Welcome to The Leelanau Log Home Company E-Newsletter. This is a free monthly electronic newsletter that offers helpful tips and suggestions about log homes in general and specifically The Original Lincoln Logs LTD system. We'll cover a variety of topics from planning, buying, constructing, owning and maintaining a log home.

The Leelanau Log Home Company welcomes your feedback, including topics you may wish to see in future issues. If, at any time, you decide you would rather not receive our E-newsletter, please visit http://www.leelanauloghomes.com to remove yourself from our electronic mailing list.

Thank you for subscribing to our E-Newsletter. Enjoy!

=========================================================================

January 2006 (Volume 1, Issue 4):

1. Announcements:  Lincoln Logs Year-End Savings.there's still time to save!
2. Tip of the Month:  Lighting Your Log Home
3. Model Home News
4. Featured Floorplan:  Ridge Series
5. Website Spotlight:  Rustic Lighting

1.  Lincoln Logs' Year-End Savings

If you are planning to build in the next 12 months this promotion is for you! 

Last month to SAVE on your log, timber or cedar home package with Lincoln Logs' Year-End Savings.

Take your choice:  FREE OPTIONS OR CASH BACK

January Savings
7.5% of base pkg toward options,
Or 2.5% cash discount

There may never be a better time to reserve your Lincoln Logs home for a spring or summer delivery.  Interest rates are still low (but inching higher.)  Materials prices are on the rise, but Lincoln Logs is offering this last chance to save money on the home of your dreams.  It's your choice -- get more and spend less by choosing a substantial credit toward popular options and upgrades, like cathedral ceilings, cedar decking, and fixed glass packages, or take a cash discount on your purchase.  Either way, the sooner you act, the more you save.

This offer is good on all Lincoln Logs standard or custom homes.  Don't delay, this offer will expire on January 31, 2006, and we've been told to expect price increases by early next year. Call today so we can discuss your ideas and plans. I look forward to speaking with you soon, and to working with you to make your new Lincoln Logs home a beautiful reality.

Contact us today!

2. Tip of the Month:  Lighting Your Log Home

Lighting can influence how your feel about your new log home.  Choosing the righting lighting can help create that atmosphere you envisioned when designing your dream log home.

This month we'll cover some of the basic, basics to get you started: the types of lighting, an excellent website to jump start your education and some log home lighting challenges.  Hopefully we'll shed some light (sorry, I couldn't resist) on how critical early planning and developing a lighting plan will enhance your experience of living in your new log home.

Lighting Basics:  When developing your lighting plan, the experts suggest incorporating three lighting types in your plan which is determined by function and fashion.

• General:  Also known as ambient lighting.  Provides the area with overall lighting and creates sufficient brightness in any room.
• Task:  A direct light that can be focused on a specific area.  This type of lighting usually directs a light source down to the specific task area.  Used in kitchens for cooking, home offices for reading, etc.
• Accent:  Used to accent a specific item or used to highlight a decorative feature of your home.  Also used in landscaping as well. 

Also consider energy efficiency when determining your lighting needs.  Effective use of fluorescent or low-voltage bulbs and incorporating dimmers can help.  Consult a local lighting professional for assistance.

Start Your Lighting Education Here:  Check out www.americanlightingassoc.com, which is an excellent lighting resource.

Make A Plan:  Developing a lighting plan during the design stage is a smart idea.  Starting too late in the planning process can potentially add unbudgeted costs and make a difference in how you feel about your new home.  Your lighting plan should reflect your lifestyle and your needs.  Factors such as type of furniture, furniture placement, amount of natural light, window and door location, style or décor all play a part in making the right lighting choices.

Here are some things to consider when developing your lighting plan:

• You'll need to determine the use and what type of activities will occur for each room.  Make a list for each room in your new house.
• What is the atmosphere and/or style of décor do you wish to create for each room?
• Determine how much natural light will each room receive?
• How will window and door location affect your lighting choices?
• How will furniture and your choice of décor affect your lighting choices?
• It's also a good idea to list outlets and mark them on your blueprints.
• Review the lighting in your current home.  What works and what doesn't work?
• Ask your log home dealer to assist you in developing your lighting plan plus seek a certified lighting consultant at a local lighting showroom for assistance.

Log Home Lighting Challenges:  Log homes offer some unique challenges when compared with typical stick-built homes. 

• Large great rooms with seating/furniture in the center of the room create the need for floor outlets for general or even task lighting.
• Some interior log wall surfaces can make wall mounting fixtures challenging.
• It's difficult to place concealed lighting in a log home.
• Wood tends to absorb light rather than reflect it.  The correct lighting in combination with window location and the use of drywall can help make the room appear lighter.

With careful planning, assistance from your log home dealer and a local lighting expert can insure you create the perfect atmosphere for your dream log home.

3. Model Home News

Work on the exterior of the log home is all but finished with a few trim pieces left to install.  The garage footings and foundation have been poured and work begins now to build the three-car detached garage.  Work continues on HVAC system and rough electrical work. 

We'd like to thank the following:

1. Larry Price Excavating
2. Leelanau Redi-Mix (Foundation and drain field).
3. Cousin Carl .  Thanks for your help with the site excavation.
4. Mary Ann & Bill Coyle (Jim's Mom and Dad).  Thank you for your support and encouragement.
5. Bobby G's Carpentry (Rough Framing).
6. Roof Doctor (Roofing).
7. &M Contracting, Larry Morton (Plumbing and HVAC)
8. Bob's Well Drilling
9. Positive Chimney
10. Consumers Energy
11. Charter Cable

For photos please go to the lefthand side of this page and click "Construction Photos."

If you are interested in personal tour of our model home during the construction phase, please contact us for an appointment.

4. Featured Floorplan: Ridge Series    

2-4 Bedrooms, 1.5 - 2 Bathrooms

Ridge I:   848 Sq. ft.

Ridge II:  1,444 sq. ft.

Ridge III:   1,912 sq. ft.

With traditional country styling and spacious wrap-around porch, the Ridge models remain among our most popular plans.  Whether you're looking for a cozy retreat or a home for a growing family, one of these models is sure to work for you.

For more floorplans access our floorplans database.

5.  Website Spotlight:  Rustic Lighting

In keeping with the lighting theme, I thought you might enjoy a select group of websites that sell "rustic" lighting.  However, keep in mind that today log home décor can range from traditional to country to contemporary and everything in between.

Each of these websites below offer a very good selection of rustic lighting and accents, sites are easy to navigate and offer the ability to purchase online.  Happy shopping!

Featured rustic lighting websites:

www.mtnranchlighting.com

www.blackforestdecor.com

www.wildworksdesigns.com

www.rusticloglighting.com

The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
Brad Karikomi & Jim Coyle
Model home address:
1310 S. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Leelanau, Michigan 49653
Business mailing address:
PO Box 309, Interlochen, Michigan 49643
Office: 231-275-5647
Mobile: 231-668-1465
Fax: 231-275-0400