Interior Construction 8/7/04

Side View 8/7/04

Covered Porch & Dormers 8/7/04

Roof Decking 8/7/04

Construction Continues 7/9/04

More Logs 7/8/04

Adding More Logs 6/29/04

Setting the First Logs 6/29/04

Off Loading & Positioning Logs 6/23/04

Recieving Our Logs 6/23/04

Subfloor Framing 6/23/04

Building the Stem Wall 6/17/04

Pouring The Foundation 6/11/04

Digging The Footers 6/11/04

Digging The Footers 6/11/04

Overlooking Lake Omaha

Clearing the Lot 6/8/04

Clearing the Lot 6/8/04

Reviewing the Plans

Selecting the Right Builder is Essential!

In The Beginning, There Was a Cherokee Village Lot

At this point you can see the beams and support post that support the 2nd floor system. A staircase has bee added to facilitate upper level work. The second floor decking is composed of 2" tongue and groove lumber.

From this side view you can see the framing work for the rear shed dormer and the openings for windows and fireplace.

This frontal view provides a great view of the covered porch and framing has begun for the dormers.

Now with full log gable ends and beams added for the roof, tongue and groove decking is overlayed for a finished look for the interior ceiling and covered porch.

Here is a view of the house from the back

As more logs are added the house begins to take shape. Each new log is securely bolted to the previous log using 8" lag bolts. A foam strip is inserted between the tongue and grooves of each log to provide a tight seal between logs.

Openings are roughed in for doors, windows and fireplace and additional logs are cut to size and added.

The first course of logs is securely attached to the stem wall using J Bolts.

Having a fork lift on site was not only essential to off load the logs, but it also simplified the task of positioning the logs for easy access.

With our lot now cleared, foundation and stemwall complete and construction in progress on the 1st floor subflooring, it is time to receive our logs. We met the truck and guided it in to the job site.

Once the stemwall is complete, our carpenters begin construction on the subflooring for the first floor.

After a few days for the cement footers to cure, the stone mason begins construction on the block stemwall and the center support pilings.

Once the Foundation is dug, The cement truck is brought in to pour the foundation footers.

Once the foundation has been carefully laid out, the backhoe is used to actually dig the footers.

Once the House is staked out on the lot, The next step is to dig the footers for the house. We want to ensure that the foundation is strong and true.

While our lake view is partially obscured by the trees on the lot to our front, this lot just recently sold and will soon be cleared. Once cleared, we will have an even better view of Lake Omaha.

With many of the trees and brush removed, we can now stake out the house and begin to appreciate the full potential of the lot and visualize where and how the house will be situated.

Construction begins on 6/5/04 with the clearing of the lot. Our corner, lake view, lot was heavily wooded initially but much of the vegetation had to be removed to make room for the house and septic system.

Sandi and I selected the Lockloosa Model (See Models and Plans) for our first construction project. The size and look of the home was perfect for our Cherokee Village lake view lot. Of course we did make some modifications to the plan and added a shed dormer to the rear of the house to provide more living space.

Michael Orosz & Sons Construction: Michael Orosz and his wife Gail have over 30 years of conventional and log home construction experience. Michael is the most highly recommended builder in the area and Sandi and I have visited other homes that he has built. Not only is his work and reputation impeccable, but he and Gail are honest, friendly and easy to work with.

Sandi and I purchased this lot because of its rustic setting and its view of Lake Omaha. Ideal location, natural and peaceful surroundings, friendly neighbors, amazing amenities and affordably priced. We knew we had found the unbeatable combination!