First Place, Midwest Region
Jeff Beanblossom
Union City, Ohio

Jeff Beanblossom had never built anything before. But he had some lower-grade poplar to spare, the result of overrun from grade sawing. Jeff had always wanted to build a log home, and thought this leftover poplar had promise. Some people thought his spare poplar would work fine, while others thought it was destined for pallet making.

Jeff split the difference and built a garage. Jeff started his garage knowing he wanted it to match the home he eventually hoped to build. Starting in April of 2002, he sawed his first 8x10 cant. Over the next two months, he enlisted the help of his family, friends, and an Amish crew.

In July, the foundation was poured, and Jeff inserted the steel rods for the frame support.

All cants were stacked, bolted, screwed in place, sealed and stained. The roof is metal with insulation under it.

The structure now stands at 2,956 square feet, 800 of which is the wraparound porch. The downstairs is the garage, and the upstairs features a game room, and plenty of places to just relax and have fun. There is even a bathroom in this garage!

All in all, Jeff saved about $30,000 on this "experiment." And now he has one major project under his belt as he gears up to build his matching dream home.

When he looks at his handiwork, all Jeff can say is, "Unbelievable! I can't believe I built something so large with no experience."