This is my reply to Brian Potteiger:
Making a general statement as to the cost of a completed log home is a bit risky but I will stick my neck out.
Ranch style log homes with locally manufactured roof trusses should cost in the $90 - $100 per square foot range. 1 1/2 or 2 story log homes, with exposed beams & rafters throughout, should cost about $110 (and up) per square foot. The actual cost of a completed home (be it log or conventional) is strongly dependent on the interior options such as, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, floor covering, kitchen cabinets, etc., etc. These numbers are for turn key constructed "kit" log homes. I have heard that a completed hand crafted log home can cost in excess of $200 per square foot.
If you are looking for opportunities to lower the cost of your log home, I recommend the discussion found in www.log-home-plans.com.
Thursday, September 30th 2004 @ 6:43 AM
Posted by Judy Greer:
We've heard that log homes are cold in the winter and have high heating bills. Is that true?:-?
My husband and I will build another log home, we now know more about the process since we built the one we live in. We will,however, check many more references on the builder.
If, actually when, I live in a log home I shall never go back. To me the beauty is unrivalled, and it is the closest that you can be to living a truly free lifestyle(going into the woods and living off the land) that you can be while still grasping onto societies holds.
I have not had the good fortune of living in one of these log homes as of this date but belive me when I tell you that therre are many more people like I am that envy you guys that built their very own log home. I do have a question for those of you who are reading this entry. Is there any place that I can view a wider assortment of og homes? It seems every book I purchase they seem to have the same homes.
John Brewer
www.mill-your-own-logs.com
Thursday, October 14th 2004 @ 12:28 PM
Posted by Traci:
We've heard that financing for log homes is a problem. Especially in our state of Oklahoma. Any tips on making bankers like the log home idea??
This is my reply to Traci:
You will find a number of lenders willing to finance log homes at http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/log-home-loans.htm. This is perhaps the largest such directory on the Internet.
Please let me know how this works out for you.
Judy & Phil, it has been my experience that log homes are quite comfortable in the winter. I live in a 2300 square foot log home in Fredericksburg, VA. My wife and I work at home; therefore, we are home more that most people. Our electric & gas bills, combined, averaged $225 per month for the past 12 months. Several years ago we sold a custom, 2200 square foot home, also in Fredeicksburg. This couple installed a wood stove in the basement which heats their entire home. It is worth noting that neither Ron Colbow, Kim Peters, nor Laura Calp (above) expressed any concern about the heating cost.
Phil, if a log home is drafty it is because the home was not properly constructed. Log home purchasers must look into the reputation of builders before they make their final selection. By all means, visit homes the builders have constructed and talk to the home owners.
I have gone back and forth on whether to go log or not. Either way, the plans I like are on log home sites like this. Could I purchase plans on this site, have them revised on this site even if I decided against using logs ?
Anyone have experience with log siding? We are doing new construction and are looking for recommendations as to whether to use cedar or pine siding. And what kind of finish to use? Should we apply finish BEFORE or AFTER applying the siding to the house?
I'm having trouble getting anyone to write a homeowners policiy because the home I'm trying to purchase is too "remote". It's 6-7 miles from the Volunteer Fire Dept and 1.5 miles from a hydrant. Any suggestions?
I highly recommend the article "Opportunities for Saving Money when Designing & Building Your Dream Log Home" found at www.log-home-plans.com. Yes, I wrote the article so please let me know what you think.
I encourage you to contact an independent insurance agent. My log home is 3 miles from a volunteer fire department & 8 miles from a hydrant. I have not had any trouble obtaining insurance.
I contacted Joe at www.pbjinc.com, a Sikkens certified painter. Here is what Joe had to say:
"Have her do it. Sealing/staining all sides of a board/log siding is ideal. If it were done that way from the beginning, there would be a whole lot less headaches...but then we may not have any work!"
opps
"I have some 47 acres along new HWY 237. This is a wonderful area for high valued home and a lake. Looking for a contractor to develop this property."
This property is just outside Cannelton, Indiana about 1000 feet from the Cannelton/Hawesville Bridge crossing the Ohio River.
Please visit http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/log-home-builders-directory.htm. There you will find several log home builders working in Indiana. Perhaps one of them can help.
I have a 15 year old log home, that we need repairs on the outside. The main floor is round log but the top floor and basement part are flat wood siding. We would like to change the siding, we are having troubles to get some idea for the remodeling Thank you
We are thinking of buying a 17 year old ranch-style log home in Lincoln County NC, but we want an experienced log home inspector and cant seem to find one. Also, how do we find out home and property appraised value as there are no similar properties in the area? Does buying a log home require special financing? Are lending rates different than for stick built homes? Is log rot common and is it expensive to repair? Thanks for your help with these questions.
There is so much contradictory info out there, it is hard to tell which way to go. Some companies say kiln dried logs are best, others say natural drying is better. When it comes to connecting the logs, there are about as many ways as there are companies, and again, each one says their way is best. I find all this mind numbing.:-? Nevertheless, I hope to build (or have someone do it for me) a log home in the next several years. Just a vacation home, not a permanent residence.....yet.:)
Sounds like you are looking for log siding to match the logs. Please send an email to me at info@cedar-log-homes.com or call 540-752-4106 so that we can discuss your needs in detail.
Unfortunately, a lack of comparable properties when appraising a log home is not uncommon. About the only suggestion I have is try a local lender in hopes you will get a better deal.
Regarding you question on special financing for log homes, it is true that not every lender will finance log homes. However, the situation is far better today than 10 years ago. You will find perhaps the Internet's largest listing of lenders that finance log homes at http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/log-home-loans.htm. So far as I know, the interest rates for log home & stick homes are the same. However, as you seek financing, ask that question and let me know what you are told.
Regarding your need for an experienced log home inspector, if you have not done so already, contact local log builders & dealers. They are "plugged" into the local log home community & should be able to help. At the very least I would have a local pest control company inspect the home.
Regarding your question on rotted logs, that is a sign of poor maintenance - frequently water off the roof or splashing water. With such an obvious indication of poor maintenance, I would be concerned about the hidden problems. Now I understand why you are looking for a log home inspector.
Regarding your question on the cost of replacing rotted logs, I encourage you to visit http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/log_homes_prod&serv.htm#Log_Home_Restoration_Products_&_Services. Contact one or more of these companies and ask for estimates. It has been my experience that these guys are magicians when it comes to replacing logs. Also, could be that they can help you find an experienced inspector.
Good luck. Let me know how this all works out.
I agree with your comment regarding conflicting information. I recommend you alter your thought process a bit. Focus on a style (log style, corner style, wood species, etc.) that you like. Then search for companies that offer what you are looking for. Once you have found a combination that appeals to you, ask a few questions: How long has the company been in business? Any complaints filed with the local Better Business Bureau? Does the local sales force encourage you to visit homes constructed with their kits - especially homes constructed several years ago? Does the local sales force encourage you to talk to these homeowners? Does the local sales force encourage you to talk to builders that have constructed their homes?
I think log home shoppers should ignore any claims of "we are the best" and look for a system that "works." After all both Chevy & Ford pick-ups "work." The "best" is in the eyes of the beholder.
we are going to builted and my husband wants the log home what is the best kind to go with .we just need a small home of
2 beds and 2 baths I looking for a floor plan can any one help me .
Kent, I can relate to your comments. We are planning to build a primary residence in the next year. I've found the process to be somewhat overwhelming! Like you've said, everyone claims to be the "best". We've found 2 companies/contractors in the area we plan to build in. One kiln dries, one air dries. What are the drawbacks and benefits of each process?? Is one significantly better than the other or is it a matter of how the process is done?:-?
No, I wouldn't live in another log home. There aren't many ways to change the decore of a log home. With a non-log home you can change colours, add or remove architectural features - so many different things you can do - which you can't with a log home
I have lived in a log cabin in Jackson Hole several years ago and now have been living in another for the last 2 years in the mountains of northern California. We dont have a heating system, so the woodstove is the heat source. It stays quite comfortable winter and summer. The wood decor makes the decorating aspect fun. The wood has a warm feeling. The house in Wyoming was amazingly warm in the frigid temps. I would definitely live in a log home again and build one if the opportunity presented itself.
We recently looked at a beautiful log home in Illinois that was not air-conditioned. Temperatures in our area are usually in the 80's to sometimes low 90's in the summer months. The owner told us that due to the insulation of the log home, the stayed in the 70's year round with the use of ceiling fans. The home is 15 yrs. old made of white cedar logs. Would you condsider this to be fact or fiction? The house is heated with a boiler hot water baseboard system. Any comments? Thanks for any input.
It could be true; howeve; "in the 70's" includes 79 degrees. That is a bit warm for me. The hot water baseboard heat is a good system. If you purchase the home, I hope you will share your experience with our readers.
I've got a perfect spot to build a log home on a hill overlooking a 17 acre lake. I would love to use timber off my land to build. Any suggestions as to species, size, and curing process?
Thanks.
I encourage you to visit http://www.loghomebuilders.org/ but please ignore the negative bias toward log home kits that you will find on this site. Not every "loggie" has both the timber & the time to tackle such an endeavor. Best wishes; Please let us know how this works out.
My wife and I bought a log home 7 years ago and would not go back to a stick home. Log homes are very warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We live in sask. Canada where the winter months will reach -40f and the summer months will reach +40f. Right now we are looking at putting an addition on to our home .
Wednesday, March 2nd 2005 @ 11:57 PM
Posted by josh:
i've lived in a log home for the past 17 years and plan on building my own (it was my parents home) once I need to build!
We bought our log home 6 yrs ago and I love it. It's kind of small but it's ours. When the realtor first showed it to me I knew it was mine, even a week later when she called me and apologized for showing it to me because it was under contract to someone else. My husband said we should keep looking for another house but I told him I was done looking, I had found my house. A month later the realtor called me and told me the contract had fallen through with the other people and asked if I was still interested. You know when you find what you're looking for even when you didn't know you were looking for it, just like I found my husband.
we built our glue lam. house 15 years ago
love the inside and the look of the out
side. we live in n. indiana where it can be -20 in the winter and in the high 90s
in the summer. not to hard to cool or heat
the biggest thing i dislike is the outside care. we have to strip and seal ours about every 4-5 years.
I currently build a variety of log homes and custom woodwork as well. These range from kits to on site harvest of many different species of wood. In my experience ... All kits are NOT created equal. Pricing and quotes can be misleading at best. To answer some of the above concerns: Log Homes are indeed efficient in energy values. By comparrison Log VS. Conventional Framing is similar to Water VS. Air in temperature change and thermal qualities. The moisture content in a solid log fibre changes temperature more slowly and tends to radiate more making it maintain consistent temps inside the home. As to the duration and life of a home cosider how many log homes from previous eras are still around (with NO treatment for pests) and have a look at say a conventional home that was built 30 years ago with protection. In this day and age most log homes are built using refined systems, fastners, and materials instead of fresh cut log on log styles of long ago. Keep in mind that those old log homes are usually on the ground with little or no foundation,fastners,sealants etc. and are tucked into some dark and damp hillside in the woods somewhere and yet many are still fine structures even being disassembled and relocated at times. Would a conventional home withstand 250 years of this and people still want to relocate it? In my oppinion with todays strict building principles, a new log home will be around for a long time to come. Wood is tried and true where as modern materials are constantly being recalled due to failures. Hope this helps any of you. Thanks to this site for helping get info to people in need. Keep up the good work. NCHW
Can anyone recommend an efficient heating system for an 1830's log house with 3'-4' crawl space in small area of basement, with rest of space unaccessable due to large rock boulders and dirt. Is radiant heat a possibility? The exterior walls are currently covered in wood siding, what can we expect to find if we uncover and expose the log inside and out?
Kaftherine, concerning the best heat source, my answer would be a K1 fuled Monitor. They are extremely efficient and vented outside the house for clean odor-fee heat. They are very cost effective, easy to install and maintenance free. For more info follow the link:
http://www.medfordfuel.com/monitor_stoves.htm
George
I have started doing my research into building a log home. I am trying to fing out which one is the better building material, Ceadr, pine or log poll pine. Also how often do you have to do pest control and stain the logs. From what I here beattles can be a problem, I am also worried about other wood eating pest.o:)o:)
Regarding which species of log to use, all of those you mentioned will perform satisfactorily if the manufacturer & builder are reputable. I strongly recommend that you ask for and carefully check references of each.
I have been selling White Cedar logs for over 20 years. The only problem I have found is the Carpenter Bees; and they will be a problem regardless of which wood you select. To the best of my knowledge, there is no insecticide available that will discourage the Carpenter Bees. I take care of this problem with a pest control contract. I tell the pest control representatives that the Carpenter Bees are the only reason I am contracting for the service. Of course, all the other pest control services are included in the contract.
When it comes to applying a finish to the log exterior, I recommend Sikkens. This finish and most others recommend renewing the finish every 5 – 7 years. I recently paid to have our home refinished after 9 years.
Does anyone have any experience wiht Thelogconnection.com. They have some great plans and we are thinking of getting of of their homes but would like to know if anyone here has any experience with them.
Thanks
We live in Fla. and are about to build a log home in eastern tennesse. We are very close to starting our plans and I am very concerned about heating and cooling. We are going with mostly hard wood flooring and have heard of a system called sub floor heating. I believe this is some kind of heating strips that are run under the finished wood flooring. Has anyone heard of this type of system. I am also becoming concerned about the boring bee situation. I find it hard to believe there is not a product yet to combat this problem. Recently I found a site that claims to have this problem solved. has anyone else heard of a new product that is actually working?
We have a log home in Truckee CA. Due to wet rot, we need to have part or all of the bottom 3 logs in front of the house replaced? Can anyone recommend an expert log repair person in this part of CA?
I have no experience with this company but you might visit http://www.westcoastrestoration.com/.
Thursday, July 21st 2005 @ 8:44 PM
Posted by Shirley K:
Has anyone heard of or had any experience with the company ABC Modular Log Homes? I would be interested to hear from anyone who has built a modular log siding home since we are considering this option. Thanks
MY BROTHER BUILT LOG HOMES IN ALASKA, INCUDING ONE FOR HIMSELF IN MOOSE PASS, AND IT GOT SO HOT USEING THE WOOD STOVE THAT WE WOULD HAVE THE FRONT AND REAR DOORS OPENED IN THE WINTER. NOW THAT I LIVE IN IDAHO, I WOULD DEFINITELY WANT ANOTHER. THEY ARE VERY WEATHER TIGHT, AND ARE EASIER TO HEAT AND COOL. PLUS THEY LOOK VERY COOL. I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE WRAP AROUND PORCHES.:)
When I was a child, I visited my grandparents log home in Traverse City Mich. Grampa built it in 39 and 40. During World War 2, Mom and I spent several months at a time at home there. It was a very large home, with a 26 ft. cathedral ceiling, and a walk-in fire place that took almost one whole end wall. Square footage was around 5000. I am hoping, now that I am retired, to build one for my self. I have been searching for a plan, and have found a couple that I really like. One plan in particular is from a company (New Hempstead Log Co.) that is a very short distance from Caldwell. I am hoping that by next spring, I will be able to send you photos of my home. Steve
I'm looking for a builder in or around Mims, Florida for a 1,560 sq. ft. single story log home. I'd be interested to know what it would cost to put the shell up and dry it in only.
Visit http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/log-home-builders-directory.htm. As always, ask for references. The builder is your best source for cost estimates,
Tuesday, November 1st 2005 @ 4:08 PM
Posted by Kay in Alaska:
I have lived in a wonderful log home in Alaska for 7 years. I would definitely live in a log home again...in fact we are building one right now in Oregon!:)
My husband and I are considering building a log home in Nebraska. I just have two questions. First, in my parent's hometown in Texas there was a well-known log home that continually had termite problems. The owners fought them for years and finally had to cover outside of home with brick/stone to keep termites from getting in. How can we find out information on termite problems around the country and where they are the biggest concern? Second question, do log home owners ever use sheetrock in bedrooms? Someone else on here mentioned before that they didn't like not being able to paint walls and decorate so I was just curious if sheetrock was an option for bedrooms. Thanks in advance!
My son and I built my log home and neither of us had ever built a home. It is wonderful. I live in North Carolina. It is easy to hear and easy to cool. Most people think they have to buy logs from a log home dealer. This is far from the truth. I dealt with a broker who had over 35 yrs. experience and he was wonderful. ANY broker can get ANY wood you want and they can give you the best advise in the world. The walls are so easy to construct. Just make certain you purchase logs that are dry. After many questions I decided to buy the Air Dried logs vs. the Kiln dried and I am very pleased I did. There are two schools of thought on this. My suggestion is that you DO NOT buy a kit home, especially if you are doing a home of 2,000 sq ft or less.:)
We have a 3 story cabin in the Smokey's. Each floor has a bedroom, bath and living room - not a kit. I would never even consider building another cabin - I am very unhappy.
No one told me that squirrels would eat your house - they have. I combated that by ordering (of all the nasty things) coyote urine to frighten them off until the next season. No one told me that lady bugs would invade your home and rehatch in the floors and between the logs every year. No one told me that you would have to have a termite inspection every year. No one told me that huge windows were a bad idea because of the heat - I would have had insulated and tinted windows installed. No one told me that althought you get a well dug - the person who digs it can leave the pump in sand and you have to install filters above the well, and over the water heater that have to be changed every month. No one told me that just because a window closes that doesn't mean it will seal at the bottom. Because no one told me - I'm tell you to be prepared for the worse scenario. Building inspectors - joke - they didn't even catch that the wrap around deck wasn't attached to the house. If you build in a small area you definitely need a friendly professsional to go behind the inspector to catch the things he misses.
Regarding termite problems - Remember, most log homes are constructed on standard subfloor systems; therefore, log homes should be treated for termites the same as stick built homes. I recommend that you contact a pest control company in Nebraska & ask for their advice.
Regarding sheetrock in the bedroom - Please visit http://www.model-log-homes.com/bedroom-photos.htm (copy & paste into your browser's address line). Here you will find several photos of bedrooms that have a combination of sheetrock & log walls.
A terribaly sad story. I always encourage prospective log home owners to ask for and check references before selecting builders or subcontractors. If you (the prospective home buyer) are new to the community, be aware that there are builders & subcontractors that will take advantage of you. In this case, go beyond the references. Ask local lumber yards, log home dealers, existing home owners who they would recommend. Then contsct the recommended companies & tell them that so-&-so referred them to you as a reputable company. Most builders & subcontractors will then do a good job because they want to stay in the good graces of the person that sent them the job.
Pat, I know that this advice does nothing to relieve your pain but, perhaps, your experience will encourage others to proceed with caution.
Does anyone have an idea of what it cost to prepare land to build on in NC? This would be helpful just to know if it's even a possiblity to do. Thanks!
The only way I know to answer that question is to contact one or more excavators, take them to the job site & ask for quotes. If it is necessary to fell trees, each excavator will have a favored subcontractor he (or she) works with. Good luck.
I just bought a log home about a year ago in New Hampshire and I just love it!! Primary heat--2 woodstoves and I feel that once you get the logs "warmed up" it's quite comfy! Of course nothing heats like wood-grew up with wood heat and had to buy a house with it!! The home is about 13 years old and I just had the outside "restored" all new chinking and stain etc... have already noticed a big difference between keeping the heat in this year vs. last year at this time! Well worth the $$$...
I am interested in building a 3-bay garage with living space above for a business-Any ideas on whether to go with a log garage or not?! Don't really know much about them!! There aren't that many around the area I live in. Any advice would be great!! Thanks so much!!
If you want to save money, I recommend log siding for the garage. Contact the company that manufactured your kit to see if they offer matching log siding. Otherwise, visit http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/log-home-siding-railings.htm for a selection of log siding.
sandy-
thanks for the info! I spoke with the person who built the log home and apparently it is from no kit?! I have had a couple of companies come by the look at it and nobody can determine any brand/company etc...So your website is very helpfull!! I just hope we can find something that comes close!
thanks! Kathleen
Love your web site, I hope to build a log "church" 5100 sq.ft. North East Pa. I was told logs have a "r" value of r-20 -25, but for the standard 6x8 d log, most of the web sites say that r-9 or r-10 tops. Yet, heat will be retained in the logs because of moisture. Does R value matter in a log building? Any thing I should look out for? I was told that a good "caulk" on a double grove will be "fine" won't need pre-made foam insulation. And butt joints, 1/2" plywood with grove cut end to end??? what are some of the other ways to "butt" them and how about the corners???
Just bought lot on the river in Alaska with a beautiful view. Planning to do build a scribe fit home using big logs. Check out Yukon Alaska Log homes. Someone asked about heating check out radiant heating (in the floor).
R value of 9 - 10 is typical. I never heard of a solid wood log with an R value of 20 - 25. R values for logs can be misleading. As you indicated, there is a "thermal mass coefficient" for log walls which means that once the logs heat up they tend to stay warm and once they are cool they tend to stay cool. All of this is a bit confusing to me and others; therefore, I encourage log home shoppers to contact log home owners and enquire about their heating & cooling bills.
Absolutely, a high grade of caulking is recommended. I have used SikaFlex for many years. The foam strips are inexpensive; therefore, I ship foam with every kit.
Regarding the 1/2" plywood & grooves cut in the field, this can be time consuming. I recommend drilling a 3/4" hole at the butt joints (after the logs are in place), applying caulking & then driving a cut-to-length 3/4" dowel into the hole.
I hope this helps. Perhaps other readers will express different opinions.
Sunday, December 18th 2005 @ 7:21 AM
Posted by Debra:
My reply to K Osborn (July 1st, 2005). Check out a web site called "EasyFloor.com". This is a under floor heating system. Warm water runs through pex tubing to heat the house. It's nice for a log home because there are no heating duct work needed. Radiant heat is very nice as well. The company is FlorHeat and they have been installing their product for many years in many different types of homes. They are very nice and helpful people. Check them out.
we live in south texas and are thinking about building a log cabin don't see many in this area have any suggestions as howto get started or how to get kits or how they would do in this kind of weather:)
What is wrong with the sitewhere you found this journal? You will find the floor plans at http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/log-home-plans-links.htm and the kit prices at http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/log-home-kits-price.htm.
Good luck with your research.
I'm looking into the concrete logs or cultured logs system. They seem to be in business only in MT, though. The look appears good (as much as one can tell on a monitor) and the fire-proof, no maintenance and pest-proof claims certainly are attractive!
Will someone here who's really in the know about log home construction take a look at the site and their comparisons and make comments?
the url is www.concretelogs.com
Sandy, I am very interested in taking a look at the model in Fred. I live in Chesterfield and my husband and I want to build a log home maybe in Amelia. Do you have to have a contractor build it or is it something that we can do? I am so excited! This is our dream!:)
Hi everyone, I just start looking to build a log home and I found a lot of informations on this website : http://www.loghomebuilders.org/ .
A lot of tips on the fabrication techniques can also be found on this other site : http://www.ourloghouse.com/cgi-bin/olh.pl?00001
I really suggest reading carefully all that stuff before building or buying a log house !
Hope it will help somebody
Yes, we have an excellent builder in the Amelia, VA area. I'll communicate with you directly by email. I look forward to meeting you in our model log home.
I too encourage others to check out the web sites in Drew's post. The publisher of www.loghomebuilders.org is an outspoken advocate of do-it-yourself handcrafted log homes; and, he is 100% correct, you will save a pile of money if you take that route instead of purchasing a kit. Unfortunately, he expresses a strong bias against log kits.
For those log home lovers that prefer the full log appearance and have the time, energy and perseverance, then by all means study Drew's references and "go for it." For those of us who prefer a different "look" and lack the time, energy and perseverance, we will probably select a log kit. There are many kit manufacturers who have been in business for 20 years or more. They could not have survived that long unless they were producing a quality product. As with any large purchase, carefully check out your primary vendors, i.e., the kit manufacturer & the EXPERIENCED log builder.
My wife & I have lived in our log (kit) home for over 10 years and we love it. Judging from the comments posted in this journal by others, we are not alone.
I Would never buy another log home. log homes are very expensive to build a very bad investment. My log homes is impossible to heat in winter. Logs have settled and broke windows. Bug have overrun the house. Water comes thru the wall when it rain. Mold has caused health problems. Government should ban sale of log homes. Buyer beware.
My comment to all of the above:
If you build a log home...use NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR. If you want someone who can instruct and help you from beginning to end that would be the owner of the Website: SANDY HELMS. Trust me...I know from experience;)
We just bought a beautiful 4 yr. old red cedar log home in Arkansasa. We would like to add a sunroom off the kitchen. There is a deck there now. Any suggestions?
I would start with a local home improvement company and ask for a quote using log siding. The company can tell you if it is local Red Cedar or Western Red Cedar. If the Cedar is local, the company will surely know where to find the siding. If the Cedar comes from the west coast, search the web for “Red Cedar siding”, disregarding any links to your local Red Cedar. Let me know how your project works out. Good luck.
I built in 73. Low maintenance, looks nice, wooded locale, smells great (still)! This is a second home. Planning to get rid of my sided contemporary to build a log home.:)
I GCed my own first log home and it was a fantastic experience...while I have had some minor problems with contractors i enjoyed the experience so much I started my own log cabin company in Maine....
Sorry to hear about your disastrous experience with your log home. This experience reinforces my recommendation (time & time again): Ask for builder references, visit homes he/she has constructed and talk to home owners. There are craftsmen available that can repair your home. I have seen some of their work and they a magicians. You will find a list at http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/maintenance-restoration.htm. But, again, ask for and check out references. Exercise serious due diligence.
My wife and I are moving to South Virginia and just bought a beautful log home. We would like to begin the process of adding a garage with bonus room onto the house ASAP.
I live in a 3700 foot log home built with white pine walls, douglas fir beams and ipe decking with a full wrap around porch and full log garage. It's wonderful, but I would never build another log home simply because it was impossible to have an accurate budget. My home is not a kit and all wood was hand hewn. It went 140% over my original budget. I spent a lot of time trying to project an accurate budget, knowing my costs for all interior finishes and still in the end it was a disaster on the budget side. That being said it was a lot of fun to build and very satisfying to see the project come full circle. Decorating and furnishing a log home was easy- I chose the lodge style. My home is very peaceful and beautiful. As far as heating and cooling- I installed a geo thermal system and find it is right on target after 2 1/2 years for the projection by the vendor. It should pay for itself in 7 years. It did cost double what a forced air system would have cost. Most people in this area of the south install forced air systems. I did a lot of research prior to building and found many helpful people with knowledge to give advice at a web site called log homes on the internet lhoti.com. I used Sansin stain on my home and have been very pleased with it's durability and Sutherland Wells tung oil finish on my hickory flooring- I would highly recommend this flooring finish it looks beautiful. I use a pest and termite service and have had no problems with bugs. There are a lot of birds roosting under the covered porch at night though. You can see the plan I used at this link - http://www.bullockloghomes.com/Tennessee%20Log%20Home.htm this is not my home but the same plan. If your interested in seeing beautiful log homes be sure to look on the bullock log homes website they are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Bullocks did not build my home but I did purchase the plan from them.
I live in Indianapolis. I have an offer to buy a home that is a 3,900 s.f. log home within metro Indianapolis. It has been on the market since April of 2005 and they have lowered the price a lot. The sales agent tells me that it has had a mold issue but assures me that it's been remediated. He has not been forthcoming with information and my lender tells me it may be hard to finance because none of the comps are log. I have read some of the concerns above and am very nervous to accept the recent counter offer. Any advice is welcome and please send asap
Search Google for . Contract to have the mold levels evaluated. If the problem is serious, determine if the mold can be cleaned up. The buyer should pay for this work.
Regarding your loan, please visit http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/log-home-loans.htm and contact several lenders that finance log homes.
I hope this helps; please let me know how you handle these problems.
:-? We are looking to buy a used log home built in 1990 everything looks good but i'm scared about the heating it has a woodburning furnace in the basement and a wood stove on the mail floor. I don't want to be cold. We live in northern Canada and it can get very cold. Is there anyone who knows about wood burning furnaces. Help I want to buy the house but I am unsure
I have been tossing around the idea of buying land in MT, for a future residence, and building a log home (or having one built). I am glad I ran across this website. There is a lot of great info here. My wife and I love Log homes, but to purchase one complete, seems like a lost dream. Maybe I could do a partial build myself. Thanks for all the great info;)
new to this board, very interesting, here's my 2¢:
We're just finishing a modular on 4 ac. in rural Delaware that has been customized with quarter-log northern white cedar siding, Sikkens stain. This is a new trend, modular with log siding. Got the idea from Pleasant Valley modular in Pennsylvania, but they use conventional dealers in Del., (don't get me started...), so we went with Beracah using a custom builder that took care of all the sub-contractors. Solid ceiling beams, hand laid stone fireplace, looks just like the real thing but with all the modern conveniences of modular. This is the way to go for "log cabin" in the not-so-rustic Mid-Atlantic. Good Luck!
My reply to John Rodko:
Thanks for your kind remarks.
If you are thinking about doing some of the work yourself, you might consider hiring an experienced log builder to put the home under roof. Once the shell is under roof and protected against the weather, you can work at your own pace and/or act as the general contractor.
Good luck!
I know how hard it is to get financing for your homes! I finally found a mortgage company that will work with me and they even lowered my interest rate! I was so happy with them that I just wanted to tell everyone!
I have less than perfect credit and they got it done for me! I couldn’t believe it! I thought I would never get to buy my own home and they made it possible! Then a year later I wanted to do some updating to my house they helped me choose between refinancing and a home equity. AND they lowered my interest rate even more!
The company is SUNSET MORTGAGE Company. They told me that they work with over 300 banks and there is very little they can’t do! Talk to David Laugs, he is so helpful and I felt like he truly wanted to help and work with me to find out what my best choices were. Take a look at their web site http://www.smcmortgagesusa.com or give them a call 1-888-762-4733 I just want to get the word out cause I know how hard it is sometimes to get a mortgage. Or like me I didn’t even know I qualified!
I am getting out of the military ina month, and am going to built a log cabin on a couple acres in S.C...
I was wondering are most log cabins built footings with a poured slab, or do olat have basements? Money aside, how much more difficult is it with a full basement?
thanks, very respectfully,
Dan Healy
While log homes are constructed on concrete slabs, it has been my experience that the majority are built on foundations with a crawl space or basement. Basements do not complicate the construction of log homes.
We are looking at buying a log home in NC. It is a foreclosure and has not been lived in for some time. It is solid except for some major water damage/rotted logs at one corner where water ran down from a defective gutter and a large bush blocked the sun from drying it out. Some of the ends of the logs are completely rotted back to where they tounge and groove together at the corner of the house. How expensive in general would a repair like this cost? A few thousand, or five figures range? It would also require re-chinking in several places. :-?
I recommend that you visit http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/maintenance-restoration.htm
or http://loghomelinks.com/rest1.htm and comminicate with one of these guys that make their living dealing with exactly the problems you describe.
If you will send photos I will post them on my site as a warning that log home owners need to take care of problems, such as you describe, before they get out of hand.
Good luck.
My Husband and I own 20 acres here in WA and are wanting to build a log house in about 2 years when out of the military. We would like a 3 story house with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, with one of the stories a full basement. It would be built on a hill so the basement would be a walk out but i cant seem to find any plans that are similar to what we want also we want it as energy and cost efficient as possible as we will have to dig a well and run electricity to the land. Also Any tips on how to make it more affordable as far as living off the land for the house????
My reply to Amber:
I recommend that you visit http://www.log-home-plans.com/ and scroll down to an article titled "16 Opportunities for Saving Money when Designing and Building your Dream Log Home."
As always, Sandy's advice (and link) is great advice:
"Stick stone to plywood...chimney" - we did and looks great!
"...crawl space rather than basement" - ditto, used attic for extra room
"...trusses rather than exposed beams" - went with convention build but added false beams for the 'cabin look.' It worked well.
For long-term savings, look into geothermal heat and tankless water heaters. go to:
www.geoexchange.org
for info and grant assistance.
We almost went geo, but only have 4 ac. and would have had to sacrifice too many trees. You have lots of room for a geo system, and your water well driller could also sink the pipes needed for geo at the same time.
Where in WA are you, McCord? I used to live in Auburn, Kent Co.
Stay tuned, others will be along with more advise. Best of Luck!
A great place to learn about log cabins and build them yourself is at this web site
http://www.loghomebuilders.org/. My wife and I took the class and enjoyed every minute of it and are planning to build our own. :)
We have a Home in the Mountains which has vynalsiding and would would like to change it to log paneling and also we are looking for a contractor to add two rooms and a seconde floor as well to it. please send me suggestions we are in North carolina at 4,000 ft of elevation sorounded by christmas trees in our land.
The Carpenter Bee is a pesky insect that plagues every log home owner. I have found a product that is near magic - CYPER WP. The product is sprayed on the areas where the Carpenter Bee is likely to nest and the product is effective for up to three months - easily covering the bee season. I do not know if the product kills or simply repels the bees. Either way, there is a major reduction in the bee activity and the product can be re-applied as necessary. To locate a supplier simply search on the product name. Once I discovered this product I canceled a pest control contract that cost $400 per year.
Hi. I would like to have a log home built using my own doug fir logs. I have 48 acres in LaCenter, Washington that is heavely timbered. I have the means to fall and haul my own trees. I have a good idea of what average size log I want to use (14") and what floor plan will suit me. I can not seem to find a log builder to build with my logs. I can provide a saw mill(for plates and other required sawed parts) and a crane. I would prefer the Swedish cope method which as you know requires talent. Any help in finding a builder would be appreciated. Thanks for any help, Russ
my husband and I just bought a log cabin that was a foreclosure in Massachusetts it had been vandalized and vacant for about 2 years. Amazingly it still remains in very very good condition. We are in the process of cleaning the logs for staining. My question is do you re-chink it before you stain or stain before you re-chink? And what is the best chinking material? It's a labor of love and will be beautiful when it's done! I can't wait!
http://www.cedar-log-homes.com/maintenance-restoration.htm is a complication of links to companies that maintain and/or repair the exterior of log homes. Any one of these companies could answer your question. My first choice would be "Paint By Joe" at www.pbjinc.com. Tell Joe that Sandy Helms sent you. Please let me know what you find.
FOR TINA WHO IS LOOKING AT A 1990 BUILT LOG HOME. YOUR CONCERNS SEEM TO BE FOR THE HEATING SYSTEM, BUT, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND, FROM A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE, YOU NEED TO HIRE A GOOD LOG CABIN INSPECTOR. I DONT MEAN A HOME INSPECTOR. THE EXPERT I REFERE TO IS ONE THAT WILL PROBE AND INSPECT THE LOGS AND STRUCTURE ONLY. THE HOME INSPECTOR I HIRED SAID HE WAS CAPABLE TO INSPECT OUR 1994 LOG HOME IN NY, BUT HE NEVER TOUCHED THE LOGS. NOW I KNOW HE SHOULD HAVE PAID EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE WEST/ SOUTH WEATHERED SIDE OF THE HOUSE, AROUND WINDOWS, CLOSE TO THE GROUND. IF HE HAD, I WOULD HAVE KNOWN IN ADVANCE THAT THE HOUSE HAD ABOUT $60,000 WORTH OF ROTTED LOGS. YOU CANT TELL BY JUST LOOKING. ESPECIALLY IF YOUR IN-EXPERIENCED LIKE I WAS. WE CLOSED 4/10/08. I AM SUEING THE PRIOR OWNER FOR CAULKING AND SEALING THE MESS, AND THE INSPECTOR FOR NOT DOING WHAT HE SAID HE WAS CAPABLE OF DOING. THE PRIOR OWNER DID NOT CARE FOR THIS HOUSE AND TRIED TO HIDE IT WITH CAULK AND STAIN. THEY DID A GOOD JOB. I WAS FOOLED.:-(
I bought a 3200 sq ft log home in Florida 2 years ago. Financing was a challenge until I found out that lenders should treat Log Homes as Custom Homes; there is a provision on comps and appraisals to also go by Custom Home instead of Log Home. This will help you with your financing. I ended up with a local mortgage lender who had never financed a log home before but I quoted the Log Home / Custom Home comparison and they agreed. Do a web search and you will find information on that subj. As far as Insurance well first I live in Florida so it is already hard to get a policy even on a brick home so trying to get the log home insured was a challenge but again I went with the Custom Log Home everytime I spoke of it and eventually was able to secure insurance from a top rated company for a good price. You just have to make alot of calls and if they tell you they dont handle log homes ask them how they handle custom homes. If they insure Custom Homes then tell them well my Log Home is Custom so it can be put under that category. Remember CUSTOM LOG HOME
i have searched the web and cannot seem to find a company that supplies log home kits, or even builds log homes in Abruzzo Italy. Does anyone know where else I can search? or perhaps know of a company that does? Thanks a mil!
Sunday, December 14th 2008 @ 12:24 PM
Posted by Sandy Helms:
Marlene,
Contact Ron Marx at Cedar Knoll Log Homes. He ownes the company and ships kits all over the world. His email is ron@cedarknollloghomes.com; or, phone 800-644-3564. Tell him that Sandy sent you. Good luck!
I love my kit cedar log home. We added on to it and put cedar siding on the addition. My husband made benches out of the logs that were from one of the wall that was opened up. We have replaced almost everything that has to do with a normal home except for the logs (roof,heat/ air condition unit, carpet, dishwasher, grass). We have lived here for 20 years, and love it.
I have lived in a log home for 21 years. I am now in my 50's and I am ready to look into a brick home. Since we built this home, my husband;s back is shot, and my knees are crap. The home is beautiful, I would only live in a log home, if i could afford for someone to do the upkeep. They are constant work. I love it, but I am ready for a nice brick home! lol
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