Research ~ Research ~ Research

We fully believe that research is the key to making the right decisions.  We don't go buy a new car without doing several months worth of research on different brands and models (although we usually come back to Ford and Mustangs are a family favorite), we just feel more secure in our choices if we have studied them to death.
At any one time we are researching and learning about several different topics, this week our list toppers are ...
1) The size of a fireplace so that we can determine the size that we will need to pour the fireplace footer.
2) Different types of metal roofing; with a top runner being Interlock Slate Roof.
3) How to make your own rock for the fireplace, foundation wall and around the porch posts. These "rocks" are made from colored concrete in a mold, it is a lot more time intensive but we project the cost savings to be HUGE! (over $5000 saved)
4) How to lay cement blocks.
Of course we will post links to the companies that we choose to work with, when we make the final decision.
Since we need to know the size of the fireplace footer before this weekend that one had to take priority, and next will be the block laying and we have to make sure that we get it right. (You-Tube videos are GREAT!)
Even though we won't be needing the roof or the rock for quite a while, it is good to have a game plan.  I have estimated that if I make the rock myself I will be able to make about 24 rocks per day and it will take me about 3 months to make all of the rocks that I need, but I can wait for warmer weather to get started on those.  The roof seems to be one of the hardest decisions for us; we like metal roofs but we want to do something different than all of the other log homes out there.  Most log homes that you see have a hunter green standard metal roof, and while we agree that this is a great look we are trying to figure out how much of a statement we want to make. (also how big of a statement our bank statement can handle!)  We may end up with a standard metal roof and just choose a different color or we may find something else along the way that is unique and affordable.

So grab an extra cup of coffee (our favorite is Kona from The Bad Ass Coffee Company) and get ready to Google your fingers off.