Every few months we feature an interview with a different log home company. This month we spoke with Rich Marcom of Strongwood Log Homes, located in Gainesville, GA.
Why do people choose Strongwood Log Homes?
Because we are a part of a limited number of quality Log Home Dealers who fully Kiln-Dry their Logs before selling them to you! Also because we are qualified G.C.’s in the southeast and Build what we Sell! We can just sell you the materials… or, dry-in your package… or, do a complete Turn-Key on your project!
What is your wood of choice?
Eastern White Pine… This is the recommended, wood of choice, for Log Homes according to the U.S. Forest Service Wood Handbook.
Can you customize the floor plans you display on your site?
Yes! As a matter of Fact, better than 95% of what we do is “Custom”! At Strongwood HQ we have our own “in-house design team” that does nothing but design log homes for our clients. This Design Service is a No Charge Feature for Strongwood Clients… Planning Services are Free!!
What log profiles and corner styles do you offer?
Whatever you want! We offer 72 different Log Profiles and Corner Styles to include Hand-hewn and Machine-Hewn Logs.
Every log home company seems to have their recommended log finishes. What does your company recommend for internal and external finishes?
We’ve had great success with Sikkens and that’s normally what we recommend and use. However, that is not to say that something better may come to market and we are always testing to insure that we offer whatever is the best available!
What’s the best advice you would give to a new log home buyer?
If you want to avoid “maintenance” , shrinking, settling, bugs, drippy sap and many “checks/cracks” in your logs, then the only way to go is with a Kiln-Dried Log… 28 to32 days in the Kiln @185 degrees is what qualifies for a “fully Kiln-Dried Process”…. 17 to 19 Percent Moisture Level when cured. Plus, whomever you buy your logs from should also be the person who BUILDS the home for you… Less problems with just “one team”!
How have the changes in our economy affected your company?
It’s been a difficult year for us, but International Sales have been booming and that has really helped to keep the Strongwood Organization at work! We’re seeing a lot of “interest” at our Log Home Shows, but not many have been turned to a Spring Sale or Construction Start.
What has been the biggest change(s) you’ve seen in the log home business over the years?
More stylish homes with lots of windows and “light” inside. Also a “mix” of styles and materials!
Is your company a member of any trade or consumer groups?
You Bet… The Log Home Council, among many others!
Has your company won any awards or been recognized for an outstanding product or service?
Yes… For “Design” and “Most Beautiful Log Home”…. Just completed a Stunning 8000 sq. ft. home valued at $4.5 million dollars.
CONTACT:
For more information, or to talk with Rich Marcom, visit: Strongwood Log Homes
or email Rich Marcom.
Depending upon where you call home, spring is either right around the corner or still buried under a few feet of snow. Regardless of how much shoveling you had to do this morning, we all know that St. Patty’s day is in just in front of us and trees budding with new leaves will follow shortly behind. Take heart 
Anyway, believing that spring will soon be part of our reality, the annual rites of fixing up the house, and starting new projects are about to begin. I read somewhere the other day that due to this $%@}#> economy of ours, many people are redecorating and adding-on instead of buying new homes.
Even if you are one of the lucky people who are forging ahead with your dream of building a log home, the odds are that there will be many things you will want to change or add on after the crew has finished stacking your logs.
The size and nature of a project, even for us DIYers will dictate that we balance our knowledge and skill level with money and time. Some projects are just too much for one person to accomplish. I can build some great cabinets, but I wouldn’t attempt to set granite counters.
If you have any size project planned from fixing a railing to refinishing a basement or replacing a roof, you can get free, no obligation ‘local’ quotes from a company called “Reliable Remodeler“.
The Log Home Directory has a convenient form where you can describe and submit your project, then sit back and receive no obligation remodeling or renovation bids. This is a huge time saver and a great way to see if that idea of yours can become reality for less money than you expect. Learn more about the Reliable Remodeler process here.
by Tom on February 24, 2010
Not a week goes by that I don’t hear from someone having a special request outside of the regular business of this blog. I’ve had people ask where they could find unique products, how to build a primitive log cabin, and even how to dismantle a log home.
Today’s unique request is from a company trying to locate the owner of a dismantled log cabin that is stored in a barn in Kentucky. A copy of the ad they are placing in local newspapers is below:
LOG CABIN – Seeking the owner of a deconstructed log cabin who stored the logs in a barn on a farm in Oldham County, Kentucky. The farm owner can no longer store the logs. Please contact Edith Sommer of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP at (502) 562-7166.
I know the odds are probably better that I’ll win the Lottery this week than we’ll locate the owner of these logs, but you never know.
by Tom on February 19, 2010
Like most of you, I receive spam for every conceivable product and far too much slips past my daisy-chain of spam filters. Those spammers are indeed a very crafty bunch.
In all these years, I have NEVER received spam from a log home related company… until yesterday. Is this a reason to celebrate or to cry? I couldn’t believe it when I saw it because I couldn’t imagine a company in this industry risking it all to spam the universe.
Fortunately, my spam filter snagged this one, but I’m one of those who must check the spam daily because I get so much mail from ‘online forms’ or folks who aren’t familiar with the verification process.
Anyway, I receive 2,000 – 3,000 spam messages every day and can usually zip through the list quickly. I’ll check out any whose subject catches my eye or I recognize the domain, etc. Well, this one mentioned log homes in the subject even though my filter identified it as spam.
I was pleased to find out that the message was not sponsored by anyone identifiable in the log home industry. It had beautiful pictures of log homes and a call to action to learn more, but the link was a garbage domain with useless information.
In the world of spam, where everything from airfare deals to Viagra are the norm, seeing ‘Log Homes’ included in the mix might just be an encouraging sign. Maybe (hopefully) the spammers success from their typical email trash is now bad enough that they are trying new niches.
With any luck, the word will spread to the spammers that log home people are not good spam targets and they will move on to other niches like fertilizer or cat food. How about you? Have you ever received spam from a log home company?
