Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned builder, you can find a log home package that’s right for you. However, it’s important to do your homework before you commit to a kit.
If you’re a novice, a kit can help you learn the construction process without the risk of making mistakes. Plus, you’ll get some hands-on experience that could save you money down the road.
Cost
There are a number of costs associated with building your log home, including the construction of the structure, materials and equipment used to build it, and finishing. Some of these costs are fixed, while others are variable based on the type of structure you choose to build.
Costs are generally comparable to building a traditional house, with a standard 500-square-foot model typically running $75,000 or more. Prices vary widely, however, depending on the location and the quality of the construction company.
Log homes are a good value for the money, as they offer many advantages over traditional construction. They require less energy to maintain, they last for a longer period of time and they are more environmentally friendly.
But they also come with some potential drawbacks, such as high labor and material costs and the need to assemble them yourself. For this reason, it is recommended that you do your own research before purchasing a log home kit.
Most kits include the logs themselves, and they may also include the walls and roofing systems. But they do not include plumbing, electrical, floor coverings or kitchen cabinets.
Similarly, some producers do not supply windows and doors, preferring to have you purchase them locally. These producers feel this is a better value and gives you greater assurance that they will fit well.
The cost of a complete log home package depends on the style and size you select, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $275 per square foot for a low-end package to $375+ for a high-end one. These numbers are based on Canadian dollars, but US buyers can enjoy significant savings due to the strength of the dollar.
There are a variety of ways to decorate a log home, ranging from exposing the wood to drywalling and covering it with plywood or siding. Some people also want to add decorative elements, such as fireplaces and doors.
Some log home packages can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you are willing to customize the interior of your home. These companies often have interior design experts on staff to assist you in selecting furnishings and accessories. In addition, they can provide you with detailed blueprints and design assistance.
Materials
The materials used to make log homes come in many forms. Some are fabricated in factories, while others are handcrafted by artisan log home builders. Both are designed to reduce costs and provide a high level of quality.
The logs themselves are a huge part of the cost. They constitute the bulk of building material, rivaling only stone and glass.
Moreover, log homes are one of the greenest construction methods available. Logs are harvested from sustainable forests and the wood that is not used in the home manufacturing process is used for landscaping or other products.
Full log walls are also much more energy efficient than stick-framed homes. This is due to their thermal mass, which absorbs and releases heat slowly and evenly throughout the day. This reduces heating and cooling requirements and the amount of energy needed to keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Additionally, log homes are a lot less susceptible to pests than traditional home construction, primarily because of their natural moisture-resistant properties. They are also much easier to refinish and maintain over the years.
Some of the most common materials for log home packages include Eastern White Pine, Yellow Pine and cedar. Cedar is generally considered the best choice for log homes because it is insect-repellent, more durable and attractive than pine.
Other types of materials can include shingles, metal or composite siding and steel framing for the roof. These materials are also cheaper to purchase than logs, but they lack the same durability and weather resistance as full logs.
Most packages also include windows and doors that are factory installed and energy efficient with low-E argon filled glass. Some producers may include additional items, such as porch or stair materials, to increase the value of their package.
Finally, some producers may include the log siding necessary to cover girder sill plates and roof dormers. This is especially useful for maintaining the traditional look of a log home without having to add any structural support.
In addition, many log home kits include pre-cut logs to save contractors time and effort. This is especially helpful for those who have never constructed a log home before.
Options
Log homes have an irresistible rustic appeal that evokes a sense of enduring beauty. These structures can be built in a wide variety of styles and offer many benefits to homeowners. These include a more environmentally friendly construction process, energy-efficient options and versatile decorating choices.
If you’re interested in building a log home, there are many options to consider, from purchasing a prefabricated home kit to hiring a custom builder. Choosing the right option for your needs will depend on your budget, skill level and time frame.
One of the most common ways to get a log home is to purchase a prefabricated home kit, which contains all the necessary components to assemble a log house. These kits are a great way to reduce the costs of construction and can be assembled fairly quickly if you have a crew or know someone with construction experience.
Another advantage of purchasing a log home kit is that it saves you money by not having to hire an architect or designer. Most log home manufacturers have floor plans that are already designed and engineered so you won’t have to pay extra for a design. You can also choose from a wide range of log diameters and sizes, which allows you to create a home with the exact look you’re after.
The choice of wall material is a big factor in the overall cost of a log home package. Some packages contain manufactured wall logs that are sliced and pre-drilled; other packages may use handcrafted wall logs.
Some companies even sell half-log houses that look like full logs but are more affordable, since they’re made from thinner wall logs. These are often referred to as quarter logs, and the interior walls can be made of half-log, drywall, stone or tongue-and-groove planking.
Most companies selling a log home package also supply all the materials for a complete floor system and interior stud partitions, stairs and doors. Some may also include a roof and rafters. Others may not, but they’ll still provide all of the basic building materials and should be able to recommend a local contractor.
Design
Log homes are often more energy efficient than traditional “stick-built” houses. This is because log walls provide thermal mass that absorbs heat and reduces transmission. This means the home stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, saving energy costs.
Some producers offer complete log home packages that include everything from the logs to the hardware for a roof, exterior doors and windows. These kits usually contain pre-cut logs.
Many log home kits have a pre-designed floor plan, but you can customize them to your preferences or create one from scratch. This can save you time and money since you don’t have to hire an architect.
Another benefit of these types of packages is that they typically contain everything you need to build a log cabin, including flooring, fixtures and appliances. You can also choose to add additional features to your package, such as a porch or garage.
Whether you’re building a vacation cabin, hunting lodge or primary residence, a log home will fit beautifully in the landscape where you want to live. They’re often perfectly at home nestled in a thicket, perched along a mountainside or surrounded by water.
When deciding which type of log home package to choose, consider where you want to site the home, how large your family will be and your expectations for entertaining. If you’re planning to host a lot of family or friends, you may want to consider a design that includes a finished basement and loft spaces for kids.
The size and style of your home will make a difference in the materials you use, as well as the tools and equipment you need to complete the project. For example, a complicated roof system or trusses might be more difficult to install than a simple one-story home.
A log home will also require more care and attention than a traditional stick-built home, so you’ll need to hire a professional to oversee the construction. If you do this, make sure to work with a log home company that specializes in construction management.
A well-designed log home will provide comfortable living for you and your family, as well as a beautiful setting for you and your guests to enjoy. Ultimately, you should have a home that is a true expression of your dreams and personality.