The Oak Leaf - August 2012 By Lynn Gastineau President of Gastineau Log Homes, Inc. Welcome to the August 2012 issue of The Oak Leaf! For new reade

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The Oak Leaf - August 2012

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By Lynn Gastineau
President of Gastineau Log Homes, Inc.

Welcome to the August 2012 issue of The Oak Leaf! For new readers, this is a monthly newsletter that is sent by e-mail to those that have expressed an interest in Gastineau Log Homes. We use this as a way of communicating technical, design and industry information. For more information, check out our web site at www.oakloghome.com.

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Here is a picture of a home under construction at the Lake of the Ozarks here in MO. This is a custom design that features a view to the rear of the home, which sits on a bluff overlooking the Lake. The dormers on the second floor bring in lots of natural light as well as provide more living space on the second floor.

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Remember my discussion last month about how the site has an impact on the cost of construction? This is the Lake access for the home above. The house is built on the top of the bluff where it is flatter. At the same time, it allowed for a perfect walk out basement site, But imagine if they had tried to build down by the water!

Trivia Question: What is the meaning of the 5 Olympic Rings? (See the answer below.)

GLH Home featured in Log Home Living magazine! The July issue of LHL has the story of one of our customers here in MO with lots of beautiful pictures. It is a modified Lakeview design overlooking a very large lake. Check out an issue on the newsstand!

Still want to start construction in 2012? It is still possible but Fall will be here soon so give us a call! Or come to the log raising at Lake Perry, KS on August 25th!

What code is enforced at your building site?: Over the years, at GLH we have built homes under all types of code enforcements. And I am proud to say that we have always been able to obtain a building permit. The variety in code requirement is amazing: from virtually no code restrictions to some very onerous code areas. Starting with the basics, there are two codes that deal with log home construction. The IRC (International Residential Code) covers all new home construction. The ICC 400 specifically governs log home construction. All you care about is what is the code that is enforced where you are going to build. (Note: do this BEFORE you buy your property if possible.) What is required can differ from one side of the street to the other side if there is a county line between you! How can this be? It is because a jurisdiction has to adopt a code for it to be enforced. One county could have adopted the 2012 IRC Code already while the adjoining county still follows the IRC-2003. Or they may have adopted the IRC 2009 but still follow the stair geometry from IRC 2003 because they do not agree with the 2009 stair geometry requirement. How do you find out the code where you are going to build? You may be able to do it on line at the website for the governing municipality. Or, to be even more confident that you have the correct information, call the building department where you plan to build. Tell them your address or location and ask them. Why? We have a customer building right now whose zip code is in two different counties. Not only does it greatly change his code requirements, but it even changed his sales tax!

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This is a Log Cabin 2 Go in MN that had the dormers and roof of the dormers and loft built on site. The customers wanted a taller ceiling height in the loft than could be pulled down the highway if it was built in the factory. So we shipped the unit without a roof just in the center where the loft is located along with the materials that would be needed and it was constructed. The deck was also built on site.

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This is the side view of the home at the top. The deck connects the front porch with the rear deck and gives you a peak at the lake view in the back.

Have you thought about a patio?: With the new stained concretes and pavers that are available, the once lowly patio is experiencing a rebirth in popularity. Your site determines if a patio makes sense for you, as you will need a level spot. (Of course, with retaining walls you can make your own level spot!) For example, the walk out lower level of the home to the right could have a patio off the walk out level. (Under the deck that you see to the right.) A patio can be a very practical design if you want an outdoor kitchen or fire pit too. You don't have to worry about catching it on fire!

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Are you concerned that if you build a log home, it will be hard to redecorate? Have no fear! I just redid two 27 year old bathroom vanities off my kids bedrooms. They had cultured marble tops with bright gold fixtures everywhere and strip make-up style lighting above plate mirrors. (Wish I had taken a before picture.) I did not do anything to the log walls or cabinets except give them a good cleaning. I painted the drywall walls. These baths now look like they belong in this century!

 
Porch roof

I saw this photo recently and wanted to share. Wouldn't this be a great way to build a roof for an gazebo or outdoor entertaining area? This is using inexpensive screw down metal as the finished roof, sheathing and ceiling. And it looks great! Imagine sitting under it in the rain!

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The dormers (there are two) on the rear of the home each have patio doors that open onto a balcony. (The railing has not been installed yet.) What a great way to look down at the Lake!)

Thinking about a metal roof?: The photo to the right shows a standing seam metal roof. This is the type of metal most people choose to use for their log home. These systems have concealed clips or fasteners and do not have any exposed screws that could leak over time. The traditional screw down metal roof (like shown above used as the roof of a porch) is much less expensive but can leak over time as the screws deteriorate.

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These two photos are some close ups of construction details of our Log Cabin 2 Go park models. This is the solid 3/4" thick by 2 1/4" wide Oak flooring that is standard in our cabins. It is prefinished with a 40 year warranty on the finish. Wider flooring is available for an additional charge. See the duct vents in the floor; this cabin is ready for a heat pump Heat and A/C unit that will be set outside and provide central HVAC.

 
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This picture shows several things. First, note that the interior doors are solid six panel pine doors. You can also see that the windows are wood interior and are trimmed in Oak. The toilet and the bath/shower combo are residential quality and size, not what you find in an RV like most park models.

Upcoming Log Raising: We invite you to attend a log raising at a home being built on Perry Lake in Perry, KS on August 25th. Call 800-654-9253 or email sales@oakloghome.com for more information.

Construction Seminar Schedule for 2012:

Sept 22 and Oct 13

The one day construction seminars are held at our model home center on I70 on the southwest outer road of Exit 144 in Central Missouri. Call to register!

See GLH at these log home shows:
Land and Wildlife Expo - August 10 & 11, Gaylord Convention Center, Nashville, TN

Dallas, Texas Log & Timber Home Show: September 22 and 23rd, 2012 at the Irving Convention Center. Call for more info.

Oley Fair, Oley, PA on Sept 20 too 22 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Open Houses:
Fleetwood, PA October 20, 2012 from 11;00 AM to 4:00 PM Contact Dennis and Colleen Gabel for more information at 610-790-7479 or email: thegabels@paoakloghomes.com

Answer to the Trivia Question: Created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1914, the Olympic flag contains five interconnected rings on a white background. The five rings symbolize the five significant continents and are interconnected to symbolize the friendship to be gained from these international competitions. The rings, from left to right, are blue, yellow, black, green, and red. The colors were chosen because at least one of them appeared on the flag of every country in the world. The Olympic flag was first flown during the 1920 Olympic Games.

Quote of the Month: ""The Olympics are a wonderful metaphor for world cooperation, the kind of international competition that's wholesome and healthy, an interplay between countries that represents the best in all of us. " - John Williams

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