Log Delivery

One of the most exciting days of any log home build has to be the day the logs arrive at the building site. Ours was no exception. We chose a Kuhns Brothers Log Home. After years of research and visiting dozens of different log home manufacturers we found that for us there was really no comparison. Our Kuhns Brothers representative never berated any other log home manufacturer, he just spent time outlining the differences and there are plenty. Rather than go through all the advantages of a Kuhns Brothers Log Home here (this could take a while) just check this link Kuhns Brothers Log Homes for an indepth explanation.

This is the first of two deliveries. The next shipment (2 trucks) will arrive in about 6 weeks. We could have chosen for everything to be delivered all at once but felt it was better to have a second delivery after the roof was on so we would have a dry place to store the expensive finishing materials. This delivery consisted of 3 semi loads (approximately 75000 pounds each). All the rough in building materials were included. Everything from major structural members to logs....everything right down to nails. We purchased a Kuhns Brothers "No Shop" package which includes everything except mechanicals (electric, plumbing and HVAC materials). Most log home manufacturers kits are nowhere near as complete. This is just another advantage of purchasing a Kuhns Brothers Log Home.

Most of the bundles are on the heavy side. A 4 wheel drive extended boom fork lift is recommended for unloading. This one has a capacity of 9000 pounds. Personally I wouldn't recommend anything smaller for this task.

An experienced fork lift driver is a plus but not necessary. The more experienced the driver the faster the trucks can be unloaded. In our case a very good friend who does this for a living was able to provide some very appreciated help.

It's best to have good solid dry ground to store your materials. Each bundle should have at least two 4x4s placed underneath so the materials aren't laying directly on the ground.

Believe it or not there is a method to this madness. Each bundle is stored on the site in a convenient location based on when it will be used. Subfloor materials first, logs next, interior framing materials and then roofing materials. If this isn't done it can be a big pain to be forced to carry materials around bundles that won't be used for a while.

Here is another example of why an extended boom fork lift is a good idea. This bundle included a 27'laminated beam that had to pass through two trees that are only 22' apart. Up and over was the order of the day.

It took three hours and fifteen minutes to unload the three trucks. This is the last pallet (caulking and construction adheasives).

Here you see a composite photograph showing all the materials layed out in their logical sequence. After unloading the materials a thorough inventory is accomplished. In most cases more material is shipped than is needed. Ours was no exception.

Materials at any job site tend to come up missing if not protected. Most contractors will have a lockable trailer or something equilivent that they will leave on the job site to protect expensive materials and tools. Since we don't have anything big enough we rented an 8'x8'x20' storage container.

A word about protecting your investment.

When I say that a Kuhns Brothers kit is complete I mean complete. Here you see my wife unpacking and organizing some of the hardware that is included in the kit.

We also purchased some heavy duty shelving (which will be used in the pantry when the house is complete) to store a few hundred pounds of nails, lag bolts and assorted other hardware. The kit is complete right down to the wood shims used for plumbing doors and windows.

That's all for this update.

Check back soon. Construction will start shortly.