Ward log home built by Patriot log home builder in New Hampshire

EXTERIOR

 view of WARD Cedar LOG HOME

scaffolding for chimney construction front view of Ward Cedar log home by Patriot log home Builders

Log home builder , Mike Hompertz of Patriot log home builders built this full  CEDAR log home in Manchester NH during the months of Oct. to Dec. approx 2400 sq feet with a full log attached garage. Real stone fire place with lovely airy walk out basement (as seen in photo below) with deck (spindle and handrails not yet completed)      Shed dormer added on back gives extra square footage, space and style to second floor.

fork lift to assist for plywood on front dormers and roof  

This home cost the homeowner approx $50,000 to have it "dry-in" phase complete from Patriot log home builders. The work completed was stacking the logs, with full log gable ends, , sheeting roof, decks, garage , tongue and groove on ceiling with insulation package, installing windows and doors, with exterior trim, facade, soffit .

back view with walk out basement

Mike , enjoyed the homeowners Bart and Carol Stone very much during this project. Thanks for all the lunches supplied on site from his lovely wife.  As both Mike and Bart are foot ball fans , during football season fun competitive jokes were daily , and both contend that the Superbowl should have been between the Patriots and The Packers ! 

side view of Ward log home with purloin roof system

Reference phone number is available on request, go into contact and request (Woofoo form)  

INTERIOR

 view of WARD Cedar LOG HOME 

Large log purloins span across great room,with a round top window in the gable end

staring up at the vaulted ceiling, with large log purloins

real stone fire place being installed in Bart's Ward log home

Log stairs with half log treads from Ward

Need the best and most experienced 

log builder to build your home?   

CALL MIKE AT 608 547 4129

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Patriot Log home builders Builds A LOG CABIN with that tradional rustic

HOW TO GET THAT 

OLD FASHIONED LOOK?

Mike HOmpertz and home owner Nick Hubbard go over print discussing window openings and electric layout 

~NATURAL WEATHERING~

Log home builder, Mike HOmpertz built in Wells Mn, another Hochstelter MCKAY for Nick Hubbard after visiting the Steve miller home in Wisconsin (PLH builders built) which has the same look, a single milled (inside ) rough sawen exterior which gives this lovely old fashioned log home look. When Nick saw the quality workmanship of Mike HOmpertz he immediately contracted him to build his home and as he loved the old rustic look, the grey outside with all the toned variations, he wanted the same for himself.

~DOVE TAIL~

Dove tail is a style that has been used since the beginning of log home construction. It is an old fashioned look that is often seen with chinking  but is not necessary for that old world feel . Dove tail is not any more money it just is a requested style.

~FULL WRAP AROUND DECK~  

View~ walk out basement back side of house with walk around porch

Initially Steve Miller was sent unexpectedly from the mill these rustic style logs , it was not what he was anticipating . The milling company informed him that the look, a cleaner white look could be achieved with a type of beach or  TSP chemical . The grey exterior that he later came to love resulted from weathering , from sun wind and rain, it is a natural weathering. Mike of patriot log home builders was instructed to put the logs up as they were and would perform the cleanup and staining.

What happened is that when his friends and family came out to see the home in progress, one of the first things that they commented on, was that they loved the color and look. In fact the writer of this post , made the same comment. I loved the old time feel, it seemed that the home had been there for years, which was comforting and very homey, quite inviting.

Steve Miller grew to love the color and looked at it with fresh eyes. He choose to keep it! Mike has taken several potential clients as a courtesy to Hochsetler, he does not sell for them, to the Steve Miller home,(see here ) to show them both the quality of his work and the product from their mill. As a result, Nick Hubbard purchased the same style , the McKay and opted for the same look! He requested that the logs be sent with the natural weather finish.

View is side front , showing full wrap around porch

SEE FIRST HAND THE exterior of the rustic look and the beam rafters on the complete wrap around pouch

Mike recently finished this home in MN around July 3rd , home for the 4th of July celebration. He and his log home accomplice finished the dry in , in 22 days!

. This is a great feature, worth the extra cost in my option.

~FULL LOG DORMERS~

Full log dormers , these are great as they don't have to be insulated, are already finished off (no interior labor costs)

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Rustic Tulip Poplar Log STack in TN

Patriot log home builders builds a

TULIP POPLAR RUSTIC LOG HOME in TN 

Patriot had found when searching the web a log home company that got his attention, we wrote about it and you can read the post here since that time conversations with the owner, emails etc a relationship was developed.

The lovely yellow flower of the Tulip Poplar

Mike wanted to see first hand the product line offered by Grizzly log Homes, so he instigated contact with the owner and learned that a model home "The Shotgun ",was being erected in the state of Tennessee . He  made arrangements to met the man behind the business, see the logs first hand  and learn what tulip polar really is , as he has never experienced it before  and was more than curious about what it was. In addition ,he  would  train some of the builders that where new to  the company in the process. As Mike has been considering for some time, to begin the selling of log homes, and this company was of great interest to him, it made prefect sense to explore all aspects of the business  before making any decision.

Feeding baby goat with baby bottle at the homestead in TN

Living arrangements were made for Mike, he lived with the neighbor  on the property, in this close knit Christian community . The land was breathtaking, set in the heart of the Appalachians  where  plenty of chickens   ran free ...with , horses , sheep, cows and goats, Mike learned that the goats are called Jacobs goats (the goat from the bible) this darling little baby , not a Jacob goat ,was a real treat to get to know. He was being fed by bottle and Mike took a cute video of this . The local people of this close knit community homestead, live off the land and animals are an integral part  of daily living , it is really charming to say the least.

Delicious and wholesome meals were prepared for Mike each evening, as part of his compensation for building . The people were truly  friendly, Mike noticed that no matter what, people would give you a warm gracious  wave of the hand,  with a sincere smile while walking or driving by. 

On Sunday , the day was set aside for the Lord, and Mike, as most others,   did not work,  instead a local gathering in the home of the hospitable neighbor,  set up her home as   temporary church venue for Bible study which Mike attended and found both refreshing and inspirational .

p

Rustic log stack , old fashioned pioneer  look

Affordable no frills log homes !!!

Mike discovered  the men that he worked with were very   open to other  and different techniques that they were unfamiliar with.  For example, the men found useful the importance of concentrating on each corner , stacking it plumb and level at this aspect because  when they are stacked plumb  the overall home stays square which less problematic elements during  the roof erection ,.  In addition,  the tools he brought the men quickly learned how some of them saved both  time and  energy which took much of the hard lifting and other strenuous aspects of log building off.

This extremely affordable package, has log stack on first floor and siding on 2nd where the stick framing is being erected. A no frills home  yet comfortable and practical-3 bedrooms and 2 baths!

Day 4 with Grizzly in TN

Day 7 with Grizzly in TN

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beautiful log home finish in Wisc.

 I  buit this home two winters ago  begining  in Oct.  it was a zHochstelter McKay in Wisconsin near my home town of mauston.  I was recently invited to see his home after it was in move in shape.  It was great to be able to come back after they had it furnished and livable ,with a warm fire and food in the oven. In addtion, at the same time I met a potential homeowner whom wishes to build the same home, we met at Steves and I thought it would be nice to get another viedeo of the home now that its done. It is nice to compare the rough to the finish.

 Take a look at these custom kitchen cabinets.. The decor really set this log home off with Steve's trophy deers and stuffed bear this place looked like it came right out of a log home magazine. In fact steve hopes to submit this home.

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LEARN ABOUT CORNERS

  RUSTIC  corners AND MORE

Log Stairs
Comes in:

• Mortis and Tenon
• Scribed
• White and Red Pine
• Cedar Half-Log and Thick Slab

• • Mantels
  Scribed and Slabs
  Any Species, Any Style Also Available:
  Rough Sawn or Planed Trim,
  Any Size or Thickness,
  Edged or Wavy-Edge
  and Wavy-Edge Siding
                                                                                        Oak Thick Slabs

	Handcrafted, Full-Scribe 12" to 18" Diameter, Full-Length Logs Comes in: White Pine Lodge Pole Pine Engelmann Spruce Douglas Fir Western Red Cedar Scribed or Chinker Style
	"The Natural Corner" Double Round, Butt and Pass Hand-Peeled, Natural Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Full-Log or Half-Log
	Double-Round, Butt and Pass Hand-Peeled, Natural Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Full-Log or Half-Log
	Saddle-Notch Corner Modern-Peeled, Cedar Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar Modern-Peeled or Natural 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Full-Log or Half-Log
	Full-Round, Butt and Pass Modern Peeled Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Full-Log or Half-Log
	Swedish Cope Comes in: White Pine Lodge Pole Pine Engelmann Spruce 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Inch Diameter Smooth or Machine Peeled Full-Log or Half-Log
	D-Logs Natural, Hand-Peeled Comes in: Northern White Pine Norway / Red Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8 and 10 Inch Stack Natural or Modern-Peeled Rough Sawn or Planed
	Vertical Log Corner Natural, Hand-Peeled Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar Natural or Modern Peeled
	Hand-Peeled, Half-Log Siding Pictured to the left in Modern, Thick,  10", 8" and 6" Comes in: White Pine Northern White Cedar 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Inch Stack Natural or Modern-Peeled Thick or Thin CALL FOR PRICING AND MORE INFORMATION 608 547 4129

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Discovered new log home company

Grizzly log homes

Mike HOmpertz, during his morning coffee, often surfs Craigs List  looking for whats new, during his travels he cam across Grizzly log homes  ad HOME OF THE  $10,000 log home kit!. What he found was exciting, this seems to be a new budding company out of Tennessee who has the primary purpose of selling affordable log home kits with out the frills. It is ideal for homeowners who have the adventure and skill, to do some of the building themselves.  Never hearing of them before , he called 1-888-261-9884 and spoke with Eric where he learned that the owner was rigorously searching for failing mills/log home companies to acquire with the intent to keep them up and running. Grizzy log homes has  a rather altruistic  approach to this companies philosophy...In there welcome statement it reads

 

"Our company was created to bring jobs back to our rural community"

 

Appalachian mountains

In about us it states
"Our company is your best source for professional, value driven low cost service. 

We cut the logs,  We mill the logs.  We sell the logs.  

You save the money!

There is no reason your dream home should be out of reach.  

2 reasons we exist (besides God's grace); 

1. Affordable housing.

2. Help the Appalachian economy.

We can set a home on your property for what others just sell the logs.

Pick on of our plans, or design your own.  We want to be part of building your dream1-888-261-9884

and futher on we read:

  " These homes should be around for your grandchildren.  Our society is changing & with the current economic climate, this allows you to have more home for less money, &..." this statement Mike found particularly to his liking and beliefs " control debt instead of debt controlling you!"

 

apparently Grizzly log homes specializes in Tulip polar

Tulip Poplar 

We specialize in Tulip Poplar logs which are perfect for log homes.  These are not a poplar log but tulip poplar log.  Tulip poplars are weather resistant, & termite resistant.  The Indians used these trees for canoes.  Pioneers preferred these logs to other logs for homes.  In fact they were exported to Europe because they were recognized as a superior log. 

The tulip tree is the state tree  of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

It is native to eastern North America from Southern   Ontario and Illinois eastward across southern New England and south to central Florida and Louisiana. It can grow to more than 50 m (165 feet) in virgin cove forests of the Appalachian Mountains, often with no limbs until it reaches 25–30 m (80–100 feet) in height, making it a very valuable timber tree. It is fast-growing, without the common problems of weak wood strength and short lifespan often seen in fast-growing species.(thank you Wikipedia-liriodendron)

I learned that it is not an actual poplar, the Tulip Poplar but a member of the magnolia family. The  name is derived from the greenish-yellow tulip-like flowers that bloom spring. (Also, the leaves look like silhouettes of a tulip ) . Seeds are eaten by  birds and small animals, but aren't great favorites of any, except  cardinals. Once the seeds are blown away or devoured, the cones remain throughout the winter.

Tulip Poplar wood was  used by American pioneers and they last ! This log home  is from the 1830s and still standing! This is

Dog Trot House - A double pen log house separated by an open passage way covered by a single roof.

Finding this log home company has given Mike a new perspective on the value of poplar as a viable wood for log home building.

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What is a hand hewn log home

THE MOST RUSTIC LOOK-hand hewn 

The beauty of hand worked logs and natural stone cant be beat

Q and A 
by: C.Reinke 
Log Home Building Information

• Is it more expensive? Yes
• If so Why?Lets just say, generally speaking, when they are hand hewed, it is almost like building the log structure twice. 
• What does that mean? Because to properly fit the logs and form them together, you want to set it up there, each log up, and scribe them with a pencil above and below and each butt end to form each log to each other.  At this point , you take the log down, and hand hewed  all the lead lines off, up to where you scribed the lines. So it has a flow, as to leaving big rustic edges and knots.
• Does this take more time? In a milled log home , every log is already milled to fit each one, so there is no scribing and then taking it down and hand hewing. 
• What tools are involved? A hew knife is a two handle craving knife, which you pull towards you.

• Is it hard to use, does it require skill? It first of all must be very sharp, and yes it takes an element of skill and definitely strength, and some endurance . Like going threw knots.
• Is this method done much any more? There are a few craftsmen left.
• Why is not used anymore? Well it is becoming a lost art and the experience from it taking so much longer.

• Are there any befits over a factory milled to hand hewn, why would any one choose this? Because a hand hewen custom crafted log home , definitely looks very different than a milled log home. It is strictly up to the eye of the beholder, what look they are trying to achieve. Some people really like the rustic look.

• Do you? Would I put up some of my rustic log homes over a milled log home? Do doubt.  Atheistically I feel it is superior. The only thing that would deter me is the cost and or time.

Rustic log home, I built where the movie On  Golden Pond was filmed. State of New Hampshire, Squam Lake

• Are you saying that because you personally like the look of a rustic log home, or are there other features, such as quality involved? Well you have the consistency from a milled log home, easier sealing  than what you can get from a hand hewed home. I have to admit I am one of those who really appreciates the rustic look. I did start with rustic hand hewn homes and this probably plays into it.
• Do you still do rustic hand hewn homes? I haven't done one in years, it is just not very common any more, but would I , absolutely.   
• What is the comparison to your building costs of a milled home to what you might charge for hand hewn? Apples to apples, same floor plan, and species of wood,I would charge $35.00 on outside perimeter/lineal foot on the log erection.
• Why does species of wood matter? Typical hand hewed logs are white cedar. If you gave me a hardwood, such as oak, that would cost more, and is not practical.
• Why do they use Northern White cedar? It is a softer wood and easier to hand hew. It also has the highest insulation wood value. 
• Would you build a hand hewed home? Yes, I find both rustic and milled gorgeous, I love log homes. Also It would depend on location, some places really merits a rustic log home, I would build a milled log home in town, where as I would not a rustic log home.
•  I heard of rustic look , milled log home , what is that? It is when they take a milled log and take a tool that is like a form of a hatchet or craving and putting that look on it. Really they hack the log...by putting the marks on the exterior of the log,see my video showing how this is done at the Hochstetler mill.  

 Milled log in the  Hochsetler mill, where you can see Joe Hochstetler putting a hand hewed look on prepared logs.

 

I personally love the look of a hand hewn log home.I  recently found these pictures in my file box . As I said I have been building for at least 20 years, and these pictures bear that statement out, back before my hair turned its stately gray!

I have been thinking lately that so many people, with the internet can say, hey I have all this experience and therefore you can trust me to build your home. For instance, the fact that I was invited to extreme home make over. Really couldn't any fraud or desperate man/individual make statements like these on a blog, over the phone or what not.What proof do you have that it is or is not true? In my building career I have encountered my fair share of characters...I remember the pathological liars, cheats and extreme exaggerators, none of which I am. but how can you as a homeowner know? Well I think that posting my work on line for you to see if pretty effective.

Mike Hompertz and Jim Boardman

I have oodles of pictures! All in boxes and not in digital format. I scanned these images for you...they were taken back in the 1980s! I will continue to scan my older work. It is my portfolio after all. I hope you enjoy these images, I sure loved working on this log home.

Mike Hompertz in Wisconsin working on a hand hewn log home

Great wood log home hand hewn built by Patriot Log home builders . Home with front prow in New Richman Wisconsin

Back of Great woods log home showing hand hewn logs built by patriot log home builders

This was many years ago, we love building without shirts on.

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Contact Mike with Questions

Mike Hompertz of Patriot Log Home Builders

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