Anybody ever build a house before?

[jetdog]

So after way too fucking long, I am finally done with school. Now I want to do something for my parents. My dad bought a plot of land in eastern Maine almost 15 years ago now, and I want to put a house on it for him and my mom.
I'm thinking a log cabin with at least two bedrooms. It is a wooded lot, but has a driveway already put in. It is on the water and I would like to build a dock for them also, but this can wait.
So, my question is, has anybody ever done anything like this before? I kinda know where to start, but I feel like I don't know what to look out for.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[BoondockSaint]

Build it yourself or have it built?

[SatCam]

honestly i dont know much about log cabins... but I do know a lot about the Log Cabin Republicans

[PapaBear]

Even if you're building it yourself, you'll likely need a contractor or two. You can check with your state licensing board to find out which ones are reputable. Hiring one that runs out of money and stops working can be a nightmare.

[The Silencer]

I know my buddies from School go down to Mexico for CFX and about 20 guys build houses for poor spanish people with there hands and wood lol...pretty nice house too!

[Chigworthy]

Aside from knowing basic construction concepts, your county residential building code book probably has quite a few details and images of all the aspects of homebuilding. You can probably buy one at the county permit office, who you will be working closely with throughout the process. Eventually, you will want to throw a whuppin on the inspectors, but you probably shouldn't.

Also: Do shit right the first time. It might not always pay off, but doing shit wrong pays off a lot less.

Also: There are some pretty decent modular homes being produced these days. They're definitely not up to the snuff of custom homes, but the permits are usually cheaper, and the process is quicker.

[The Silencer]

yea i agree...you dont want any inspector shit problems where you have to spend more money to fix it...spend the money and it will help in the long run!

[Devo37]

i built a popsicle-stick house in kindergarten. it didn't have indoor plumbing, and it was kinda small, but if you want, i could send you the details.

[torker]

Build it on rock & roll.

[marky2bucks]

I'm a structural engineer, and have done some construction in the past.

Building this yourself would probably be a full time job for at least a year. Additionally, the tools and specialists you would need would make the cost unreasonable. I don't see it being realistic for someone to do as a first time project, or even as someone with experience. I assume you want to have someone build this for you. Find a builder or an architect that can help you do this. There are many companies that specialize in log cabins, even prefab log cabins. Tell them what you want, don't let them get out of hand, get the loans, and get it built. It is not an easy or stress free process.

Here are the first two off of google

http://www.katahdincedarloghomes.com/

http://www.mainecedarloghomes.com/hist.html

[Yerdaddy]

I've pitched a tent before. You don't have to hire Mexicans to do that but it is alot cheaper if you do.

[Yerdaddy]

honestly i dont know much about log cabins... but I do know a lot about the Log Cabin Republicans

They're just called Republicans now.

[dragon]

Do Lincoln Logs count ?:thumbup:

[Yeti.]

I live in a log cabin I built wit me own two hands in Northern Vermont. It was easier than I thought it would be. Home Depot makes everything you need for the do it yerselfer and will tell you how to do it. I don't know what Maine is like, but I didn't need a single permit on the whole project and I put in the septic system too. My advice is take it step by step. Finish one thing at a time. Know what you next step is going to be. Think the project ahead.