Blog - Page 84 of 123 - Handmade Houses with Noah Bradley

Re- Notching an antique log cabin

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

Build your corners first

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

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

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

Porches should be a priority

Here’s another photo of the same mountaintop cabin, but this one is taken from the other end of the home, about a month before we finished it up. Even though you don’t see a lot of logs from this perspective, the view of the home screams “Porches!”… which is a good thing, don’t you think?

Originally posted 2015-02-08 15:07:58.

Porches should be a priorityNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:57+00:00

One man’s junk is another’s treasure

This is an old postcard that someone gave me once, likely from the 1960’s. I think the tone of the card was humorous, implying that to have a place like this was as bad as it gets. I must just be odd, because I would LOVE to have a place like this. I could fix this place up to be a dream home. Am I crazy?

Originally posted 2015-02-07 15:50:11.

One man’s junk is another’s treasureNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:56+00:00

Stone arches

Hi, my name is Noah Bradley and I am an “archoholic”. I can’t help myself, I love the things… I can’t get enough of them.

Wouldn’t you agree that a log bedroom just HAS to have a stone fireplace and that having an arched one would make it perfect? That’s what we built for this cabin.

I find vintage stone arches all over Virginia, and beyond. Masons didn’t stop using them in the Roman times, they were a part of American history. Arches are not just for the wealthy, or for elaborate Cathedrals, but for anyone who desires to build something that not only looks great, but lasts for centuries.

Take a look at this photo that I snapped of a little stone bridge that is spanning a small stream of an old homestead. Actually this “bridge” is no bigger than a culvert pipe that we see commonly used today, but yet it is soooo much more attractive. (This little bridge is over two hundred years old and still serving it’s purpose).

It’s just precious.

Have you ever wondered how a stone arch is built and put into place? The method hasn’t changed. You start by creating a form, then shape the stones, next set the stones in place using the form, and then remove the supporting structure.

I have always liked incorporating a “proud” keystone into our stonework… the top center stone is the keystone and by “proud” I mean a bit taller and larger than the rest of the stones in the arch.

Originally posted 2015-02-07 15:02:40.

Stone archesNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:55+00:00

A cabin instills calm… like nothing else can

Ask yourself how stressed to do feel after looking at this photo for a few moments? It’s much more evident when you are in this room. All is well, when you are in a cabin.

Originally posted 2015-02-06 19:51:27.

A cabin instills calm… like nothing else canNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:54+00:00

Go ahead, finish the attic

A peak into the attic. What was planned to be an unfinished attic, became a magical space for children, and for those who are young at heart.

All we did was add a couple of dormers and a painted paneling ceiling…

Originally posted 2015-02-06 17:24:37.

Go ahead, finish the atticNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:53+00:00

A chimney base

Here’s a photo of the angle-cut course of stone made in order to create a wider base for the stone chimney that is to come. It’s a really nice touch to add to any chimney.

I’ve never read why the masons of old added this feature on the finer chimneys of that era, but I would imagine it was a way to further strengthen and stabilize these monuments.. and that is what a well-built chimney is, a monument. A chimney often stands long after a home is gone.

Folks back then paid more attention to nature than we do today and Incorporated those observations into their homes. Take a look at the tallest living structures that you encounter on a daily basis… trees. Notice how they flare out at the base?

It’s little details like this that will bring joy to you and for the generations to come. This handcrafted detail is right down there near the ground and is something that catches your eye every time you walk by it. New visitors always comment about it and often go over to touch it.

But it’s not without cost, it takes effort for you to get it in your plans, it takes extra materials, but most of all it’s about extra labor, it takes a mason days and days, with a hammer and chisel in hand, to create it. There is nothing like breaking the budget on day one… but IT”S WORTH IT !

Originally posted 2015-02-06 17:15:07.

A chimney baseNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:52+00:00

Before and after

Here’s a “before” photo of the cabin I posted earlier today… I think I improved upon it.

This seasoned cabin was in the middle of a large field in the southern part of the state with cattle walking around, and inside, the house. After taking the cabin down and moving it we ended up totally re-notching the corners and we added in other antique logs to make up for bad ones and in order to increase the ceiling heights. (People were shorter back in those days.)

Originally posted 2015-02-06 16:40:15.

Before and afterNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:09:51+00:00