Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes Hancock, NY

Our Blog has Moved!

2010-07-06T07:24:00.005-04:00

We're now hosted on our own domain! Come over to www.beavermtn.com/blog for our brand new blog! And don't worry, we've archived all the great information here and exported it to the new blog, so you won't miss a thing!

Did you know?

2010-06-08T09:09:00.005-04:00

Did you know that you can put an addition onto a Full Log Home? We recently worked with a couple who live in a 20 year old full log Beaver Mountain home and needed more room. So with a bit of creativity and some unique design work, we helped them add onto their home! It's still a work in progress, but you can see that most of the work is finished now!

Here's what the house looked like before the addition:

And after (there's still staining to be done on the addition, but the construction part of the project is finished):

The old garage was converted into a bedroom/playroom and then a new garage was added on with a 2nd story. The dormer gave the home an additional 10' of floor space upstairs, which made it possible to split one of the bedrooms into 2. This particular home went from a 2 bedroom to a 4 bedroom with the option of another bedroom over the garage in the future if needed. The rooflines were varied to give it a custom look while still fitting in with the overall design of the original home. The garage and dormers are panelized and sided and the original structure is full log, making this a truly hybrid home.

So whether you're looking to add onto your existing log home or just looking to refresh it with some new design features (maybe a gazebo or a new timber porch), give us a call! 800-233-2770

To follow this addition from the beginning, you can visit their blog at http://lakehouseaddition.blogspot.com/

Quality Pays !!!

2010-05-03T14:24:00.007-04:00

The Maintenance of a Log Home starts when you choose the log home producer!

The amount of maintenance you will have to do to your home, once constructed, is directly affected by the log home package you choose to build. It makes sense that the better built anything is, the less maintenance you will have to perform on it, and the longer the components will last before requiring fixing or replacing.

Yes. Log homes, as does any home, require maintenance. One would expect that. The exterior of a log home is wood that is exposed to the elements. No matter what species of wood, to keep it looking good requires routine applications of a wood preservative and water repellent to keep the wood from absorbing moisture and turning grey and black from oxidation and mildew that builds up in the cells of the wood. This is true for all wood species- either pre-treated or untreated.

Other maintenance however, such as the need for caulking, leveling of the logs and posts, and filling in any gaps that occur over time is directly affected by the quality of materials used and the preparation of the logs. These things can be minimized with a little TLC (a.k.a. Total Log Care here at Beaver Mountain) before the house is constructed.

A) Proper drying of the logs will stabilize them and minimize shrinking and twisting.

B) The grade of the logs will reflect the amount of checking, the slope of the grain and the size of the knots allowed in the logs and timbers as well as the structural integrity. The better the grade, the less chance of large checks occurring, knot fallout, and bowing and splitting of the logs.

C) Shaping the logs after the drying process will mill out many of the checks that occurred during the drying process.

D) The use of specialty tools to cut and cope the logs, and air tight joinery between the logs and at all joints is essential to minimize the maintenance on the home. Cuts done in the factory by specialized equipment and stationary saws are sure to be more accurate and air tight than those done by hand held saws or chainsaws in the field. Drilling lag bolt holes and making the log butt joint spline grooves in the factory will be more accurate than drilling dowel holes between the logs in the field.

All of these things directly affect the performance of you new home, the energy efficiency, and protect the value of your investment over time.

So ask questions, look closely at the details of construction, find out how the cuts are done, and become an informed shopper. Your home is a large investment. You want to enjoy it, not be a slave to it! Quality may cost more up front, but it helps protect your investment and will save you time and money in the future. - Joan Decker

Give us a call and schedule a Consultation Today! 1-800-233-2770

The Big Day...

2010-04-23T08:45:00.007-04:00

Anyone who dreams of buildng a log home anxiously awaits the day the first truck comes rolling in with their log materials in tow. All the time, preparation and hard work is finally paying off. The Construction phase is about to begin!

But wait not so fast...

For those who build a Beaver Mountain Log Home there is another day that rivals delivery day- IT IS YOUR DRY-STACK!

Become a FAN of Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes on Facebook to watch the progress!

Call 1 800-233-2770 for your consultation!

Another Happy Homeowner...

2010-04-17T08:41:00.008-04:00

As the spring building season begins to ramp up it is always nice to receive feedback from our extended beaver mountain family and friends. This letter came just the other day and it speaks directly to what makes the Beaver Mountain home building experience truly special.

Hi Chris,

... We built the Grand View model home two years ago and enjoy it so much. We loved working with all of you at Beaver Mountain. The quality of the logs and other materials are just first class as is your follow up service whenever we needed advice and support. Rick Denman and his brothers are amazing quality builders and the craftsmen they employ and recommend are also first rate. We couldn't be happier and highly recommend the Grand View and Rick Denman to all who are fortunate to be interested in working with your company and product.

Everyone who enters our home always comments on the beautiful design of the home. It is so unique in log homes because it is a blend of rustic charm with high end sophistication. I humbly take credit but secretly know it was your company's designers who gave us a great product and glorious floor plan to work with... - Kathy H, 2008 BM Homeowner

If you are ready to begin planning your dream home we would love to help. Please give us a call and schedule a consultation today! 1-800-233-2770

Renewable Energy Seminar Series: ETM SOLAR WORKS

2010-03-22T15:40:00.008-04:00

Beaver Mountains Renewable Energy Seminar Series continues ...

Solar Energy: What you need to know!

Saturday April 10th @ 1:30 pm

Presented by Wendy Barnum

Wendy Barnum of ETM Solar Works (http://www.etmsolar.com/) will be our guest speaker as she presents an introductory seminar on solar energy. With nearly 22 years of experience, ETM Solar Works is the oldest installer of solar energy systems in New York State. This 30 minute presentation will provide information on:

- Debunking the myth that New York is not a viable solar state

- Types of Solar Energy Systems

- Available government incentives to offset initial cost

- Net metering and much, much more...

Call Today to register as seating is limited!

1 (800) 233-2770

Your first visit...What should you expect?

2010-03-14T11:51:00.009-04:00

The most exciting part of planning your new home is thinking ahead to living in it! The floor plan, the kitchen design, the great room fireplace, the master bath oasis, and the foyer entryway are all important to you. If driving up your driveway to your log home with an inviting front porch is your ultimate goal then proper planning is essential.

During your initial meeting, several items will need to be discussed, and decisions will need to be made before you can even think about designing your kitchen or bath. It is during this time that your consultant can begin to guide you through your project and smooth out some of those inevitable road bumps that may pop up along the way.

Your consultation should consist of the following:

A list of your questions at the ready.
Any question you may have should be asked. Nothing is “a silly question” If you don’t know, ask. We are here to help!

Your consultant will have questions as well.
Expect a discussion of your lot, your lifestyle (present and future), your timeframe for building, the size and style home you want to build, and your budget.

A demonstration and explanation of the details of construction.
Though this may not be of real interest to you, frankly, it should be. This home you are planning is likely a home you have envisioned for a long time. You want to enjoy it for years, decades. The construction, and materials used will affect not only the quality of the home, but it’s efficiency, longevity, and the maintenance you will need to perform in the future. Details are important. Look at them closely.

A demonstration and tour of our (3) model homes
If possible, if the opportunity arises, you should also tour the manufacturing facility of the manufacturer. Whether during the appointment or at a later date, This will allow you to see firsthand the care taken in preparation of the materials for your home.

Your home is likely one of the largest investment you will make in your lifetime.
It should be as important to the consultant as it is to you that sufficient time is taken to be sure you are educated to enable you to make a sound decision on the product, manufacturer, and house plan so that you ultimate goal is met … A beautiful, well constructed home that will be enjoyed by you and your family for decades.

Give us a call and let's get started!

1-800-233-2770

Sat 3/13 @1:30 pm...Unveiling the Secrets about Renewable Energy

2010-03-11T12:49:00.008-05:00

NEW SEMINAR SERIES!!!

"Unveiling the Secrets About Renewable Energy"

Total Green and Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes are sponsoring a special seminar to teach you what you need to know about Renewable Energy. Discover How You Can Heat, Cool and Enjoy Hot Water Without Burning Any Fossil Fuel and Never Purchase Oil, Gas or Propane Again.

Presented by Paul Auerbach, a Leading Expert in Geothermal Technology and Energy-Centric Construction - Accredited by AIA, The National Society of Professional Engineers & Central Hudson Utilities. Learn:

-The Pros and Cons of Solar, Wind & Geothermal
-Real Benefits & Payback
-Energy Efficiency Strategies
-The Environmental Impact
-30% Renewable Energy Tax Credits

Saturday March 13, 2009 @ 1:30pm
Register Today- 1-800-233-2770

Seminar will be held at the Beaver Mountain Design Center on Route 17/I-86 near Hancock, NY following the Beaver Mountain Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop*www.totalgreenus.com

*Limited space available - by reservation only. Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop begins at 10am. Renewable Energy Seminar begins at 2pm. You must register for each event separately.

Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop: Sat. March 13th

2010-03-02T14:32:00.006-05:00

Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop
Saturday March 13th @ 9 30 am

Are you looking for an investment that will bring great returns?
If so, we would like to invite you to invest a few hours of time and take that first step in planning your dream home!

Beaver Mountain has scheduled its 2nd Mill Tour and Log Building Workshop of 2010 on Saturday March 13th at 9:30am. Learn first hand what sets a Beaver Mountain home apart.

· Tour our (3) Model Homes, Showroom and Design Center.
· See first hand how our custom homes are manufactured and produced.
· Walk through a dry-stacked/ pre-assembled log home
· Meet with members of our sales and technical team and have all of YOUR questions answered.

CALL TODAY TO REGISTER AS SPACE IS LIMITED!
1-800-233-2770

“We just had to let you know how much we enjoyed our day at Beaver Mountain. The Mill Tour was extremely informative and helpful. The laid back and pressure free atmosphere was especially appreciated.”- Ned & Sandy 11/8/02

What is a "True" Log Home?

2010-02-22T11:35:00.005-05:00

Log homes are a method of construction and like all types of construction; they have their own unique character as well as their specific strengths and limitations. This means that there are applications where logs will exceed or out perform conventional framed construction methods (this is particularly true in the first floor walls), while in other areas conventional framing may be the better choice!

As I noted, log homes are a type of construction. Most of us think of log homes differently from a conventional home. We tend envision a rustic look with large timbers often hand hewn coupled with stone fireplaces and large decks porches, etc. Often the western or Adirondack style lodges come to mind. This also leads to question of authenticity or the question “is that really a log home?” When I point out to people that many of the great lodges used a lot of steel in their construction they are surprised and comment, “Gee it never occurred to me.” Let’s face it, today’s log homes look nothing like they did a hundred years ago to say nothing of just the last ten years – think about it, ten years ago you would not have heard much about spray foam insulation and geothermal HVAC systems! It’s also worth noting that log homes just within North America have a great deal of regional variations and those variations become even greater as we look to the rest of the world.

So, next time someone asks you what a "True" log home is, tell them it's whatever you want it to be!

Interested in learning more about how Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes can help you with your dream home? Give us us a call @ 1-800-233-2770 and schedule a personal consultation today.

Spring is just around the corner!

2010-02-16T15:21:00.005-05:00

Furious February Snows!

Don't let them fool you,

Spring IS just around the corner!!

I think the reason the season is called "Spring" is that it "springs" up on us. It seems that overnight the white frozen landscape is gone and suddenly we are looking at green grass, budding trees, and crocus blossoms pushing up through the warming earth.

I am still talking to people who 'plan to build in the spring', yet they have made no decisions on a house plan, a builder or begun any of the myriad of tasks that need to be done before the ground can be excavated and the house construction can begin!

SPRING WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT. Daylight savings time begins in just 3 weeks!

Let's get started!

Call 1-800 233-2770 for a personal consultation today!

We are having some technical problems with our website.

2010-02-11T08:37:00.003-05:00

Please note that if you have requested for an 11x17 drawing that we may not have received your request. We are addressing the issue and it will be fixed shortly. If you have requested a drawing please call us at 1-800-233-2770 so we can get that out to you as quickly as possible. Thank you

Mill Tour...Workshop... Sat. Feb. 13th

2010-02-04T16:15:00.006-05:00

YOU'RE INVITED to take that first step in planning your dream home!

Beaver Mountain has scheduled its first Mill Tour and Log Building Workshop of 2010 on Saturday Feb. 13th 9 30am.

Learn first hand what sets a Beaver Mountain home apart.

· Tour our(3) Model Homes, Showroom and Design Center.
· See first hand how our custom homes are manufactured and produced.
· Walk through a dry-stacked/ pre-assembled log home
· Meet with members of our sales and technical team and have all of YOUR questions answered.

CALL TODAY TO REGISTER AS SPACE IS LIMITED!
1-800-233-2770

“We just had to let you know how much we enjoyed our day at Beaver Mountain. The Mill Tour was extremely informative and helpful. The laid back and pressure free atmosphere was especially appreciated.”

- Ned & Sandy 11/8/08

NEW Webinar- Jan. 27th: 10 Construction Details...

2010-01-25T11:32:00.008-05:00

Wednesday January 27th @ 7pm

Shhh… We have a secret!

10 construction details that should matter when bidding and building a Beaver Mountain Log Home.

How important is energy efficiency in your new log home?

Would you prefer to keep exterior maintenance to a minimum?

Do you believe all ‘pre-cut’ packages are the same?

Building Consultant Frank Myka and the Beaver Mountain family invite you to attend a web based seminar from the convenience of your own home! This 30 minute seminar will introduce you to the technical aspects of Beaver Mountain’s Builder Friendly ‘pre-cut’ home building system.

Register today and learn why all log homes are not created equal!https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/897452224
Register prior to 4:00 Pm and log onto the seminar by 6:45PM January 27.

For More Information Call 800-233-2770

Web Based Seminar...You're Invited!!

2010-01-13T13:00:00.008-05:00

Wednesday January 27th @ 7pm

Shhh… We have a secret!

10 construction details that should matter in your log home!

How important is energy efficiency in your new log home?
Would you prefer to keep exterior maintenance to a minimum?
Do you believe all ‘pre-cut’ packages are the same?

Building Consultant Frank Myka and the Beaver Mountain family invite you to attend a web based seminar from the convenience of your own home! This 30 minute seminar will introduce you to the technical aspects of Beaver Mountain’s Builder Friendly ‘pre-cut’ home building system.

For More Information Call 800-233-2770

Forgotten Flare

2009-12-28T11:52:00.014-05:00

When planning your dream home, it may seem that the list of design decisions is endless. The process tends to begin with bigger concepts, like cape versus chalet, and funnels down to the finer details, such as faucet style and finish. In between, decisions have been made on timber joist style, shingle color and lighting placement. What do all of these decisions have in common? They are all about integral parts of a home. The project can not proceed without someone asking these questions. When planning your home, don't forget the design decisions which are not required parts of the structure.
Gables trusses, window trim, stepped overhangs, timber purlins and over-sized fascia are just a few examples of the details which will give your home architectural flare. Talk with your sales consultant about including design elements which will set your dream home apart.

"Perfectly Planned"

2009-12-23T09:12:00.005-05:00

Visualization... Collaboration... Realization!

Close your eyes and imagine your dream home? What does the great room look like? How about the property... Are you on an open hillside or overlooking a lake or stream? Are you nestled in the woods? Is there a piano, a library filled with cherished books, or a room for trophies you have collected over a lifetime.

These are the ideas you need to bring to the design table. A home rich with the things you love will bring contentment far into the future. The design team here at Beaver Mountain takes your dreams, wants and needs and creates that perfect home.

Your design ideas may change slightly throughout the process but with the depth of experience at Beaver Mountain, everything will ultimately fall into place. The Beaver Mountain Design Team is here to guide and advise you. If you’re thinking about breaking ground within the next 12 months, now is the time to take the first step and book your consultation.

Call 800-233-2770 today!

DeckWood Facts & Care

2009-12-10T09:50:00.012-05:00

Outdoor living areas have increasingly become popular for barbecuing, entertaining or simply for relaxing and enjoying nature. Because of the amount of time spent on decks and porches, consumers are demanding higher quality building products for these areas. Beaver Mountain has a reputation for supplying high quality materials, and our exterior decking is no exception.

DeckWood is a hand-selected clear grade of southern yellow pine without knots or wane. The top edges of the 2x6 lumber is rounded for a distinctive look and the underside is milled with double grooves to reduce the tendency of decking to cup. DeckWood is pressure-treated with Wolman preservative and is therefore backed by both the Wolmanized wood lifetime limited warranty against termites and fungal decay and also by the Good Housekeeping Seal.

Beaver Mountain provides screws for DeckWood installation which must be predrilled for the best result. According to Arch Treatment Technologies, manufacturer of Wolman preservative, an effective brand of water repellent should be applied to the decking as soon as the project is finished or, for large projects, as sections are completed. Water repellent should be re-applied every year or two and deck brightener can be used to clean wood which has a dingy appearance caused by dirt, mildew and mold.

For further information, please visit http://www.wolmanizedwood.com/

WOODguard Preservative

2009-12-01T14:04:00.011-05:00

One of the products available from Beaver Mountain for staining your log home is the oil based preservative WOODguard.
Available in a number of colors, WOODguard is a highly durable, transparent stain designed for log homes and siding. Several ultra violet blocking pigments work to protect the finish from damaging UV rays. The oil based formula provides long-term protection and water repellency by penetrating deeply into the wood. WOODguard utilizes an active ingredient known as Copper 8-Quinolinolate which acts to control mold, decay, termites and anobiid powderpost beetles.
Application should take place only if overnight low temperatures are above 50 degrees F and daytime high temperatures do not exceed 95 degrees F. WOODguard is easily applied by sprayer, brush or roller. See manufacturer's instructions for specific preparation and application directions.
Contact Mike in Customer Service for more information on WOODguard and all other products available from Beaver Mountain.

Class is in Session!!!

2009-11-16T12:00:00.007-05:00

WEBINAR WAS A SUCCESS !

We want to thank everyone who tuned in to the first Beaver Mountain Webinar broadcast.
We hosted ourfirst Webinar on November 11th and the feedback was very
positive. Titled “Home Planning Seminar”; we touched on site selection and preparation,
financing, design, the ordering process and log construction.

Beaver Mountain plans to offer this webinar as well as others in the future.

We’ll be sure to post information on the next one, here, on our blog

or call us at 1-800-233-2770!

Open House... NOVEMBER 13th-15th

2009-11-10T08:36:00.006-05:00

COME TO THE MOUNTAIN...

You are invited to our November Open House this weekend!

If you are considering a log, insulated 1/2 log or wood hybrid home this is your opportunity to get started! Considered one of the most impressive displays in the northeast you will be able to:

- Tour our (3) model homes ranging from 1700-4000 square feet!
- Learn about the various construction methods and home options in our one of kind Showroom!
- Relax in our design lounge and review hundreds of photo's, floor plans and design ideas!
- Speak to members of our professional sales and technical staff about your needs and desires!
- Register for a variety of educational seminars and workshops!

Friday November 13th- 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday November 14th- 8:30 am- 4:30 pm
Sunday November 15th- 11am-4pm

For More Information Call 1-800-233-2770

Webinar: Wed. Nov. 11 at 7pm

2009-11-02T13:42:00.005-05:00

Beaver Mountain’s New Webinar Series:
Wednesday, November 11th @ 7pm

“Building your Log Home” Presented by Frank Myka, Building Consultant

You’re invited to join Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes for a Home Planning Webinar from the comfort of your own living room. If you've been dreaming about building a new home this is your opportunity to get started!

To register log on to: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/880177905

or

Call 1- 800-233-2770 for more information!

Renewable Energy Seminar Series : Geothermal Specialist Paul Auerbach

2009-10-28T09:13:00.015-04:00

"Unveiling the Secrets About Renewable Energy"

Saturday November 14th: 2pm- 4pm

Presented by Paul Auerbach, a Leading Expert in Geothermal Technology and Energy-Centric Construction - Accredited by AIA, The National Society of Professional Engineers & Central Hudson Utilities. Learn more about Renewable Energy for your home.

Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes and Total Green Renewable Energy Systems (www.TotalGreenUS.com) are pleased to announce a special seminar to teach you what you need to know about Renewable Energy.

REGISTER and learn...

- How you can heat, cool and enjoy hot water without burning any fossil fuel
-The Pros and Cons of Solar, Wind & Geothermal
-Real Benefits & Payback
-Energy Efficiency Strategies
-The Environmental Impact
-30% Renewable Energy Tax Credits

Seminar will be held at the Beaver Mountain Design Center on Route 17/I-86 near Hancock, NY following the Beaver Mountain Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop*

Call 1-800- 233-2770 to Register today!!

*Limited space available - by reservation only. Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop begins at 10am. Renewable Energy Seminar begins at 2pm. You must register for each event separately.

The Schoen Home

2009-10-20T17:46:00.000-04:00

Meet Mike Santamaria

2009-10-12T15:35:00.008-04:00

Title: Customer & Builder Relations

At BMLH Since: 2000

Responsibilities: Coordinating all customer and builder service issues, sales orders, delivery scheduling, TA scheduling

Background: Over 12 years customer service experience, began work at Beaver Mountain in the production department, worked next in the engineering department and has worked extensively with the sales department at home shows

Best Part of the Job: Meeting and working with our customers and builders, the challenge of finding a positive resolution to any customer or builder issue and never knowing what the next phone call will bring

Recreational Activities: Spending time with his wife and two boys, an owner of a local family restaurant (Farley's), coaching Deposit Youth Program (baseball, football & basketball), spending time with friends, fishing, golfing, motorcycle riding & BBQ'ing

Open House Friday-Monday 10/9-10/12

2009-10-05T13:33:00.011-04:00

You're invited!

The best way to appreciate the care that goes into your Beaver Mountain Log Home is to observe it first hand! Come to the Mountain this weekend for our Annual Fall Open House and learn what sets a Beaver Mountain Log Home apart!

-Tour our (3) Model Homes and experience log home living!
-Visit our Showroom and learn all about the options available to you!
-Relax in our Design Lounge and enjoy a cup of coffee and quietly dream!

Are you still looking for that perfect site for your dream home? On Saturday 10/10 from 9am-3pm Representatives from Red Stone Properties will be on hand to showcase properties right here in the Catskills and Upstate New York! www.redstoneproperties.com

PLUS!!!

Factory Tour & Log Building Workshop
Saturday, Oct. 10th- 10am-1pm
Think all log homes are created equal... think again! Tour our factory and see step by step the craftsmanship that goes into your Beaver Mountain log home. Talk to our technical advisers and view a log home pre assembled in preparation for delivery. Space is limited-Please RSVP!

Home Planning Seminar
Sunday, Oct. 11th - 10am - 1pm
Share your passion and let us help you prepare for the demands of the project ahead. Preparation, knowledge, and finding the right partners to work with will make your project run smoothly and be an enjoyable experience. Beaver Mountain will assist you with each step and this seminar will offer some of the tools you will need to move forward confidently. Seating is limited- Please RSVP!

Call 1(800) 233-2770 for more details!

Pondering Design

2009-09-30T13:08:00.000-04:00

Now that fall is upon us and the end of the year is rapidly approaching, I pause for a moment to reflect on several design projects. Whether it's a one room cabin along the river for that fly fishing retreat you have always dreamed of or a 10,000 square foot "Log Cabin" to call home, I've been working on it. This year has truly been all about our "custom crafting" from floor plans to large lathe turned logs and timbers.

As a designer, it's very exciting to design for a company with such a high level of craftsmanship because the possibilities are endless. No matter the size or style of your next project, I look forward to working with you.

John Lanner, Sr. Design Consultant

Energy Efficiency...The Details Matter!

2009-09-25T12:20:00.011-04:00

Despite what some manufacturers may lead you to believe, the energy efficiency of your log home will depend on more than just the species of wood. In fact, there are several key areas to consider when discussing the energy performance of your log home.

An obvious place to start is the size of the log. A thicker log will perform better since it has a higher R- value and more thermal mass to draw from. As a result choosing a thicker log could lead to energy savings. Here at Beaver Mountain our standard 10" log wall will likely perform better than the a typical 6" or 8" log - regardless of species. However this is only part of the overall equation.

We feel it is important to pay close attention to the construction methods a manufacturer has in place in several key areas of the home. The areas that have been found to be crucial to energy efficiency are:

1) The ridge area of vaulted ceilings
2) The joint between the plate log and the roof
3) The protrusions of logs through the exterior walls (both frame and log protrusions)
4) The connection of the log wall with a frame wall
5) The connection of the window / door to the log wall
6) The log corner interface
7) The connections between the floor and the first “sill” log

The fact is many log home manufacturers leave these important items to the builder to determine how they should be constructed. At Beaver Mountain we address each of these items here, at our manufacturing facility. Our double tongue and groove between the logs is a double insurance against air infiltration/ heat loss, and our construction system is pre-cut, pre-grooved and pre-assembled prior to arriving to your job site. These added steps ensure that the assembly is air tight and your home is energy efficient.

We invite you to visit our showroom or take one of our scheduled tours or seminars to learn more about The Beaver Mountain difference and the energy efficiency of our homes.

Call 1-800-233-2770 for more information today!

Siding, Railing & Stain

2009-09-15T14:03:00.018-04:00

Thinking of replacing that clapboard siding on the garage? What about using wood railing on the staircase to the newly finished family room in the basement? Need another coat of wood preservative on the house? At Beaver Mountain, we offer many components and products above and beyond log and insulated half log home packages.

We produce a number of different railing, log sidings and timber staircase styles. We carry a number of wood care products, including caulks, sealants and wood finishes. Timber materials are also available for porch headers, rafters and trusses.

Give Mike a call at 607-467-1660 or 888-857-2158 for samples and pricing.

Fall Colors...

2009-08-25T10:14:00.013-04:00

It’s hard to believe that Summer is almost over, although here in the Northeast it’s been the Summer that never was! This time of year many of my clients are beginning to make plans to start construction in the Spring, but did you know that the Fall is one of the best times of the year to build? Normally the ground has had a chance to dry out, which makes it easier for your site and foundation contractors to get their heavy equipment in and out of the job site. Dirt roads are stable and fixed up from damages of the previous winter’s frosts. I visited many a soggy job sites this past Spring to see concrete trucks stuck up to their axles in mud!

Contractors are also eager to retain a project to carry them through the Winter. By planning now, you can easily have your dream home enclosed before the snow starts to fly. Once the house is shelled in, your contractor will have your undivided attention as he completes all the interior finish work over the course of the Winter. And with the arrival of Spring, you can jump right into having your landscaping completed; this way your new plantings will have an entire growing season to get established.

So, if you thought of building this Fall or are thinking of moving your timeline ahead, give your Beaver Mountain Sales Consultant a call and you can be enjoying the site of your dream home under construction right along with all those Fall colors!

Call 1-800-233-2770 to schedule a consultation!

Andersen Windows & Patio Doors Commitment to the Environment

2009-08-18T11:09:00.012-04:00

Andersen Corporation will continue our longstanding commitment to leadership in environmental stewardship and to make a positive impact in the communities in which we live and work.

Some examples of our commitment to the environment include:

ENERGY STAR Program - The U.S. Department of Energy's ENERGY STAR Program made us the first national window and patio door manufacturer whose standard product line met all of its requirements in all three U.S. climate regions. For more information, visit ENERGY STAR Homes. The Environmental Protection Agency named us the 1998 Outstanding ENERGY STAR Homes Manufacturer Ally. Again, we were the first window and patio door company to win such an honor.

Green Seal Certification - Green Seal, the independent American environmental labeling organization, recognized us in 1995 & 1997, thus making us the only window manufacturer to receive such a certification. For more information, visit Green Seal. Said Green Seal President Norman Dean: "If all the windows in the U.S. were as energy efficient as those made by Andersen, we would save 2.5 percent of the annual U.S. energy consumption."

Development of Fibrex Material - Fibrex material is a unique composite that reduces our need for raw material by reclaiming much of the wood and vinyl from our waste stream. Forty percent of its weight is reclaimed wood. Initially, we used Fibrex material in the subsill of our Frenchwood hinged patio doors. But, because of its remarkable performance, we've taken it into other product lines. In fact, we're looking into using it in products besides windows and doors. The environment isn't the only winner. Independent tests show that Fibrex material is virtually resistant to rotting and insulates nearly as well as wood.

For more information about Andersen's commitment to the environment visit: www.andersenwindows.com/servlet/Satellite/AW/Page/awGeneral-3/1200437179427

Submitted by Ross Brown, Andersen Corporation

Dan & Jean's Design - Part 6

2009-08-11T10:47:00.033-04:00

Continued from June 26th...

Every day is one day closer to Dan and Jean's dream coming true.

Builder Jim Cammer and his crew are doing a beautiful job, concentrating on getting the outside of the home done during the nice days, which have been few and far between this summer. The numerous rainy days have not gone to waste as there is plenty of inside work.

Jim has worked closely with Mike (Beaver Mountain Customer & Builder Relations) on a couple issue that have popped up during the building process. In one case, Jim's crew needed a couple more pieces of lumber to finish the outside deck. Jim also felt that trimming the porch in a slightly different manner than shown on the blueprints would make for a more pleasing finished product. Mike was very accommodating and made arrangements for Jim and his crew to have the material they needed, without holding up the construction of Dan and Jean's home.

Jim and crew have several more weeks of work, but that doesn't stop Jean from thinking about holiday decorating or Dan from planning a BBQ for his first summer deck party. Hopefully they will snap some picture when the time comes and post them for all of us to see.

The NEW Floorplans pages are LIVE!

2009-08-04T11:00:00.009-04:00

We are all very excited about this project! Our months of hard work has paid off in the form of the new floorplans pages that are easier to navigate, searchable and best of all include many more plans!

When you go to www.beavermtn.com/floorPlan, the first thing you'll notice is that our plans are broken up into 4 categories; Classic, Signature, MossCreek and Custom.

Our Classic Designs are the tried and true plans over the past 25 years. They are all under 2,000 sqare feet.
Our Signature Designs have been recently updated and include some designs by award winning designer Murray Arnott. These plans range from 1,500 sq. ft to 4,000 sq. ft. and include solid log, insulated half log and hybrid features.
The MossCreek Designs are exciting luxury plans from MossCreek Designs (http://www.mosscreek.com/) and incorporate beautiful upscale touches to the plans such as timber porches, stone entryways, interesting rooflines and more! These will be added to in the very near future. If you'd like to see more, contact your sales consultant at 800-233-2770!
And finally, our Custom Designs. We are very excited about this line of plans. These represent homes that our clients have worked with our in house designers to create. They are gorgeous, luxurious and reflect their individuality.

And if you know what you're looking for, you can use our search tool to refine your criteria so only the plans that fit your needs will come up. Just click on "Search" on the top navigation bar next to "Beaver Mountain Floorplans".

As always, use these floorplans as a starting point for your home. Our clients typically come to their design sessions with a few different homes that they like and end up blending the different features into their home to make it their own distinctive style.

To get you started, we are offering free 11x17 plans of the floorplan of your choice! Go to www.beavermtn.com/learnmore to register for yours!

*Preliminary Designs are not for construction. They will be mailed to you after registering. For more information about any of our plans, please contact your sales consultant at 800-233-2770.

Yes! There is still plenty of time...

2009-07-24T08:11:00.006-04:00

Q- Do we still have time to build this year? ..

This is a question I hear often this time of the year.

The answer – a resounding YES!!

If you are considering building, and you would like to enjoy your home next year, why wait? Start planning the home now, get your order placed for a fall delivery, and have use of it as early as spring 2010!

Here in the Northeast, summer seems to fly by and we all agree it is just too short. As we get into August and the start of the new school year approaches we realize that fall is close to follow.

Don’t let that discourage you. Actually, fall is a great time to build. It is typically drier in the fall than in the spring, and builders often are available, as the home they began in the spring is nearing or at completion. Builders also look to have work for the winter, and to get a house enclosed in the fall for indoor work over the winter months is ideal!

Beaver Mountain is currently scheduling production for September and throughout the remainder of 2009. With low interest rates, competitive pricing from builders and sub-contractors, and Beaver Mountain Fall and Winter building promotions, WHY WAIT?
Late summer and Fall are great times to build !

Call 1-800-233-2770 For more Information!

Can a “High Performance Home” be designed using Solid Log and Insulated Half Log construction?

2009-07-21T09:16:00.008-04:00

In short the answer is yes! First though, let’s look at what a “High Performance Home” is. A high performance home, to me, is safer and healthier to live in, utilizes today’s technologies to use less energy, is built with sustainable materials and has a lower overall impact on the environment. A high performance home will outperform a traditional home that is built only with the goal of meeting code. The ultimate goal of a high performance home is to have all elements work together for greater energy efficiency and comfort, while also ensuring healthy indoor air quality.
Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes has been focused on providing energy efficient homes for many years. I am currently working with several clients who are in the process of designing or building high performance homes (a.k.a. green or eco-friendly). Based on specific site conditions as well as personal preference, some are using solid log walls and others are using our insulated half log wall system. A few of the high performance methods being used include passive solar, geothermal, cool color roof shingles, solar panels and spray cellulose or foam insulation. These technologies combined with Beaver Mountain's expertise and quality of materials will set you well on your way to building a beautiful high performance home. The more natural wood products you use in your home such as logs and timbers (vs. man made conventional materials) the greener your home will be. We do not pre-treat or borate dip our logs so they are 100% natural and don’t emit harmful VOCs or other pollutants. Soil, water and air combined with energy from the sun are all that are needed to grow the trees our homes are made of. The thermal mass benefits of solid log construction better utilize available energy in both summer cooling and winter heating. According to the U.S. Department of Energy website you can save as much as 30-50% on your utility costs by incorporating various high performance or green building principles into the structure of your home. You can save 50-75% on your light bill alone by installing energy efficient fixtures and bulbs. The log and timber components our homes are milled from are not only beautiful they are renewable, recyclable and energy efficient.
Contact us today and find out how you too can benefit by designing and building a high performance home with Beaver Mountain.
John Lanner, Senior Design Consultant

Checks & Caulking

2009-07-06T14:29:00.005-04:00

You just noticed some small splits or as they are called in the log home industry “checks”, in the logs on the outside of your home, what should you do? First off, this is a normal occurrence. These can occur in the first couple of years after your home is completed, especially on the more exposed west and south sides of the home. These sides receive more sun and higher temperatures. This can cause the logs moisture content to dry more than the less exposed sides. This additional drying will sometimes cause checks to occur.
How concerned you should be, depends on where the check is, if they are small, less than a ¼” wide and on the under side of the log radius, you can apply caulk or leave them alone. If they are on the upper side of the log radius they should be caulked.
Checks on the upper side of the log can have rainwater or snow melt running into the opening. This will increase the weathering process of the wood and during the winter months, the water can freeze and expand increasing the size of the opening.
To get a good weather tight seal with the caulk, we recommend using a wire brush or coarse sand paper to remove any dirt and finish from around the crack, then clean the area with mineral spirits, let that dry then apply caulk into and over the crack. Allow the caulk to skim over, and then apply a coat of finish over the caulk. This will create a weather tight seal over the check.
We provide Sashco’s Conceal caulk for caulking any small gaps that may occur on the outside of the logs. If you decide to use another brand of caulk make sure it is a high quality caulk and for exterior use, as a rule of thumb the high the cost of the caulk the better the quality. And make sure the caulk color will match the finish color.
Also check the handrails and exposed log ends for new checks. If you have any questions please give us a call, we will be happy to give you some guidance.
Fred Hathaway

Dan & Jean's Design - Part 5

2009-06-26T10:52:00.018-04:00

Continued from June 9th...

What an exciting day June 15th was for Dan and Jean. This was the day that three tractor trailers pulled up to their building site and delivered the logs for their home, along with many other materials, but after all it's the logs which make it a log home.

Site work was done, the foundation was poured, and Dan and Jean's builder, having picked up the first floor materials a week earlier, was not only ready for delivery of the main structural components, he was ready to begin assembly of the log walls.

In order to keep the project moving along, the builder had made arrangements with Mike (Beaver Mountain's Customer & Builder Relations) to schedule Technical Assistance. So bright and early on the 17th, Jim, Beaver Mountain's Field Technical Advisor, arrived to assist in getting the log wall installation underway. About a week later, the log walls were assembled and the builder was ready to move onto the roof system.

We will wrap up this string of post the week of August 10th, when we give an update on the building progress.

Thinking outside "THE BOX"

2009-06-22T15:49:00.008-04:00

For the past several months I have worked with a lovely couple on their dream home. And while many of our correspondence has been by fax, phone and email- for now "the box" has made a lasting impression on Ken and Lori’s Beaver Mountain building experience!

These attractive and yet sturdy boxes are typically used to mail documents, drawings and other items that otherwise would not fit into an envelope. A few months back when Ken and Lori needed to review some documents, being the frugal, environmentally responsible person I am, I decided to try something different with my nearby neighbor.

I placed the first documents in “the box” and with Lori’s permission decided to drop it off at their house. Lori in turn, left me a message that after they reviewed the documents she too, would leave “the box” on the porch for me to pick up. Over the next several weeks we passed "the box" back and forth many times. All the while our design and engineering department, in conjunction with the builder, collaborated and analyzed the design, materials and site location in order to satisfy NYS Energy Star requirements. They analyzed windows, overhangs, thermal mass, color and type of roof shingles as well as the energy efficiency of the corner styles. As a result, Lori and Ken will be substantially reducing their carbon footprint not only with their design but with the use of geothermal radiant heat and enough photovoltaic solar panels to provide 93% of their electrical usage.

So over the next few months the chronicles of “the box” will quickly draw to an end but the excitement that comes with the delivery and construction of Lori and Ken’s beautiful new “Environmentally Friendly” Beaver Mountain Home will last for many years to come!Debbie D- Building Consultant

For more information on how Beaver Mountain can help you build your dream home call 1-800-233-2770

Dan & Jean's Design - Part 4

2009-06-09T13:46:00.013-04:00

Continued from June 1st...

Our production department began milling Dan & Jean's wall logs on May 20th. This process involves taking a kiln dried rectangular "cant" of pine and running it through a special planer which mills a face on all four sides at the same time. Setting up the planer takes between four and six hours. Once the planer was ready, it took about four hours to mill Dan & Jean's logs.

Next, our precut production line took the lineal foot logs and cut them into all of the individual log pieces required for the log walls. This process includes cutting the logs to length, milling for splines, milling the necessary log corner joints and predrilling all of the logs for lag screws. After three days, the wall logs were cut and dry stacked.

Meanwhile, our panel shop was manufacturing the gable panel walls and precutting the rafters over the span of about one day. The component shop took about a day to manufacture the timber posts and truss pieces. Materials such as plywood, framing material, shingles, fasteners and finishes were pulled from inventory and packed for delivery in about 1 1/2 days.

Before we packed the logs for delivery, Dan and Jean were invited to visit our production facility and view their dry stacked wall logs. They arrived, along with their builder, and spent a little time sizing up the future rooms, taking snap shots and doing the "final inspection" of the wall logs.

Materials are pulled and we are ready to deliver Dan and Jean's package. Check back the week of June 29th when we will let you know how delivery went.

Dan & Jean's Design - Part 3

2009-06-01T10:59:00.021-04:00

Continued from April 20, 2009...

Near the end of March, the quote was updated to reflect Dan and Jean's redesigned home, and the builder submitted revised numbers. After reviewing the new plans, quote and builder's figures, on March 31st, Dan and Jean signed their revised approval drawings, purchase agreement and Detail Specification Form. A delivery date of June 10th was agreed upon, moving the project to the next phase in the design process.

The project was next put into the engineering department schedule for completion of Construction Drawings, including foundation and framing plans and construction details which the contractor will use when building Dan & Jean's home. Thermal Performance Calculations were also run to document that the home will meet state energy codes. On April 27th, these Architect sealed drawings and thermal calculations were sent to the customer. The engineering department then began work on Assembly Drawings.

Assembly Drawings, which include log & panel wall cutsheets, precut timber cutsheets and rafter patterns, plus the material list were next completed and forwarded to the production department on May 11th.

In Part 4, we will continue to chronicle the manufacturing of Dan & Jean's home as we approach the June 10th delivery date.

The Fun is in the Journey; The Pride is in the Home!

2009-05-27T10:19:00.005-04:00

I recently went to visit a Beaver Mountain Home under construction. I met the homeowner at the site. Both he and his project manager took me around the property where they explained the plans for the finishing touches of the home such as the tile style, the floor coverings, kitchen pantry area, and master bath fixtures. They removed their unique light fixtures from the boxes they were stored in and they lifted the protective covering off of furnishings that were waiting to be moved into the completed home for me to see. As they moved from room to room, you could see in their eyes the pride and satisfaction that the project was giving them, but more importantly, they were having fun!

Building your dream home, whether it is a 4000 sq ft lake house, or a 1200 sq ft hunting cabin is an experience where the fun is in the planning and the journey as much as in the finished product. At Beaver Mountain we understand this, and we do our best to help you plan, design, and co-ordinate the construction of your new home. We want you to remember your journey as a wonderful experience! We know you will be proud and completely satisfied with your Beaver Mountain Home for generations.

Come to the Mountain and see our model homes, check out our web site for plans, ideas, and information or call 1-800-233-2770 for information or to make an appointment.

Stopping Carpenter Bees

2009-05-18T10:51:00.017-04:00

Warm spring weather is here and with it the insect world reawakens. The carpenter bee or boring bee, so named because of the ½” diameter hole that they make in wood, also comes to life and starts looking for a site to start a nest.

The adult carpenter bee resembles the common bumblebee but has a shiny bluish-black abdomen, where as bumblebees have a hairy abdomen that is mostly yellow. They have a preference for certain softwood species, including southern yellow pine, white pine, cedar, redwood, Douglas fir and cypress. They overwinter in the wood, emerging in late April through June, find a mate, and search for a nest site. The female bores a new tunnel or cleans out an existing one. She bores into the wood approximately 1 inch then turns 90 degrees and tunnels another 4 to 6 inches and lays her eggs, starting the next generation.

Carpenter bees tend to return to the same area that they emerged from. Look for small amounts of sawdust on the logs and ground, which result from the boring. The hole, approximately ½ inch in diameter and almost perfectly round, is usually found up near the eaves or upper logs. When you find that the bees have started a nest you need to stop the bees and plug the holes.

The best control is to put a finish on the raw wood before the bees find the wood. Bees prefer unfinished wood but will bore and nest in stained wood. Special additives can be used with the finish to deter bees. We offer NBS30 (natural botanical) repellent, which is mixed in with the finish. There are other chemical products that can be put on or in the bored hole area to control their presence. Another method is to run a length of flexible wire into the tunnels to destroy the bee and larve, and then the hole can be filled with steel wool and caulked.

By being aggressive about detering carpenter bees, you can control their presence.

Fred Hathaway, Purchasing Manager

Thinking about Remodeling?

2009-05-09T08:57:00.006-04:00

Are you looking to add that touch of luxurious lodge or cozy cabin to transform your current home into a rustic mountain retreat?

Did you know that not only does Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes design and manufacture log, panelized half log and hybrid wood homes, but we also offer a diverse line of individual log/timber components as well.

We offer:

- A wide variety of wood siding options to satisfy any style
- 1/2 log timber stair components
- Large milled and lathed turned log and timber components
- Wood railings, decorative posts

and much, much more!

Come to the Mountain and tour our (3) model homes, showroom and design center and see for yourself how you can transform your home and give it that unique handcrafted, mountain appeal.

For more information call 1-800-233-2770

Enhancing Your Buying Experience

2009-05-05T10:14:00.004-04:00

Beaver Mountain recently received a 50-50 matching grant from New York State to train our employees in process improvement. The funds we received from this grant allowed us to hire an outside consulting firm to help us stream line our home order process and help us implement better procedures. As a result we have been able to move home orders through our facility faster and with more accuracy and quality control. In some cases we can deliver your home in as little as 4-6 weeks from time of order, however, the earlier you start the process the better. Typically 8-12 weeks provides enough time for custom order items and finalizing construction details.

This has been beneficial to our clients as we are able to better accommodate their needs. It also helps us find any mistakes that may have happened and correct them prior to delivery, ensuring that delivery will go smoothly. Beaver Mountain is always evolving, looking for ways to improve our processes and our products and this is just one example of how we are staying ahead of the industry. Thanks to the funds received from New York State we have been able to take advantage of this important training.

-Drew Prochazka, Business Manager

COME TO THE MOUNTAIN... IT'S FREE!

2009-04-25T11:55:00.006-04:00

Did you know Beaver Mountain has (3) model homes that have been described by industry experts, “as one of the most impressive displays in the northeast?” And did you know that Beaver Mountain's manufacturing facility is affectionately called, “The Cabinet Shop?”

We know these things very well and we would like everyone to know about them. The best way to do that is to schedule a personal consultation or sign up for a mill tour and seminar! We are so confident that you will love what you see that we are now offering a “Travel Reimbursement Program” to make it easier for you to Come to the Mountain! If you make the trip to see us and purchase a Beaver Mountain Home, we will reimburse you for the costs of travel and lodging. To learn more, contact your Beaver Mountain sales consultant for all the details!

1-800-233-2770

Dan & Jean's Design - Part 2

2009-04-20T12:00:00.021-04:00

Continued from March 30, 2009...
After reviewing the design, Jean decided she would like a third guest bedroom on the main floor and the master bedroom bumped out to give more space. I revised the design and with the bumped out master bedroom, we also added a covered porch for that room and a rec room down below in the basement area. I emailed the drawings on to Dan & Jean for their review, as well as their sales consultant Chris, for updated pricing.

"Some of the changes made were to better orientate things in the floor plan to take full advantage of the features inside the home, as well as views outside. "

Jean stopped in one day on her way by to talk about options for dressing up the appearance of the approach side of their home. She met with her sales consultant Chris and discussed adding some roof lines and more glass to that view of the house. At that time we invited them back, along with their perspective builder, to explore some of these options on the computer. Jean agreed the builder would be a big help at our next meeting so we could avoid making changes that would blow the budget.

We had our meeting near the end of January with Dan, Jean and the perspective builder Jim Cammer. We were able to dress the front of the house up with some false roof lines, some log siding to cover the exposed basement walls and some stone work around the entry way. We relocated a few windows and added a mudroom entrance from the rear of the house during this meeting as well. Jean loved the changes and was ready to move onto the approval drawing stage of the design process. We agreed to meet again once the ¼ scale approval drawings were complete.

We got back together in February to review the approval drawings and made some minor changes. We discussed different areas of the home and walked through each room thinking about the ways they intend on living in each space. Some of the changes made were to better orientate things in the floor plan to take full advantage of the features inside the home, as well as views outside. Once the revisions are complete on the approval drawings, they will be able to get final quotes from Beaver Mountain as well as the builder and his sub contractors. Revised drawings will be sent out shortly.

Now that our quote has been finalized and the builder has been able to put his numbers together Dan & Jean feel the project is coming in a bit over budget. I spoke with the builder and reviewed some changes we could make in the design that would reduce cost without compromising too much in the overall layout. We both felt these changes would be required to bring the cost down so we set up an appointment with Dan & Jean to re-work the plans.

I met with Dan & Jean around the middle of March and re-worked the design trying to shave some cost and bring them back into their project budget. We eliminated the bump out on the main floor along with the small private covered porch off of the master bedroom. This caused us to move the master suite back within the main footprint of the house and relocate a guest bedroom down to the daylight basement area. We were able to eliminate one of the garage bays in the basement to make space for the bedroom, as well as relocate the rec room, which was in the bump out below the master bedroom that we removed. These changes really make a lot of sense from a cost standpoint as well as from a “Building Greener” standpoint. We spoke to the builder on the phone during this appointment and he agrees we are heading the right direction. The next step will be updating the quote and getting revised pricing from the builder and his sub contractors.

Watch for Part 3, coming in June.

John Lanner, Senior Design Consultant

"The Devil is in the Details"

2009-04-11T09:12:00.009-04:00

Recently I received a wonderful letter from a customer currently building their log home. As a Sales Consultant here at Beaver Mountain, I try to convey this philosophy to people repeatedly. To hear (read) it from a client is the ultimate validation!

“Until I built a log home I didn’t have a complete appreciation for the importance of choosing a manufacturer. Log home construction is unique. We chose quality and we have throughout the process but I mean the right manufacturer is not only about appearance but about structure, structure, structure. Beaver Mountain Log Homes are battleships in their structure surrounded by some of the finest detail work I have ever seen. Structure not done correctly at the start can never be corrected and in a log home the logs are the structure, the insulation and the appearance. They say the devil is in the details and they are correct. I was astounded in the milling tolerances, in a fifty four foot wall with multiple openings (doors, windows, etc), each opening was perfect."
- Excerpt from John C- Beaver Mountain Customer 2008

SATURDAY, APRIL 18th: FACTORY TOUR!

Please join us and see for yourself the details and the precision craftsmanship of our pre-cut log walls, panelized components, and timbers.

Call 1-800-233-2770 for more information!

Explaining Log & Timber Checks

2009-04-06T11:02:00.016-04:00

From my experience in the log home industry, the number one question ask by customers viewing their home dry stack is about log and timber checks.

According to the Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures, a check is "A radial crack in the log that occurs as the wood is seasoning". The definition goes on to say that a check is "...a natural an unpredictable result of the seasoning process that generally does not affect the structural integrity of the log."

As a timber dries, the cells at the outer surface lose moisture more quickly than those at the center of the timber. This process causes stresses in the timber which is relieved by a check occurring. This happens whether the timber is air dried or kiln dried. Generally speaking, a larger timber will produce a larger check. Here at Beaver Mountain, our combination of air drying and kiln drying, work to remove the majority of moisture from our timbers. This, along with our grading procedures, mean that although logs and timber joists will have checks, the amount and size of checks is controlled as part of the production process.

This process starts during milling. As we run material through the planer, we try to orient any existing checks up and down so they are not exposed on the inside or the outside of the home. If the stock material does not allow for this kind of orientation, we try to place the existing check to the inside so it is not exposed to the weather.

Next, because we pre-cut every home, we are able to remove any check that does not meet the Wall Log 53 Grade, which is a structural grade. However, we go a step further and visually grade out unpleasing checks that are structurally sound, but may not be visually appealing. We make every effort to place logs that do have checks in areas of the home so as to be less noticeable, such as behind kitchen cabinets, in bathrooms and closets. Logs that have checks on the outside top half, can be placed under overhangs and porches and thus not exposed to the weather.

Remember, checking will occur during the timber drying process, so a timber with no checking may not be dry. It makes for a nicer home when check size and location are controlled, after all, checks are part of the natural beauty of wood.

Rick Hamm, Production Manager

Dan & Jean's Design Process

2009-03-30T10:27:00.011-04:00

While working at the Syracuse Home & Garden show this past weekend, I was asked the same questions over and over……..Do you sell pre-designed kits? What if we have our own floor plan? Can you custom design? These are all valid questions of which you will receive many different answers on throughout the log home industry, so I would like to give you our answer on “Design”. At Beaver Mountain we pride ourselves on custom designing your dream home to meet not only your wants & needs but your project budget as well.

The following is just one example of a typical design process here at Beaver Mountain, but I thought it would be nice to lay a project out for you from the start. Since this project is not yet complete and the design is often times a multiple step process I will be posting updates as things move forward……..

The design process for Dan & Jean Marie:

I first met with Dan & Jean Marie back in December for a preliminary design consultation where I learned they wanted to build in two phases. The first phase was going to be a two car garage with living quarters above, carriage house style, and then when they were ready to move up full time, they would attach a house as phase two. After reviewing their ideas, we soon realized it would be best to merge the two phases and build the house and garage all as one structure. This would reduce the overall footprint of the home and take full advantage of their site. We discussed a few options for positioning the house and decided it would be best for me to visit their site. We set a schedule for a site visit as well as a follow-up appointment to get the design started.

I made my visit to the site early one morning in December & took several photo’s of the area we all discussed locating the house. Based on the natural slope of the property and the beautiful country views, I felt we were in a great spot! I headed back to the office and put some of my initial ideas on paper to share with Dan & Jean Marie during our next scheduled visit.
The New Year arrived and Dan & Jean came back for the preliminary design session where we sat down at the computer and began the house design. We located the garage space below the house in the daylight basement area to take advantage of the natural slope of the land. Also planned for this space would be an entry / foyer with timber stairs up to the main living areas, laundry room, full bath and a utility room. The main floor was blocked out with the great room, kitchen & dining overlooking an open meadow to the west. To the east we planned for a master suite, (2) guest bedrooms and a full bath with the master suite capturing the sunrise over open fields separated by a wonderful tree line. The design session went well and gave us the info we needed to begin the estimate process. We discussed getting back together once they had a chance to review the preliminary design and we had a chance to run some numbers.

Watch for my next posting on Dan & Jean's design process the week of April 20Th.

John Lanner, Senior Design Consultant

The Beaver Mountain Promise

2009-03-23T09:17:00.011-04:00

We at Beaver Mountain, are proud of the level of customer service we provide. This high standard begins with The Beaver Mountain Promise.

Our Promise states that "... the materials provided to you as listed on the material specifications attached to your Purchase Agreement will be of the kind and quality specified, pre-cut as specified and supplied in sufficient quantity for their intended purpose." Further, "... if it is determined that materials were inadvertently missed, pre-cut incorrectly or shipped in deficient quantity, Beaver Mountain will provide the materials to you at absolutely no cost...".

You may expect this kind of service from all log home manufacturers, but this is not the case. I have read the fine print on competing companies material lists. One such list states that "... materials are figured to the best of our abilities, any overages or shortages are at the expense of the purchaser." Not something many people want to hear when making a large investment.

The Beaver Mountain Promise details our commitment to our customers and builders alike. In the Promise, it states that "... our goal is to deliver customer service that is Second to None." As part of the Customer & Builder Relations Team here at Beaver Mountain, I have worked with hundreds of homeowners and almost as many builders. We have always done our best to work together to find a solution to any situation that may arise. The bottom line is, we try to do the right thing.

For more information about The Beaver Mountain Promise, contact your sales consultant.

~ Michael Santamaria, Customer & Builder Relations

Beaver Mountain is on the Road...

2009-03-16T12:01:00.005-04:00

(2) LOCATIONS: SYRACUSE, NY or BINGHAMTON, NY

Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes will be on the road this weekend and would like to extend an open invitation to anyone interested in learning more about log and timber homes to stop in and see The Beaver Mountain Difference!

- Meet members of our professional Sales and Technical Support team
- View log corner samples and various timber components
- Learn about our unique custom crafted design why it should matter in your home
… And much, much more!
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Home Show Syracuse, NY : NYS Fairgrounds

Thurs. March 19th 5:00 PM– 8:30 PM
Fri. March 20th 2:00 PM– 8:30 PM
Sat. March 21st 10:00 AM– 8:30 PM
Sun. March 22nd 10:00 AM– 5:00 PM

Booth Location: Toyota Exhibit Center # 733
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Home Show Binghamton, NY : Broome County Arena

Fri. March 20th 4:00 PM– 8:00 PM
Sat. March 21st 10:00AM -8:00 PM
Sun. March 22nd 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM

Booth Location: # 170-171

For more information, contact our Models Homes and Showroom located in Hancock, NY

1-800-233-2770

Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop: Sat. March 14th

2009-03-09T10:43:00.008-04:00

Are you looking for an investment that will bring great returns?
If so, we would like to invite you to invest a few hours of time and take that first step in planning your dream home!

Beaver Mountain has scheduled its first Mill Tour and Log Building Workshop of 2009 on Saturday March 14th at 10am. Learn first hand what sets a Beaver Mountain home apart.

· Tour our (3) Model Homes, Showroom and Design Center.
· See first hand how our custom homes are manufactured and produced.
· Walk through a dry-stacked/ pre-assembled log home.
· Meet with members of our sales & technical team and have all of your questions answered.

CALL TODAY TO REGISTER AS SPACE IS LIMITED!

1-800-233-2770

“We just had to let you know how much we enjoyed our day at Beaver Mountain. The Mill Tour was extremely informative and helpful. The laid back and pressure free atmosphere was especially appreciated.” - Ned & Sandy 11/8/08

Spring Log Home Maintenance

2009-03-04T10:52:00.001-05:00

Spring, the time of renewal, is also a great time to inspect your log home for exposure to the elements. Take some time on one of these sunny weekend days to walk around the outside of your home. Look at the logs from the basement to the roof line for things such as fading and "checks" in the logs.

Are the sides of your home that receive the most sun faded more than the sides that are shaded? You may need to plan to apply another coat of finish on the faded side once the weather allows.

Test the moisture resistance of the finish by spraying some water on the logs. If the water beads up and rolls off the logs, they are in good shape. But if the water is absorbed into the wood, it's time to apply another coat of finish. Look at the ends of the logs at the corners. Because these stick out, they are exposed on more surfaces to the elements and will show signs of needing a touch up more than the logs in the wall.

You will also want to look for any checks that may have opened up since last year, especially unprotected checks on the top half of the log. Small checks can become larger after a winter of several periods of freezing and thawing. Water will run into checks during a thaw, and then when it freezes, the ice expands forcing the check to open more.

To seal checks, use a good quality exterior caulk in the color of the finish on the logs. If the check is greater than a quarter inch, put backer-rod into the check, then caulk. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Doing maintenance inspections in the spring means your home will receive the care it needs.

~Fred Hathaway, Purchasing Manger

Green Building Standard Approval

2009-02-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

The National Green Building Standard was recently approved by ANSI (American National Standards Institute). This is the first and only green building standard that is coordinated with International Code Council (ICC) building codes and standards.

The ICC and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) developed the standard with input from code officials, building professionals and the green building community. The National Green Building Standard is an alternative to rating systems such as the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system.

According to the NAHB, the newly approved standard provides a framework "...for all residential construction work including single-family homes, apartments and condos, land development and remodeling and renovation...".

The ICC reports that "The standard's rating system allows builders, designers and communities to choose the levels of high-performance green building that best suit their needs." Minimum points must be earned in area such as land conservation, rainwater collection, construction of smaller homes to conserve resources, site design , resource efficiency, high energy performance standards and homeowner education. These mandatory requirements, plus discretionary options, allows for final certification at one of four levels.

Considered by many as rigorous yet flexible, the standard defines the green practices that can be used in residential construction and further educates homeowners on operation and maintenance of their green homes.

To learn more about incorporating green building standards into your project, contact a Beaver Mountain sales consultant.

Q&A with Chris Weyer, Sales Manager

2009-02-18T13:25:00.001-05:00

Q: Why would one choose Beaver Mountain’s panelized insulated ½ log building system over the full log?

A: Since 1982 Beaver Mountain has offered full 10” thick log and ½ log (hybrid) building systems to satisfy the needs of our customers in a demanding northeastern climate. Although there are several advantages (too many to list here) to our panelized-insulated ½ log construction- there are two that primarily stand out.

First, because the walls are panelized (walls manufactured in ready to build sections) the time to erect and dry in the building is reduced. With the short northeastern building season this allows a homeowner/builder to take delivery later or earlier in the year. It also protects your investment by getting the home closed in faster protecting your valuable materials and investment.

Second, framed walls allows for greater design flexibility in your home. For example the interior walls because they are framed, can be finished with a combination of log siding, tongue and groove, drywall, or stone. Also, because of the framed construction, window options are expanded.

Finally, it is important to remember that although the initial time to erect the shell is reduced (days vs. weeks) your overall construction time won’t vary. The reason is compared to the solid log systems, when the logs are stacked the entire wall is finished in one step (interior, exterior finish, vapor barrier and insulation). With the panelized-insulated ½ log system, the contractor will need to go back and trim out siding, install the insulation and interior finish. Therefore the total investment, log or ½ log (hybrid), will generally be about the same.

In the end, it really depends on your needs and comfort level with the construction. Either system will produce a tight, energy efficient home. For more information on Beaver Mountains products, services and which system would be best suited for you, contact our office to schedule a personal consultation.

~ Chris Weyer, Sales Manager

Love is in the Air...

2009-02-11T17:05:00.002-05:00

What a great way to spend Valentines Day! Most people that want to build a new home share that dream with a loved one. It becomes a passion that is shared and enjoyed together. Talking about the home, the finishes, the decorating, and the landscaping becomes a favorite pastime enjoyed by all involved.

This Valentines Day come to Beaver Mountain and join others that are planning their home too! Beaver Mountain is hosting a “Home Planning Seminar” this weekend on February 14th from 10:00 AM to approximately 1:00 PM. Share your passion and let us help you prepare for the demands of the project ahead. Preparation, knowledge, and finding the right partners to work with will make your project run smoothly and be an enjoyable experience. Beaver Mountain will assist you with each step and this seminar will offer some of the tools you will need to move forward confidently.

Call today to learn more about the itinerary, and register you and your loved one to attend. Hurry as seating is limited! 1-800-233-2770

“…Unless you have built a log home, you can never appreciate all that is involved with the building process. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in building a log home be encouraged to go to Beaver Mountains Home Planning Seminar”
- John & Donna BM Customer 2004

Did you know?

2009-02-04T16:41:00.002-05:00

Did you know that past issues of our Naturally Home Newsletter are available on our website? Just go to http://www.beavermtn.com/l_articles.htm and click on "Newsletter Archives" to download the pdf. Our Newsletters are packed with informative articles about shopping, designing and building your dream home, stories about Beaver Mountain homeowners, News from the Mountain, construction details in the Craftsmen's Corner and lots more!

If you're not receiving a hard copy and would like to, just give a call at 800-233-2770 or sign up on our website http://www.beavermtn.com/.

5 tips for shopping for your Custom Home Package

2009-01-31T08:27:00.005-05:00

Are you dreaming of a custom log or cedar home? With all the choices out there, it can be a confusing and overwhelming process. Here's a few tips to help make starting a little easier:

Pick up some log home publications. These are a wealth of information, including articles about the process, what to look for in a log home manufacturer, floorplans, photos for inspiration and information about upcoming events. A great resource in these publications is in the back of the magazine - the classifieds. There you'll be able to browse through your state (and don't forget to check the states around you) to find listings of home companies. Many of these publications also offer Home Shows throughout the US, which is another great way to start your research.
Start browsing websites and requesting information. After you've found the home companies you're interested in investigating, go online and check them out. Most will give you great information about the company, and will let you sign up for more information from the site. If you're searching google, try keywords such as "log home new york" instead of the generic "log home". Your results will be better targeted and you'll find it easier to wade through those results than if you get millions of results from a more general keyword.

Schedule and appointment with a sales consultant and visit the company. After you've received the printed information, it's always a good idea to go visit the company (if you can make it to the company's main headquarters, it's well worth it.) Making an appointment is important, even if the company is open regular hours. This will ensure that you get the attention you want and time to ask all the questions that you've surely accumulated throughout the process. Some good questions you'll want to ask are: "what exactly is included in your log home package?" "Do you work with any architects or custom designers to make sure my home is exactly what I want?" "How many custom options do you have to choose from for your packages?"
Go through a Mill Tour and/or Seminar if the company offers one. As we mentioned in the previous point, visiting the company headquarters is important and very informative. But if you can get an invitation to a Mill Tour or Seminar, that's even better! Walking through the company's manufacturing facility will let you see where your home will be produced. Also make sure to ask to see things such as where the logs are stored after milling while awaiting delivery or if the company drystacks their homes before packing them for delivery.
Make your decision! After you've done your homework, received pricing and done your homework, it's time to sit down and spread all of the information in front of you. By this point you've usually been able to eliminate a few companys because they didn't offer what you were looking for. Look very closely at pricing and packages - most of the time if a company seems too cheap or too good to be true, there's a reason for it. Compare apples to apples to make sure that one company isn't leaving out critical components in the package. Also make sure that the packages you're comparing are comparable - for instance, don't compare a package with linear foot logs to a package with pre-cut logs. The linear foot log package will be cheaper, but that work will have to be done in the field on site and can end up costing more than the pre-cut package in the end after you pay for the builder's work on site. Think about the relationship you have so far with the company - do you feel comfortable working with them? Have they fostered trust? Do you feel confident that if there is a problem, they will fix it quickly? (And let's think about it, with a home package composed of thousands of components, there will be minor bumps along the way).

Best of luck on your custom home journey! It's something many people dream of for years and if you put in the research and time you'll reap the benefits in the years to come!

Do you FACEBOOK?

2009-01-26T09:40:00.004-05:00

It seems like lately you can't turn around without hearing about Facebook, the online networking site. You can find old friends, keep in touch with new ones, post pictures, video - the possibilities are endless! And now Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes has joined the Facebook craze! We'd love to network with you! Just go to facebook, search for Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes and join as a fan! Then you'll be able to participate in discussions with other log home enthusiasts, browse images of gorgeous homes and eventually watch videos of mill tours, tour virtual model homes and download our latest newsletter.

Hope to see you there!

How much do custom homes cost?

2009-01-21T08:14:00.003-05:00

When someone walks into our showroom and talks to one of our consultants, one of the first questions asked is “Howmuchisit?” A viable question. However it is difficult to answer. Years ago, when the finishes in homes were limited to Whirlpool or GE appliances; carpet, vinyl, or oak floors; formica countertops; Merrilat cabinets; … well you get the picture … it was pretty easy to ballpark a home’s cost. The styles of homes were pretty simple as well. There was the ranch, raised ranch, colonial two story, and gambrel… with some variations available.

Things have changed! All you need to do is to walk down an aisle in the local home improvement store and see a wide variety of finishes whether you are looking at cabinets, light fixtures, or floor coverings; to name a few. Just the countertop alone can offer you several options, with a wide range in price.

And the styles of homes? Well, we have prow front homes with walls of glass; homes with complex roof lines, wrap around porches, and expansive decks; homes that have several corners and angles, with three and four car garages attached!

Now envision every facet of the home and the possibilities available and you can see why the question “howmuchisit” is impossible to answer – at least right away.

At Beaver Mountain, we are interested in what you want your home to look like, what features you want in your home, and where you intend to build. We know that each of these things can affect the cost of the home. Then, ultimately we will ask you what your budget is. It is our job to help you make choices that will result in a home that you will love, within that budget. It is certainly in everyone’s best interest to do so!

So, if you really want to know “How Much Is It”, take some time to make an appointment to sit with one of our consultants and discuss the things that matter to you about your future home. With good conversation and exchange of ideas and information, we can give you an idea of what your home will cost.

Oh, we could give you the pat answer of X dollars a sq ft. You may have already been given a price per sq ft elsewhere. Think about it. Just how accurate can that answer be if there wasn’t an exchange of more information?

New Calendar of Events!

2009-01-14T09:15:00.007-05:00

Our new Calendar of Events page is live! Now you can see the upcoming Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes in-house events AND events coming up such as Log Home Shows and Fairs that we'll be attending! Visit http://www.beavermtn.com/events.asp!

Beaver Mountain is On The Road!

2009-01-07T09:38:00.003-05:00

That's right! Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes is going on the road this winter! Our first show of 2009 is in Valley Forge, PA on January 23-25. We'll be in booth 113, so stop and say Hi! Our booth is filled with gorgeous photos, corner samples and of course our award winning team of sales consultants who will answer your questions about getting your dream home started! It's a great opportunity to see "The Beaver Mountain Difference" for yourself!

Congratulations Joan & Ed!

2009-01-02T10:42:00.004-05:00

Every year we recognize the important team members who have helped make our success possible.

This year we'd like to congratulate Joan Decker for being awarded Salesperson of the Year and Ed Worzel Jr. for being named Most Valuable Performer (MVP) for 2008. They have both gone above and beyond their everyday responsibilities and made Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes a better company for it.

Congratulations Joan and Ed - we hope 2009 is a great year for us all!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-26T09:13:00.000-05:00

The holidays here at Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar homes are always busy! Besides the increased traffic we always see after Christmas, and lots of work to be done before the new year, there's also our annual holiday Christmas party.

This year we kept it low-key and held it at our office in Deposit, NY. Everyone enjoyed Brooks BBQ chicken and lots of chips, snacks and cookies. By the time the party was over, it truly felt like Christmas had arrived.

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and we wish you all the best for 2009!

The Top Floorplan of 2008 is....

2008-12-19T09:37:00.000-05:00

Every year we get one floorplan that gets more love than any other. This year it's the Classic Lodge! It's one that people fall in love with as soon as they walk in our door. We get many clients that visit our model homes and tell us "We want this home exactly as is - it's perfect just like this!" In fact, a few of our homeowners have actually gone and purchase the furniture and fixtures so that their Classic Lodge looks exactly like the model!

Created almost 30 years ago at Ken Clark's kitchen table, the Classic Lodge has become a top seller for Beaver Mountain, but also for other companies who loved the plan so much that they copied it for their planbooks. The orignal Classic Lodge is truly a Beaver Mountain icon.

So without further ado... Here's the top floorplan of 2008 for Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes: The Classic Lodge!

(This particular picture is of the Classic Lodge built by Karen & Helen!)

Is a Log Home in Your Future?

2008-12-05T15:19:00.006-05:00

Researching log home manufacturers and their products can be a daunting task. Though log homes increasingly gain in popularity, the construction of the log and timber system is still not main stream and differs throughout the industry.

What is important in log construction for an energy efficient home with the least amount of maintenance? At Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes we know that when educated the log home buyer will know what to look for and how to compare.

For the past few years we have offered home planning seminars, log raisings, and mill tours to the prospective log home purchaser and builders. The feed back has been very positive.

Gail and Dennis wrote:
We have attended several seminars and have been through four or five other mills and facilities. Two things set Beaver Mountain apart from the others. First was the way in which everyone responded to our questions. Answers were clear, direct and to the point.
Second, was the integrity displayed throughout the facilities. Sales persons, mill workers, and designers all reflected pride in the product and an absolute refusal to talk negatively about competing companies.

Kevin wrote simply:
I have attended the workshop and I loved the experience!

John and Donna said:
We wanted to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes for what we felt was the most extensive and detailed Mill tour and Log Building workshop….

Check out our website at http://www.beavermtn.com/ for the calendar of upcoming events and register today!

Going Green for the Holidays

2008-12-03T17:30:00.005-05:00

Going green isn't just good for the environment, it's good for your wallet as well! New green christmas lights are solar powered, recyclable wool sweaters and e-holiday cards to save paper are just a few ways to be eco-friendly this holiday season. What about wrapping your gifts in a beautiful scarf that the giftee can wear all winter? Or buying a Christmas tree from a farm that replants trees every year? Or making popcorn and cranberry garland for your tree (remember that from when you were a child?)

Want more ideas? Here's a few of our favorite green sites:
http://www.earth911.com/
(A great site that gives you some green ideas for your everyday activities.)
http://www.thedailygreen.com/
(Everything you could want to know about living green, including a great reseource for finding local green efforts.)
http://www.onegreenmommy.blogspot.com/
(Written by a Mom, this blog is full of green tips and ideas for living green with children or grandchildren.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T12:10:00.003-05:00

As we celebrate this special day with our family and friends, there's no time more appropriate to say Thank You! We are very blessed to have so many wonderful members of the Beaver Mountain Family. Our prayers are with the entire country on this day of reflection.

From our homes to yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with countless blessings!

Are you blogging?

2008-11-19T08:11:00.003-05:00

Over the past 2 years, blogging has really taken off. People use them to keep in touch with family and friends, speak abuot passions close to their hearts, or just to post fun links and videos! Recenly, we've also found that our clients are using blogs to showcase their log home projects. They share videos, photos of their log home construction and their excitement as the home gets closer to completion. If you have a blog about your log home, we'd love to see it! You can share yours by e-mailing Kim at kcprochazka@beavermtn.com.

Finished!

2008-11-08T10:43:00.004-05:00

A few months ago, we posted about the new porch being added onto the Design Center. It's now finished! The gorgeous addition is crafted out of large handcrafted beams and timbers. We have gotten some great feedback from our clients about this design - many of whom are adding this type of porch to the design of their own homes. It's a great way to add a handcrafted touch to your Beaver Mountain!

Mother Nature strikes again!

2008-10-30T10:47:00.004-04:00

Due to the snowstorm over the past few days, there are power outages throughout the area. Our Sales Office, Model Homes and Showroom are currently without power and according to NYSEG, power will not be returned until Saturday. Our administrative offices are still operating (you can reach those offices at 607-467-2758).

The Model Homes & Showroom will reopen Saturday 11/1 at 12pm. Thank you for your understanding.

A Message from the President...

2008-10-23T08:20:00.005-04:00

How’s business? As you can imagine being the owner and president of a log and cedar home company, I get asked that question a lot these days. My answer is quite simple and honest when I say, “We remain strong in an industry that is currently weak.” We are able to hold our own because we have never waivered from our fundamental goal of delivering the very best homes available. Like the strength of our homes to withstand the storms outside their walls, Beaver Mountain’s commitment to being the best and not the biggest has shielded us from “the irrational exuberance” of the housing boom and it continues to keep us safe from the current down turn in the current economy.

WHY IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUILD?
For those dreaming and planning their custom solid log, insulated half log or hybrid home there are many reasons why now is a good time to build.
· Mortgage interest rates are still the lowest in years
· Builders are looking for work and offer more flexibility than a few years ago.
· Property is more affordable and there’s a better selection of it
· It’s easier to get permits for building, septic, etc…
· More Eco-Friendly options than ever before (Green building, LEEDS, Super Insulated, EnergyStar, solar panels and geothermal just to name a few.)
· Material prices have been held steady for a while but will go up when the housing market turns around.
· Beaver Mountain is offering many ordering and delivery incentives.

Of course, these same reasons hold true if you’re planning a make-over of your existing home (an addition, sun porch, gazebo or pavillion, new siding, etc…) If your timeline and circumstances work out, this could be the best time to build!
We look forward to working with you!
Ken Clark
President/Owner
Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes

Introducing...

2008-10-14T17:43:00.004-04:00

MossCreek Designs at Beaver Mountain! We're proud to announce that we're now offering these gorgeous custom homeplans. These luxurious and unique designs are available in sizes to fit your individual lifestyle! Now you have the option of choosing to custom design your home with Beaver Mountain's in house design team, or to pick one of the beautiful MossCreek designs for your dream home. To see some of MossCreek's designs, visit their website www.mosscreek.net. Or call your Beaver Mountain Sales Consultant at 800-233-2770.

One of the many gorgeous custom designs! This one is the Rivermyst...

The construction continues!

2008-10-03T12:53:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, we posted about some changes to the Showroom and a new model Gazebo. We're working on the finishing touches on each and just wanted to share a sneak peek of the projects! Everything is coming together!

The new Gazebo gets railings!

And the siding goes up on the Showroom's new porch!

Another Happy Customer...

2008-09-25T16:37:00.004-04:00

Good Morning Chris -

Sorry for the delay but I’ve been straight out these days, with good weather I had to get the outside work complete. Not quite there yet but most of the way now.

The skirt siding is done except for a few boards to complete the prow front and one to transition from log siding to stone which will complete the remaining white below the log siding in the pictures. Electrical is done except for the plugs and covers. Heating installs in a couple of weeks and I’ve got a good start on finish pine on the inside. Work is slow when you are working by yourself but I do enjoy
the work. It’s hard to explain to someone what it feels like to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Your people have been great. I’ve called with many questions and always get quick and cordial replies. I have never tackled a project of this magnitude before. Tell Mike and Todd thanks. Beaver Mountain will always receive high praise from me as I talk to other people. Thanks for your patience and service.

Take care.

Fran W

A Sneak Peek inside the Beaver Mountain Mill Tour

2008-09-10T13:09:00.001-04:00

You're Invited to our September Open House, Mill Tour & Seminar!

2008-09-03T11:41:00.004-04:00

Summer is winding down, the kids are back in school. Leaves are starting to turn and nights are getting cooler. Fall is just around the corner! That means that we're gearing up for our fall Open Houses, Seminars, Mill Tours & Workshops!

The next special event is just 2 weeks away - September 13-14. So make your reservations today! The fall events tend to fill up fast since everyone is planning for 2009 building already. Saturday, September 13 is the Mill Tour and Workshop starting at 9:30am. Then at 1pm, the Home Planning Seminar is held at the Design Center & Showroom. Please RSVP for these events by going to www.beavermtn.com/events or by calling 800-233-2770.

If you can't make it to the September events, check out the rest of the Fall Open House & events at www.beavermtn.com/events. Hope to see you there!

P.S. We're also Open Year Round, Monday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm!

Are you passionate about log homes?

2008-08-26T09:05:00.002-04:00

We’re looking for a passionate, highly organized sales consultant to join our award winning family of log home professionals at our Hancock, NY Design Center and Showroom. E-mail your cover letter and resume to Chris Weyer, Sales Manager at cweyer@beavermtn.com or fax it to 607-467-2715.

Want a FREE Planning Guide?

2008-08-19T08:32:00.003-04:00

Fall is a great time to get started on your custom dream home! So to help you begin your journey, we're offering a FREE Beaver Mountain Planning Guide (a $50 value!) through the end of September when you visit our Design Center & Showroom near Hancock NY on Route 17! Just print out this post and bring it with you when you visit. That's all you have to do to receive our Seasons of the Dream Planning Guide full of information and floorplans to get your dream home off to a great start!

This offer is good through September 30,2008 and subject to change without notice. No substitutions. One planning guide per family, please. Guests must visit the Beaver Mountain Design Center (200 Beaver Mountain Drive Hancock, NY 13783) to receive their free planning guide.

Not your ordinary Gazebo...

2008-08-12T08:32:00.006-04:00

Introducing Beaver Mountain Timber Gazebos & Pavilions! Over the past year we've had requests from many of our clients looking to add one to their porches and decks or wanting a unique timber gazebo to match their homes for landscaping.

Every Gazebo and Pavilion incorporate the quality and handcrafted touches you expect from Beaver Mountain - custom designed for your home! They are each crafted of 10" and 8" timbers and are available now.

Visit our Design Center and Model Homes and check out the newest Gazebo model (still under construction).

To order your custom designed Gazebo or Pavilion, call your sales consultant at 800-233-2770!

The Palmer Home...

2008-07-29T09:04:00.002-04:00

We took a gorgeous drive last week up to the Palmer home in upstate NY. What a beautiful area they chose for their home! And once we got to the house, we found is snuggled into a beautiful lot overlooking a valley. Their home itself is absolutely breathtaking. They finished it with aisan, american indian and african touches and decor all of which offset the logs beautifully. But the thing that strikes you most when you first walk into this home is the amazing smell - it's just got this natural, spicy scent that makes you want to sit down with a cup of coffee in the living room and never leave. We can't share the scent over the internet, but we can share the pictures of this gorgeous vacation home. Enjoy!

Excuse the mess...

2008-07-23T07:59:00.004-04:00

We're currently in construction phase at the Design Center & Showroom! The porch has been totaly remodeled and is now being put back together with new hancrafted beams and trussesand there's a new Gazebo being put up next to the Design Center! (More information on the Gazebos, which will be for sale, in a future post.)

What the Design Center used to look like...

You can see the porch roof has been totally redesigned with hancrafted beams and trusses

During construction, we ask that you use the lower entrance to the Design Center

The site of the future log Gazebo

Fall 2008 Special Events

2008-07-17T09:19:00.003-04:00

Now is the time to plan for the Fall 2008 special events and to reserve your space at one of our Mill Tours, Log Building Workshops and/or Home Planning Seminars! These events usually fill up, so RSVP today!

September 13-14, 2008
Open House 9/13 8:30am-4:30pm
Special Sunday Hours 9/14 11am-4:00pm
September 13, 2008
Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop 9:30am-12:00pm RSVP
Home Planning Seminar 1:30pm-3:00pm RSVP

October 10-13, 2008
Open House 10/10-10/12 8:30am-4:30pm
Special Sunday Hours 10/13 11am-4:00pm
October 12, 2008
Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop 9:30am-12:00pm RSVP
Home Planning Seminar 1:30pm-3:00pm RSVP

November 8-9, 2008
Open House 11/8 8:30am-4:30pm
Special Sunday Hours 11/9 11am-4:00pm
November 8, 2008
Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop 9:30am-12:00pm RSVP
Home Planning Seminar 1:30pm-3:00pm RSVP

In addition to the dates above, Beaver Mountain Model Homes, Design Center & Showroom is Open Year Round Monday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm.

Technical Assistance...

2008-07-08T17:37:00.004-04:00

Technical Assistance is included with every home we sell. Our field technicians, Jimmy & Rusty come out to your home site to get your home started right! They meet with your builder at the beginning of the project (and bring donuts along with them!) A lot of companies say they offer technical assistance, but few offer it at the level we do, with professional field technicials that have over 35 years combined home building experience.

This slideshow is from one of our recent TAs. This was an especially exciting one because the home's owner, John, was on site and ready to help lay some of the first rows of logs!

From the Wall of Dreams Come True...

2008-07-02T14:30:00.007-04:00

Hi Mary! I have been meaning to drop you a note for nearly 2 weeks now but we were so caught up with our wonderful home building project. We drove upstate on June 12th & went straight to the property, abandoning our plans for a vacation in Vermont as we couldnt wait any longer to see the progress Ethan & Sam (our excavator) had made.

Both Rob & I were so emotional on our first sighting. We parked the car at the bottom of the driveway & chose to walk up Everest! We turned the last bend & there it was - absolutely fabulous! Attached are a couple of pictures. We just love it! It is nowhere near finished but it is now so real, so marvellous & so fantastically exciting...........words fail me.

Our living room has one heck of a view! Everyone that has been up there comments on it after their steep ascent. Robert & I both want to pass on our thanks for all the help & support that you, JoAnn & your team have given to Ethan & our project overall. Your contribution has made life much easier from our perspective.... 3000 miles away. Also we cant speak highly enough of Ethan & his team. We have contacted & met with Bob Granger - he is one passionate solar guy! We hope to investigate further the options available from his company as they seem really cost-effective & sensible.Well that's it for now.
Kind regards,

Helen

5 easy tips to live greener!

2008-06-24T10:31:00.009-04:00

There's a big buzz around "living green" right now. And hundreds of ways to do it! Here's a few easy steps you can take to start living to be more environmentally friendly!

1. Use less hot hair
Your clothes dryer uses a lot of energy to get your clothing dry. But now that summer's here, consider putting your clothes outside to dry. Not only will it save electricity or gas, but your clothes will smell wonderful and will last longer! If you do need to use your dryer, throw in some dryer balls, which will fluff clothing and can cut drying time by 25%!

2. Use EnergyStar appliances
As you build your new home, shop around for appliances that comply with EnergyStar efficiency standards. These can save you about 30% in energy costs per year (compared to a normal appliance.) You can find more information at http://www.energystar.gov/.

3. Don't idle
If your car is stopped for longer than 15 seconds, turn it off. Letting it idle will use more gas and emit toxic fumes. Not idling could have a significant impact on greenhouse gases - just ask Burlington, VT's mayor Bob Kiss. They've had a law against idling on the books since 1990. So just turn your car off when you're stopped and you'll save money and the planet.

4. Use eco-friendly cleaners
Next time you start to pull out the industrial strength window cleaner, ask yourself if you have anything in the house that's eco-friendly to clean with. Chances are you do. Warm water coupled with a microfiber towel or scrubber will clean up most messes. Add a little white vinegar or baking soda and you've got an environmentally friendly solution that's tough on messes. For more homemade cleaning ideas, visit http://organizedhome.com/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products

5. Check over your vehicle before heading out on your summer vacation
Millions of people will hit the road this summer and if you're one of them there's a few things you can do to get the most out of your road trip.

First, check your tire pressure. Tires with low air pressure will mean you get a lower mpg. Fill up those tires and watch your mpg rise!

You can also pack lighter. Vehicles that are loaded down with luggage and weight will be less efficient than the same vehicles that are carrying less cargo.

Tune up your car before you leave. Replacing your vehicles air filter, changing the oil and regular maintenance will help cut down on emissions.

Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml for more tips for keeping your vehicle in shape

Remember, living green isn't about taking a huge leap. It's about all the little things that we can do every day to make our lives more environmentally friendly!

Tell us your story...

2008-06-18T15:04:00.007-04:00

Your dream home is finished! It's gorgeous, and the landscaping is finally completed! Now you want to show it off!

We're looking for Beaver Mountain homes to photograph, include in our Naturally Home newsletter, on our website and even to feature in one of the top national log home magazines! To submit your home, e-mail us:

Interior and exterior photos

Your name

Phone number we can reach you at

When the home was completed

Where your home is located

A short explanation of your dream home journey, how you found Beaver Mountain and why you chose us

Send your e-mails to kcprochazka@beavermtn.com. We can't wait to see your pictures and hear your story!

So You've Decided to Build Your Dream Home

2008-06-11T14:05:00.002-04:00

You may have been getting those glossy log home magazines for years and glanced at the advertisements from the various log home manufactures. But the question is, “How do you research all those companies and where do you start?!” This is a big question, as there are over 400 log home companies in North America and there just isn’t a “Log Home Consumer Reports” to help you with sorting them all out.

The recommendation that I like to give is to start with those companies who are members of the “Log Home Council.” To qualify for and maintain membership status, a log home manufacturer must:

Conduct or participate in a certified log grading program. This insures that customers will get only graded logs when purchasing from a council member. The Log Homes Council recognizes three third-party certified log grading programs: One administered by the Council, Timber Products Inspection and VTT.
Subscribe to a rigid Code of Ethics developed to ensure well- constructed, code-complying structures and fair business dealings.
Agree to provide interested persons with truthful and accurate information and educational materials about log home building systems.
Follow the recommendations provided in the "Log Homes Council construction manual guideline" designed to address issues unique to log home construction as they relate to their individual system.
Participate in and sponsor research, training and marketing programs committed to raising log home industry standards.
Make a continuing commitment to professionalism and customer service. Be an active member of their local NAHB chapter.

Remember, companies that do not belong to the Log Home Council do not necessarily follow these standards. When you keep your research list narrowed to only council members you have the reassurance that those companies are committed to the above. For your first research assignment, visit the Log Home Council’s website at http://www.loghomes.org/.

-Frank Myka, Beaver Mountain Sales Consultant

Meet our Customer Service Team!

2008-05-30T17:43:00.002-04:00

Jimmy, Mike, JoAnn & Rusty - Beaver Mountain's Customer Service Team!

Beaver Mountain's dedication to customer satisfaction doesn't end after the sale. In fact, our team of Customer Service Representatives are there with you and your builder throughout the entire process. Mike & JoAnn will help get your questions answered and will coordinate your delivery and help make it run smoothly. After delivery, Jim and Rusty come to your home site for Technical Assistance to get your project off to a great start! Plus, we have a dedicated toll-free phone number so you and your builder have direct access to the answers you need! Our team of Customer Service professionals is another reason to trust your dream home to Beaver Mountain.

Did you miss the May Seminar, Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop?

2008-05-21T08:35:00.007-04:00

Then you will want to register now for the Fall events! Saturday, September 13 we'll be having another Mill Tour, Log Building Workshop and Home Planning Seminar! To register for the events, go to our events page, choose the event that you want, and click "register". Throughout the summer we'll still be having Open Houses and Special Sunday Hours, so check out those dates too!

Tour the Classic Lodge on your computer!

2008-05-14T20:14:00.001-04:00

Beaver Mountain is now featured on "Home Talk Tours" by Andersen Windows! The Home Talk Tours website is designed to let clients virtually walk through a home on their computer screen. The site also has information about how to choose a builder, what to look for, questions to ask and links to help with the interviewing process. Just go to http://www.hometalktours.com/builder/beaver-mountain-log--cedar-homes and you can virtually tour our "Classic Lodge" model home.

After you've done that, call us to make your appointment to visit in person! We have 3 model homes on display for you to walk through, a design center to browse as well as special events monthly!

Register Now!!

2008-05-07T14:34:00.004-04:00

This weekend is another Open House weekend! That means in addition to our regular hours (Monday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm) we're also hosting special events hours! Plus you can attend our Mill Tour, Log Building Workshop and/or Home Planning Seminar (register now for those events!)

Saturday, May 10 will start out with a tour of our manufacturing facility. Located just 8 miles away from our Design Center, the Manufacturing Facility tour will show you what sets Beaver Mountain apart from the rest of the industry. We'll cover full log vs. half log building systems, you'll get the opportunity to see where your home will be produced and will get your questions answered by our team of professionals! We'll also discuss kiln drying, grading, log species and engineering. A drystacked home will be on display for you to walk through (and yes, it is a client's actual home and not just something we put up for the tour!) Immediately following the tour you'll be invited to the Log Building Workshop where you'll see firsthand how a Beaver Mountain goes together!

Then after the Mill Tour & Log Building Workshop, you can attend our Home Planning Seminar. It's everything you need to get started with your new home project!

Special Sunday hours on May 11 we from 11am-4pm.

To register for any of the events, call 800-233-2770 or visit our events registration page.

Did you notice???

2008-04-30T14:23:00.010-04:00

We've just finished another website update! Now http://www.beavermtn.com/ is easier to navigate, has more information and our Builder's Corner is taking shape! Plus we've updated our Gallery of Homes and created a new Testimonials page, full of inspirational images and letters from Beaver Mountain homeowners!

We'd love to know what you think of our site! Please drop us an e-mail or leave us a comment! Happy browsing!

The Best of Today's Log Homes

2008-04-22T08:36:00.003-04:00

We just got the news that "The Best of Today's Log Homes" is out in stores! Beaver Mountain contributed images for the book, in collaboration with the NAHB's Log Homes Council . To purchase your copy, visit Barnes & Noble or go to your local bookseller.

A special Thank You to the Foley's, who opened their spectacular house to us for photos and images, which were included in this book.

Beaver Mountain at PA Home Show!

2008-04-15T10:53:00.002-04:00

The Log and Timber Home Show will be held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania this weekend: Friday, April 18-Sunday, April 20 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. You can find driving directions, hours of the show, and a registration coupon by visiting the home show's website.

Be sure to stop by Beaver Mountain's booth, #309; Frank and Nick would love to answer any questions you may have and tell you more about Beaver Mountain!

If you'd like to begin your research before the show, visit www.beavermtn.com and the Log Home's Council or call us at 1-800-233-2770.

April Open House

2008-04-08T15:22:00.001-04:00

This weekend holds our big spring Open House!

Our Model Homes and Design Center will be open Monday-Saturday as well as Sunday, April 13, from 9:00am-4:00pm. We invite you to come with your questions or just to browse!

Our Mill Tour and Log Building Workshop will be held Saturday April 12 and Sunday April 13 at 9:30am. The Home Planning Seminar will be held Saturday April 12 and Sunday April 13 at 1:30pm. Choose which day will be most convenient for you to attend and pre-register by calling Patti at 1-800-233-2770.

We'd love to meet you and introduce you to the mountain!

Beaver Mountain is located on Route 17/I-86 just 6 miles west of Hancock, NY. See our website for details or call us at 1-800-233-2770.

A testimonial of thanks

2008-04-02T14:45:00.007-04:00

"A full year has passed from the day we broke ground and our dream home is almost completed. It took twenty years of dreaming, planning, and a lot of back breaking work to get us to where we are today. We realized a long time ago that only a log home would do justice to this beautiful land and our dream started to evolve. We began looking at log homes from various manufacturers. When you showed us the Beaver Mountain's Scottsdale, our search ended. It was love at first sight!

Thank you for the big part you played in our final decision. Thanks to your interest, your help, your patience, and your competence, you made this a very pleasant experience. The promptness with which your architects responded and gracefully blended all the design changes that my wife and I requested made our home truly attractive. We are now proud owners of what I call an intelligent home: simple, beautiful, efficient, without a single inch of wasted space.

You have, in addition, fully explained all the options and materials to the point that if I had to do it all over again I would not change a single thing. Finally you have delivered everything you said you would deliver right down to the last 2x4. Your support people were always courteous, prompt, and shared in our excitement.

Living in it is a real treat. A dream that became a dream home.

It is true that log homes are not for everyone but it is also true that they are not only for the privileged few. For the most part they belong to average people like us who could dream and were will to work for it. Our thanks to all of you!" -Mr. Buongiourno

Following the Faber's Log Home Journey

2008-03-27T14:27:00.004-04:00

The Fabers started building their dream Beaver Mountain log home a couple years ago and documented every step through story and pictures on their on-line blog. Be sure to check it out at http://pointsofcompass.blogspot.com/search/label/log%20home (also linked at right under "Joated"). You will be sure to join in their delight as you "watch" the project unfold, especially now as it is nearing completion!

(Picture taken from the Faber's blog)

Meet Todd Parsons

2008-03-18T14:19:00.002-04:00

Title: Engineering Manager
At BM Since: 1997

Background: Associates degree from SUNY Delhi, Bachelors degree from Binghamton University

Best part of the job: “being creative, problem solving, working with customers and builders”

Interests: any activities with his two kids, outdoors, fishing, golf, raising livestock

Beaver Mountain featured in Country's Best

2008-03-12T09:44:00.003-04:00

The May 2008 issue of Country's Best Log Homes features an article entitled "Creating the Personal Touch" that focuses on specialty rooms. The loft/bonus room of Beaver Mountain's Classic Lodge floorplan was one of the rooms highlighted. The description reads, "This bonus room above the garage functions as the perfect hobby space, but can also serve as guest quarters or a playroom. The size (414 square feet), versatility, and convenient location make it a true bonus room."

The Classic Lodge floorplan can be found on our website, http://www.beavermtn.com/, and be sure to pick up a copy of Country's Best at your nearest bookstore or newsstand to read the whole article!