By Lynn Gastineau
President of Gastineau Log Homes, Inc.

Welcome to the May 2019 issue of The Oak Leaf! For new readers, this is a monthly newsletter that is sent by e-mail to those that have expressed an interest in Gastineau Log Homes. We use this as a way of communicating technical, design and industry information. For more information, check out our web site at [www.oakloghome.com]
(http://www.oakloghome.com).

Check out our new website! Same address: oakloghome.com but new photos and information! Read our blogs on our website too. Our new Image Gallery has LOTS of pictures that you can view!

Please "Like" Gastineau Log Homes on Facebook!

Trivia Question: "Once A Crook" was the working name for this television program, before it hit production. Robert Wagner starred in this series from January 1968 until March 1970. With a final title based on old English proverb, what was the name of this action series that aired on ABC T.V.?

Did you see our article "A Step-By-Step Guide to Log Home Construction"? Click here for all the steps from start to finish of your construction process!

Match Your Preferences Building a new home allows you
to decide which layout makes the most sense for your lifestyle. When you make all the decisions about the floorplan, you get the exact number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want. If you’ve got a passionate cook in the household, this is your chance to design the dream kitchen they’ve always wanted. No matter what custom features and upgrades appeal to you, building new allows you to decide what’s most important. Of course, remodeling an existing home is always an option, but
you never know what unpleasant surprises you’ll find during the renovation process.

Comfort: New homes can be designed with all of the amenities you want—air conditioning, your preferred type of heating system, ventilation, and so on. Better materials and modern construction techniques also mean fewer drafts, which translates to a more comfortable home with lower heating and cooling bills and more predictable expenses throughout the year. New homes also tend to be quieter than older homes because of the way they are constructed.

Features Great for Downsizing: If you are thinking of downsizing or actively searching for a builder, there are a number of features that you might want to consider for your new home:

1). One Story Living: A floorplan with the master bedroom on the main floor allows you to live in your home longer. It’s also important to remember that single- level living doesn’t necessarily mean you have to build a sprawling ranch. Compact, thoughtful one-level floorplans are available, and a two- level home with a smaller footprint can accommodate guest bedrooms on the second floor with everything you need for daily living on the ground level.

2). Guest Space: Downsizing doesn’t have to mean living in a tiny home. You can still have one or two guest rooms in a smaller space so you can host longtime friends, children, and grandchildren while allowing everyone to have their own spaces.
3). Open Concept: Moving into a smaller home can feel like a downgrade, especially if you’re used to a larger living space. Make compact areas feel more spacious with a great room, dining area, and kitchen that are connected. An open- concept floorplan also allows you and your guests to feel close even when people are in different spaces.
4). Outdoor Patio or Porch: Cut down on yard work and give yourself more space by installing an outdoor patio. Use it as a dining and gathering area in the summertime to make your living space feel more expansive. A covered patio also provides shade in the warmer months and low-maintenance outdoor storage in winter.