About Us
Richard Melius
About Carolina Log Homes
A Division of 4evr Homes LLC
At Carolina Log Homes, we bring decades of hands-on experience and technical expertise to every project. As a division of 4evr Homes LLC, our team offers a full range of construction services, including:
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Traditional residential and light commercial construction
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Energy-efficient Structural Insulated Panel systems
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Honest Abe Log Home packages for residential and light commercial builds
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Custom Timber Frame and Custom Mortise & Tenon construction
- Honest Abe Timber Frame components with Eco-Panel SIPS
Partners Richard Melius and Richard E. Fenske lead the company with a shared commitment to quality, efficiency and client-centered service. Together, they offer a depth of industry knowledge that spans custom home design, specialized building systems, and small-scale project management.
With a construction career that began in 1976, Richard Melius has built a reputation for designing and constructing right-sized, energy-efficient homes tailored to the needs of each client. He specializes in integrating biophilic design and Vastu Shastra principles to create spaces that are both efficient and naturally harmonious.
Over the course of his career, Richard has been directly responsible for the design and construction of more than 300 homes, as well as countless additions, kitchens, bathrooms and decks. His certifications include 40-hour OSHA safety training along with extensive HAZMAT and lead abatement credentials. He also holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Environmental Technology, underscoring his commitment to sustainable, performance-based building solutions.
Richard Fenske brings a diverse and well-rounded background in construction that dates back to 1994. His hands-on experience includes roles as a carpenter, HVAC technician, equipment operator, plumber and electrician’s assistant, and finish carpenter. His understanding of the trades is deepened by years spent in the field as a subcontractor and superintendent.
As a former construction superintendent for a high-end custom home builder, Richard managed the construction of luxury homes valued at $3 million and above. His ability to lead complex builds and coordinate with both clients and crews makes him a vital part of Carolina Log Homes’ success.
Richard Fenske
More about Richard Melius
Richard Melius brings nearly five decades of hands-on construction experience rooted in thoughtful design and sustainable building practices. Since launching his career in 1976, he has focused on designing and constructing right-sized homes that are efficient, durable and deeply aligned with how people live. His work incorporates biophilic design and Vastu Shastra principles to create environments that support health, harmony and performance.
He has been directly responsible for more than 300 custom homes and numerous additions, kitchens, bathrooms and decks. His portfolio includes traditional log homes as well as advanced timber frame and SIP (structural insulated panel) systems—demonstrating his ability to work across both classic and contemporary building styles.
Richard’s technical expertise spans a wide range of construction methods, including:
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Mortise and tenon timber frame construction
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Timber frame and SIP systems
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Double-wall assemblies
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Larsen truss wall systems
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Conventional 2x framing with solid board insulation on both the interior and exterior
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Metal SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)
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OSB-based SIP systems
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Custom log home construction
In addition to structural work, he has personally designed and installed passive radon mitigation systems and air-to-air heat exchange systems—further reflecting his understanding of indoor air quality and high-performance building systems.
A U.S. Coast Guard Vietnam veteran, Richard served as an Electronics Technician with top-secret clearance. During the Apollo 11 and 12 lunar missions, he was assigned to Cape Canaveral, where he maintained electronic systems on vessels, bases and launch infrastructure—including hands-on work with the Saturn V rocket.
He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Environmental Technology, graduating second in his class, and carries certifications in OSHA 40-hour safety, HAZMAT, lead abatement and first aid.
Beyond fieldwork, Richard served as Warranty Manager for a national homebuilder, managing a team of five superintendents and coordinating with national manufacturers and warranty providers. He also served as Street Superintendent for the Town of Kernersville, overseeing 18 employees and a $3.5 million annual budget—further proof of his leadership, accountability and operational skill.
Richard lives in Winston-Salem with his wife Shirley. Married since 1972, they have two children and two grandchildren. He enjoys swimming, fishing and boating with his grandkids and is currently restoring a classic 1958 19-foot Lyman wooden inboard runabout—yet another reflection of his dedication to craftsmanship and timeless design.
More about Richard Fenske
Richard E. Fenske brings both military discipline and hands-on versatility to every project he undertakes. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Rich served aboard the USS Nitro across Europe, the Middle East and during Desert Shield. He was personally commended by Admiral J.D. Pearson for his heroic efforts during a severe storm, saving his ship from sinking amid 100 mph winds and towering seas.
Since transitioning to the construction industry in 1994, Rich has gained extensive experience in a wide range of roles: carpenter, HVAC technician, equipment operator, plumber and electrician’s assistant, finish carpenter and subcontractor. He’s also served as a construction superintendent for luxury custom homes valued at $3 million and above.
Detail-oriented and highly organized, Rich upholds rigorous job site standards—from craftsmanship to cleanliness—and expects the same level of professionalism from every subcontractor on site. His strong leadership ensures that each build is executed with precision and care.
Rich lives with his life partner, Katie, and together they plan to build their own custom Honest Abe Log Home in 2025—a project designed by his business partner, Richard Melius. He’s a devoted father of two, an animal lover with three dogs, and enjoys cooking, beach camping, off-roading and motorcycle rides in his spare time. Whether he’s on a job site or by the campfire with a steak on the grill, Rich brings a grounded, positive energy to everything he does.