Noah Bradley, Author at Handmade Houses with Noah Bradley

29 06, 2019

Jobsite safety

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:07+00:00

Men are invincible.

Or at least we think we are.
We can stand on the “do not step here” top rung of a ladder, while wearing no safety helmet, while operating a saw… yes, even a very large saw.

I still remember this moment years later, when I showed up on the jobsite to witness this feat. The young man was given a talk on safety and an inquiry into his desire to live a long life, free of injuries. My company has had an amazing record of job site safety, no major injuries at all, the insurance companies have made out like bandits from us… thank God. Our success has not come from following the government rule books, but from practicing caution and common sense, from looking out for each other, and from listening to that quiet voice saying “is this a smart thing to do?”

Originally posted 2015-02-10 13:04:26.

Jobsite safetyNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:07+00:00

29 06, 2019

Even sunny days can create harsh working conditions

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:06+00:00

Real men wear hats… no further comment needed.

Originally posted 2015-02-10 12:12:17.

Even sunny days can create harsh working conditionsNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:06+00:00

29 06, 2019

A barn that doesn’t look like a barn

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:05+00:00

I was challenged by potential clients to design and build them a home with an unusual requirement… they wanted the interior to be framed like an old barn, assembled with huge salvaged timbers… and… the tricky part… was they did not want the exterior to look a barn.

It’s tough to disguise a barn!

Originally posted 2015-02-10 11:58:26.

A barn that doesn’t look like a barnNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:05+00:00

29 06, 2019

Heart pine

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:04+00:00

Heart pine timbers… of all the species of wood in the world, it is my favorite. It was one of the main reasons that England settled this country, they needed this wood to build their ships. The only way to get heart pine lumber like this is to salvage it from old factories and once that source dries up, it’s gone for good.

Originally posted 2015-02-10 11:43:44.

Heart pineNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:04+00:00

29 06, 2019

A new, heart-pine, timber-frame, barn-home

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:03+00:00

Here we are assembling a barn home that we made from antique heart pine timbers. The wood was a joy to work with and created a beautiful frame.

Originally posted 2015-02-10 11:33:41.

A new, heart-pine, timber-frame, barn-homeNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:03+00:00

29 06, 2019

No crane needed

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:02+00:00

Men are interesting creatures.

When it comes time to lift a heavy log up onto a log cabin, and set the log into place, my crewmen all complain and moan. They ask me “where’s the crane?” and then they accuse me of being cheap.

Well, I admit I am frugal, but that’s not the point. I have found from experience that men bond when they share a strong physical challenge, that they take greater pride in what they are doing when it doesn’t come easy, and, they create memories that they will look back on fondly for the rest of their lives.

“No crane needed, thank you”.

Originally posted 2015-02-09 14:11:01.

No crane neededNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:02+00:00

29 06, 2019

Log cabin outbuilding

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:01+00:00

So, what do you do when you are building a log home and you have some logs left over in the end? Well, you make something cute out of them!

Originally posted 2015-02-08 23:22:09.

Log cabin outbuildingNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:01+00:00

29 06, 2019

Re- Notching an antique log cabin

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:00+00:00

Often we find that we have to re-notch an antique cabin… here’s a close-up photo showing our workmanship on creating new half-dovetail joints.

It’s not uncommon to find that the corners of old log cabins have experienced tremendous weather exposure and eventually rot out. Other reasons to re-notch a cabin include the replacement of rotted logs (as you can see in this “before” photo and the “after” one with replacement vintage logs in place). Also sometimes people want taller ceilings or window and door openings to be changed.

Originally posted 2015-02-08 23:15:03.

Re- Notching an antique log cabinNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:10:00+00:00

29 06, 2019

Build your corners first

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:59+00:00

Whenever I build a log home I always have the stone masons build the corners first… for several reasons.

The first reason is that at the beginning phase of any stone project is the period when you have the best selection of stones. As a stone pile gets lower, the pickings become more challenging to lay. You will find that you are left with more “bowling balls” than “shoeboxes” (it is only human nature to pick the best stone you can find after each visit to the pile). You want the best stones used on your corners, for strength and beauty.

Another reason to build the corners first is that the rest of crew is “itching” to start laying logs and they need a stone foundation to work off of. Once the stone foundation corners are laid the carpenters can begin their work. (The masons can later fill in the stonework between the corners, after the logs are up).

When we build a cabin we generally pour a concrete foundation to support the first floor system. Once that floor system is built we lay a solid stone foundation using the floor system as guide. This stone foundation will bear the weight of the entire cabin, so it’s got to be built solid, and of course, attractive.

Originally posted 2015-02-08 15:50:31.

Build your corners firstNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:59+00:00

29 06, 2019

The Challenge… and the Solution… to Building on a Sloped Site

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:58+00:00

Today I wanted to share with you how I often handle building a home on a sloped parcel of land.

My technique is that I combine the creation of a flat, level area with… a walk-out basement!

If you aren’t familiar with a walk-out basement… it is a basement with windows and doors on the downhill side, and one that is buried into the ground on the uphill side. It is a wonderful way to work with a challenging site, while at the same time creating additional, light-filled, interior living space.

But… there is one huge mistake that I’ve seen so many folks make with regard to walk-out basements… it’s nearly impossible for me to put it into words without showing you some drawings at the same time… and that’s just what I did in this week’s video… Building a House on a Sloped Parcel of Land.

If you enjoy this video you really ought to check out all of the free Handmade House TV episodes!

And, if you want to I have THE BEST I have to offer!… please consider becoming a member of the The Handmade House Guild!

Originally posted 2017-06-27 18:38:31.

The Challenge… and the Solution… to Building on a Sloped SiteNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:58+00:00