Custom Designs

We encourage everyone to bring us their plans and ideas. We specialize in efficient onstruction methods but sometimes the most appealing designs are not very efficient. If you have seen a plan somewhere that you really like, send us a picture or a bar napkin sketch and we can usually make it happen for you. Remember, we want to build your dream not what someone else thinks your dream should be. "Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." –Benjamin Franklin

2014 Prices

We will undoubtedly be forced to have a price increase before the end of the year. Our last increase was in the Spring of 2011 and we have seen things go up dramatically since then. Judging by our bookings for next season, 2014 should be a very strong year. As a small construction company, we are limited as far as how many projects we can take on. We have limited our Western Alaska projects to DIY kits since the expense of sending a crew is cost prohibitive in most instances. The kits are becoming more and more popular each year and we are constructing a new shop this year to keep up with the demand. We are also offering several finish package options which saves our bush customers from coming to town and trying to find everything they need for electrical, plumbing and insulation etc. "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover." –Mark Twain

Warm Weather

Due to our warm fall weather, we are able to take more work than we anticipated. We are still pouring concrete and excavating. If you have interest in building yet this season don't hesitate to let us know. We normally are winding down on our concrete pours this time of year since we have to heat and tent when it starts getting cold. We excavate and install pilings and sono-tubes all winter long however. Even under the best winter conditions, we can't usually start driving on the local lakes until after Thanksgiving which gives us plenty of time to build on the road system. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. –Chinese Proverb"

Update on SIPS

We have been working with the manufacturer on a custom SIPS panel and we think we have arrived at a real winner. We will be introducing our 'FCC Super-Insulated Arctic Home' option in a few weeks. Our first offering will be a 24 x 36 single level with R-44 Floor, R-44 Walls, R-50 Ceiling with Triple Glaze windows. The super insulated shell will run around $75K and will have a Rough-Sawn no-groove T1-11 exterior and a 1/2" fire rated ACX interior. All interior wiring boxes and chases will be ready for wiring. The interior walls will be in but will need sheetrock and paint etc. Heating costs on this package will be 1/3 of what it costs to heat a conventional home of the same size so the increase in cost of the construction will easily be paid back in a few years.

We go on multiplying our conveniences only to multiply our cares. We increase our possessions only to the enlargement of our anxieties. -Anna C.

SIPS Panels

We are soon going to be offering Structural Insulated Panels or SIPS as an option for all of our kits. We will have super insulated walls, floors and roofs available in all sizes and styles. SIPS are a higher price than conventional frame buildings but offer a superior insulated envelope. We will have more information to follow. Stay Tuned! There are two ways to be rich: One is by acquiring much, and the other is by desiring little. -Jackie French Koller

2013 State Fair

The 2013 State Fair was a great success this year. It seems that most of the visitors to our booth had already seen us on facebook. We've had numerous calls and visits from folks who came to see us at the fair and we are grateful for all the past clients that came by to say hi. It just so happened that we received three emergency orders to get on the barge for Galena during the fair so we had to have all hands on deck during that time. To those who came by, thank you, and hope to see you again. Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction. -E.F. Schumacker

Fall and Winter Scheduling

We have somehow managed to stay on schedule this season even with all the rain. We are now scheduling for next summer but we still have start dates available between now and then. Scheduling for off-road work after freeze-up starts early in the summer but we still have space for yours. We even have a few start dates open before freeze-up due to our excellent crews finishing work early. The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. -Socrates

Alaska State Fair

We will be at the Alaska State Fair again this year from August 22 to September 2. We will have some small models of our cabins and hundreds of pictures to view as well as knowledgeable staff to answer any of your building questions. Look forward to seeing you there! Character is like a tree and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. Abraham Lincoln

The Power Of Facebook

I never thought Facebook would be a part of our marketing strategy but alas, it certainly is. We started out slowly with a few likes here and there and now we're at 4000 and growing every day. It has really been helpful in determining which cabins grab the most interest. The feedback is instantaneous. We also get a few folks who post negative comments but by and large it has been a positive experience. We are trying to post new material several times a week so everyone can see our work. If you haven't joined us already come on board!

Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.
Aldous Huxley

Summer Scheduling

Even with the late break-up, we are finally getting back on schedule. I thought we would be lagging behind all summer since we got such a late start. Thanks to efficient crew members and working a little overtime; we are able to open some more start dates in August and September. If you were putting off calling us since we were booked solid, give us a shout and we can probably take care of your building needs this season after all.
There are two ways to be rich: One is by acquiring much, and the other is by desiring little. -Jackie French Koller

The First Kit Seminar

We did our first kit seminar this last Saturday and I think it went pretty well. I encourage anyone that is going to be building a kit to attend one our workshop/seminars to get a handle on the process. We can show you many short cuts and time savers and help you avoid some frustration. We will be doing another Kit training day after the State Fair. It will either be on September 7th or the 14th. The training takes about four hours and should be well worth your time if you are building one of our kits. See You There!! The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. -Socrates

The 'Free Cabin For a Family in Need'

The 'Free Cabin for a Family in Need' is now ready for interior finish. When we started to move forward with this idea of providing a free home for someone in need, we weren't prepared for the enormity of the need and the overwhelming requests for help. We are only a small company with very limited resources but we figured we would try to do a small part. Even though it seems like one grain of sand on the beach, it's still worthwile. When we first announced the Free Cabin idea, we received a check for $20 to help from a lady we had built for. Her and her husband were both on disability and that $20 was a lot to give for them. I was so moved by this that I pinned it to the wall in my office to remind me we were on the right track. To whom much is given is much required. [Luke 12:48]

Kit Cabins!

Our kit cabins have become very popular and we are constantly looking for new ways to improve and promote our product. Many have told us that they like our kits because they can customize them any way they wish to. Most kit companies have certain plans and it is quite expensive to make changes if you are allowed to at all. Some companies have no proceudure for making design changes. I can certainly understand why; changes do take time and involve re-drawing and engineering but we are small enough to do the changes in-house to prepare the kit for your dream cabin. We still have a four to six week lead time on kits and our Kit Seminar/Workshop is going to be on June 22. If you want to join us, please email and let us know you plan to come so we know how many to expect. I will email directions to where we are going to be having it. Depending on how well it goes, we are planning on another Seminar in September after the State Fair. Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Orison Swett Marden

2013 Scheduling Update!

This has been an interesting spring to say the least. This is my 35th year in Alaska and I don't remember a later break-up. This has slightly altered our schedule and we have been forced to start a few jobs late due to the heavy frost still in the ground but we are also bringing back some past crew members to help us to keep up with the demand. We still have some start dates available for the summer and several in the fall as well. The demand for kits is double what we have experienced in the past which speaks well for our local economy in general. We are holding the kit seminar on June 22 to give kit builders a confidence boost before they start. Don't hesitate to call us about your upcoming project, we'll try to figure a way to accommodate you. I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs. Frederick Douglass

A Shout out to Wasim at Google

It may seem that all huge companies are so big that they have no time for us little guys but I can say that Google adwords has been exactly opposite. You would think a company with annual revenues of 50 billion would be all electronic and impersonal but I have learned that they do listen to us small businesses. I was contacted by email many times by a man named Wasim and I never responded because I thought it was junk mail. Finally, I received a phone call from Wasim letting me know that some of the things I was doing on Adwords was costing me much more than it should and that I should change some keywords and budget amounts. Many of the budget amounts that I was using were too high and he helped me several times over the phone to streamline my advertising campaigns. Not only does he return calls promptly; he also keeps an eye on my account to make sure I am getting optimum bang for my buck. All of this with a cheerful and helpful attitude. To say I am impressed is a vast understatement. 'Thanks Wasim!' Hire character. Train skill. – Peter Schutz

Kit Seminar Date

We have finalized the kit seminar for June 22. If you have purchased a kit from us or are considering one, please let us know and we will give you the time and place. We will cover everything from inventory to screwing the roof down and installing windows and doors. We won't be able to teach anyone to be a journeyman carpenter but we will take a lot of the guesswork out of doing one of our kits. Look forward to seeing you there. We will announce on our facebook page a few weeks out as well. You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. Dale Carnegie

METAL POLE BUILDING PRICES

We have finally finished the price sheet for our Metal Pole Buildings. We are taking orders now for this coming summer. Please call or email if you have any questions.

Spring Ice!

As the days get warmer and the snow melts, be careful when driving on the ice. This is the time of the year when holes develop in the ice that you may not be able to see. We used to pride ourselves as the first ones on the ice and the last ones off. Happily, we no longer have that attitude and are a lot more conservative when traveling on the ice. We have never lost a vehicle or machine on the ice but that was just dumb luck not a result of forward thinking. If you are the last person driving on the ice, it's only a matter of time and the law of averages will catch up! When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow. Shauna Niequist

Is the Blog worthwhile?

When I first started writing the blog in November 2009, I really didn't expect anyone to actually read it. I figured we needed a blog because every other company with a website had some sort of a Blog. I have been amazed by how many folks have told me they read the blog. I've tried to bring up some interesting topics concerning building in Alaska but I sometimes feel that the stuff I post is so much common knowledge that why bother? The blog will continue thanks to the encouragement I have received over the past few years. I do welcome suggestions for future posts. Thanks for reading! Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's learning to dance in the rain. - idk_

New For 2013- POLE BUILDINGS

Over the years we have been asked many times if we can do pole buildings. We have done a few but we normally referred potential customers to our friends at All Purpose Buildings. Since they are no longer doing pole buildings, we are going to be introducing several sizes this year. The pole buildings are great for shops, barns, hangars, warehouses and any other large spaces and are slightly less expensive than conventional frame buildings. If you have need of a pole building in the future contact us for more information. We will be posting sizes and pricing next month. For a large heated space, nothing beats a pole building insulated with urethane. When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us. - Alexander Graham Bell

Kit Seminar

We have had a pretty good winter for working so far. We've had good ice conditions without severe cold which makes for good building. Summer is very busy but we still have a few start dates available in some areas. We will be spread throughout the state again this year so if you have building needs, let us know and we'll see if we can take care of it. Kits are becoming more and more popular, especially for the remote areas and we are planning a one day seminar in June for those that need some guidance before doing it alone. The date will be around the 22nd or 29th of June so if you have interest in a kit, contact us and we will sign you up for the seminar so you will be more comfortable doing it yourself. “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well". From: "More Maxims of Mark” ― Mark Twain

Remote Cabins-The reality show?

The facination with Alaska themes seems to be everywhere on reality TV. From Flying and fishing to Gold mining and Taxidermy, you name it, they're making a show about it. We have been approached at least a half dozen times in the past few years to be involved in a reality show. My response has been that a well run company shouldn't have too much drama. Without conflict and drama, it is pretty boring to watch. We have been striving for over twenty years to build a boring, well-run company. Naturally we don't always succeed, but we certainly don't want a camera hovering over everytime something goes wrong. People watch car racing for the wrecks and hockey for the fights. I have to admit, the most interesting part of a show is when things go bad or people have conflict. Fist fights are a bonus! A remote cabin building TV show?....thanks for asking but no thanks!

2013 Schedule

Now is the time to get on the schedule for this season. We still have start dates available this summer and fall but they usually go pretty fast. The cabin kits have been very popular and we are constantly improving the system as we get feedback from our kit builders. We are going to add several new plans this year, including two duplex plans. We also build from custom plans so if you have plans you want built, we can certainly build from them. If you have building needs this year; send an email or give us a call and we will start the process with you. The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. -Socrates

Spray Foam Insulation

We will be offering polyurethane spray foam insulation as an option for our cabins this coming year. Urethane cannot be beat for R-Value per inch and for insulating a home or cabin. At R-6.9 per inch as opposed to R-3.8 for fiberglass, it will pay for itself in a relatively short time, not to mention the air tight seal it provides. We will even be able to offer urethane on our remote jobs since we are able to break our equipment down to fit in a small plane or even an ATV trailer. Spray foam is significantly higher in price than fiberglass but the value is obvious when the temperature is below zero and you are using much less fuel than you will with conventional insulation. “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” ― Albert Camus

2013 Pricing

We have always been a little behind the curve on our pricing. We had a very small price increase in 2010 but we have held the pricing since that time even though our operating costs have gone up significantly since that time. Unfortunately we have found it necessary to increase our pricing again effective January 1, 2013. The amount of the increase has not yet been determined but we will publish it on our blog later next month. Naturally, any contracts before January 1 will be kept at the current pricing so if you have plans to build in 2013, let us know so we can schedule you for the upcoming season.
Best Regards
Jay Friesen

The Free Cabin for a Family in Need!

Last fall we solicited submittals from folks that were in need of a home. We asked for a short letter describing the need and we had several stipulations. The building lot needed to be free and clear, the candidate must show the ability to finish the cabin and it must be a primary residence. We selected a candidate and started the actual building last week. We hope to do something similar in the future but we will use a different process to select the candidates. We have built free cabins several times in the past and we hope to do so in the future. We believe in helping our neighbor in whatever small way we can and I can say we have received much encouragement from our staff and customers. We will be posting updates on Facebook and on this blog. For unto whomever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. LUKE 12:48

It's Here!

Winter is here, I guess we might as well accept it. For over twenty years we have had a very active winter building season. Many of our remote sites are much easier to access in winter so some winters are as busy as summer. If you have a remote cabin to build, let us know and we can start planning for it. Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen. Louis L'Amour Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/louis_lamour.html#EHCKQMpwxQWgXjME.99

State Fair

Well, the State Fair was great! We had many past clients and friends stop by on the purple trail. Many interested parties also came by to get started planning for their future cabins. The Fair is a long term investment for us. Most people that meet us at the Fair are a few years away from building but it is never too soon to start planning. “Just when you think it can't get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can't get any better, it can.” ― Nicholas Sparks, At First Sight

Installing insulation baffles in your rafters

One of the most common questions I get is about insulation in the rafters. In order to keep air flow from the eaves to the ridge or vented attic space, you need to install baffles between your rafters to keep the insulation from lofting and blocking the air flow. We have created a video to get you on the right track. Hope it helps.

Summer at last!

The summer has been a busy one so far. We have projects in Homer, Delta, Fairbanks, Palmer, Trapper Creek, Soldotna and Talkeetna underway as we speak. We have been able to stay ahead of schedule and we're trying to keep that trend going. We still have start dates available later in the summer and fall so don't hesitate to contact us. Thich Nhat Hanh: “Every morning, when we wake up, we have twenty-four brand-new hours to live. What a precious gift! We have the capacity to live in a way that these twenty-four hours will bring peace, joy, and happiness to ourselves and others.”

Break-up

Well, the winter season is almost over. We still have a few projects on local lakes but we will quit driving on them in a couple of weeks.
The ground won't be completely thawed for another month or two but we are starting new work now.
We still have a couple of start dates in April and May which are traditionally slow because of road restrictions and break-up. Meanwhile, we are taking orders for kits to ship in May and June.



It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts.
Robert H. Schuller Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/positive_2.html#AGkB0A5XIY2H1ZP9.99

Summer is coming!

We are gearing up for a very busy season this year. We have projects lined up in Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Delta, Homer and all points between so far. We still have some start dates available however, so don't hesitate to contact us.
We are in the process of developing some new plans this year as well and we welcome any suggestions.
We will be building the 'Free cabin for a family in need' in June and will be posting pictures on our Facebook page as we progress.








Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder ...


- Henry David Thoreau

A Real Winter Indeed!

Well, we are having a real winter this year. You hear everyone talk about how much colder it was back in the day but if you look at the actual weather data from the 70's, 80's and 90's, we had some warm winters back then too. When I came here in 1978, I was told that it was much colder in the 50's and 60's and I'm sure it was but this winter has been unusual in that we have a lot of snow and it has been real cold on top of it.
It hasn't slowed our construction down however. We have some of the best off road travel conditions ever.
We will be freighting for another three months or so, so now is the time to have us do your cabin or at least freight the material for a summer build.
See you on the trail!




The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair.
Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001), Mostly Harmless

2012

2011 was a really busy year and 2012 is looking strong as well. Our website traffic has more than doubled since last year at this time so we are gearing up for a busy season. We have become known for our off road projects but most of our projects have some road access. Most of our clients are from Alaska but many are from the lower 48 and are building vacation homes and others are having us build their primary residence.
Now is the time to schedule for summer work. We still have a few start dates available for summer and fall work but they usually go pretty fast this time of year. We have many projects scheduled throughout the state for this year and we are scheduling some for 2013.
Thankfully, Alaska hasn't been hit as hard economically as the rest of the country and we have been able to keep all of our crews working throughout the downturn.
The cabin kits have become more and more popular and we are constantly trying to improve our product to make them easier to build. Most folks have opted for the built-on-site cabins but if you have the time, the kits are a good option.
We look forward to seeing you in 2012!




He has a right to criticize who has a heart to help.
Abraham Lincoln

Winter Conditions

Well, we have a normal winter on our hands. Traveling conditions are very good. We can access almost any off road site we need right now.
We are driving trucks and equipment on most valley lakes now and even the rivers are in good shape.
We've had enough snow cover to keep the frost from going too deep which makes it easier to do dirt work.
If you are interested in doing a project yet this winter we can most likely do it for you. We have several projects going now and we will be starting some new ones soon but we still have room for a couple more before break up.







Try to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.

- Sydney Smith

Free cabin winner

FREE CABIN GIVEAWAY WINNER
The “Free Cabin Giveaway” winner has been selected! We’d like to thank all entrants who took the time to explain why they felt qualified to win; and some were very close. However, our decision was based on several factors that made her exceptional. First, for privacy, her identity will remain anonymous.
At fifty-eight years old, she has lived in Alaska for over thirty years. Her husband of nineteen years was a disabled veteran; he died this summer. With one high school child still at home, it’s been very difficult to make ends meet with just a part-time job. It’s inevitable that she’ll lose her home because she no longer has the additional income from her husband’s disability from VA.
Our winner was able to buy an acre of land from some of the insurance funds, but is unable to completely build a cabin. This will not be a vacation cabin, but a primary residence. In addition, she does have the funds to do the finish the cabin.
Again, congratulations to our winner; not only someone in need, but who has suffered a great loss as well.

Jay Friesen,
Friesens Custom Cabins

Free Cabin

Only seventeen days before we make the selection for the free cabin. We have received many requests and we encourage you to write in for yourself,a family member or someone you know who is in need.
We are making plans to do another free cabin selection to anounce at the State Fair.
We haven't only received requests for the cabin, we have had folks write in that they want to help as well. Pretty cool!
Friesenscustomcabins.com/giveaway.HTML









A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
Winston Churchill

Winter

Well, it is here. Winter that is. Temperatures are dipping into single digits and lower in some areas. The lakes in south central are mostly still open or very thin but will be ready for travel by the end of November. We have been inundated with requests for off road work and we are gearing up.
Now is the time to give us a shout if you're interested in building this winter.

Winter season

We are now pulling out our winter gear to be ready when winter hits. The first few days of cold weather usually exposes any weak links. The snow machines and sleds all have to be inspected and repaired if they haven't been already. Somehow it is hard to make yourself work on winter gear when the summer season is so busy.
This winter looks like a busy one too and we are ready for it!






The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.
Henry David Thoreau

Fall Foundations

The warm weather has extended our fall season by a few weeks. We are still able to put in foundations without dealing with frost. We are also able to pour without tenting and heating. We still have our freight boat in the water.
If you want to start a project yet this year let us know and we should be able to get it started.
We install wood, concrete and steel pilings all winter so we never stop building.





A fellow can΄t keep people from having a bad opinion of him, but he can keep them from being right about it.
Unknown

Family in Need

Our "Free Cabin to a Family in Need program" has generated a lot of interest. If you know of anyone in need, email us a message of their situation in 200 words or less so they can be eligible for selection on Thanksgiving day. A full description is on our October 1 blog and facebook post.







All generalizations are false, including this one.
Mark Twain

Cabin Giveaway

We introduced our Cabin giveaway to a Needy Family on October 1. We have had great interest in the program. I should have mentioned that since this is our first offering, we want to build this first cabin on the road system in Southcentral or Interior Alaska.
Perhaps we will be able to offer a free cabin to bush Alaska in the future but we want to do this first one in an area where we can drive from our Palmer headquarters to the site.

Thanks everyone for your understanding!



A good conscience is a continual Christmas.
Benjamin Franklin
US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)

Cabin Giveaway

We introduced our cabin giveaway program yesterday but neglected to mention that all submittals and questions must be sent to us via email. This will greatly expedite the process.
Thanks everyone!

Cabin Giveaway

Friesen’s Custom Cabins
Cabin Giveaway 2012


We at Friesen’s Custom Cabins are implementing a new program to help a family in need by providing them with a FREE CABIN valued at $33,000!After October 1, 2011, a percentage of each cabin that we sell will go towards the building of a cabin for a family in need. Upon completion of this cabin in June 2012, a plaque will be posted on the wall with the names of each person we built for from October 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.
Entries must be emaied to us with a description of your situation or someone that you know in 200 words or less. The winner will be posted on Facebook and our Blog on Thanksgiving Day 2011. The following criteria must be met to be selected:
You must have clear title to the property, and be on the road system.
This is going to be your primary residence.
We need to have assurance that you have the means to finish it enough to be livable; since this cabin will be a framed in shell.
The Cabin will be an 864 square foot single level cabin with two bedrooms, one bath, kitchen etc. We will be providing the dried-in shell built on the selected site at no cost.
In an effort to show appreciation to our community, we look forward to making a small contribution to those in need. Good luck to All!

Best Regards,
Jay Friesen
Owner/General Contractor

Fall and Winter Season

The 2012 season is really shaping up to be really busy. We still have some start dates available for October and November. Since we were able to get some of our old crew members back we are able to handle more work than we anticipated.
We can pour sono tubes and put in pressure treated piling year round and we can do block and concrete slabs until about November first without doing too much in the way of heating and tenting.
Many of our off road projects are done after freeze up when the travel is easier across the lakes and rivers.
If you have project you want to discuss this year or in 2012, give a call or email and we'll get the process in motion.






The most merciful thing in the world... is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents.
H. P. Lovecraft

Cabin giveaway!!!

On October 1 we will be announcing the details of our free cabin giveaway. We will announce it on our blog and on Facebook. Stay tuned!

The 2011 State Fair

Well, it's over for another year. I'm speaking of the State Fair of course. We had a steady stream of traffic through our little cabin. Many of our past clients and friends of clients stopped by to say hi and it was really a great time.
Many new folks stopped by to check out our company as well and we will be building for many of them in the future.
The Fair is a long term investment. Many that see us for the first time at the Fair may be five to seven years away from building their dream cabin and we want them to know that we will be here waiting.




To find what you seek in the road of life,
the best proverb of all is that which says:
"Leave no stone unturned."
Edward Bulwer Lytton

The State Fair

The Fair has really been great this year. Hundreds of visitors and past customers and friends have stopped to say hi.
We have two days left and then it's over until next year. We were able to visit with a lot of folks who had never heard of us before and others who have been following us for years. Many people who come into our booth are friends of others we have built for and they are excited to get started building their own.
It is particularly satisfying to see everyone again some of whom I haven't seen for almost thirty years when I first got started in the business.







Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools do.
Dale Carnegie

It's Still Alaska!

A recent event reminded me why I live in this great state. One of our crew was delivering some materials to one of our projects in Chistochina on the Tok cutoff this past weekend when he blew out a tire. He had already had a flat on another tire so he had no spare. Able to find a friend in Slana for himself and his family to stay while we sent him a new tire, he waited. When he finally headed back to his truck to change the tire he found that the crew who was working on the road (CRUZ CONSTRUCTION), had jacked up his truck, pulled the tire, fixed the tire and put it back on the truck without so much as a note. We had to ask around to find who to thank.
Do you really think that would happen anywhere else? I already new CRUZ CONSTRUCTION was a great company but an act like this really shows they are much more. If you see the CRUZ crew working on the highway, give them a thumbs up, we could all learn something from them.


We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

- Winston Churchill

2011/2012 Season

The Fall and winter season is starting to look busy for us again this year. We have a number of off road and road system projects in the works. We are going to be at the Fair from August 25 to September 5.
Now is a good time to start planning for Winter and next Summer. Let us know how we can help.






Boredom: the desire for desires.
Leo Tolstoy

The Alaska State Fair

We will be at the Alaska State Fair again this year. We will have many pictures and examples of our work. This is a good time to get aquainted and let us know how we can help you in your building needs.







A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.
Mark Twain

Arctic Wings

Don Glaser has been taking us to remote locations for years. Don is one of the old time bush pilots and has seen Alaska as most of us never will. After flying well over half a century and many thousands of hours, he remains youthfully enthusiastic about flying and his attention to customer service is unmatched.
Don is so excited about flying you would think he just started and the newness hasn't worn off yet, but he has always been like that.
If you need float flying with a C-206 or PA-12 give Don a call at 495-3475, you are in for a real treat.

July 4th!

Among the barbecues and fireworks we often forget what we are actually celebrating. Our independence was bought and is continuing to be purchased with the blood of our soldiers, let's remember them!
Have a great Fourth!





Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. ~Thomas Paine

Northern Pioneer Helicopters

Earlier this week we had Northern Pioneer Helicopters transport upwards of 50,000 pounds of building materials to one of our off road jobs and I was impressed. These guys are organized and did the job on time and on budget. They really know their stuff and I would recommend them any day.
Thanks Guys!




Madness is rare in individuals - but in groups, political parties, nations, and eras it's the rule.

- Friedrich Nietzsche

Planning for Winter Work

It may seem funny to start talk about winter work when the summer has barely begun. Now is the time to start planning for winter work. As soon as the lakes and rivers are frozen we will be starting our off-road work. Some years we were busier in the winter than we were in the summer which took us by surprise.
In South Central we can generally work all winter. It is preferable to do dirt work early in the winter before the frost gets real deep.
If you are anticipating a building project this winter, give us a call and we'll help with the planning process.






Joy can be real only if people look upon their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.
- Leo Tolstoy

It is on!

The summer season is going strong so there won't be much time for rest until Christmas. We currently have projects in Denali Park, Petersville, Chelatna Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Kasilof, Cooper Landing and Willow. We will soon be going to Seldovia, Tok, Eureka and Chistochina along with our local work.
We have a lot of highly qualified help which allows us to cast a wide net 'as they say'.
The Cabin Kits have been a real hit and we are sending them statewide.
We are always interested in looking at new projects and still have some openings for this season.







When one door of happiness closes, another opens; But often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

Full Speed Ahead

The summer season is in full swing now. Road restrictions are off and most of the frost is out of the ground. Some of the higher lakes are still frozen but we will be able to start soon on those projects.
We have projects scheduled all over the state but we are still accepting new work. Our kits have been a big hit and we have our delivery time down to one to two weeks on the smaller cabins. We have also worked out an agreement with one of our sub-contractors to do foundations for our customers who purchase one of our kits but don't feel comfortable doing it themselves.





It's easy to have principles when you're rich. The important thing is to have principles when you're poor.
- Ray Kroc

2011 Start Dates

Thanks to bringing back some of our crewmembers from the past, we are going to be able to offer a few more start dates this season. Up until now we were pretty well booked for the season but with the extra help we will be able to take on a few more projects.
If you have a project that you want done this year, we may be able to make it happen for you sooner than we thought. We still have some winter dates available as well.
Give us a shout and we'll see what we can do!





A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?
- Albert Einstein

A cabin of course!
-Jay Friesen

Remote Property

A lot of people call us for tips on looking for remote land in Alaska. I usually recommend Bernie and Barbara Vockner at Remote Properties. Just like we specialize in remote building, Remote Properties specializes in remote property all around the state. They are the most experienced team in this state when it comes to land in remote areas. Their website is excellent and easy to navigate. Check them out at http://www.remoteproperties.com/

New Kit Pricing

We have finally finished the Kit pricing for all of the cabins on our site except the Plan# 8 which requires a concrete slab.
All of thes plans can now be ordered in kit form.

FCC KIT Price List March 7, 2011
Plan #1 T1-11
16 x 20 640 sq ft. 12,644
16 x 24 768 sq ft. 14,944
20 x 24 960 sq ft. 18,394
20 x 28 1120 sq ft. 21,384
24 x 32 1536 sq ft 28,511
28 x 42 2352 sq ft 43,656
Plan # 2
16 x 24 768 sq ft. 16,576
20 x 24 960 sq ft. 20,719
20 x 28 1120 sq ft. 24,038
20 x 32 1280 sq ft. 25,239
24 x 36 1728 sq ft. 35,822
28 x 42 2352 sq ft. 48,839
Plan #3
20 x 24 1056 sq ft. 19,800
20 x 28 1120 sq ft. 22,787
20 x 32 1280 sq ft. 24,530
24 x 36 1728 sq ft. 35,884
24 x 42 2016 sq ft. 41,848
28 x 42 2352 sq ft. 55,660
Plan #4
20 x 24 1056 sq ft. 22,346
20 x 28 1232 sq ft. 26,070
20 x 32 1408 sq ft. 30,078
24 x 28 1456 sq ft. 30,828
24 x 36 1872 sq ft. 39,683
28 x 32 1920 sq ft. 40,627
Plan #5
16 x 24 384 sq ft. 12,529
20 x 24 480 sq ft. 13,794
20 x 28 560 sq ft. 16,094
24 x 36 864 sq ft. 23,034
24 x 42 1008 sq ft. 30,716
28 x 52 1456 sq ft. 44,366
Plan #6
20 x 24 960 sq ft. 21,040
20 x 32 1280 sq ft. 28,056
24 x 36 1728 sq ft. 37,493
24 x 42 2016 sq ft. 43,766
32 x 48 3072 sq ft. 66,691
32 x 54 3584 sq ft. 77,806
Plan #7
16 x 20 768 sq ft. 16,991
1 6 x 24 896 sq ft. 19,565
20 x 24 1120 sq ft. 24,460
20 x 28 1280 sq ft. 29,575
24 x 28 1536 sq ft. 33,980
28 x 42 2576 sq ft. 56,254
Plan #9
20 x 28 1120 sq ft. 25,602
20 x 32 1289 sq ft. 28,136
24 x 28 1344 sq ft. 30,713
24 x 36 1728 sq ft. 39,501
28 x 36 2016 sq ft. 46,084
28 x 42 2352 sq ft. 53,764

Summer Scheduling

The 2011 season is shaping up to be a real dandy. We still have some start dates available this season and we are scheduling some work for 2012.
Our kits have become extremely popular and we are currently building a new website for the kits to cut down the confusion between the built-on-site cabins and the cabin kits.
We are helping a number of clients right now with the financing paperwork for their construction loans. Please bear in mind that the average construction loan takes a month or two to process if things go smoothly, so give yourself plenty of time.







I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be "happy." I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter and to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.

- Leo C. Rosten

Square footage costs

Frequently I am asked to quote the square footage cost of a finished home over the phone. Every time I have done so, I have been wrong. Usually too high or too low, never right in the middle.
At a home builder's seminar a few years ago, the instructor compared that question to 'how much does a bag of groceries cost'. In other words, there are a lot of variables. I know there is an average cost per square foot but I have never been able to pin it down.
A general rule of thumb in south central Alaska on the road system is between 100 and 140 per foot. (Once you get off the road the cost can be as much as 50 t0 75% more depending on location) Next you have to determine how to calculate the square footage. Do you include open areas and stairwells as living space, what about the garage if there is one, attic space, basements etc.? Is it on one floor or two? Is there city water and sewer or are you going to need a well and septic? The questions keep coming at you.
It is really best to get a firm quote based on a certain design. We can usually provide you with a quote within a few days if it is one of our designs or something close to it.





The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.
Elizabeth Taylor
British movie actress (1932 - 2011)

Looking for land in all the right places.

If you are looking for remote or recreational property in Alaska I have a couple of recommendations for you. We have worked with both of these companies before and they have a vast knowledge of the state and many properties listed throughout the state.

Klaus Steigler- http://www.talkeetnarealestate.net/
Bernie Volkner- remoteproperties.com






One must have a good memory to be able to keep the promises one makes." – Friedrich Nietzsche

Planning Ahead

It seems like the financial institutions are slowly loosening up and loaning money again. Terms are going to be more restrictive and requirements more stringent but it is happening.
For planning purposes, it generally takes three to six months to process an owner/builder construction loan. It can sometimes be done in less time but it is normal to spend several months in the process.
If you want to build this year, now is a good time to start the process.







Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of.
Benjamin Franklin, 'Poor Richard's Almanack,' June 1746
US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)

Bringing em back!

We may be able to open a few more construction start dates this season. I have been approached by several past crew members about coming back and working with us this year.
These guys have built many projects for us over the years and know our system and quality expectations.
It is very difficult to hire new people and get them up to speed on how we operate and treat our customers. There are many qualified craftsmen out there but only a few have the do-whatever-it-takes attitude that we are looking for.
We haven't hired any new crew in quite some time, we just keep bringing them back whenever we can.




Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. ~ Mohandas Gandhi

Pricing Updates!

We have updated our pricing recently. The increase on the cabin plans was 5%, however this will likely change in the next couple of months since our costs have gone up more than we thought since 2007. The garage plans went up the most after we found we were not even breaking even on some models.
Price increases are extremely unpopular. In hindsight, we would have been better off increasing the price slightly each year instead of doing it all in one season. I don't expect profit margins to stay on par with the past because the market is still in the doldrums but we do need to stay profitable to stay in business and take care of our customers for years to come.




An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.
Benjamin Franklin
US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)

Plan #10 for 2011

This is our newest plan. We will be posting the pricing on this blog later today and on Facebook. We will also have a new page for it on the website.

A Shout out to The Webmaster

George Lochner at bygeorgecreations.com has been our webmaster since we started a website in the 1990's. Charles Lochner, George's brother designed our brochures before the internet was available.
George has been the best guy to work with on keeping our website tuned up. He always has great ideas and is very prompt about his work.
If you need a professionally designed website, talk to George, you won't be sorry.

Survival Tape

Today we had a broken and leaking propane line on our weed burner torch. I was looking around the truck and found the Survival Tape I bought at the Alaska State Fair. Since that was all I could find we decided to give it a try. To say the least, we were impressed!

Statistics

We have received our web traffic statistics for the past year. We had 20,000 visits, 250,000 page views in 45 countries, all fifty states and all Canadian Provinces. Naturally, most visitors are looking for ideas and only a small fraction will actually become our clients.
We have received so much interest in our kits from the lower forty-eight that we are working on a plan to accomodate our lower 48 friends.
Our main focus is building cabins on site here in Alaska but we have received a lot of interest in the kits.





If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.

- Albert Einstein

Repair Work

We receive many requests for repair work on remote cabins. Although we are not able to accomodate everyone; I try to either prescribe a solution or recommend someone who can do the work.
Don't hesitate to call if you have need of repair work. If we can't get to it, we can find someone who can or provide a plan of action you can do yourself.






He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.
Benjamin Franklin

Susitna Energy

If you have lived in Alaska for twenty years or so, you will remember Mckay's Hardware in Anchorage. Mckay's Hardware was one of the old fashioned hardware stores that had everything, and I mean everything. I once searched every hardware store in Anchorage for a specific type of specialized lineman's pliers with no luck. I went to Mckay's and asked if they had the pliers and they asked me what color!
This was always the case, if you needed something, no need to shop around; just go to Mckays.
Well, if you are looking for specialized products for living in the bush or off the grid, Susitna Energy in Anchorage most likely will have what you need. Wood stoves, oil stoves, propane stoves, solar panels, windmills, inverters, generators, satelite phones and just about every other thing to make rural living comfortable.
We have dealt with Susitna Energy for many years and they are truly a pleasure to do business with.
Check them out at www.susitnaenergy.com or call them at 337-1300. You won't be sorry!



"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities - brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.”
John W. Gardner

Ice Conditions

The weather this winter has made for excellent ice travel. We still have several start dates available before break up.
Many projects are much more cost effective if done in winter. Let us know if have building needs across the ice.








Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.

- Abraham Lincoln

2011 Pricing

We posted on November 29th that the new 6% price increase would be effective on January 1, 2011. Due to the busy schedule, we haven't had time to do the updates yet so the pricing will remain the same until February 1, 2011. So far, noone has complained except our accountant.

2011 Forecast

2011 looks like a very busy year so far. We still have a few winter and summer start dates available. The ice conditions are pretty good so far, which enables us to start our winter work on schedule.
Our kit cabins have been more popular than expected and we will be adding more plans during the coming year.
As reported in the November 29 blog, there will be a 6% price increase on January 1.






Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.
- Oscar Wilde

Merry Christmas!!

We at Friesen's Custom Cabins want to wish all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a great NEW YEAR to come!

Ice Testing Video

Testing ice for thickness is a very simple process. Be sure you test in several different spots before you drive your vehicle on the ice. Be sure and watch for warm springs, creek outlets and inlets, and other areas of thin ice. Be sure and have at least 12" of good black ice for cars and pickups, 24" to 36" for larger rigs. Refer to the Blog dated 11/13/09 for the ice thickness formula put out by the Corp of Engineers. Above all, be careful!!

Pile Driver Extraordinaire!

We have built on many different sites over the years. Many times the only practical foundation is steel piling. When we need steel pilings we call Charley Ross at Pilings Plus.
If you are doing a project that requires steel pilings I highly recommend Charley. His number is 727-3027.
This particular project is on the Kenai in a flood zone. The only foundation that makes sense is a steel driven foundation.

2011 Pricing

Our prices have remained the same for the past four years. After reviewing our 2010 season, it has become obvious that we need to increase the price slightly to cover the ever increasing operating and materials costs.
We were anticipating a 10% increase across the board but metal roofing came down slightly this fall which enabled us to drop the increase to 6%. (Metal roofing is still approximately 50% more than it was in 2006) This increase will barely cover the increased cost of operations and definitely doesn't include any additional profit.
Not only has material increased in the past four years; workers compensation, liablility insurance, fuel and equipment costs have also gone up which really leaves us no choice in the matter.
The price increase will become effective January 1, 2011. Naturally, all projects contracted before that time will be locked in to the lower price.
We still have start dates available this winter and several available in the summer season.





I don't want to do business with those who don't make a profit, because they can't give the best service.
Lee Bristol

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving 2010
Everyone has heard all of the Thanksgiving cliches so there is no need to repeat them in this blog.
On Thanksgiving day take one minute (use a timer) and count all of the things you have to be thankful for. If you are an American, you can start with being thankful for our troops overseas who leave their families to fight and even die on our behalf. Then continue on to hands, feet, eyes, senses, air and the ability to breathe it. By the time a minute is up you will probably think of many more but if you can't that's OK, at least you made a start. In the worst of times there are always many things to be thankful for.
Many people have so many extreme problems that they really can't see their way to be thankful. It's not that they are unthankful, they just can't see through the fog of their misery. Remember, there are always people that are more miserable than you. Reach out to them with a kind word or a smile. It may do you more good than it does them.



Joy can be real only if people look upon their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.

- Leo Tolstoy

ICE TRAVEL

It looks like we will be traveling on the ice very soon. We normally shoot for driving on the valley lakes right after Thanksgiving but we will probably extend that a week or two. We should have pretty good ice for small vehicles in a couple of weeks.
Much of our work is done across the ice where it is impractical to do it in the summer. If we can drive across the ice to a building site, we don't have to charge extra for being off the road system and it makes things go very smooth.
If you have a project that is inaccessible in summer but driveable in winter; give us a holler and we can do it for you this season and have it ready for summer.




Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.
Kahlil Gibran
Lebanese artist & poet in US (1883 - 1931)

Kit Video Introduction

I have included an introduction video that comes with the power point presentation for our kits. We are continually trying to improve the presentation to make putting together one of our kits an enjoyable experience.
Please send any comments on how we can improve.

It's On!

It looks like winter is getting here, slowly, but it is coming. Soon we will be able to access projects that we couldn't get to in the summer.
I don't expect we will be able to drive on the local lakes or rivers until well after Thanksgiving.
We have a number of projects scheduled for this winter but we still have a few openings left.
A few tips for preparing your lot for winter building:

-Leave the snow on the lot and try not to drive snowmachines across the building site. This compacts the snow and allows the frost to go deeper into the ground, making it more difficult to dig pilings.
-Avoid scraping the organics off. The organic layer is a good insulator and helps keep the frost from going too deep.

These may seem like minor things but they make a big difference when it comes time to excavate.


He that lives upon hope will die fasting.
Benjamin Franklin
US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)

My First Cabin Repair Job

The year was 1978, the place was the upper Chitina River. I had been flown out to catch horses and repair the cabins at a hunting camp. Up until this point, I had never spent a day alone in my life so I didn't know what to expect.
My boss, Ken Bunch landed on an airstrip that I thought was a helicopter pad and told me this would be my home for the next few months.
A bear had recently torn up the cabins and out buildings. The doors had been smashed in and even some of the plywood had been peeled off the walls.
Most of the plywood had been flown in in 2 x 4' sheets which made it easier for the bear to peel it off, which he did.
The door was a hollow core door which probably felt as strong as toilet paper to the bear.
He had also gotten into all of the food in the cabin, making a huge mess.
Outside, he had bitten into the Blazo (white gas) cans draining them of there contents. I could never understand why they would bite a gas can.
Ken didn't give me much direction, he just wrote the names of the horses on the back of an envelope, Whitey, Blacky, Bad Eye, Friendly, Grey and so on. It was very easy to identify which one was which.
Before getting into his plane and flying off he pointed to a small cache platform in a tree and told me there was enough survival gear in the cache to keep me alive in case I burned the cabin down. "Keep you alive until I can get out and shoot you" he said with no hint of sarcasm. Then he got in his plane and took off. Here I was, an eighteen year old kid looking for adventure, never had spent a day alone in my life.
I first got started repairing the cabin. I found an old hammer with one claw, some used nails and an old hand saw with very dull teeth. Since I didn't have anything to campare it to, I felt fortunate to have even these simple tools.
To make a long story shorter, I fixed the cabin and made it liveable; at least until the bear came around again, but that is a story for another blog.





My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I'm happy. I can't figure it out. What am I doing right?
- Charles Schulz

New Kit Options

As advertised, we are adding new kit sizes and plans. Below are the new sizes for plans #1 and #5 six sizes for plan #2. These will be posted on our site very soon.

New Kit Options October 24, 2010
Plan #1
12 x 20- 9,120.00
24 x 32- 27,648.00
24 x 36- 31,104.00

Plan #2
16 x 20- 11,774.00
16 x 24- 13,871.00
20 x 24- 17,056.00
20 x 28- 19,398.00
24 x 32- 26,599.00
24 x 42- 40,729.00

Plan #5
12 x 20- 6,999.00
24 x 32- 19,200.00
24 x 36- 22,100.00



The meanest, most contemptible kind of praise is that which first speaks well of a man, and then qualifies it with a "but".
Henry Ward Beecher
US abolitionist & clergyman (1813 - 1887)

New Kits

Our kits are becoming more and more popular, especially for remote projects. We are introducing more plans and adding more options as well. We have developed a power point presentation for the kits that includes drawings, pictures, text and video. It is designed for someone who has no construction experience. So far we have had good feedback on the kits but we are always trying to improve our product and to include more sizes and styles.
We will soon be offering complete finish packages to include wiring, plumbing, insulation, wall covering, floor covering etc. etc. etc.
We are adding options as the demand calls for it and judging by the response we have had, demand is strong.
There is a four to six week lead time for the kits right now but we are trying to cut the lead time down to two weeks.
If you are in the market for a kit and you don't see it on the site; email or call us and we can get you a price on any size or style you wish.






Search others for their virtues, thyself for thy vices.
Benjamin Franklin
US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)

The seasons they area a changin'

We have become accustom to warmer temperatures over the years but 60 degrees in October still doesn't feel right. We all know that this can and will change very quickly so we might as well enjoy it while we can.
I hear people saying that it was much colder 20 years ago but I remember people saying the same thing over 30 years ago when I first came here. One thing for sure, 60 degrees in October feels pretty warm but I won't complain unless we don't have enough ice to drive on after Thanksgiving.
In our business, we look for ways to work with whatever weather we get, but sometimes you just have to stop and wait for it to change.
You can definitely count on change!



When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot!
Thomas Jefferson

Shout Outs!

I am going to make 'Shout Outs' a regular feature of this Blog. Almost all of us experience extraordinary service occasionally or see a random act of kindness in our daily lives. Sometimes we don't realize how unusual it was until much later.
Naturally, we are more likely to remember negative experiences, but those comments will be reserved for private conversation.
Recently, I have been working with several parties who received their construction financing through First National of Alaska. The Loan officers I have been in contact with are Teo Ransum and Stacy Tomuro and they have been great to work with. Above and beyond good service, they have been extraordinary. They return calls very promptly and went out of their way to make sure things were going smooth. For Owner/builder financing information you can go to http://www.fnbalaska.com/373.cfm


Never miss an opportunity to make someone's day!

It's Over

The Fair is over and it was good! Scores of past customers came in to say hi. I tried to keep a log of all who came through but I soon lost count. After building between 500 and 600 cabins over twenty years, we have a lot of past customers.
We have had a booth at the fair many times but this year was different. We couldn't even keep up with the demand for flyers and business cards.
We want to say thank you to all who visited us and we look forward to doing it again next year.



I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.
- Thomas A. Edison

THE FAIR

The 2010 Alaska State Fair is almost a memory, albeit a wet one. Two more days and it is over.
Alaskans are a hardy breed, I can tell you that. They come to the fair no matter how cold and wet it is. They wait patiently in line for performances where they will have to sit in wet cold chairs with rain pouring (although the hosts were wiping the chairs with a shamwow last night, which was cool)
They are wet through and through yet they walk through the grounds like there is nothing to it. You don't hear any complaining either, they are more likely to say "Its Alaska, It Rains, It's Cold, It gets dark, get over it." Try that in California.
Having our booth here gives us an opportunity to visit with past customers which is great. Some go back over 20 years. It also gives us an opportunity to speak with new customers who will be building in the next 20 years.
Come see us at the Fair, we'll be there until closing on Monday, then it's back to the real world.

Winter and Spring

Once again the leaves are starting to turn and the pace of construction quickens to get everything done before the snow flies. We still have a few start dates available before freeze up but we build all winter so what’s the hurry, right?
We start doing a lot of our off-road building after Thanksgiving when the ice is thick enough to support vehicles and planes on a normal year. We can put in piling foundations year round so we never stop.
If you want to build next spring; now is the time to start the planning process. Sometimes the financing takes several months to go through. Spring and Summer start dates fill up pretty quickly so it is good to get the ball rolling early.




Behind every successful man is a surprised woman. Maryon Pearson

Winter and Spring Schedule

We still have a few start dates available before freeze up but now is the time to start thinking about winter and spring. As you know, if you read our blog very often, we do a lot of our off-road building in the winter. Things really start to get busy after Thanksgiving when the lakes are solid enough to drive and land on.
If you wanted to build this summer but just couldn't get to it; we can do it after freeze up.
If you are planning on building this coming spring, give us a call and we'll start the planning process with you so everything will be in order right after break-up.
We are usually putting foundations and garage slabs up until November 1 and sometimes a little after.



Success is simply a matter of luck. Ask any failure.
Earl Nightingale

FAIR TIME!

The Fair starts today! Our booth is right next to the one with the airplane, right down the street from the haunted house. We will be there to answer any questions and actually write estimates for you on the spot.
If we have built for you before, please bring a picture that we can post on the wall or just stop in to say hi.
If you are interested in building in the future, stop in, we would like to meet you and discuss your future plans.

Look forward to seeing you at the 2010 State Fair! Hopefully, we'll see some sun!

RAIN!

We have obviously had a very rainy summer so far in South Central. Rain affects our schedule in several ways and it is hard sometimes to explain that it isn't that it is uncomfortable to work in and we are a bunch of wimps. There are other aspects to consider.
It slows the pace down in rough framing when you have to slog through mud, change into dry clothes and work with heavy wet wood, it is also dangerous to walk on wet, narrow, slick wood. Especially when you are twenty or more feet off the ground.
The scheduling problems usually start with the dirt work. It is hard or impossible to excavate when it is really wet. The dirt turns to mud, equipment gets stuck or slides around, making it very difficult and slow.
When the dirt work gets behind schedule; we can't start the foundation work on time, which means we can't start the framing on time which means we are not finishing on time, which means we can't start the next job on time which makes people unhappy. When the sun does come out and dries everything out, we are still playing catch up on the previous job so we can get the schedule caught up, but the client gets frustrated because we aren't on they're job while the weather is good.
The only way to catch up the schedule is to work more hours or hire more people which comes with it's own set of problems. We normally elect to work more hours within reason.
Residential framing is hard work and the more hours you work the less efficient you become and the more likely you are to get hurt. Statistics show that efficency drops dramatically after eight hours and the injury rate goes up.
The bottom line is; we are trying to get back on schedule right now and we are actually very close to being right on so we feel pretty fortunate even if we haven't had much help from mother nature.





Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. Mark Twain

See Us At The Fair!!

We will have our display cabin at the Alaska State Fair this summer starting August 26. We will be on hand to answer questions and give estimates. We look forward to meeting you at the Fair. I'm not sure where we will be but we will most likely be on the purple trail over by the big barn.





If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy.
- Anonymous

Choosing a lot Part III

Choosing a lot Part III (Off road edition)

Choosing a lot off the road system is much the same as any other lot but there are a few more considerations due to access. Many people think that off road lots are going to be a lot less expensive than lots on the road system but this is not always true and the cost of building is going to be much higher.
If you want to get away from the crowds you almost have to go off the road system and even then you are likely to have some neighbors.
Some things to consider:
-What kind of access is there to your lot? Boat, Snow machine, ATV, Aircraft, Ferry, etc.
-Is there year round access?
-If the access is too difficult, are you really going to feel like visiting the cabin often?
-What about emergencies?
-Is there drinkable water available?
-Is the property in a flood zone? Many river lots are susceptible to flooding. Flooding can change channels and cut the property in half or erode the usable portion away. (I know, it happened to me)
-Is there permafrost in the area? This doesn't have to be a deal killer but you need to be aware of it.
-What is the weather like in the area? Are you going to have to worry about being weathered in for weeks at a time or spend your vacation time waiting for the weather to clear to get in or out?
-Is there heating fuel (firewood) available or are you going to have to haul propane or fuel oil?

All of these questions are to make you aware of things you may not have thought of, they are not to discourage you from making the plunge into remote property.



Discaimer: The advise in this blog is strictly informational and is not to be taken as anything more than a Builder's Opinion.


'Be yourself!' is about the worst advice you can give to some people.
- Tom Masson

Choosing a lot Part II

Choosing a lot Part II

Now that you have narrowed your search down to a certain area you can start getting more picky about individual lots. Make sure the lot is buildable and there are no encroachments by adjoining lots ie. septics, storage buildings, well, old cars etc.
Ask yourself some hard questions: (These questions are for lots on the road system)
-Is this lot steep?
-Are you going to have to build a long driveway?
-Is there electricity nearby, if so, how far away?
-Is the lot big enough to get the separation between your well and septic or between the neighbors well and your septic?
-If it is a lake lot; is there enough room to build and still have the required setback? Don't let anyone tell you that you can get a variance to build closer to the lake because it is unlikely.
-Is the lot swampy, if so, is there enough dry ground on the lot to build on. Many lake lots are wet but they are still buildable with some expensive dirtwork. If the lot is questionable, have an excavating contractor look at it with you to determine the cost for making it buildable, he will also be able to determine whether you have space enough for well and septic separation. Waterfront property is so scarce now that it is often worthwhile spending some money on making it buildable. If you don't have an excavation contractor, we can provide you with names in your area.
-Does the neighborhood agree with you. If you see crime tape and a condemned notice on the house next door you might surmise that there is illegal activity going on.(This is more common than you might think)
-Will the ground perk ok for a septic system?
-How deep are the neighbors' wells?
-Has the lot been surveyed recently? You want to be sure of your corners.
-Are there obstructions that will block the sun for three months in winter? This may not be important to you but you want to think about these things before purchasing.
There are many more questions to ask so try and cover all the bases.

More in Choosing a lot Part III (Off road Edition)


To discover the truth, ask the very old or the very young.
Wally Hickel 1978

Choosing a Lot Part I

Choosing a Lot Part I
Choosing a recreational lot can be a very divisive issue in a family. Mom wants a cabin with all of the amenities and some reasonable shopping nearby, Dad wants a remote cabin on a great fishing river only accessible by parachute. The kids? They want to go water skiing and snowboarding with no break between. Of course, I am being very stereotypical and perhaps even a little sexist, but it only goes to illustrate that finding a perfect recreational lot is very difficult; throw cost into the mix and you have a real dilemma.
Compromise is the operative word here. Decide what activities you most enjoy as a family and start planning. Now you have to refine your search.

• Do you want to be road accessible or off the road system?
• If you decide to be off the road system, you need to decide what access you are willing to deal with. Boat, Snowmachine, ATV, airplane, helicopter etc. (Remember, building off the road system will be much more expensive depending on how far and ease of access)
• Waterfront will be harder to find and more expensive.
• View lots are also going to be expensive but easier to find, depending on the view. Every lot has a view of something but you may not want a view of the neighbor’s collection of wrecked cars.
Once you have decided on the area you want to be in; the search begins. Most people drive all the roads in the area to determine where they would like to be or perhaps where they don’t want to be.
You can start by looking for “For Sale” signs and asking around the area. You can go to the borough office and look at the maps to find out who owns any property you think you might be interested in. Many owners have long since left the state and might be interested in selling. I can’t tell you how many times people have come to us to have us build for them on a lot they found in just this way. There are many ways to find an owner but sometimes it isn’t easy. Many lots sit vacant for years because the property is tied up in probate or other legal issues. The easiest way to find out about the status of a property is to go to the borough office and find out who the legal owner is and perhaps write a letter expressing your interest.
Another way to find property is to log on to the Alaska real estate Multiple listing site. http://www.alaskarealestate.com/ This is a very powerful search engine that can help you refine your search.
Craigslist also has many properties listed for sale by owner. http://anchorage.craigslist.org/
Alaska list is another great option. http://alaskaslist.com/1/posts/12_Real_Estate/0/



Looking at these sites will give you an idea about what is available and what the costs are likely to be and you might even find what you are looking for right away. My advice is to take your time in your search, you will find things about certain areas that you might not like and other things about other areas that you didn’t know about. (To be continued in choosing a lot part II)






Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.
- Theodore Isaac Rubin

Fall Schedule

This season has been extremely busy but we are always looking for new opportunities.
July, August and September are scheduled pretty tight but late September, October and November still have openings for starting work.
A lot of people think of the construction season as the summer months only. To us it is construction season year round.
If you are planning a project for this year and think you are running out of time; you are probably not out of time since we can start most projects at any time of year.
We usually start transporting materials to remote sites right after Thanksgiving when the ice starts getting thick.
Our kits are produced year round as well and we are usually about four weeks out on them depending on the size and complexity.



"Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes". - Mahatma Gandhi.

Independence Day

July 4th is the biggest weekend of the summer. It is easy to forget why we celebrate this day. It is more than barbeque and fireworks. Many have died to buy this freedom we so casually enjoy.
Take a moment and reflect on those who bought this freedom with their blood.



"The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission". - John F. Kennedy.