Why Buy From a Log and Timber Homes Council Member?

Why Buy From A Log and Timber Homes Council Member?

Blue Ridge Log Cabins photo

By Abigail Klein

Natural settings are beautiful, but can present some obstacles to the construction process. Log and Timber Homes Council members are adept at working with even the most challenging sites. countrysbestcabins.com

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December 2014

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RIGHT: Every type of buildable wood species and timber profile are represented in the LTHC.

To find a log or timber home producer, you’ve got two great online resources at your disposal: nahb.org/ logandtimberdirectory and loghomes.org. For additional information, contact the LTHC at 800368-5242 ext. 8576.

W

monitor the quality of the materials. This

about building your log

1. PART OF A PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION The Log

or timber home one of

and Timber Homes Council is part

construction meet the national standard

the biggest questions

of the National Association of Home

for log home construction (called the ICC

you may ask yourself is “who should I buy

Builders (NAHB). Often called the

400-2012 Standard on the Design and

from and work with to make my dream

“voice of the housing industry” in the

Construction of Log Structures) and re-

home come true?” Competing for your

United States, NAHB is a trade associa-

gional building codes and the engineer-

business are hundreds of companies in

tion that encourages policies that make

ing requirements behind them.

the United States, Canada and beyond,

housing a national priority. Since 1942,

ranging from large companies and small

NAHB has been serving its members,

inspector looks at the attributes of the

mom and pop shops, to local sawmills.

the housing industry, and the public

wood (knot clusters, slope of grain) and

With so many options who do you trust

at large. The Log and Timber Homes

determines for what type of structural

to get the job done properly? We suggest

Council is part of the NAHB’s Building

application that timber is best suited. It

choosing a member of the Log and Timber

Systems Councils, an association of

is a way of being certain that the log will

Homes Council. For nearly 40 years home

manufacturers, vendors and builders

do the job it is intended to do, in terms of

buyers have trusted members of the Log

who create log, timber, modular and

strength and performance and provides

and Timber Homes Council to make their

panelized single- and multi-family

a layer of protection for the home buyer

dream home a reality.

homes and commercial structures. As

by establishing a standard level of quality

the trade association for the housing

for all logs used in the home.

The companies that belong to the Log

ensures the logs and timbers used in

A visual log examination by a trained

and Timber Homes Council have voluntari-

industry, it is fully funded by voluntary

ly adopted membership requirements that

member support. The association and

protect consumers during the buying and

its individual councils receive no gov-

3. PROVIDING IN-DEPTH CONSTRUCTION MANUALS

building process. They work together to

ernment funds.

Constructing a log and timber home is

advance the industry, sponsoring re-

far more complicated than just stacking courses of logs. To ensure homes

building techniques and construction

2. YOU’RE GUARANTEED QUALITY LOGS & TIMBERS To belong to the Log

code understanding. Here are the top 11

and Timber Homes Council, manufactur-

building codes, all council members

reasons to only buy from Log and Timber

ers must grade their logs and timbers

are required to develop and provide

Homes Council members:

by accredited third-party agencies to

construction manuals to builders and

search in energy performance, advanced

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are built to meet national or regional

Satterwhite Log Homes photo

ith all the decisions

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contractors. The construction manuals

member’s work in public, or take unfair

9. A STRICT CODE OF ETHICS All

detail how the manufacturer’s building

advantage over fellow members. Each

members of the council have adopted

system is to be employed in the field,

member agrees to conduct his or her

a strict ethics code. Upon joining the

including fastening schedules, floor and

business in a manner that avoids con-

Council, members voluntarily agree to

roof building techniques, and more.

troversy, but that if controversy arises,

produce well-designed, model-code

to resolve the dispute through non-liti-

complying structures. Members also

4. PROVIDING INFORMATION TO CONSUMERS All LTHC members

gation mechanism wherever possible.

agree that financial obligations and

agree to offer free information to con-

tivities with their customers would be

sumers to help them make informed

7. MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF WISDOM & EXPERIENCE Founded in

decisions during the buying and build-

1977, the original Log Homes Council is

all parties concerned. Member compa-

ing process. This includes the fund-

one of the oldest organizations dedi-

nies assume the responsibility to keep

ing of LogHomes.org, which provides

cated to promoting and improving log

informed on laws, regulations, legisla-

detailed information to consumers

and timber building technologies. As

tion, building codes and other essential

through its Buyer’s Guide: The Perfect

the industry and home buyer prefer-

information that affect the log and

Path to Your Dream Home. Information

ences have evolved, so, too, as the

timber industry.

is also available at www.nahb.org/

Council, and the recent inclusion of the

logandtimberhomes.

timber framing industry to form the

commitments regarding business acin writing, with copies distributed to

5. SPONSOR SCIENTIFIC STUDIES TO ADVANCE LOG & TIMBER CONSTRUCTION The Log and Timber

that. Many of the original charter mem-

10. ETHICS COMMITTEE WILL ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTES What happens if there is

bers are still active in the association

a dispute involving a company that

today, bringing a wealth of wisdom and

belongs to the Log and Timber Homes

Homes Council has sponsored numer-

experience to log and timber home

Council? After hearing all sides of

ous scientific studies to improve the

design, construction, and preservation

an issue, the Log and Timber Homes

technology and performance of log

and serving as proof of the strength

Council Ethics Committee will suggest

structures. This has included measur-

companies that belong to the LTHC.

ways to resolve the issue and prevent

Log and Timber Homes Council reflects

ing the thermal performance of log

future conflicts. The company in ques-

construction (good news—log and

8. LTCH MEMBERS GIVE BACK

tion may also receive a warning with

timber homes stay cool in summer

Log and Timber Homes Council mem-

specific recommendations on bringing

and warm in winter!), measuring sound

bers firmly believe that they not only sell

its actions into line with accepted in-

transmission through log walls (good

homes to the markets they serve, they

dustry practices. If an agreement can-

news again—log and timber homes are

proudly give back to their communities

not be reached, the Ethics Committee

quieter than their stick built counter

and those who fight to keep our nation

will advise all parties to pursue legal

parts), measuring the fire performance

free. Over the years, members have

solutions. If, however, a member of

of log walls (yet more good news, logs

come together to help provide housing

the Council fails to live up to the ex-

tend to protect occupants longer than

for those less fortunate, to compile their

pectations of the council, the Ethics

stick framing) and more.

culinary prowess to publish a cookbook

Committee has the right to revoke or

to help fight cancer, and, most recently,

suspend the company’s membership.

6. FAIR COMPETITION FOR YOUR BUSINESS Members of the council

to provide time, talent and materials to

abide by the free enterprise system,

Iraqi-war veterans and their families,

11. COMPLAINTS AGAINST NONMEMBERS ARE MONITORED While

where companies compete on a level

as well as the families of the fallen, with

the Log and Timber Homes Council

playing field for their clients’ business.

partners, Operation Finally Home and

has no way of mediating disputes

Members agree that they will not at-

the Structural Building Components

with non-members, a file is kept on all

tempt to injure, with malicious intent,

Association. These moving and worth-

non-member complaints. The Ethics

either directly or indirectly, the profes-

while projects are a key component to

Committee reviews this file when con-

sional reputation of other members,

what the LTHC stands for and are a testa-

sidering a log and timber home manu-

nor to indiscriminately criticize another

ment to the integrity of its membership.

facturer for membership.

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build mortgage-free homes for disabled

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ADVERTORIAL

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Southland Log Homes photo; Expedition Log Homes photo; Rocky Mountain Log Homes photo

Log and Timber Home Council members will tailor your home’s design to meet all your aesthetic and structural needs. So whether you want a traditional log-on-log with chinking and a hewn finish (below), a sleek ranch with saddle-notched corners, (bottom right) or a hybrid that blends wood, stone and drywall (right), look to the LTHC to provide your legacy. You can find a member at loghomes.org or nahb.org/logdirectory.

“When was the last time you bought DID YOU KNOW that log and timber homes are considered systems-built structures? This classification comes from the systematic approach to building the homes, as well as the controlled environments in which they are crafted. Other building systems methods include modular, panelized and concrete, and often these systems combine to make for a truly unique and high-performance house. The National Association of Home Builders’ Building Systems Councils represents all of these types of housing and the highly

anything from anyone who not only harvests the raw materials, but also designs and crafts the finished product?

You will find everyone from the sales rep to the owner of the company have something in common with you: They share the same passion for living in a log and timber home as you do.”

skilled men and women who build them.

For more information about building systems, please visit the Building Systems Councils’ website nahb.org/bsc

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-Doug Terrell, VP, Blue Ridge Log Cabins and 2014 chairman of the Log and Timber Homes Council

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Presented by these members of the Log and Timber Homes Council.

APPALACHIAN LOG STRUCTURES

Appalachian Log Structures offers the latest technology available to custom design, precut and pressure treat log home building material packages. Over 65 standard floor plans are available. Cabins, log siding, log railing, and maintenance products are also available. ALSI offers several log profiles and corner styles. Visit us at www.applog.com or call (866) 564-4663 for more information.

COVENTRY LOG HOMES, INC.

CLH is factory direct supplying the best materials. We use pre-cut, kiln-dried logs that are certified and graded.

Our complete packages are delivered for $1 in EST/CST. Packages include: Advantech sub-flooring, Andersen®’s best windows, Therma-Tru doors and more.

Always the Best Quality & the Best Value.

CELEBRATING

20 800-308-7505 info@coventryloghomes.com coventryloghomes.com

866-564-4663 applog.com

YEARS

Est. 1993

EXPEDITION LOG HOMES

At Expedition Log Homes we pride ourselves on using a process that starts with raw logs harvested from sustainable forests. We control waste by cutting to yield, provide superior quality by kiln-drying and enhance the natural beauty by hand-crafting with a drawknife. Our national design services include engineer stamped plans for your custom home.

Love where you live — Call or visit us today!

877-250-3300 ExpeditionLogHomes.com

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GASTINEAU LOG HOMES

Since the pioneer days, people have preferred the qualities of oak. Imagine the feelings of safety and security while being surrounded by this notorious wood. Wrap yourself in the strength, durability and beauty of an oak log home. The oak logs, beams, trim, stairs and railings all complete the picture… choose a Gastineau Log Home.

800-654-9253 sales@oakloghome.com oakloghome.com

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HOCHSTETLER MILLING, LTD.

HONEST ABE LOG HOMES, INC

800-368-1015 HochstetlerLogHomes.com

800-231-3695 info@honestabe.com honestabe.com

Hochstetler Milling, Ltd. has been in business since 1986. Our mill-direct operation enables us to produce the finest quality log homes for a reasonable price. We offer over 40 standard plans or can custom design your home. Visit our models and experience the log home lifestyle yourself.

Since 1979, Honest Abe Log Homes has designed and manufactured energy-efficient, custom log and timber frame homes. HALA’s building systems are precut, notched and numbered. Doors and windows, subfloor, second-story beams and tongue-and-groove, roofs, porch or deck materials, interior trim, interior doors and interior tongue-andgroove complete the package.

R

BE

E IAT

M ME

C SO AS

PERMA-CHINK SYSTEMS INC.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOMES

800-548-3554 permachink.com

406-363-5680 sales@rmlh.com rockymountainloghomes.com

Perma-Chink Systems Brings New Shades to Wood.

For log home enthusiasts, nothing is more beautiful than rich tones of wood. With a nod to global trends in color and style, Perma-Chink Systems, a manufacturer of wood finishes, created Lifeline Accents. The newest member of the company’s Lifeline™ family, Accents offers a palette of colors to increase décor options inside or out, and bring new inspiration to wood homes. In addition, Perma-Chink Systems offers a complete line of specialized sealants, preservatives and cleaners made for the unique needs of log, timber and wood-trimmed homes.

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In a world where anything can be reproduced, we celebrate the one material that has passed the test of time. Still, nothing matches wood in versatility or beauty. The color tones, textures, flexibility and even sound integrity has inspired artisans for thousands of years. We carry on a time-honored tradition, simply put—We Love Wood! We offer installation and turnkey construction management services.

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Presented by these members of the Log and Timber Homes Council.

SATTERWHITE LOG HOMES

Featuring house logs made from dead standing timber, trees killed by natural causes. Environmentally responsible, superb quality and low cost. Satterwhite sells manufacturer direct, with no middlemen. An American family business serving American families.

STONEMILL LOG & TIMBER HOMES

StoneMill specializes in the design, fabrication and construction of log, timber frame and hybrid homes across the United States. For over 40 years, we have helped homeowners who are struggling to find the right company to turn their home vision into reality.

Call us; we’re ready to begin!

800-777-7288 info@satterwhite.com satterwhite.com

800-438-8274 sales@stonemill.com stonemill.com

Not Just Anyone CAN JOIN

the TIMBERHAVEN LOG HOMES, LLC

Your Dream... Our Passion. It’s not just our tagline. It’s our foundation for how we do business.

• Kiln-Dried Laminated and Solid Logs • Graded and Certified Logs / Lifetime Warranty • Free custom-design services • Dozens of Log Profile & Corner Assembly Combinations • Name Brand Components & Most Complete Package We are ready when you are.

Let’s get started!

Photo©joesephhilliard.com

LOG and TIMBER HOMES COUNCIL PEACE OF MIND comes standard when you buy from these companies.

Grade logs and timbers to ensure structural soundness Adhere to a rigid code of ethics Provide a complete construction manual Offer training to builders and contractors Sponsor research to raise log and timber home standards nationwide

855-306-5678 timberhavenloghomes.com

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Agree to offer truthful and accurate information to both buyers and builders

Look for the Log and Timber Homes Council logo or visit loghomes.org for more information.

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ADVERTISE WITH US PRINT MAGAZINES / DIGITAL MAGAZINES WEB SITES / SOCIAL MEDIA / EVENTS

EVERY DAY our customers look to us for inspiration and information about building their log, timber and custom wood homes—at every stage of the process.

ARE YOU in front of them, in print and digital magazines, online, events and social media EVERY DAY? Reach our AUDIENCE OF 3 MILLION log, timber and custom wood home buyers everywhere—THEY THEY ARE LOOKING FOR YOU! ACTIVE INTEREST MEDIA

Contact Rob Clutter at rclutter@aimmedia.com or 931-235-4706 to find out more about how to

GET MORE SALES THROUGH OUR NEW QUALIFIED BUYER PROGRAM! back page ad.indd 1

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