The entire design and building community is still working to grasp what BIM, or Building Information Modeling actually is, and how it is used.  This short video originally posted by Graphisoft does a good job at explaining what it is, and even how it is used.  3min 27seconds

This is a very interesting video on the TED network.  If you haven't experienced TED, it is a must.  Check out the link:

 http://bit.ly/ShirkySOPA

SOPA and PIPA have seemingly failed this go around, but keep your eye out for the next iteration.

 
One of the many credits to our way of life here in the USA is for freedom of speech and press.  Two bills coming up for vote are threatening to end a certain amount of that freedom.  Please find more info below, and if you agree, sign the petition and write your state representatives to urge them to not vote for this.  
 

Graphisoft has released their new "BIMx" software for iPads and iPhones. While the BIM giant has used Building Information Modeling since the days of the Apple Lisa back in 1983, their latest release brings clients and design professionals together for interactive design like never before. This allows us to export a model for customers to review using their own hardware. Take a look and see what you think.

GRAPHISOFT BIMx now turns the iPad/iPhone into a full-fledged interactive building model explorer device as well.

Log Home Structural Engineering:

Every year, we get several requests for help in solving various log home problems in poorly designed, or poorly constructed, log homes. Some of this can be traced back to the builder’s not being able to read and properly interpret the blueprints or engineering specifications. Other problems lie in the actual design, traceable to the...

We received a question last week about log rot on a log home constructed in or around 1980. While it is not a common problem to have log home decay, if proper stain and maintenance are routinely being preformed, sometimes a quick tip can make all the difference. After we had a chance to see the logs in question, it became obvious what caused the problem. Two things that seemingly go together like beans and cornbread, or peas and carrots, are log homes and fireplaces. While those things go together well, storing firewood against a home can be a bad idea.

Fall: The Perfect Time to Start Planning for Your New Log Home As the weather begins to cool, and football finally makes it back into our living rooms, it just might also be the perfect time to sit down with a cold one and start planning your dream home! As we start yet another season of activities one of our recommendations is to start investing in your future. While the stock market isn't exactly the place to invest without reservations, building your custom log home on that perfect piece of property can be a much more beneficial investment in time and resources.

Where should you build your new home?

Whether you are planning to build a primary residence near the conveniences of the city, or a secluded weekend retreat in the mountains, you will most likely be able to find land that will suit your needs.

While studying possible home sites, do your research. Make sure you take a look at the area’s:
average temperatures
average annual...

Self-Builder:

This requires that you do all of the dry-in and finish construction for the home yourself. Being a self-builder will provide you larger savings compared to the other two methods, but the savings can diminish with expenses of tools, labor, and potential time delays that will add...

Now is the Time to Build Your New Home 

In spite of the existing housing sector, custom log homes have become more popular than ever.  Indeed, studies show that building a log home, rather than buying an already-built log or frame house, is preferred by a sizable... click below for more!