Wednesday, December 3, 2003

Expo returns to GICC Jan. 16-18

Log and timber-frame homes, time-honored building styles of the past, are today’s hottest housing trend, and the Log Home & Timber Frame Expo is returning to The Georgia International Convention Center Jan. 16-18.

This year’s Expo, Sponsored by VEHIX.COM, will showcase the eye-popping, energy-efficient designs and fine craftsmanship that have made log and timber-frame homes the fastest-growing segment of the booming custom-home market.

“Because of the overwhelming success of last years Expo we had to increase the size of the show dramatically for this year,” said Jason Goodman, publisher of Log Home Illustrated.

“Log and timber-frame home construction has increased steadily since the mid-1880s, when these traditional homes returned to popularity,” according to Roland Sweet, editor of Log Homes Illustrated and Timber Homes Illustrated magazines. “At least 35,000 new log and timber-frame homes were built last year. Their appeal reaches all ages and income levels.”

These distinctive wood homes enjoy a special place in American history. Log and timber-frame homes were the first dwellings built by European settlers. Later regarded as rustic vacation getaways, today nearly nine out of 10 log and timber-frame homes are used as primary residences.

From their humble origins, these custom homes have also become the choice of growing numbers of America's elite, from corporate moguls to celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment, such as Ted Turner, Charles Schwab, Michael Eisner, Jimmy Carter, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Cruise, Jesse Ventura, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Young, Karl Malone, Jack Nicklaus, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. Even England’s Queen Elizabeth II and former Russian President Boris Yelsin own log homes.

In addition to their aesthetic and romantic attributes, log and timber-frame homes are a wise investment. “They are designed and built to last for hundreds of years,” Sweet said. “What’s more, their value increases steadily. Over the long term, these homes yield a far greater return than the stock market.”

Attractive mortgage and construction loan interest rates have also made these custom homes affordable to more and more people at all income levels. In addition, lenders are more willing than ever before to work with log and timber-home buyers. “People who appreciate the quality of solid-wood and big-timber homes now can realize their dream of living in one,” Sweet said.

The Atlanta Expo will feature more than 100 exhibitors from all over North America as well as several fully constructed walk-through homes. Show-goers will be able to see various log and framing styles, both milled and handcrafted, from top producers in the United States and Canada.

“Homeowners who have successfully bought and built their homes all stress the importance of doing your homework before embarking on this exciting adventure,” Sweet said. “Normally, this would mean spending a lot of time traveling to different locations to meet with producers and their representatives, discuss designs and compare the many different styles of homes that companies offer. This show saves people the time and trouble by letting them do a lot of homework all at once under one roof. This convenience can enable people to realize their dream of living in a log or timber-frame home much sooner than ever before.”

Whether visitors are considering building or buying a new home, or want to add distinctive touches to existing ones, they will be able to collect decorating and design ideas from the industry’s leading companies and craftsmen. Each of the Expo’s three days will include free seminars on all aspects of log and timber-frame construction, plus exhibits of handcrafted furniture, alternative energy, maintenance and restoration products, financing, building products, outdoor furniture and pools and much more.

The Log Home & Timber Frame Expo opens at Georgia International Convention Center Friday, Jan. 16 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.). It will continue Jan. 17 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) Jan. 18 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). For more information, log on to www.logexpo.com.

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