Modular and log homes popular for Blue Grass builders

Pam and Kieth Rock built their first log home for themselves in 1980. It sparked so much interest that they began their own company and now are building log, modular and panelized homes.

But when Pam and Keith Rock of Blue Grass built their own log home in 1980, the house inspired so much interest, even from strangers, that it sparked the idea for a new business for the Rocks: R & R Custom Homes. Mr. Rock said log homes originated hundreds of years ago in the Scandinavian countries, but today's log homes have little in common with those original, old-fashion models.

R & R has specialized in building log, modular and panelized homes since 1985.

The company builds its log homes log by log, assuring quality and superior workmanship.

``The appearance and the rustic beauty of the log homes are what appeal to buyers,'' said Mr. Rock. ``They're usually built by upper-income people who want something a little different.''

He said the same up-to-date amenities that buyers look for in more traditional homes can be included in log structures.

The cost of a modern log home is comparable to stick-built, he said, but log homes are 10 percent more energy efficient on heating and 15 percent more efficient on cooling than stick-built houses.

Changes in real estate availability have helped R & R to flourish. ``Blue Grass has grown tremendously over the past 20 years or so,'' said Mr. Rock.

While Blue Grass proper has remained essentially the same, the gently rolling, wooded hills around the town have sprouted a number of up-scale subdivisions lying outside city limits, but with Blue Grass mailing addresses.

The developments provided opportunities for builders and contractors, as well as for home buyers looking for a pastoral life style. R & R has taken advantage of that growth in home building, constructing between 50 and 70 houses in the nearby developments.

``We've especially seen a lot of growth in the modular homes,'' Mr. Rock said. ``They're quicker to build, they're not affected by the weather, so there's no deterioration of the materials, and there's less construction interest to pay.

``Modular homes cost $25 to $30 less a square foot to build, and they come with a 10-year structural warranty,'' he added.

If you would like to know more about log, modular or panelized house construction, R & R Custom Homes welcomes visitors interested in touring the model homes (one log home and two modular homes) located just west of Blue Grass on U.S. 61.

R & R is open every day except Wednesday. For more information, call (319) 381-4337.

-- By Catherine Guy