A community of timber home enthusiasts and those who love energy-efficient homes
problems with California?
California is by far the most populous state in the country and yet the timber frame industry seems to have decided against doing business here. I have found no record of any timber frame 'shows' or exhibits EVER in California. When I search for Timber frame companies in California, most of the results are companies based elsewhere that "do business" in California. (although some of the larger, franchise companies do have reps in CA).
A few obvious questions:
1. does it have anything to do with seismic codes, or other building codes specific to CA?
2.. I know some folks will say it is the evil California 'socialist' anti-business regulations; but timber frame companies seem to prosper in Massachusetts and New York, so I really doubt that taxes are the reason for the lack of a timber frame industry in CA; but I'd be happy to listen.....
3. even if the state government made doing business here difficult, that still would not explain why timber frame home shows / exhibits can be put on profitably in elsewhere, but not in California, where more money is spent on luxury homes than in any other five states combined??? Why isn't the industry at least trying to sell the concept here in CA?
4. The few companies that I have found in CA are all located far from major population centers (like LA). Have a missed any LA area companies?
Views: 74
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Danielle Taylor on -
Thanks for your concern. Mark your calendar for next February 11-13, because the Log & Timber Home Show will be going on in Sacramento!
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Permalink Reply by Eric on -
Thank you for your comments. Since I'm not a builder I won't be able to help you out with questions 1 or 2. Regarding our shows, we've held our Log & Timber Home Shows in Ontario, CA a couple times within the last five years. I know this isn't in the LA region, but we have a show scheduled in Sacramento, CA February 11-13 at the Cal Expo center. To learn more abour our shows and upcoming events go to www.thelogandtimberhomeshow.com.
The great thing about the timber framing business is that timber frame companies will come to you and build where you want them to build. Most are not afraid to travel in to the next state and build you a nice timber frame home.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Thomas on -
You will have to look harder for shows today than you would have 5 years ago. Because most companies ARE located outside of CA they seem to be less able to bear the expense of a show out west even though they may be willing to sel them here. I sell Timberframes in CA as the Regional Manager for Timberpeg. I live in Northern CA near Sacramento and our factory is located in Oregon. We have been building homes in CA for over 25 years now. Log and Timber Shows have been located in Sacramento every year as Eric said. The Ontario, CA show was dropped about 2 years ago but was actually very near LA.
These days you will find us at shows like West Coast Green in San Francisco at the end of this month.
With regard to the question of codes; Yes it is more difficult in CA to obtain a building permit because every frame must be fully engineered and there are additional considerations with regard to seismic in order to meet the engineering requirements. I can tell you that we have never failed to meet those requirements with any frame in CA. Feel free to contact me about visiting a finished frame in Mariposa or a frame raising in Napa during October.
If you'd like to follow me on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/37j85hj I will have all shows and open homes as well as frame raising events listed.
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