Q: Can I build a log home during the winter months?

A: Yes! And there are definite advantages of doing so!

Scheduling:
Many contractors and subcontractors are more readily available in the winter months, making it easier to coordinate schedules. Also, due to their lesser workload and time demands, there is a better chance of getting the construction finished on time.

Preparing the site:
Site excavation can occur in up to 2' of frost with new equipment able to go even deeper, with the frozen ground providing a solid base for the heavy machinery. Ground water levels are also lower in the winter (outside of coastal areas) prohibiting the excavated sides to slump.

Building the home:
As winter is an overall drier season and snow is easier to clear away than water or mud, the job site will have a tendency to remain clean and neat. Futhermore, the sun hangs lower in the winter sky so the logs are exposed to less direct sunlight during construction. Therefore, the logs will receive less fading and sun damage than they would receive in the summer. After the exterior walls are built, if the house is not heated while its interior is being trimmed and finished, the logs will be able to better acclimate to the site conditions before the furnace is used.

Things to consider:
Regardless of the amount of snowfall, the driveway has to be clear for the delivery and contractors' vehicles. There also needs to be ample dry, clean storage space for the materials.

Meet Rick Hamm

Title: Production Manager, Safety Coordinator
At BM Since: 2003

Background: Attended the Management Institute Program at Broome Community College along with completing a variety of business and technical courses; 26 years in production manufacturing: 11 years experience as a precision machinist, and 15 years experience in production management in two different industries, steel and log homes; experience in linear and cellular manufacturing, total cycle time reduction, quality control, problem-solving techniques and project management.

Best part of the job: “There are two things that really make me enjoy what I do. One is the satisfaction I get from seeing the highest quality manufactured log home completed and delivered on time. The second is inspiring and motivating employees at being the best both personally and professionally.”

Interests: the outdoors, camping, target shooting, paintball, watching his son playing high school football, summertime barbeques, computers, wood working, holidays enjoying family, and a good James Paterson book

February Open House

Many log home enthusiasts attended our Open House last weekend despite the snow and cold weather. What a successful time it was! Beaver Mountain employees enjoyed interacting with the participants during the Mill Tour, Log Building Workshop, and Home Planning Seminar. Many good questions were brought up; this group showed that they are researching the industry, which Beaver Mountain strongly encourages. After learning the basics, the only way to understand and appreciate a product is to see it and meet the people behind it. That's exactly what our Open House is all about.



We would love to introduce you to Beaver Mountain on a future Open House weekend. We'd be honored to spend the day with you showing and sharing what makes Beaver Mountain unique. The next Open House weekend with a Mill Tour, Log Building Workshop, and Home Planning Seminar will take place on March 17 and 18. Learn more or register on our website. In the meantime, if you travel down Route 17 near Hancock, NY be sure to stop in Monday-Saturday from 9:00am-4:00pm; we'd love for you to walk through our three model homes as we welcome you to the Mountain.

Progress on the Mountain

The complete renovation of the Grandview - one of our three model homes - is still progressing and we are so excited with how everything is coming together! Stonework has been laid inside, the kitchen is being designed, flooring is being ordered...

We are also currently remodeling our corporate headquarters: adding offices and a large seminar room that will ultimately be used to better serve you.

The sparkling snow on the ground reflects the lively atmosphere here today: it's our Open House and we love spending the day welcoming visitors to Beaver Mountain with our Mill Tour, Log Building Workshop, and Home Planning Seminar! If you weren't able to attend, please check our calendar for an upcoming date that may work better for you or stop in to see our model homes Monday-Saturday from 9:00am-4:00pm. Be sure to check back here next week: we will be posting pictures from today so that you will be able to join in the excitement! Have a wonderful weekend!

The Difference is in the Details: Drystacking

At Beaver Mountain we pride ourselves on the quality, craftsmanship, and preparation that goes into each one of our homes. After custom-crafting the logs to meet the exact specifications and desires of each client, the home's log walls are pre-assembled (or dry-stacked) in our mill! This allows us to perform another quality assurance inspection of the logs to ensure a proper fit and structural integrity, in addition to aesthetic beauty. Ultimately, it proves that every pre-cut piece of the home fits together flawlessly before it arrives on the building site. Every log is labeled to indicate exactly where it belongs down to its appropriate wall, direction, and row. The house is then disassembled with the logs coming off in reverse order right onto Beaver Mountain pallets so that they will be in the proper order for construction. By paying attention to these details, Beaver Mountain ensures a builder-friendly construction that leads to a higher-quality, tighter and more energy-efficient home.

When the logs are dry-stacked, we invite the clients to our manufacturing facility to see their home prior to delivery, a procedure that is unique to Beaver Mountain. During this time they can personally see their dream home forming!

A BM Home on the Ranch

The Difference is in the Details: A testimonial of Beaver Mountain's integrity

"We wanted to thank you and the rest of the crew at Beaver Mountain for all your guidance and consideration. Throughout the process of identifying a company, designing and modifying a plan, and soon to the final construction of our home, you have all shown great respect for our needs and desires.

In particular, we commend you for a terrific on-site program. Over the years, we have attended several seminars and been through four or five other mills and facilities. We can honestly say that we know your competition. 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. There were no assurances that ‘oh, we never have problems like that here.’ Instead, we were told how you try to avoid them and then, if they occur, how you resolve them. Our recent contacts with several builders and customers reinforced that claim.

Second, and even more important was the integrity displayed throughout the facilities. Sales persons, mill workers, designers all reflected pride in the product and an absolute refusal to bad mouth the competition. When asked why another company may use a different system of quality control, grading, sealing, or whatever, everyone simply explained the differences and why they felt Beaver Mountain has a better way of doing things. This has become a rare quality in American businesses and we are glad to see it carries on in your company.

Again, you have our thanks and great respect."
–Dennis and Gail Dragich

You are invited to our February Open House

The best way to get to know a company or find out about their product is to pay them a visit. That said, we are holding an Open House from February 16-18 and we would love to personally introduce you to Beaver Mountain located in Hancock, NY!

Take your time walking through our three model homes (always open Monday-Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm, also open Sunday February 18 from 1:00pm-4:00pm). On Saturday, February 17, you will also be able to go on our Mill Tour, attend our Log Raising Workshop, and sit in on our Home Planning Seminar. Find out more on our website.

Although these events are free, we ask that you register online or by calling 1-800-233-2770.

Come to the Mountain and see first-hand that details make all the difference!