

Mike HOmp0ertz-log home builder up on gazebo roof

Front view other side

Christmas card from Happy home owners Jack and Pauline Derway of the featured home

2010-12-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hochstetler and my North Dakota experience

Written by Mike Hompertz

I received a phone call in July to build a log home from Sue Wallace as they were driving back to N. D. from Hochstetler milling located in Ohio. Sue and Dave told me they were hoping to get started on their log home before winter. I knew this is somewhat of a challenge to under take, let alone they both have full time jobs that are quite a full plate in itself. But they took the bull by the horns and were able to purchase the home they desired,got the basement foudation done so that we were able to show up by the end of September. This was actually no small feat considering the out side obstacles which they encountered.

In Dickinson, N.D. their is a construction boom going on because of the oil wells. There is a so lack of housing ,which has made a housing explosion every tradesman is busy . Dave talked to me once and told me he couldn't get a basement in til November , I must say that concerned me starting that close to winter,but through Dave's persistence and some luck of timing ran into some guys that had a opening to pour his foundation.

We also had another obstacle, Hochstetler milling closed in September for two weeks to set up their annual Log Cabin Days .I mentioned my concerns to Mike O 'Neil in sales of Hochstetler the difficulty of starting in November in N.D. and asked if their was any thing that could be done. He said he would check. He called me back that day and said he talked to Levi,owner and founder of the company who mentioned that the milling of the logs was done during Log Cabin Days, so the guests could see the process, what the logs go through before they are milled and shipped.

logs finished up at mill during Log Cabin Days

Inside the mill at Log Cabin Days Milling the logs for the Wallace home

They assured me they would be shipped to N.D. by the end of September which just got me excited. Knowing the logs were going to be milled I called Dave and Sue and told them I was going to Ohio to film the progress of the logs being milled .it also gave me a opportunity to visit family that lived close by in Ohio. I went to Log Cabin Days and met many of the Hochstetler staff which I enjoyed because of allthe phone conversations I have had with many of them it was nice to put a face on these pleasent and cheerful voices, I had a very nice time their looking at their facilities and their life styles, I would suggest it as a wonderful stop for the family to spend the day.

Plenty of Amish Charm at log cabin days in Ohio

When I got home I had less than 10 days to pack my tools and clothes and get the house in order for the winter. We had figured it would take approximately two months for us to build thishome. The package model is the Mckay with an added breezeway and garage. On top of it we were facing shorter days of daylight, less time to work. We left Wisconsin September 25 th, the semi's were showing up the 27 th and I try to be there to unload the trucks. Find a place to stay in N.D. was going to be difficult because of the influx of all the oil well people that had consumed all the motel complexes, I got to give it to Dave and Sue for their generosity of welcoming us into their house it was over the top!!!

We started right in and did the subfloor with floor trusses and the logs showed up on the trucks and started laying our 1st. courses of logs, We did the traditional have the homeowner putting the 1st. logs down while we video this exciting moment and put it on you tube video which everybody gets to enjoy. See the homeowner put down the first log here.

It took us three days to stack the 9 foot walls on the main house,then proceded to get all the beams in the second floor system by notching them into the logs,which also includes notching for all the electric so that it is hid from plain sight.

We then put the down stair partition walls up and had the electrcians run their wires so we could put the 2x6 tounge and groove flooring on the second floor, at that point we stacked the second floor logs full gables and shed dormer across the length of the house. It took the two of us three days.

My nephew Jeremy Sinur and I started cutting and putting up the decorative and structural beam rafters which stay exposed with tounge and groove on top with a foam plywood sandwhich roof system. After we had put the foam roof on we framed up the breezeway and garage walls. The prints only showed a single story breezeway and garage. We offered Dave and Sue the option of putting a second floor above each so would be able to enter them from their second floor loft.This gave them an extra 600 sq.ft. They loved the idea and boy did it turn out nice!

Some of the walls upstairs were changed from the print by homeowner request. It sure made a nice flow through the house. With the extra full logs left over from the package I suggested putting up full log dog house dormers instead of 2 x 6 with plywood and half log siding. This gave tails , a better house, and is so much nicer inside. They loved it.

Our last big building project was to assemble the sunroom off the dining room. I made another suggestion to the homeowners , the sunroom beams which were on the print to be used inside the sun room I thought they would look more impressive holding up the sunroom outside , as it is a walk out basement.

The final touches, our last days on the job, were siding the garage and breezeway,installing the windows and doors,plus trim,and the spindles and handrails inside and out ,it just looked so complete,especially the loft and staircase along with the beam stairs.

It took me and Jeremy about 60 days to complete our part of the dry in .Not many men would attempt this in the harsh weather conditions and I wonder how many could do. not it I know what kind of diligence and fortitude it took! Let alone the 30 below zero cold days ,the gumption to stay with it, t he physical endurance that it required . I had to keep sight of the ultimate goal ....to not only finish but to be so very proud of our accomplishment and to have the homeowners appreciate us putting our hearts and souls into every step of the home! I know we achieved this.

I again would like to thank Dave and Sue for bringing us into their home and believing in us to give them the very best home that could be built.

Thank You Mike Hompertz Patriot Log Home Builders
© 2010 Patriot Log Home Builders

Mc Kay Hochsetler log home with garage and breeze COMPETED DRY IN

2010-12-26T09:19:00.000-08:00


back of home showing sun room with deck on both sides, under deck supported by large beams on far right you can see the attached breezeway and garage with added bay window to second floor	(this was an option provided by patriot that is not part of the print)

The front of the McKay , double car garage , added the window on the second floor ( read about the second floor that Patriot added to the breezeway and garage ) 2 dormers with a deck that spans the length of the house. They choose a very nice leaded glass door which made this log home much elegance and class!

Back door entrance which shows the beautiful bay window that I gave them

INTERIOR walk threw of McKay model with added Breeze way and attached garage

EXTERIOR walk threw of McKay Hochstetler log home

Dry in construction contract EXAMPLE

2010-12-26T07:31:00.001-08:00

Dry In construction Contract example ©

Patriot Log Home builders

908 parrot lane Wausau WI 54401

608 547 4129

Mike Hompertz

Date:

Homeowner name:MR AND MRS LOG HOME LOVERS

Address :THE PREFECT LOCATION

Phone:

Other Notes: _____________________________________________________________________________

Home square footage: approx. 2000 ,
Log style:

Notes: additional rooms, decks, breezeway,garage etc

________________________________________________________________________________

Tentative start date:ASAP

Price based on final prints__x__ Price based on plans or preliminaries__(check one)*

Draw Schedule

Monies can be wired directly into account for ease and immediate payment, it is to be understood that until payment is received, work will not commence.

• Acceptance deposit of $1000.00 paid on date, ---------------, payable immediately after signing.

• Time slot deposit of $3000.00 payable when your log delivery date is firmly established, this ensures the arrival on that date of myself and crew to begin your log home project. __.? 2011____ Date paid on, arrival date time slot ______n_________.

Total price $40.0000

Balance of construction after depoists $36,000.00

DRAW SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS ( to be determined for each contract, here is an example on a )
25 % $9000.00 log stack completion
25 % completion of roof framing
25 % main house roof sheeted, closed in completed
25 % when job duty list is completed

Homeowner obligations:

• Foundation completion, porch piers

• Final Print

• Permits

• Temporary 220 or 110 electrical power supplied by power company

• Portable toilet

• Fork truck (min. 6000 lbs) required for unloading log home package and material handling during construction.

• Special handling when/if necessary i.e. crane

Builder’s obligations:

• Complete “dry –in” construction which includes all services marked on the attached P-01 form

• Comply with building codes

• Provide quality workmanship and professional conduct

• Guarantees all work against defective construction or craftsmanship for a period of one year

• Building of this contract to be completed in a timely fashion

• Keep job site clean, reduce left over material to a few piles. Dumpster is a good idea; if present it will be used.

Changes or extras

Any additional work must be accompanied by a “Change Order” provided by PLH executed by both homeowner and PLH. 50 % deposit required before work will be started, the balance required after completion.

Ordering

In the event that the homeowner requires additional services such as ordering, pick up of material, etc…PLH reserves the right to charge a fee to cover gas and a reasonable cost to compensate for time

Delays

Delays do and will occur; weather can prevent the crew from working such as rain, snow and sub zero temperatures which may stop production. When snow removal by the crew is required, homeowner will reasonably compensate builder for his time. This is to be negotiated before work is started to both parties satisfaction. When a delay, that is beyond the control of the builder, such as caused by an unforeseen event, such as a delay of materials arriving on job site, homeowner and builder will agree if compensation is appropriate to builder or work something equitable out between them.

Signature page

Homeowner ______________________________________________________(date)_____________

Patriot Log Home Builders_______________________________________________

Mike Hompertz

908 Parrot Lane

E-mail: patriotloghomebuilders@yahoo.com

Cell 608 547 4129

Web site: www.patriotloghomebuilders.blogspot.com

No other party shall be implied in this contract unless specifically named herein. Contract is strictly between the parties named above. I the under signed fully understand the context of this contact; I have had an opportunity to question any items I do not understand to clarity of understanding and have agreed therefore.

*If price is based on plans or preliminaries , price may be subject to change if square footage has changed

JOB DUTY CHECK OFF FORM

All services to be performed are checked below, according to prints or plans, all that apply are checked.

1. Frame exterior basement wall/s_x____

2. Install sub floor, includes joist, girder, sill, plywood _x__

3. Log stack, erect all exterior logs included on print and delivered in package or 2 by framed exterior walls with half log siding __x___

4. Framing of all interior walls__x___

5. Studding of support walls only_____

6. Support beam/s and /or ceiling beams _x____

7. Conventional ceiling joists (does not include T G)___x__

8. Rough stair framing , first to second floor __x___or beam stairs

9. Gable -ends __x____

10. Roof system __x____

11. Plywood roof decking ( does not include roof flashing)__x___

12. Dormers _x____

13. Cornice __x___

14. Cut and frame door and window rough openings provided by homeowner __x___

15. Trim exterior window and door openings __x___

16. Set windows only (nail flange style)__x___

17. Set exterior door, excludes overhead garage doors__x___

18. Drill holes in log walls for receptacles and switches as per print__x___

19. Porch, decks, posts and porch roof__x___

20. Garage_x____

21. Frame fireplace_____

22. _____

23. Other_____ __________________________________________________________________

24. Other ________________________________________________________________________

Walk through will not be performed after daylight hours.(Please do a walk-through with builder as often as needed for your satisfaction) Do not sign off on this check list until you are fully satisfied with the builders work and jobs performed.

I’ve personally performed a walk through and have visually inspected all the above services. I hereby verify that all work has been completed to my full satisfaction.________________________________________________________ (homeowner name and date)

LOG HOME Featured in local North Dakota paper

2010-12-24T06:04:00.000-08:00

Local paper wrote a very nice article about the log home I built.

Patriot Log HOme builders finishes up in ND

2010-12-23T07:26:00.000-08:00

INTERIOR walk threw of McKay model with added Breeze way and attached garage

EXTERIOR walk threw of McKay Hochstetler log home

Patriot Log home Builders make it to the local NEWSPAPER

2010-11-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Constructing a dream home

Dave and Sue Wallace of Dickinson are nearing the completion of a dream come true — a log home being built in Rivers Edge Drive subdivision west of Dickinson.

Dave and Sue Wallace stand in front of their log home on Oct. 23 in the Rivers Edge Drive Subdivision.

By: Linda Sailer, The Dickinson Press

Read arcticle here

Up date on Mckay Hochstetler log home building process in North Dakota

2010-10-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

waiting for log siding

Job site

early morning start, pretty silhouette

Front view dormer openings not on yet

Garage roof completed breezeway roof next

walk out basement back of house

interior beam roof system tongue and groove ceiling

walk out basement first floor walls stacked and framed

It is true that the recession is still felt by many in the building trades. However something is happening in North Dakota , where I am presently building where there is both a building and housing shortage.the homeowners have put us up in their basement as hotel space is not available or so costly it would price us out.
"The mayor says a few long-time local residents left town because they couldn't afford to stay when rent tripled. Oil workers make enough to push rent costs higher. " High rents, revenues as oil boom ripples through North Dakota by Dan Gunderson, Minnesota Public Rad

KILLDEER, N.D.—A massive oil reserve buried two miles underground has put North Dakota at the center of a revolution in the U.S. oil industry, a shift that has radically altered the fortunes of this remote area. BEN CASSELMAN read full article here.

And it is remote, take a look at the images of where we are building.

very nice large piers for the sun room

corner where jacuzzi tube will be , wont that be nice!

note how window does not have it cut out , done to avoid wasting material

This will be chained sawed into the door opening breeze from garage going into house

On day 9 the semi truck comes again and we unload the beam roof system. As you can see , having a forklift on location is a must. It is frequent that multiple deliveries are involved while building your log home.

The Wallace Hochstetler home in North Dakota

2010-10-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

The very much appreciated tradition started by Patriot log home builders of having the home owner be video taped while setting the first log of the log stack is shown here with Sue Wallace. She sure does a great job. This is harder than it what she makes it look.

and here we have the progress of the first day setting the log stack. I am with my son and nephew, it is a family affair. Note the high winds and location. we were anxious to start the job as soon as we could to avoid the harsh winters and wind chill of the state.

you can veiw many more viedos at my channel at youtube here

Log Cabin Days in Ohio for Hochsetler Milling

2010-10-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

log cabin days - free slideshows


LOG CABIN DAYS in Ohio at the AMISH Hochsetler Mill Well worth while visit

Hochsetler Mill in Ohio

Amish covered wagon.

Horse and Amish buggy at Log Cabin Days

As we know I have built my fair share for this company and it is one of the best log products out there for quality , price and ease to both the homeowner and the builder. Hochsetler puts on a LOG CABIN DAYS every year ,yet I never attended. However ,when I learned that the next home I would be building was a Hochseter for the Wallace couple in North Dakota, I discovered from the sales rep Mike O'Neal, that he had arranged to have the very logs that I would be using to build their home , milled for their demonstration !I dedicated myself to attending the exciting event. I thought how exciting it would be to see the logs from the beginning steps on veido threw the entire process. I was right. Although the videos are noisy it is a first hand look at something that is usually not seen.

Amish log Milling machine which is seen in video.

Logs ready to ship

HOMEMADE DELICACIES TO CHOOSE FROM AT LOG CABIN DAYS

Apple butter making at Log Cabin Days find Amish recipes here

Amish women Roasting a tasty marshmallow


Amish making homemade ice cream, which was delicious !

The "fruit" of the Amish labor... creamy chocolate ice cream....yummy!

This video shows how the AMISH of Hochsetler in Ohio put the RUSTIC LOOK on the logs . It is a fairly simple technique involving plenty of elbow grease and a sharp tool which is very much like a hammer with a sharp claw.

Amish at Log Cabin Days in Ohio

Allot of interesting activities to see
and watch or participate in!


Artists creating lovely wood cravings.Here we see an American Indian and old man .

Folks could watch builders doing a log stack. This home was raffled out at LOG CABIN DAYS!

Axe throwing competition at LOG CABIN DAYS!

In this third video you can see right inside the factory and see the giant machine that is used where the 8 x8 logs go into to be milled.

Four Amish women taking a rest at LOG CABIN DAYS in OHIO

Amish family takes a a break from the heat and crowd


Amish women rushes with her cup of coffee

rare shot of AMISH father and child

SIKKENS stain vendor available for asking questions.

PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS OFFERS Caulking and staining of a WARD LOG home

2010-09-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Mike Hompertz of Patriot Log Homes offers staining on all their log homes . On the last house, he stained and caulked.In the construction of a ward log home, the logs are cut with a natural caulking groove on all butt ends tops and bottoms. Therefore allot of caulking is required. Backer rod is included in their kit. It makes a great seal which helps to eliminate possible leakages, especially around windows and doors and even the log tails.

Backer Rod

36 cases of TAN caulk produced by CONCEAL we used 30 cases , we used 360 tubes of caulk!!! We caulked for a total of five full days. In many ways I thought that this is somewhat like the old fashion chinking, most log homes do not require this step. I think that it looks very nice in the end.

find CONCEAL AT THE Log Home Shoppe

WATCH THIS video to see exterior caulking of a Ward log home by Patriot Log Home Builders

STAINING OF YOUR LOG HOME IS VERY IMPORTANT

Quick look at how to spray stain a log home by PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS

The homeowner on this WARD log home chose NATURAL . Sikkens provides a Cetol SRD which is a one-coat translucent exterior wood finish based on a special oil and alkyd resin combination, for use on a variety of exterior wood surfaces.

Find Sikkens at the Log Home Shoppe

Patriot Log home builders uses a GRACO spray gun , we are certain to protective covering for our lungs and body, using a full body suit and air mask filter. We prefer to do staining before the windows and doors are installed, but in this case, as you can see the windows and doors are in, therefore we had to cover them with plastic and tape.

Have questions on log home building TERMS?

2010-09-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

Log Home Building Information C. Reinke

interviews Mike Hompertz of

PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS

and discusses log home building terms such as butt and pass, dove tail, Swedish cope and others.

A few quick useful Terms

BEAM POCKET -- A notch in a wall or other member to receive the end of a beam.

BUTT AND PASS -- Term used to describe the corners formed when one log stops or butts and the other log extends past the corner or passes. The corners alternate as they progress upward.

CANTILEVER -- A projecting joist or beam, where one end is not supported, used to extend a floor or deck. They can also be decorative.

COLLAR TIE -- Horizontal board or beam between opposing rafters to provide protection against wind uplift, installed in the upper third of the rafters.

DORMER -- The framed projection in a sloping roof.

DOVETAIL CORNERS -- These corners are cut into a wedge shape so that the upper and lower dovetails on the logs interlock.

DRAW SCHEDULE -- Schedule of payments made to builder or contractor as construction work progresses.

DRAW-KNIFE -- A woodworking tool with a knife-edged blade set between two handles. It is used by drawing it along a log to peel the bark or shave it down.

DRY ROT -- Term used to indicate rotten, crumbly wood. Actually a misnomer since the fungi that cause the damage require moisture.

FLASHING -- Waterproof material used to protect joints or materials from moisture, used around windows and doors, around chimneys, where roofs intersect and along the inner edge of decks and porches.

FLOOR JOISTS -- Framing that supports the floor by resting on lower walls, girders or beams.

FLUE -- The chimney or duct used to direct exhaust gases from a fireplace, water heater, furnace or boiler to the outside.

GABLE -- Triangular-shaped section of end walls underneath the peak of the roof line.

GIRDER -- A horizontal structural member designed to carry heavy loads.

GREEN WOOD -- Usually used to refer to a recently-cut tree, it is technically wood that has a fiber moisture content of 28% or higher.

HEADER -- A framing member that acts as a beam and supports a load suspended over an opening.

HEARTH -- Area in front of a fireplace; can be raised or flat.

HEWING -- Flattening or working a log with a draw-knife or axe.

HIP -- The external angle formed by the junction of two sloping sides of a roof, as opposed to a valley.

I-BEAM -- Steel beam used for structural support. It has a cross-section shape looks like the capital letter I.

I-JOIST -- Engineered floor joist with flanges of 2x material and the web made of OSB. Cross-section shape looks like the capital letter I.

KILN-DRIED -- Forced, artificial drying of logs or lumber to reach a certain moisture content, typically 15 percent or less.

LIEN WAIVER -- Legal document signed by sub-contractors stating that they have been paid for a job and cannot put a lien on the property.

LINTEL -- A horizontal structural member spanning a wall opening.

MORTISE AND TENON -- A method of joining two pieces of wood where the tenon is the male part and the mortise or notch is the female member.This term is used more in timber framing.

NOTCH -- An angle or divot cut into a log, especially used at corners to interlock them for strength and weather-resistance.

PURLIN -- Horizontal structural member spanning perpendicular to a roof system.

RIDGE BEAM -- A structural beam or engineered lumber designed to support the upper ends of the rafters and carry the roof load along with the walls.

RIDGE BOARD -- A horizontal member installed between the upper ends of the rafters, not designed to carry a roof load.

RIDGE VENT -- Air vents along ridge line of roof to provide a means of escape for heat and moisture.

STRINGER -- Angled sides of a staircase, supporting stair treads, AKA carriage.

STUD -- Wood framing members providing the support in a wall system.

SWEDISH COPE -- Method of cutting concave section on upper log to rest on the convex portion of lower log.

TRUSS -- A framework of structural lumber for spanning between load-bearing walls.

TURNKEY -- Ready to move into, all aspects of the build are handled by one entity.

WAINSCOTING -- The covering applied to the lower portion of a wall between the baseboard and chair rail.

A few more older terms , not much used in today's industry but useful for vintage

Log Cabin Terms

. Single pen - A log dwelling consisting of one room.

. Double pen - Any log house consisting of two log rooms.

.Dog Trot House - A double pen log house separated by an open passage way covered by a single roof.

Saddlebag House - A central chimney double pen log house.

Hand Hewn Log - A log that has been flattened on the sides with an adze or broad axe.

Hand planed - The process by which lumber was smoothed before machinery.

Ceiling Joist - The beams which the upstairs floors are laid on.

Pit Sawn - The process of cutting lumber from trees with a two-man saw; one man on top of the log and one man underneath in a "pit" on the other end of the saw.

1-1/2 Story - Typical term for an Appalachian style log cabin meaning that your upstairs log wall is only about waist high You get your usable height from a peaked ceiling.

Caplog - The top log on a log house which the rafters rest on; also, called plate log.

.Pole Rafter - A rafter left in the round, unhewn.

For addition terms this is a very useful log home Dictionary

How do I to begin a log stack process?

2010-08-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

two logs stacked in corner

6 x 8 D shape white pine from Original Log Cabin shipped in random lengths and cut to size per print on job site . Home owner Frank Merron laid first log, as shown in here in our video. the process is time consuming and noisy!

1.CHALKING The first step is rather easy yet, is a very important step. A chalk line is snapped out 4 inches all around the deck from outside of the concrete foundation. This is done to square up the deck which needs to prefectly square. For if its off at all, it will show up at the roof. A 1/4 of inch off at this level can show up at the roof as much as an entire inch or more. Shinglers, homeowner and myself all would not be happy.
Why drag the chalk line in 4 inches?
By dragging it in 4 inches , since the logs are really 5 1/2 from flat inside to fat of the round, the log that sist on the deck 4 inches puts the fat of the round hanging over 1 1/2 inches over your sub-floor . This is what we want. The reason for this is that when half log siding goes up,which is an 1 1/2 inches thick they were both match, i.e. the fat of the round to the half log siding.
2.Mark out electric on the sub floor with a red crayon so we know where to drill out the electric out we get to this process and importantly so we don't put any lags in this location which we do not want when installing log electric outlets. I work closely with the electrician on my log homes, as it is common that an electrician has not had experience with running electric threw logs.

We also mark out center of doors and windows. so we know where to stop the logs

3.Apply sealant of either caulk or log tape which the log is placed on. Then we follow straight down the chauk line corner to corner to get a real straight first log. Much care is taken in this, once again to ensure an accurate and plum beginning.

zinc Lag Screw

Oly Scews

4.FASTEN the logs . Builders or log home companies use either Oly screws or Lags. On this house we used Lags. I prefer to use olys, however for speed.Yet lag screws are in many ways more effective for example when and if you run into a twisted, warped, or bowed log. Using a lag I can often fix or take out the problem with a lag screw.

It is important that Lags should be at least 3 inches longer than the log so they go into the next log as shown above. A special electric lag gun is used and the oly requires a very strong drill, a common drill will quickly burn out.

Lag gun on large beam

5.Window and door allowances after running 2 full logs we had to compensate for window openings on our last log home. On Franks home, there was a window shipping delay, even through window openings are on the print, you need the actual window to measure. Print openings are rough size and not true size.

Allowances have to be made for the 2 x material and compensation for window buck roof openings, such as adding at least 3 inches to the opening. Since actual measurements were unattainable we simply extended the full log threw all window and door openings and then chain sawed them out later once the windows arrived and we could get our measurement.

Example of how we over hung the logs so later we could come back, cut the logs out to the exact size
of the window and door openings

Pre cut logs verses random log home packages
Precut system you have to sort to find your logs this is very time consuming. They often are not shipped in any meaningful manner. With pre cut you do not have to read the print, go find a log and cut it to size however I have found that what you are not spending in cutting time you do spend in sorting.

A real disadvantage to a precut log system is when the foundation is slightly off, which happens far too often. I suggest that homeowners and general contractors use extreme care in selecting their concrete man. Remember that this is where it all begins, if this is done poorly or carelessly it will show up in many aspects of the building process. When this happens, we are in an unfortunate position indeed! With a pre cut system logs will hang over if the foundation is poured too large in spots, the logs will stick out past your sub floor. And obviously if it is too small, the logs hang over. So it follows that it is very important that the foundation with a pre cut system is as close to prefect as possible.

Random length package, I can accommodate and make changes to compensate for an inaccurate foundation. In addition, it is easy to make last minute changes for the homeowner,such as moving a window, changing interior walls, as long as it is not a structural change , then I can do it. I can not when it is a precut system. Also if there are extra logs, which there generally is, you might even be able to run an extra course. Simply put with precut, your options are limited.

If a log is damaged in shipping, which does happen, with random logs I find one to replace it, cut off the damaged part and reuse it somewhere else. It is really two different mind sets concerning these tow options. Neither is better really than the other, but I find that I prefer them not to be precut. One of my talents, and something I really enjoy , is conserving l and finding additional uses for excess material
How many logs are needed to do a log stack?
It depends on the type of log you are using. Standard height with a 6 x 8 is 13 courses,which gives you a 8 foot log stack hieght. When a 6 x 12 it is about 9 courses for the same height. T hey sack faster as they are about 5 less courses, but remember a bigger log is a heavier log and more to lift.

Jeremy Sinur and homeowner Frank Merron discussing the 8 logs that were stacked for a window opening, we tend to work from corners, making them plum and level to insure a square home.

second floor is squared again, refined

Got WOOD? A fun tee shirt for the construction trade

2010-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Got wood? created by Jeremy Sinur, right hand man of Patriot Log Home builders. Jeremy,Lead layout carpenter has been building log homes since 1990 to Font Royal Virginia , a Private Milled hand craved log Home with his Uncle Mike Hompertz . Jeremy strengths that he brings to Patriot log home builders is his superior geometry skills,using his math skills to figures out lengths and roof pitches. Jeremy ran his own crews of log home as a subcontractor nearly 8 years.for Patriot, his first Original Log Cabins

Ward Log home ROOF PURLINS

2010-07-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

over 30 foot long roof purlins in a WARD LOG HOME

Work in process by PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS
This is a picture of the inside of the home gable cathedral round top windows , I think it is very impressive before the windows have been installed. I will have an inside picture to see with windows installed soon.

We are nearly finished with the Sandwich Illinois Ward log home. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of what we have done thus far. Note the structural roof purlins that as you can see are very decorative and really give this log home distinction. Now in this picture, we see the outside view of the same interior roof purlins but they extend out of the gable end and continue as part of the soffit. Wow doesn't this look impressive?

Beautiful design!!!!

here is a video of myself and Jeremy putting up gable roof purlins

WARD cedar log home

2010-07-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

These are photos of a WARD cedar log custom LOG HOME that I have built in the spring/summer of 2010, I am not quite finished yet with it, I will be doing the staining and caulking after I get back from building in North Carolina.

Find more photos like this on Log Home Community

WARD CEDAR Log home

2010-05-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

patriot log home builders working on a WARD log home QUALITY HOMES AT A GREAT PRICE

second floor and purlin roof

2010-05-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

My self Mike HOmpertz, son Mike Hompertz Jr. nephew, Jeremy Sinur and my brother Steve Hompertz, all together once again to build in Sandwich Illinois. It was really good for us all to work together again.

WARD Cedar log home begining phase LOG STACK

2010-05-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Check out the quality of a cedar log home. this is the log home company that the home owners choose to build in Illinois.

"Ward Cedar Log Homes is America's first log home manufacturer. Since 1923, Ward has been creating the finest custom Northern White Cedar log homes, cabins and commercial buildings. From large, luxurious homes to small vacation retreats, Ward Cedar Log Homes has manufactured more than 10,000 residential structures across the United States and throughout the world. "

sub floor was laid, and after two days this is the progress that PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS made on the log stack

Now take a look a see how far we got after just one day, this is the thrid day of the log stack

Building a WARD LOG HOME. Why a fork truck is needed

2010-05-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Two large semi trucks delivered the ward home package of a 2400 square foot custom log home. Another semi will be coming with the windows, doors and tongue and groove on May 26 2010. A large fork lift is required to unload all the materials, as you can see. The homeowner needs always to supply a lift to unload the material ,it can cost up to $500.00 per day, which includes delivery and pickup. However, it is not uncommon that there are multiple delivery's of material and the homeowner would be required to purchase another day or spend $1000.00 for 2 days. On the other hand, a lift can be obtained for an average of $700 per week or $2500-$3500.00 per month depending on the area.

It is highly advisable , and to obtain my services it is mandatory , for the homeowner to pay an additional $1500.00 for a lift for the duration of my services, or for the dry in phase of construction .

The lift is staying on the job site for PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS to use. This is mandatory for safety, due to the weight and height needed to put up the large and very heavy beams. It is more efficient plus it keeps the product cleaner. I have been on sites where the logs, without a lift, had to be dragged, often threw mud, gravel and other debris, and they can get damaged and lose aesthetics .

Some beams are very heavy up to 1500 pounds for just one. I require a fork lift on all my jobs. It is not hard to understand that using a forklift on heavy awkward beams is infinitely safer. I , as my homeowners, value the security of a safe job site. My son, Mike Hompetz is driving this lift, he has been my driver for several years. It does take skill and not just any one can get behind the wheel and drive safely, it is tough to navigate, it takes a certain feel and touch for the controls. Every machine is different.

A bob cat is used on some job sites as on this site to back
fill and for landscaping.

2010-04-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

One of a series of Interview with LOG HOME BUILDING INFORAMTION

2010-04-13T07:37:00.001-07:00

LOG HOME BUILDING INFORAMTION with Catherine Reinke interviews

MIKE HOMPERTZ of
Patriot Log Home Builders

Mike Hompertz, who has built for over 20 years discusses Hosteler as one of his favorite companies to build for and why he favors the "built up roof system". verses the rafter system.

PROMOTION; Offering FREE STAINING when you hire Patriot Log Home builders to build your log home this spring a $3000 plus value.

The benefits of choosing a log home specialist to build your log home over a stick framer. The log home builder can circumvent problems, has the proper tools...

Heavy equipment is often necessary.

Restoration of a 100 year log cabin

2010-04-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

Find more photos like this on Log Home Community

An old home was found covered in siding ,when it was taken off, this lovely 100 year old plus log cabin was hidden beneath. Note the charming old world chinking. Weston Building and Restoration owned by Jeff Thompson and Bruce Westburg asked me to help in the process of putting on the roof. I really enjoyed helping on this project.

They took the cabin down and moved it to a new location. The interior was finished off with wood floors, tile, new windows and doors, and as you can see it is charming. Built for a lawyer and Doctor who needed extra space for their office and art studio, one can see how converting , recycling and preserving our heritage can be done with hard skilled work .

Log home builder creates decorative great room ceiling beams!

2010-03-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

This was a custom project down around the Milwaukee lakes area, I set these large beams in the interior and exterior. Just take a look at that fireplace, this is full lime stone. This could have cost up wards for just the chimney work, of $30,000.00. Wow what a job that was. We used scaffolding and allot of hard effort to lift and custom fit these. We did not build this home, but were called in to do the custom work that you see here.

This is very specialized work that requires skill and gumption. This home was in the million dollar plus range and had the feel of a small castle. The view from these windows was charming .

We made these large half timbers into window mullion's.They were put up with long screws, scaffolding


These large logs were hand custom fitted using chain, skill saws, chisels and saw-zaw, built in Wisconsin by	PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS

Golden Eagle Log Home

2010-03-15T09:34:00.001-07:00

This is a home that I build in Wisconsin for GOLDEN EAGLE in 2003 during the winter months. Yes a log home can be built in the winter. Golden Eagle is based out of Wisconsin and what distinguishes them from many other log home companies if that they offer a service of One Stop Shop. To visit there web site click on Goldeneagle

SEE the qaulity workmenship of PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS

2010-03-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

Beams developed blemishes that are sanded out

2010-03-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

It is normal that beams, logs, wood in general can get blemishes, stains, mold, scratches, mud. Weather conditions effect this, as do many other factors,such as how long material stays outdoors, job site conditions, weather, humidity etc..

To deal with the wood I take a hand held power sander and buff out the imperfections as seen with these two photos. Sometimes the stains are too deep and they can not be fully removed, but I do my best.In these cases for the hard to remove stains, chemical bleaches and TSP can be used.

Angle support beams

2010-03-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Koby Windows and pre hung doors in LOG HOME

2010-03-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

Koby and Koby windows, from my home town of Wausau Wisconsin, have been trimmed with 1 x 4 white pine with mitered seams. The windows are green clad metal outside to match the green metal roof (which I will be installing) and have a very nice interior wood finish . Great choice in windows. In my opinion from the windows I have installed these windows are comparable to the higher grade windows, such as Anderson.

View shows Tongue and groove (T/G) on walls and with the left over 2 x6 T/G from the outside porch and loft flooring, I suggested to the homeowner, that he have me apply it to the master bedroom and down stairs bathroom. He saved quite a bit of money in material costs, thousands of dollars in fact. I am all ways looking for ways to conserve material when building so I can offer services and options such as this to my homeowner.

These doors are pre hung solid pine doors, I hung them and trimmed them out, this view is of the downstairs master bedroom closet. See more interior pictures here.

Update on log Home progress Log staircase

2010-02-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

The home owners Steve and Addy Miller in their Log Home by Hochstetler

These are the home owners Steve and Addie Miller on top of their second floor. I certainly have enjoyed working for this couple who have been gracious and appreciative. I recently completed the spindles and hand rails of the interior of the staircase. These are white cedar, which come pre drilled, to install them I had to drill threw the post to hold the top and bottom railings. The treads and stringers are 3 1/2 x 12 Doug fir beams. All the angle pieces on the stairs are not pre drilled which involved much more calculating on my part to keep the spindles plum and spaced evenly. Remember you can not go over 4 inches on the spacing or it will not pass code.

When it was finished, it was very rewarding for me and I can say that I am proud of this work, looks like the homeowners like it too!

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Canadians looking to build a log Home?

2010-02-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

Canadians want to build a log home at A REDUCED PRICE ?

From my understanding of the Current National average to build a log home in the United States it is between a $100.00 or $125.00 square foot. To build the dry in, which is the service that I offer and which is a cost that is higher than the stick frame cost of building I have seen the cost range from $15 to $50 per square foot,the highest ranges being out in the South West and the Rockies area. Lowest costs tend to be in the mid southern states where the unemployment rate is the highest.

One has to be on guard with the lowest costs on the dry in building , as a builder without experiecne may charge under $15.00 just to get the job, you do not want this type of builder on your home. I am learning recently from inquiries from Canda that these costs are even much higher.

I offer consulting for those building in Canda. DDSAs the laws prohibit
Foreign nationals coming to Canada for reasons of consultation, monitoring or inspection are
considered to be business visitors. (candainternational.gc.com)

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Hochstettler log home under construction

2010-02-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

THE HUDSON kit

MIKE HOMPERTZ of

PATRIOT LOG HOME BUILDERS

608 547 4129

contact E-MAIL : patriotloghomebuilders@yahoo.com
follow me at twitter http://twitter.com/patriotloghomes

The most recent log home that I have built in the rural country side near Mauston Wisconsin for a husband and wife as their vacation/hunting home. On this home I charged $18.00 a square foot. I typically charge $20.00 sq.ft. However, since this home, is more or less in my back yard, I was able to lower the cost. I stayed on site with my truck camper. This way I am able to watch over material and my tools while on site. Since this homeowner does not live in the location of his vacation home , he had increased security. I often, if conditions allow, stay on the job site,this lowers overall costs for me, which I then pass on to the homeowner. As a log home builder, Hochsetler milling is the log home supplier on this home which I built in Wisconsin. Visit the Hochsetler Mill on line.
Square footage is about 1700. It is a three bedroom, 2 bath home , with a great room and loft. This log home company is builder and homeowner friendly. I have built many Hochsetler homes during my career,they are one of my favorite to build. The kits provide structural and aesthetic beams which gives the feel of the traditional log home.

This is the two story back with walk out basement.You can clearly see the beams protruding from the bottom of the roof . I began to build this home the beginning of October 2009. We encounter our fair share of bad weather, yet the "dry in" was completed in the first week of December. About 6 weeks .

The inside of the beam floor and roof system,with tongue and groove ( t/g) on all floors and ceilings. Full log gables and dormers give this home a clean , rustic earthy log home style.

This is a nice view of the under beam porch roof which you can see is not only decorative but structural. Oh, that's me on my cell phone talking to a potential log home owner.

I couldn't wait til this wood fireplace was installed, as you can see it is already giving us plenty of warmth while we continue the finish work. I built and designed the fireplace mantle built out of Doug fir beams. Note how I gem cut the ends. I provide the service of installation of fireplaces and will do mantles. For instance I managed to save material from the stairs, posts and beams and used this in the facade and mantle.

When I build I am always conscious and very frugal with my homeowners material.Often due to nearly complusive planning ahead, I am able to save excess material and supply plenty of ideas of what we can do with it to enhance their log home, from accenting beams with trim to building, custom doors, to a log pinic table for their out door porch.

This is the inside of the beam rafter and full logs of the dormer on the second floor. Initially the homeowner was unsure about full log in dormers. From my experience , when this option is pursued, it eliminates several steps and believer it or not saves on material.

When one sees dormers on a log home they are rarely full log, rather they are stick frame, plywood and half log siding which requires insulation, vapor barrier and tongue and groove or drywall.This homeowner is thrilled that he took this option. I am one of the few builders who recommend and build both full log gables and dormers.

These are the beam stairs that I put in that go from the main floor to the loft. This is often considered an extra in my building bid and is part of the Hochsetler Deluxe package.

I will be beaching this home and staining it in the spring, and installing the metal roof. This winter I will be installing the hard wood floors and finish trimming windows and doors and other interior finish items, all which I will be posting as I go. Questions call 608 547 4129 and ask for MIKE.

Take a look at the gables, the part above the first floor, when I refer to full log gable, that means that complete logs go all the way up, rather than what the diagram shows, with the half log siding.

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Thinking of putting in your own fireplace? I did it.

2009-08-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR OWN WOOD BURNING FIRE PLACE

In our ranch home, I installed two insert fireplaces that burn wood. We really wanted a Wood burning fireplace. I Had never done one before , so my wife checked on costs and we were astounded at the quotes we received. I had already framed them.

All that had to be done was to cut the hole in the roof, run the pipe and attach. We were quoted $4000.00 for both. We called all fireplace stores in the Wausau area, one would not even give us a quote. This did not include stone or any finish facade.

So, we took a trip to Menard's. We purchased all the materials for two fireplaces for less than $1500.00. ( including fans for both, and screens) It was really fairly simple.

Measure the width and height of the insert, frame it with 2 x 4 and use plywood to in close.

I had a bit of fun with my design. In the bedroom I placed the fireplace in the corner and put it up on a 2 foot hearth and ran window blocks underneath with eclectic and lighting for night light effects (we install red colored bulbs when the fireplace is not in use or during the Summer months) Then I ceramic tiled the base. I used extra beams that I had from building log homes, and ran them up the sides and used one beam as the mantle from wall to wall. It is a very impressive look.

This creative placement did not cost any thing. I did another atypical design in the living room as well. I must say that I pride myself on using material that I have on hand to keep costs down.

Now as far as the piping goes, I used a double wall pipe, ran it threw the hole in the roof, re shingled the roof and made sure that it did not leak. I used tar , caulk and metal flashing . They have not leaked, knock on wood.

We love our fireplaces. I just wanted to share with anyone who is thinking about putting in their own , that they can do it. Do not be intimated.

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My first home of the season. A Hochstetler log cabin.

2009-08-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

Building a Hochsettler log cabin, first home of the year. Many log home companies closed during this period of the recession. Others, the companies that focused on integrity , a fair price for a quality product, thrive.

Log home building is beginning to pick up. I felt the crunch coming about two years ago. After my big bang of 2002 when I built about 9-12 homes , I could see that each year, more and more homeowners, wanting to build a log home , simply gave up. The stumbling block ...money. Banks who pre-approved homeowners, pulled out at the last minute. The recession , the scare, has put a freeze on this industry. Lenders and homeowners were simply afraid.

Log home companies that I have dealt with and built for, have gone out of business. Amerilink, out of north Carolina, who built an impressive model home site consisting of several (four) model homes out of New York,( Patriot Log Home Builders built there largest 3500 sq. ft cabin) has closed. They focused on affordable pricing and in house construction ( managed there own building teams "In the Woods").

Jim Brana Log homes, a company that took pride in their elitism , it appears has filed bankruptcy and is in the process of restructuring.

Many of my fellow builders, have been out of work or have changed careers. (some to satellite dish installation)

I have seen over the years many trends in building. The log cabin is a secure homestead, an heirloom that one passes down to generations. It stands the test and rigors of time. Many people intuitively sense the security a log home gives to them.

The desire to own and live in a log home is still alive and well. The homeowner is cautious , and rightly so. He is looking for that integrity , honesty and affordability.

Hochstetler is out of Ohio , it a is Amish run milling company that gives prices that can't be beat. They have a beam roof and floor system which is superior. it is the traditional look that most people are striving for. I begin building this home in a few weeks. I will be posting the building process.

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Kiln Drying what is it?

2009-04-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

Kiln-drying provides many important benefits. First, it produces logs that are more uniform and dimensionally stable. Drying in a controlled environment minimizes checking. Also, any logs that exhibit severe stress changes prior to milling can be culled. The result will be a more uniform appearance for wall logs and tighter wood joints.

Second, timbers are sanitized when they are heated to 180 degrees F. in a kiln. Such heat kills mold, wood decay fungi, and any insects, their eggs, or larvae.

Third, pitch in the wood is crystallized by the heat of the kiln. This prevents the sticky substance from seeping through the logs.

Fourth, more than 10,000 pounds of water can be removed from a typical log house during the kiln-drying process. This significantly reduces weight for both shipping and worksite handling of the logs.

The final benefit to proper kiln-drying is that interior and exterior finishes can be immediately applied after construction. These finish applications tend to penetrate deeper and therefore last longer on kin-dried wood.

While it is true that some of these benefits may also be realized by proper air drying, there are some benefits that simply don't result from anything except kiln-drying. Kiln-drying can reduce wood moisture below what is possible with air-drying. This results in better end-use performance in heated buildings and in low-humidity locations. Additional benefits besides those above include more stabile wood, increased strength and stiffness, and tighter holding of screws. Strongwood logs are never sprayed or treated with any kind of chemicals.

I am amazed as I travel and look at homes from many different manufacturers and review their marketing materials. Many companies claim that they kiln-dry their logs. Some boast that they do not kiln dry but that they air dry their logs and suggest that it is better than kiln-drying. Because the logs of some companies are not fully dried, some manufacturers have unnecessarily elaborate assembly systems to account for shrinkage or settling. Some companies indicate that they dry their logs down to 23% moisture. Others do better and dry down to the critical 15% to 19% range. But, you have to read the fine print to find that they may actually only dry to the first 1 inch of thickness!

The drying processes used by many log manufacturers is not that easy to decipher. You can be assured that Strongwood logs are dried to 15% to 19% ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE LOG. This drying process takes 28 to 34 days at optimum temperature. Remember, quality comes from paying attention to details and not from finding shortcuts or creating explanations for what it is not done properly. We want your home to last a lifetime.
(from http://www.strongwoodloghome.com/News/)