If you’re considering building a log home, you should be sure to choose a company that will work with you on every step of the process. Luckily, there are a lot of great companies to choose from.
Before you decide on a builder, be sure to look at their floor plans and prices. You want to be able to get a cabin that you’ll love and that fits your budget.
Choosing a Design
Whether you want a log home for full-time living or as a vacation retreat, there are many factors to consider when designing the space. The needs and wants of you and your family, the size and shape of the land that the house will be built on, and the preferences of local building codes and health restrictions are all important.
The style of the home also influences its construction. If you want a more traditional look, for example, you might choose a design that features more square footage and one-story homes. Alternatively, you might be more interested in a contemporary log house with large windows and modern kitchens.
A log home can also be very attractive in a rustic setting. But it may not be your first choice if you prefer a more contemporary home with modern amenities and high-tech gadgets.
Some log home companies offer an array of log profiles to give their houses a wide range of appeal. These range from standard round, rectangular and square logs to more elaborate styles embellished with curves and beveled edges.
As you choose a log home package, ask the producer how many different types of logs they use. This will help you decide if you will need to add extras, such as decks or porches, for a more customized look.
The design and the quality of a log home are both highly dependent on the wood used to build it. Some producers use only premium-grade hardwoods, others only a combination of woods, and still others use cheaper species that are less expensive to buy and maintain.
Choosing the right materials for your home can be a challenge, but it is crucial to your comfort and security. For example, light-colored carpets are not a good choice in a log home where children and pets will be living. But, hard-surface flooring, such as stone or brick, can work well if you plan to have radiant heat floors.
You might also want to choose a log home with a lower-energy-use construction system. This will allow you to save money in the long run.
Choosing a Log
The log home of your dreams is within reach if you can find the right company and the right location. Choosing a log home is much like selecting a new car, in that it is important to have a clear vision of what you want and need.
Before you start, it is wise to make a list of all the things that are important to you. Consider things such as price, size, style, quality, ability to deliver on time and warranties.
Once you have a list of companies, it is a good idea to start researching them and their products. Look at their websites, brochures and cabin floor plans to see if they offer what you are looking for.
Another great way to get a feel for each of the companies is to attend their open houses and home tours. This is a lot of fun and will give you a chance to meet their representatives, ask questions and get ideas for your future log home.
Many log home companies have a variety of model homes at various locations. This is a great way to see a variety of different log homes and find the one that fits your needs and budget best.
Next, take your time to find the perfect building site for your log home. This is the place where you will spend a lot of your time, so it is important to find the right location that will fit both your needs and your budget.
You will also need to check for land restrictions such as zoning, homeowners or development association restrictions and code requirements. It is a good idea to find out these details before you make a final decision, because it can help you save money in the long run and avoid the stress of dealing with unexpected problems later on.
Almost every log-home company sells a plans catalog of successful designs. This will be a valuable source of ideas, both for the look of your home and the layout of its rooms.
While the design of your log home will depend largely on what you and your family need, it is best to focus on those features first. You will then be able to make an informed choice about the rest of your plan.
Choosing a Builder
Choosing a log home builder is one of the most important decisions you will make in building your new home. The log home company you choose will have a direct impact on your finished log home, so it is essential to do your research and find a reputable company with the experience and expertise you need for your project.
A good log home builder should be able to understand your needs and provide you with designs that meet your budget and style. They should be able to provide you with detailed information about their experience and the type of work they do so that you can determine if they are right for your project.
You can also ask for references from past customers and look up the company on the state licensing board to see if they are in good standing. You can also check out the online reviews of the contractor you are considering.
When choosing a log home builder, it is important to choose someone who is licensed and insured in your state, and can obtain construction loans. This will help ensure that the work will be completed on time and on budget.
It is also helpful to get several quotes from different builders before deciding which one to use. This will allow you to compare prices, and it can also help you avoid any surprises that could pop up along the way.
While some people opt to assemble their own log homes, it is often easier and faster for them to hire a builder. This is because the contractor has the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the task more efficiently, and it can save them money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes.
The cost of a log home can vary depending on its design and materials used, as well as the size of the structure. Some companies have special discounts on their products, and some offer land packages as part of their services.
If you are planning to build your home using a pre-built log home kit, be sure that the manufacturer has a reputation for high-quality work. A log home that is built poorly can end up being very expensive to repair, so it is vital to work with a company that has an excellent reputation in the industry.
Choosing a Finish
Once you’ve settled on the logs that will adorn your home, the next step is to choose a finish that will protect them and ensure their longevity. For many people, choosing a high-quality finish is the difference between a beautiful home and an unattractive one.
The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you want an oil-based or water-based product. Both options have their advantages, but water-based products are a growing trend among environmentally conscious homeowners.
Another factor to consider when selecting a stain is what type of wood you’re using for your log home. Some types of wood, such as redwood, are naturally water-resistant, but other species may require a different type of protection to avoid discoloration or warping from moisture.
In addition, the color and tone of a wood stain can be critical to your choice, so it’s best to have a sample to compare before you commit to purchasing a certain color. For example, a light gray with silver undertones can give your home a clean and modern look, while a dark gray could accentuate the rustic charm of your logs.
Once you’ve narrowed your choices down, it’s time to start thinking about how much money you’re willing to spend on a quality finish. A higher price point might seem like a big investment, but the right stain can keep your logs looking their best for years to come.
When you’re choosing a stain, be sure to select a product designed specifically for log homes. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing and applying the stain.
To achieve the longest life from your finish, make sure that it’s properly cured before it dries. Also, be sure that the surface is clean of dust, dirt and other materials that might affect its absorption rate.
Lastly, be sure that the finish you choose can handle your climate and humidity conditions. Depending on where you live, your log home could be subjected to extremes of temperature and humidity that can impact its ability to absorb and retain the coating you’re about to apply.