Q. I´ve Never Built Before. Where Do I Begin?

A. Whether you are thinking about an addition or a new home, the best way to begin the process is by developing a list of what you want your home to include. Bring your ideas to a licensed architect who specializes in your type of project. Get references and, if possible, tour some of the homes he or she has designed and built. Building your own home is a new experience for most people. Ask questions. Any good architect will spend the time necessary to make sure you understand the design/build process and are comfortable with it. In addition, your architect should ask you questions that allow him to understand your needs and your lifestyle. Your home is a personal reflection of you. Therefore, the relationship between owner and architect becomes personal. Choose an architect with whom you have good synergy.

Your home is a personal reflection of you. Therefore, the relationship between owner and architect becomes personal. Choose an architect with whom you have good synergy, good report, and trust. An addition or a new home is a process that takes several months and good communications will make the process smoother. Your architect will begin with a preliminary plan that shows a design concept. Then the design is refined and a floor plan is developed. When construction documents are finalized, your building project can begin.

Q. Are your logs kiln-dried?

A. Long-length, vacuum-dried timbers are now available kiln dried.

Until now, there has been no commercially practical way to dry huge logs and timbers.

Now, after years of investigation and research, Hearthstone has, as an option, a multi-patented process that allows us to dry large timbers in volume, at high quality, and a reasonable price.

The key technological advance is the process of drying the timbers in a large vacuum chamber.  This allows us to solve several problems and introduce new benefits that were not practical before:

Drying in a vacuum makes all the difference.  In a vacuum, moisture exits the log at a lower temperature and at a faster rate than in a conventional kiln.  This allows us to get the moisture content in our huge logs and timbers down to a meaningful moisture content  - consistent throughout the timbers - at a reasonable cost and amount of time.  The entire process is completely tailored to both performance and efficiency.  You can take pride and confidence that your home came from Hearthstone: product, and an engineering leader for over 34 years. For more information, visit us at www.HeartDried.com or call Timberland Design at 314-391-8833.

To learn more, contact us (800-391-8833) for a more detailed description on the HeartDried process. www.info@timberlanddesign.com.