newbie to board

[quinn]

As a newbie to the forum, some general questions.

For those who have already built, how bad really is the shrinkage/warpage/settling etc. for a log home?

Is it considered okay to mention manufacturers (kits)here?

Anyone ever put a log home on a slab or is a regular foundation the preferred method?

Sorry if these questions seem trivial but I'm about to embark on building a log home and I'm still pretty much in the dark about the whole process.

Thanks in advance. I enjoy the board.

[Jim Marsh]

Welcome quinn!
Glad you came on board.
You picked the best site on the planet!
There are alot of proffesionals with mega expertise on this web
site. There are also alot of people who have built their own log home and are able to share their expeience...good and bad!
And then there are alot of people such as myself who are in the journey now! Gird your loins and fasten your seat belt because
building a log home is one of the greatest adventures you will ever experience! My dream got serious about 5 years ago.
I actually started to build last july 02
Building a log home is very exhausting depending how much money you can spend and how much you want to be involved.
I wanted to be involved in every single detail to make sure it was done right. I'm sorry to say, but most of your local subs have never stepped foot in a log home and unless you have an experienced log home builder built it, you need to show them
or get the correct info to them. Most subs can't spend the extra time figuring how to build one unless you will pay for their
schooling. If they bid it and realize what they got themselves into
they may just quit on you. Make sure if you go this route you have them sign a performance bond to make sure you get your
house completed. Alot of subs still mess up normal basic things.
As far as the foundation, here in the NW area, almost all foundations are standard and not the monolithic type you are talking about. Discuss this with your local county building inspectors...way in advance because they can help you with all the normal building practices, besides that, it helps to have an early repor with them. They can also guide you with the local subs and know about any local log homes built in your area.
The settling issue. Almost all those problems have been worked out to a science now. Most of your recommended log home companies ; there are some good ones here on this site; can
give you alot of this basic info.
This is key! spend the time searching for a good log producer.
Do a background check, check better business bureau for complaints, check their financial standing before you sign the dotted line and give any money. ALOT OF GOOD FOLKS HAVE BEEN BURNED ALIVE !
Yes it is ok to ask about other companies here, Why not? It's
your money.
Final thought, at first things seem overwelming but soon come into focus, It took me about 2 full years of serious research.
Some people can make up their mind in a couple of months???
I wanted to make sure I got the best for my money. I did make some mistakes even though I planned and planned, I guess I'm not perfect. Did my homework, read everything I could gets my hands on, But then my wife tells me I'm a pefectionist. Oh well.
Best of wishes

[Susan]

Alan,
This is actually encouraging to me, because I've been researching for more than 2 years and haven't started to break ground yet...<sigh>
Same here. We purchased our land in Dec of '00 and still haven't broken ground yet. Probably won't start building until fall of '05. Yes, it is very hard to wait. But I just keep telling myself that the more I research and learn the better my log home will turn out! In the mean-time, we go up to the land as often as possible and just walk around trying to figure out the best spot to place the house.

Quinn,
You have come to the right place if you want to get some great advice from pros and folks who have already built and are living in their log home. Be ready for some "heated" discussions, though. One thing I have learned from this site is that there is almost always more than one way to do things when it comes to building a log home. ;)

[Greg Steckler]

As you do research and try out different scenarios in your mind about what your going to build...there is an intermediate step between daydreams and hard cold steel and that is a virtual model. When you get at least to the plans stage you can commission a virtual model built that you can watch over and over again on your TV or computer...a movie of your dream log home. It can be as detailed as you want...see-thru....showing connections...head clearances...try out different window combinations...see your real view on your property...you name it. This is eye-candy with a real purpose, your log home. And its not all that expensive ~ 50 cents a sq. ft. or free if we do your plans. Take a closer look at the fly-arounds in Moreplans.com (link is in my signature below) and watch for the new one of the interior of the Rainey Falls which should be done soon.

True, you can erase your mind easier (and cheaper, at least I can) but seeing what your dream is really going to look like/be like is not nearly as expensive (or heartbreaking) as changing it after the fact.

[Jim Marsh]

To all those people who love to dream about your log home...
During my planning stage for my dream home I made a comment
to a friend and said "I can't wait to start building my log home" he said to me "Jim, you are now in the process of building your home" This is part of the building phase and this is what it takes to bring your dream to pass. It stuck in my head what was said.
I can remember what just seemed like yesterday when my wife and me would be looking at someone elses log home and I would always catch myself saying..." I wish I was where you are now!"I will say this, on a scale of 1-10...when you first see your 3d blueprints, its a 10+. Talk about seeing someone put your dream
on paper! It's way cool! From your head to an actual picture of
what you have been dreaming about. I will say this...please put
down some money asap to start the the blueprint process, mine started with only $500, it really helps to not feel so rushed to
get them done, of course the log producer will apply this toward
your purchase if you use his designer. My designer was an independant but worked on a regular basis with my log producer.
It really was a plus because my designer already knew alot about
the log producers way of doing things. The designer can also bring your dream to a final reality because unless we have already done this before, there will be standard building practices
that we may not be aware of, or things that cost to much to do.
For example, a log floor joist for a loft is not very good over a window because of strength or the "TOP" log of an interior log wall that continues over to the opposite wall helps to really make both log walls really strong..I thinks thats the real advantage of
log trusses...I love them trusses but they can really eat up your budget in a hurry. Not only that, I think they kind bring your visual
super tall great room ceiling height down to their bottom level.
Enjoy the journey along the way...even if it takes 10 years or longer, I'm not even done with mine yet and already I'm dreaming
about what I will do on the next one...even if it takes 10 years.
Best of wishes

[quinn]

Thanks for everyone's input. Great way to get some ideas and for not overlooking a detail or two.

I'm considering a Lindal. I realize they are a bit "upper crust" but I'm willing to downsize to get a truly quality home. And I would like to stick with cedar logs. Any comments from the group concerning Lindal?

Jim, by standard foundation do you mean other than a full slab?

I'm in the NW (ID) and we get a lot of snow here. I want to go with a metal roof (built up I guess is what it's referred to) with rigid foam insulation (at least four inches). I've read about those who swear by a ventilation space and those who don't. Any thoughts from the group on this? Obviously I want the roof system to be as energy efficient as possible.

Thanks everyone.

[BradBradstreet]

Quinn, I have not had any direct experience with Lindal homes. But, our builder was finishing up a Lindal project just before he put his crews on our project. He did comment that he would never do one again - and I do not believe he ever has. I do not have the details of the troubles he had - sorry.

[robinq]

There are many Lindal stories. Main problem is Lindal pays people to keep their mouth closed. I think they just forgot on my lame settlement. You should contact Ned Bond in Maryland. If you want to hear my story I would be happy to help anyone not get into a Lindal Mess. I had two years of torture and have never seen worse Customer Service once a company has a majority of funds. If you like leaky windows and some of the most undecipherable plans, dealers 'acting' like they are qualified architects and the stress of a lifetime then you are looking in the right place. You can search "Lindal" on http://www.ripoffreport.com or search internet with "Lindal" and "problems" and you should find anything that hasn't been hushed. (Hey, Ned....if you come across this, I am sure you have a story to share that could save a lot of people heartache about their dreamhome. )

[Paul n June]

Originally posted by robinq
If you like leaky windows and some of the most undecipherable plans, dealers 'acting' like they are qualified architects and the stress of a lifetime then you are looking in the right place.

Or you can deal with Lincoln Logs ! :(
Sorry, they just get under my skin !

Good Luck Quinn !

Paul

[Sam]

Paul, your reference to Lincoln Logs brought back old memories. Several years ago we were checking out different companies. We had a set of plans we wanted prices from each company and a list of materials they would include in that price.

Most companies gave reasonable responses. Some were very good and complete. Lincoln Log Homes was the one company that said send $150 and they would talk to us! We were a prospective client and they wanted me to pay to talk to their sales staff. I sent a letter saying I was not interested in doing business with them and to please remove me from their mailing list. I did not want to hear from them again.

[EBond]

Hi Quinn

Yes Lindal homes look so nice. Many people have had them built. I suppose things have changed over the years. Lindal has gone private and from the looks of things the only thing they seem to be good at is marketing. I can honestly say that our Lindal experience was the absolute worst experience with any construction project ever and pretty much the worst experience dealing with a company in general.

Our dealer proved to be most deceptive and unreliable and within 2 weeks of signing our contract we began to feel we were in big trouble. In the begining, they were going to take care of everything for you "Every step of the way" the saying goes. One by one everything became our responsibility. Our quoted design fees (quite low... the best in the indusrty...) On paper too! turned out to be 10 times that (I've got that on paper too... Our deposit on materials became payment for hidden charges and fees and Lindal backs this up with their own paperwork. We never got a foundation plan even though our dealer was pushing for a foundation pour..... Our permit plans were useless and it looked as if no one was interested in doing what we wanted. There were other issues as well, too numerous to mention.

When you get into trouble with Lindal, your dealer will disappear and so will Lindal. No one from customer service ever returned our calls. Our dealer revealed our deposit on materials was spent on everything from her consultant we rarely saw to Lindals "Other Services" department. Lindal did their best to hide and only responed to letters from my attorney.

Things everybody should be aware of. Lindal will not sign your contract. It is between you and your dealer who is not an agent of lindal. That pretty much means Lindal cannot hold your dealer accountable and your dealer cannot hold Lindal accountable. They are independant businesses. Lindal is an out of state business and your dealer is only the proverbial "Middle Man" so when it comes to a dispute which way do you go ?

If you try to use arbitration Lindal will attempt to force it out of state at your expense. You'll need a good attorney to work around that. Tried to get our dealer into arbitration and with no luck there. They can dodge that too. So we sued them! They did try to force us into arbitration but we won that battle!

All in all there are quite a few of us, some prefer to remain unheard. That's the way Lindal likes it. Another couple we know was defrauded of 30K by Lindal, the dealer. I'm sure Lindal has not returned their "Deposit" on materials either. To correct Robin, Lindal holds YOUR money hostage in exchange for your silence. Thats why you do not hear more from Lindal's hapless victims.

Quinn, do me a big favor and forget the glossy marketing BS and look somewhere else. I have been closely involved in the recovery efforts of several of us and the actions of Lindal from start to finish are completely consistant. A successful Lindal project depends on a reputable dealer and NOT on Lindal. Most dealers have only surface knowledge of the construction industry (The lindal training) and many disappear after a year or two. Like Pete's,.. left him "High and Dry" Did Lindal try to find him another...NOOOO they decided to keep his money and play hide and seek. For over two years... and in exchange for is misappropriated money..... Lindal demanded his silence. Well he was unemployed at the time and was tired of dealing with it. I would have done the same thing.

Sorry for the long winded post. It is only a small sample of what you may expect as a lindal customer. If anyone knows of any other unfortunate customers that have been silenced please send them my way. To others about to duke it out with Lindal MAKE NOISE, Lots of it! and SUE your dealer.

We will be moving along with our addition soon, with a real architect and a real structural engineer and an honorable company.

Good luck Quinn! Sorry for the Rant...

Ned

[blue eyed devil]

Geeeez.
That has to be the most hotly debated subject in the history of residential construction.If you frequent break-time over at FineHomeBuillding (http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/index.asp) you know what I mean.
Local building codes will generaly dictate your requirements.

I have had no experiance with SIPS (alot of the log builders here use them so they may be able to help?).....but I have done alot of remedial work on homes with conventional ventilated attic spaces.
I still believe in venting an attic space to ward off problems with ice dams.Obviously the more insulation the better,but here is some other thoughts to consider:

I always recommend having good soffit venting and the use of insulation stops so the maximum amount of ceiling insulation cross over the top of the exterior walls.If it's new construction with conventional trusses,I recommend elevated heels on the bottom chord.This is always a bad spot for heat loss.
I like turbine vents (ballbearing type, bushing type wear out) Turbine vents create a negative pressure in the attic. A good thing if it draws air from the soffits.Never use a combination of roof vent and gable end vents.The roof vents will draw air from the gable ends and less from the soffits.With a cold roof or cathedral roof,some form of continuous ridge ventilator would be required.I've seen some very cool looking ridge ventilators that were custom built.They add an interesting design element I like.Hope I get to build one someday!

If the vapor barrior is damaged or not sealed properly,then venting an attic will only make things worse (hot air rises)
One of my pet peeves is those plant hooks that people use,then remove, in gyproc ceilings.Those little 1/4 inch holes can add up to 2 inch hot air chimney straight into the attic.

I have built a few cold roofs (built up roof over cathedral ceilings) because of ice problems.Again these were conventional framed roofs.Stress skin panels may be more efficient, I don't know!

I can tell you that even conventional attics, properly vented with R44 insulation can still have problems with ICE DAMS depending on weather conditions. 2000 was a particularly bad year for that where I live.The sun would be strong enough to melt snow for an hour or so, but would refreeze at the eaves.
A couple rows of ice and water shield is always good insurance under under your roofing material.

Hot moist air in an attic can warp roof sheathing and cause shingles to deteriorate prematurely.I've seen it so bad,you could actually pick out the joints in the OSB under the shingles.
It's also more difficult to keep the home cooler in summer.

One reason some builders advocate non-vented attics is because cold air blowing across the top of insulation will diminish R values.

Blue

[Stephanie]

I am a dealer, and brand new. I would REALLY like to hear all of the ranting you want to do. I've been to a weekend orientation, which is certainly helpful, but there is so much to know and learn....

The idea of ruining someone's dream home just kills me, and it certainly would be easy to do. So, please rant on about what your dealer did WRONG, because it helps. Information about contractor problems would be helpful too, every day I find out more and more about what I don't know there as well. I'm not a contractor, but I need to refer them.

[robinq]

The saddest part is that my dealer probably thought she was qualified as Lindal probably told her, but when it came to Lindal standing behind their product and responding to serious defects and shortages, that was not there and my dealer was afraid to make any waves. Probably that would have cost her the "Top Ten President's Award." Thus, she had me write what she called "mean letters" but that didn't help the situation, it just made me sick. The dealer can end up getting sued because Lindal lags in customer service and they hide behind the independent dealers. That is all for now. I get nausiated just reliving a glimpse of the last 3 years.

RQ

[EBond]

So I get permit plans I can't use, a missing foundation plan, a very low guestimate on a sunroom we are still awaiting final pricing for, a final accurate quote on completion price the dealer refuses to get us, no contract for the carpenters she insisted she would provide, free cedar liner that wasn't available, no sample of the shingles Lindal was supposed to provide and my dealer tries to pressure us into signing the authorization to ship? So where's the "Service Driven Dealer Network" huh?

We actually wanted to try to salvage our doomed project and asked Lindal's regional (DIS)service manager if we could change dealers ? NO! OK.. Where's the Network? Ask David, Pete and Robin, Where's the Service? Believe me Dealers don't provide service, Lindal does (or doesn't). Your dealer is only the point of contact. If your dealer is not your builder (the same legal entity), your project is doomed from the start. Lindal markets the dealer as "Experts" Then a closer look at Lindals site reveals "No Experience Necessary" Hmmm.. Where are those "Experts".

Steph, I'm sure you are very enthusiastic about your new venture. You may want to look at copies of letters between Robin and Lindal regarding her problems or My letter from Lindal where the quoted design fees are 10 times the price on the dealers original "Lindal Pricer"! "You may make as many changes as you like... There are extra charges after receiving permit plans....". Or the seemingly endless series of plans Robin and Pete had to go through where corrected errors seemed to reappear. "Unbeatable Design Resources"?????

You will soon be associated with a company existing on it's name only. Now it's FRAUD, FRAUD, FRAUD, FRAUD and a callous disregard for the customer by both the dealer and Lindal. They'll train you on how to pass the buck and avoid the angry customer. Lindal's signature is NOT on your customers contract. That's why the dealer gets sued and Lindal walks. If you are not already well established in the construction industry, Lindal will ruin you as well!

Oh Arbitration... It's in your dealer purchase agreement too! Good luck holding Lindal accoutable when their mistakes drive your customers away! Arbitration is a license to steal and Lindal loves it. Be carefull, You can be dragged into court in spite of it! It may not protect you as well as Lindal would have you believe!

Good luck Stephanie, our anger is not directed at you. Hey Quinn... This post has has eroded a bit. Might wanna leave Lindal out of it next time! It's information some of us need to get out when Lindal is mentioned....

Ranting again.....

[Melissa]

Ebond - when Stephanie said she's a dealer, I don't think she meant a Lindal dealer. I believe she's a dealer for another log home company. Isn't that correct, Stephanie? I think she's the one building a model in Virginia? I think she was just saying that being a new dealer in general, she would like to know what to do with customers, and what not to do. However, I am glad to hear all about Lindal from you all. I plan on a log home way down the road, and not with Lindal, but I have a friend who just retired and has been saying how much he and his wife really like those Lindal homes. I will now be able to warn him in case he is thinking about building one. ;)

[Greg Steckler]

Before we scuttle the Lindal diatribe, let me say that a while ago, Lindal asked Log Rhythms, Inc. to help them with design of real log structures. We licensed the Willamette and have some other designs in that catagory to them. They were re-designed to Lindal materials and include our full construction documents, our understanding, knowledge, and expertese about log homes. In fact we remain ready to help with any changes (yes, of course we charge for our time) or modifications from our/Lindal's version. So far though, no one has reported any sales. If you have purchased a Lindal Log home, let me know, we are on a pay as sold agreement.

From my standpoint (granted I'm in a different position) Lindal has treated my firm with courtesy, fairness, and professionalism. So far, so good.

[EBond]

Thanks Melissa, sorry for the misassumption. At any rate Stephanie now you have a better idea of what we went through.

Please forgive the anger in our posts. All of us have just been through 2 - 3 years of dodges, deception, excuses, delays and in my case 5 attempts at arbitration 2 years in court, 3 attorneys, nasty threats and letters from the "Other" attorney and legal fees. (I'm a persistant little cuss...) Arbitration means State agencies cannot get involved. We did get all of our money back but not the legal expenses.

A little PR and customer service would have gone a long way in preventing problems on all sides. Greed and quick profits seemed to rule in all of our cases. A lesson to be learned here from the homebuilder, homeowner and the "Corporation".

Sorry for the diatribe Greg, it's great when you are looking forward to your new home and everything is going great. You are planing for a lifetime of enjoyment and pride in something you have helped create. It's painfull to read some of the posts here where others have been able to complete their homes. Unless you have been through this, nobody really wants to hear it. I understand that.

On the brighter side...
Now looking for good solid cedar carpenters in Maryland! If I haven't scared them all away.........

Ned

[Stephanie]

No, I'm not a Lindal dealer, yes, I have a model going up in Virginia, which is nearing completion! Yea!

My husband looked at log home companies for a year, about 25 milled log companies in all, before he made his choice. I'm sure there MUST be unsatisfied customers somewhere, but we didn't find one. They're not a large company and they were extremely friendly when I met with them, though that doesn't say everything, I know.

I do appreciate hearing about the specifics. I think you learn more about a company (or anything really) when you find out how they handled MISTAKES.

As far as I have seen, there is no way of guaranteeing you have an "experienced dealer." Most log home companies want dealers and will take anyone at all. I don't believe I needed anything special to become one. Though now, I have taken a basic contracting course and some business courses to assist me.

I have learned that permits are a big issue as well as SPECIFICS on the package contents as well as SPECIFICS on their descriptions too. These seem to be some of the big ones. That helps, I tell folks these days what DOESN'T come in the package more than I tell them what does, seeing as that seems to be a problem.

[Kyle - Utah]

Hello Quinn,

I think that it's good that you're researching everything before you start the process. I have a single bit of advice to start from. Just remember that form follows function in log homes. Knowing what you want will help you to decide how certain things must be done. Indecision in the planning stages can lead to real headaches once things get started, so if you'll just follow the Form Follows Function plan I think that it will help both you and your builder in the long run.

Best Regards

[robinq]

As long a Lindal needs something from you, I am sure you will be treated like one of the "good ol' boys." You will be treated well. But as soon as you are a customer where they have a majority of your money and they have screwed something up big time, they will not want to deal with you and will torture you until you just think suicide seems like a nice vacation. Just stay on the side where they need you though they do not deserve good customer service. Robin

[EBond]

In case anyone thought our cases were just an isolated incident, here's another unhappy customer. After talking to him it seems Lindals tactics have not changed.

http://ripoffreport.com/report7293.htm

If anyone has any information about any other unsatisfied customers please send them my way. We are making a difference, (not the Lindal difference they talk about). Any help from folks who have had similar problems would be greatly appreciated!

I am not an attorney, or a business or company, I'm not looking for money. After getting royally burned by Lindal and the local dealer I'm just trying to help others trapped by the Lindal dream!

Please contact fraudbusters@hotmail.com with any information or if you just need help!

Thanks everybody!

E Bond

[Belle]

EBond,

www.loghomereports.com is an excellent site for rating log home companies and other products and services related to log home building. Your experience might help many others.

[cftuna]

Consumer Complaint Against the following businesses:

Prescott Designer Homes
P.O. Box 11206
1277 N Rhinestone Drive
Prescott, AZ 86304
928-443-1900

And (Prescott Designer Homes is a direct representative for)

Lindal Cedar Homes
4300 South 104th Place
Seattle, WA 98178
206-725-0900

Dear Sirs:
On June 16, 2002 I wrote a $5000.00 check to Prescott Designer Homes for the design of our dream home in Prescott, Az. I had taken the Casa Islena plans and modified them to match our dreams. For the next several months we worked back and forth to set the plans.
November 26th' 2002 I received a letter from Prescott Designer Homes pressuring for a signed purchase and sales agreement and $62,666.55, even though we did not have a good set of drawings or materials list.
I received another letter dated December 5th, 2002 stating all corrections had been made to the plans, (of which I did not and do not have a good copy). The permitting process and the competitive bids, if we start, right now, with the signed purchase and sales agreement and $62666.55, would take to the middle of March, with the home package arriving on my lot, mid April. Any changes necessary could be made after the purchase and sales agreement is signed and funds were received. That to receive any discounts I had to sign the purchase and sales agreement NOW.
With the above pressure and a desire to get started I was coerced into signing the sales agreement, writing out a check for $62,666.55 and PDH started the bidding process.
PDH (Prescott Designer Homes) recommended two general contractors. Not including the land, one bid came in at $1,043,187.00 and the second bid at $1,313,899.00 a rather shocking spread of $270,712.00. PDH recommended I consider the lower bid. I then independently, discovered that the low bidder (Artistic Remolding) was licensed only to remodel not build a new home as a contractor in Arizona, thus he would be uninsured in addition. This recommendation could have had disastrous results.
IndyMac Bank, my proposed lender, then conferred with PDH on a suitable appraiser. The man PDH recommended appraised the land and building at $901,000.00, this against a house that was to cost me $1,300,000 to build, not including the land at $300,000.00. The deal looked dead.
Gary Mavis of PDH then assured me and IndyMac Bank that he would recommend another appraiser at my expense who was certified for deals over one million and thus Phil Edwards was retained to do the job. Mr. Edwards and PDH assured us that the appraisal would be in hand no later than March 29, 2003. Over a month past that date and after several phone calls from the bank to PDH all confidence was lost by both the bank and the undersigned.
As a result of all of the forgoing I have lost my financing and now have no choice but to put off my building plans until my Colorado home is sold.
I have received bad advice from PDH / Lindal Cedar Homes (LCH) at a great cost to me, both emotionally and financially. I have NEVER received an acceptable set of plans, I have received an appraisal from PDH's recommended appraisers that has jeopardized my financing arrangements and I have spent considerable time with unlicensed contractors recommended by PDH, direct agent for Lindal Cedar Homes.
At this point in time, due to disruption of financing, I am in jeopardy of forfeiting a $40,000.00 land deposit. I very strongly feel that I have been put in this tenuous position as a direct result of Prescott Designer Homes / Lindal Cedar Homes.
As of today, I have not signed off on a set of plans as they are not correct. No material has been ordered; no material has been shipped or delivered.
PDH's suggested solution was to return just $31,000.00 and to keep $36,666.55 (of my MATERIAL deposit) for a plan that is still not correct, is incomplete and unusable. This offer is an insult. Now I'm told they finally got the appraisal May 6th, 2003 at $1,035,000.00. This is still way off the mark, too low and too late to save this deal.

I am willing to settle this dispute upon return to me of all funds except the $5,000.00 design fee provided funds are returned immediately so that I can minimize damages, complete the land deal and not lose the land deposit.
May 20, 2003 I received a letter from Lindal Cedar Homes, (Lou Carlascio, VP Sales) stating Lindal was charging $12,925.09, no invoice presented, for the plans and engineering of the proposed home. (This charge was to modify an existing set of plans, The Casa Islena, which is still not completed; I paid separately for the engineered foundation plans, Northern Structural Consulting $1,420.00) Lindal then offered a refund of $29,064.91 of my $42,000.00 deposit?
My deposit (I can produce the canceled checks) was $5,000.00 check #3215 dated 6-13-2002 for design and material, and check #1002 for $62,666.55 dated 12-10-2002 15% deposit for material, this is a total of $67,666.55.
Mr. Carlascio states the cancellation was entirely at my instigation and sees no reason Lindal should share in any expense. I believe it was Lindal's direct representative / agent, Prescott Designer Homes, who signed the contract, selected the appraisers, had the direct contact with Lindal Cedar Homes and selected and supported an unlicensed contractor to bid the building of the new home.
On July 7th, 2003 I met with Mr. Gary Mavis and Mr. Jimmy Smith of PDH to see if we could solve our differences. We made a conference call to LCH, Paul Lindal CEO and Rob Meigan VP. Neither LCH or PDH were interested in solving our differences, in fact PDH increased the ante and requested even more funds.
Lindal Cedar homes demanded $12,935.09 of the $42,000.00 deposit they received for incomplete incorrect unusable house plans that they claim were final.
Prescott Designer Home demanded $17,271.89 of there $25,666.55 deposit for design and other trumped up unauthorized charges, (as negotiating my construction loan rate with IndyMac Bank?).
In other words I am being held hostage for $30,206.75, for incomplete unusable house plans, out of the 15% material deposit of $67,666.55, which I was coerced to deposit to build our dream home. To date neither Prescott Designer Homes nor Lindal Cedar Homes have made an attempt to return even a portion of my funds ($67,666.55).

We are now seeing nothing but delay tactics by Lindal and Prescott Designer Homes to avoid any refund as long as possible.


I request you check the internet at the following sights:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/housing/lindal.html

http://www.hadd.com/LindalCedar.html

http://www.ripoffreport.com/results.asp?q1=ALL&q5=lindal+cedar+homes&submit2=Search%21&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0

You will find these tactics to be a very similar in Modus Operandi to other Lindal dealings and complaints.
:mad: