Whether you want to add a log screen room to your existing home or build a standalone log cabin in your backyard, a kit provides the tools you need. These top 10 companies offer kits that are cut to length, cornered, and labeled according to your construction plans.
This beautiful log cabin kit features a porch that wraps just over halfway around the home and offers plenty of outside living space. Inside, the kitchen, dining, and living area are open to each other with a loft space upstairs for additional sleeping.
Aesthetics
Log homes have long been considered as quaint vacation cabins, but today’s technology and materials allow them to be used for permanent residence. They combine all modern comforts with a rustic and cozy atmosphere. They can also be a great option for home owners with allergies or other health concerns as they are made of natural wood, which is more durable and easy to clean than concrete or metal structures.
A log cabin kit comes with all the materials you need to build a log home. It includes everything from the foundation to the log walls and roof. Most kits come with a detailed set of construction plans. However, you’ll need to purchase additional supplies such as electrical materials and plumbing fixtures. These costs will add up quickly and will significantly increase your total cost.
The most obvious advantage of a log home kit is that it allows you to save money on construction expenses. In addition to that, they are usually easier to assemble than traditional homes. This is especially true if you are planning on building the house yourself. If you have construction experience, you can assemble the kit in just a few days.
Moosehead Cedar Log Homes offers over 50 standard packages for their cedar and spruce log homes. These range from the small Hunter cabin that is suitable for a vacation home to the larger Bridgewater model that can be used as a primary dwelling. The company also offers a number of customizable options to make your dream home a reality.
A-frame log cabin kits are another popular choice for those looking for a rustic and unique look. These kits are designed to withstand heavy snow loads and extreme weather conditions. They can also be modified to accommodate different lifestyles. These kits are often used as weekend getaways or as family vacation houses.
Finger Lakes Log Homes in New York is an example of a family-owned business that produces high-quality log homes from pine and spruce. The company has a rich history dating back 30 years. Owner Michael Griffin cut his first logs with a chainsaw and a handsaw and has remained very hands-on throughout his career. He is still involved with the day-to-day operations of the company, from running a forklift to inspecting materials.
Energy Efficiency
Log home kits offer the perfect combination of design flexibility and energy efficiency. The kits have all the materials you need to erect a fully functional log home or timber frame cabin. Some companies even include a complete set of plans for your specific home. However, it is important to note that these packages don’t include all the elements of a completed home, such as electrical, plumbing and flooring. This means that you will have to spend additional time and resources to get these components in place.
When choosing a log home kit for sale, make sure to do your research. Not all log home companies provide the same level of service or quality. Some are more focused on the aesthetics while others are dedicated to energy efficiency and sustainability. For example, Katahdin Cedar Log Homes is committed to making their log homes as energy efficient as possible. They have developed a system that increases the R-value of the log walls and reduces air infiltration. This results in a significant reduction of your energy consumption.
Another way to improve the energy efficiency of your log home is to use natural products. In addition to reducing the use of non-sustainable resources, these materials will also reduce your carbon footprint. This is especially true for the use of wood. Wood is a renewable resource and produces significantly less pollution than other building materials. In fact, the carbon absorbed by the growth of a tree is used to produce energy in your log home.
In addition to the environmental benefits of using natural materials, log homes are quieter than other homes. This is due to the thermal mass of the logs and their acoustical properties. In addition, the logs’ solid surface absorbs and releases heat at a steady rate, thereby providing insulation and energy efficiency.
It is also important to note that the amount of energy used in a log home is influenced by other factors as well, such as the number and size of windows, the type of heating and cooling systems and the climate where the house is located. In order to truly achieve energy efficiency, all of these factors must be taken into consideration.
Functionality
Log homes can be built in many different styles, from a simple loft-style cabin to a two-story home with master bedroom and bath on the second floor. They are often built in the country and feature large porches, open concept kitchens, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Some are even built with a two-car garage. The prices of these homes range from $25,000 to more than $200,000.
Many people choose to build a log home kit because it is more affordable than buying a finished house and allows the owner to be involved in the construction process. It is important to do some research before choosing a company to buy a log home kit from. One company might offer more amenities than another, and the quality of materials can vary greatly.
Some log homes for sale come with all the components needed to build the structure, such as the foundation, log wall systems, roof system, and windows. Other kits may include a set of plans and a list of the materials that are needed for the log home to be completed. Some companies also offer a full design service.
Most companies have a wide range of options for their kits, so the homeowner can decide how involved they want to be in the construction process. For example, New York-based Finger Lakes Log Homes offers a ready-to-assemble log home that is shipped to the customer. The owner can then stack and screw the logs together. The company also provides a number of other services, including providing a model showroom and finishing the log home.
Another way to save money is to purchase a log cabin kit and hire a general contractor to complete the project. However, it is important to work with a licensed, bonded, and insured company. Ask for a written contract with a timeline, payment schedule, and warranty.
A log home can be a great addition to your property and bring back the memories of your childhood. It can be used as a retreat, an office, or a guest house. It is important to maintain the integrity of your log cabin, and if it becomes damaged, you should repair it immediately.
Maintenance
While a log cabin is beautiful, it will need some maintenance to keep it looking good. Some of this work is simple, and others will need to be done regularly. Regardless, maintaining your cabin will help you enjoy it for years to come. Here are a few tips that will help you preserve the look of your log cabin.
When it comes to the maintenance of your log home, the most important thing is to take a proactive approach. You should inspect your cabin on a regular basis, both during the spring and fall. Be sure to look for cracks, mold, and insect infestation. Also, check for any areas where water may gather such as around windows and roof connections.
Another important aspect of maintaining your log home is to stain it regularly. Staining protects your logs from UV rays, and it helps to keep the wood looking its best. It is recommended that you reapply the stain about every five to ten years. If you are unsure about what type of stain to use, talk with the manufacturer of your log cabin kit. They will be able to recommend the best stain for your needs.
Insects are a common problem for log homes, but there are ways to minimize the issue. One way is to spray the exterior of your log home with insect repellent on a regular basis. This will prevent insects from settling on your logs and damaging them. Another option is to treat your logs with a bug repellent that is specifically designed for log homes.
It is also a good idea to keep pests away from your log cabin by keeping it free from debris and clutter. In addition, it is a good idea to use cedar rather than pine for your logs. Cedar naturally produces preservatives, which makes it less likely to rot or attract insects. Pine, on the other hand, requires more frequent and rigorous chemical treatments to discourage insects and rot.
Another advantage of log home kits is that they can be assembled quickly, and the construction process can be a fun experience for family members who want to participate in the building project. This is particularly true if the company offers a do-it-yourself package. While it is not for everyone, it can be an excellent option for people who want to build their own home but don’t have the time or money to hire a contractor.