Here we have the corner of an old hewn heart-pine log cabin.
Notice how it’s not “perfect”.
Rather, it has character.
It’s… handmade.
Each log is unique.
And, the spacing between each log varies from one course to the next.
The dovetail notches in the corners are also unique… made by hand, one-at-a-time.
Isn’t it something that handmade creation becomes a treasured antique as the years pass by.
While a manufactured item, on the other hand, just gets old.
Originally posted 2016-02-09 17:48:34.
hi just discovered this site, ideas,ect i live in east tn, i have been trying to put real plans together with my specific situation . one of first u tube videoes i watched related idea of building outbuilding for practice. well, carter county tn wants 500$ to build outbuilding on own property. I also find that inspectors want to know” what does engineer say?”, and that most used or salvage material cannot be used according to adopted international building code.
Noel, you are in one tough county.
I’ve worked in probably 20 different counties here in Virginia… they are all supposed to be equal in their enforcement, but that is far from the case. Each is a reflection of the individuals who work there… some have been a pleasure to work with, most have been good, but one or two have gone out of their way to be a nightmare… and then a few years later when the staff was removed my experience was a complete 180.
Charging for a permit to build an out building is outrageous… I’ve never heard of such a thing. (I’d move)
Most inspectors and building departments are mainly concerned with their liability should an issue ever be raised at some time in the future. One way that they can free themselves of any potential liability is if your plans and materials have been “approved” by an architect or engineer. Generally I can work with a local engineer for a few hundred dollars to help me clear this hurdle.
I have always, always, been able to achieve the construction of a home I wanted to build, with the materials of my choice… sometimes it’s matter of playing a chess game, or poker, with those empowered to ensure that a quality home is built.
Is there an optimal dimension (height and width) for each log?
Not really… it all “depends” upon many factors.
If I were to be pressed for the ideal size for beauty, tradition, and ease of “work ability”… I’d go with 6 inches wide and 15 inches tall.