Whether you want a log home kit for sale for your family, for your new business, or just to get a good bargain, there are several different things to consider. You’ll also need to take into consideration your local building codes.
Cost
Compared to buying a finished house, building a log home from a kit can be much cheaper. However, you must know how to choose a good kit and you need to know what to expect from the final product.
Log homes are energy efficient and can be fire resistant. They can range from simple cabins to elaborate multi-story residences. But the price of a log home can vary greatly based on the region you live in, the design and the materials you use.
A typical small home kit can cost less than $50,000. On the other hand, a larger home kit can cost a few thousand dollars more. The cost of a log home will depend on the region you live in and the amount of land you have to work with. The materials for a log home can be expensive, especially when you consider the costs of grading, stamping, and finishing.
If you’re not familiar with building a log home, it may be a good idea to hire a professional. This will save you the expense of labor and will allow you to build a better quality home. You will also have to hire an engineer to ensure the structure meets your needs.
Most kits include a foundation, windows, doors, log wall systems, and roofing. These kits are ideal for those who want to build a log cabin without the hassle of buying all of the supplies separately. They also provide a way for new log home builders to utilize premade materials.
Adaptability
Thousands of people have turned to log home kits to build their own unique dwellings. These are versatile and durable structures that are suitable for any climate region. They are also environmentally friendly because they use minimal resources that may affect the environment.
A log cabin is made of wood, which has natural insulation properties and is able to retain heat better than other building materials. These properties also help keep heating costs down.
In some cases, it can take two or six weeks to complete the construction of a log home. This may vary depending on the extent of customization.
Unlike a traditional home, a log house will need to be treated regularly to prevent termites from destroying the structure. Depending on your location, your local government may require permits for a log house over 150 square feet.
Another disadvantage of a log home kit is that you won’t have the choice of design. The logs are pre-cut according to a Cut-sheet specification. This means that the overall quality of the cabin will be lower than a home that has been built using milled logs.
Although the overall cost of a log home may be a drawback, the benefits of building a log cabin are many. Besides being affordable, the durability of a log home can give you a reliable investment opportunity. You will be able to enjoy beautiful landscaping and the comfort of having your own home.
Local building codes
Whether you’re building your own log home or using a kit, you’ll need to follow the local building codes. These codes protect the public and ensure that your house meets a set standard.
The International Building Code for your state will be useful, but you will also need to pay attention to the local requirements. Your state’s building department may have a database with information on the code for your area.
The International Building Code will be implemented nationally soon, but in some states, it is not mandatory yet. However, your local code will likely be more stringent than the International Building Code.
The code will typically cover safety, construction, and energy efficiency. Some municipalities will even require a zoning permit before you can build your log cabin. You should talk with your land attorney or local government about zoning laws and regulations before you begin your project.
If you’re in a region that requires building permits for log homes, your best bet is to find out from your local planning department whether or not your plan will pass the code. You can check online for information, or call your local log home association or log home kit dealer.
Aside from the “R-value” test, which measures the conductivity of heat, many building codes do not impose strict energy efficiency standards on log homes. In some areas, such as South Carolina, log homes are exempt from energy compliance regulations.
Handcrafted vs milled logs
Whether you’re building a log cabin or a full-blown luxury home, you may be wondering about the difference between milled and handcrafted logs. Obviously, the more labor-intensive handcrafted process will cost more than the cheaper and more time-efficient machine-cut option.
However, there are other advantages to using handcrafted logs. For example, these logs are more likely to retain their natural character and texture. They are also more stable. This allows for the logs to be interlocked, which can greatly increase the energy efficiency of your home.
One of the most obvious benefits of handcrafted logs is that they are aesthetically more appealing than their machine-cut counterparts. Moreover, the rounded nature of these logs will make your home stand out from the rest.
Handcrafted dovetails are often used in square logs. These are cuts made at the end of the log in the corner, which create a tight, interlocking joint.
While these are a great way to improve energy efficiency, they aren’t as effective as a tight seal. To achieve the same effect, you could use a log caulk between tongues and grooves, or a Swedish coping.
Another big advantage of using milled logs is that they are cheaper to produce. This is particularly useful for budget-conscious consumers. It can also save you from the time-consuming pre-assembly step.
The fact that these logs are cut to exact measurements means they are standardized. This can make it easier to design a floor plan. It can also allow for a more consistent look.
Chinked vs chinkless
Whether you are building a stacked log home or a log cabin kit, you will need to decide on the best chinking or chinkless method for your wall connections. Choosing the correct notch style is important to the structural integrity of your entire log home construction.
There are two major types of chinking: mortar and synthetic. Mortar chinking is typically about 10% less expensive than synthetic chinking.
The main goal of chinking is to seal gaps between logs to prevent water and air infiltration. It also helps to keep out unwanted insects and pests. In addition, it can create an eye-catching contrast to your logs.
Chinking comes in a variety of colors. Lighter shades give a traditional mortar look, while darker shades help accentuate the shape and color of your logs. There are even interactive chinking color swatches available online to help you find the right chinking for your project.
For larger cracks, backer rods are used. A grip strip backer rod is also useful to provide a flat surface to which chink can stretch.
Chinking is flexible and can expand and contract with the movement of the logs. It is necessary to choose a chinking that can stretch and maintain a tight seal. It should be able to resist moisture, as well as any chemicals that may be present in your wood.
If you have any questions about chinking, contact your local contractor or log cabin kit manufacturer. Many pros offer advice on how to seal your log home.
Moosehead Cedar Log Homes
Moosehead Cedar log home kits are crafted to perfection in Maine. This reputable company has served New England for 30 years. They’re part of RH Log Works, LLC. They offer a range of cabins and standard packages. They also have custom design services.
The Moosehead Woodland Collection is one of the best log home kits out there. They offer 6×6 Northern White Cedar wall logs, Andersen windows, doors, and a conventionally framed roof system. These are all designed to maximize usable space.
The Moosehead Timber Frame Wilderness Collection is another popular option. It offers a full kitchen, living room with cathedral ceiling, and open-beam porch. It also includes a few upgrades. They also make the most of their square footage with an oversized shower, a walk-in closet, and a full bathroom.
Moosehead Cedar Log Homes has also crafted many other log home kits that can be used for hunting lodges, guest houses, and family vacation spots. They’re all built to last. They’re made from cedar, a durable and slow-growing wood species.
The Wilderness Collection is designed for hunters and fishermen. They include features such as a covered front porch, screened-in porch, and finished wood floors. They also have rustic wood ceilings. They have a wide selection of energy-efficient models, from a 10×14 foot model to a 4,500-square-foot log mansion.
The Woodland Collection is also a good choice for budget-conscious log home builders. They use straightforward designs, comfortable floor plans, and economical construction methods.