There are a variety of log house kits available on the market. They can range from shell cabins to turnkey homes with everything you need included, including flooring, roofing, and interior finishes.
Before you buy a kit, be sure to do your research and find out what’s included and what’s not. It can make a huge difference in the end cost of your project.
Cost
The cost of log house kits varies, depending on the type and style you select. You will also have to consider the materials included in the kit.
The most common kits use woods such as pine and cedar, although it is possible to build a cabin out of other types of timber. You will also need to decide if you want milled logs or bespoke ones that have been cut and finished to your specifications.
Many companies will offer a range of different designs to suit a variety of budgets and tastes. Some will even let you design your own floor plan!
Some companies, such as New York-based Finger Lakes Log Homes, use only hand-cut and hand-milled lumber. This is a great way to get the quality of a traditional log home at an affordable price.
They also have a wide range of logs, including pine and spruce. The company has over 30 years of experience in the industry and offers a huge selection of plans for cabin lovers to choose from.
Another popular option is the shell only log cabin kit, which comes with everything you need to create a fully functional shell. This includes exterior walls, roof, windows, doors and uncovered floors.
The price of a shell only kit can be quite high, especially if you haven’t worked with logs before and don’t know where to begin. It can also be expensive to ship and store the logs once they arrive on site.
If you decide to build your own log cabin, you should be prepared for the cost of all the extra materials that will be needed, such as flooring, roofing, cabinets, doors, windows, insulation and more. This can add up and cause your costs to rise significantly over time.
The average cost of a log house is between $125 and over $200 per square foot, but it can be more or less depending on the type and size of the home you choose. Typically, the more complex a home is, the more it will cost to construct.
Design
There is a wide range of log house kits available, all of which have their own unique features and advantages. However, there are a few factors to consider before purchasing your kit. These include the type of wood used, how the logs are cut and finished, and notch type (scandinavian saddle notch or dovetail).
There are many options when it comes to choosing the right log cabin for your needs, but one of the most important things is finding the perfect style that fits your family’s lifestyle. For example, if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors, an open-plan design with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large porch can be ideal.
Another option is a cabin with an elongated roof design, which can add some extra square footage. In this case, the price of a log house kit will be higher than a simple four-corner design.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy rustic log home or an ultra-modern, eco-friendly prefab cabin, there is a perfect kit for you. The best option is to work with a reputable kit manufacturer to ensure you get the quality you’re after.
Honest Abe Log Homes, for instance, designs and manufactures solid, energy-efficient custom log homes and timber frame houses. They also sell pre-cut log home packages and kits.
They are a popular choice for cabin lovers and their designs range from cottages to luxury log cabins. The company offers a variety of styles and materials, including a number of different types of logs such as white cedar, pine and spruce.
In addition to their log home options, Honest Abe Log Homes also offers a variety of other services to make your building process as easy as possible. Their services include site prep, foundations, permits, landscaping and more.
Before deciding on which log house kit to purchase, it’s important to figure out your budget. While a prefab log home can be less expensive than a builder-built one, it’s worth considering the costs of materials, labor, and other components that will need to be installed in your new log house.
Materials
Choosing the materials for your log cabin kit is an important step in building the home of your dreams. It should be done carefully and thoroughly to ensure you get a high-quality product that will last.
Depending on the log house kit you choose, different types of wood may be used to build it. You will need to select logs that are durable and weather-resistant. This will help reduce the costs of maintenance in the future.
Another advantage of using a log house kit is that the materials are pre-treated. These treatments protect the logs from rot and bugs. This means that your cabin will be able to withstand bad weather and stay looking great for years to come.
The materials that go into making a log cabin kit vary from company to company, but the majority of them include log wall systems, windows and doors, roofing systems, and other components that are essential for building a complete basic structure. In addition, some companies offer a turnkey service that includes delivery and assembly.
These companies will be able to answer any questions you have and give you an idea of the time and cost required for construction. They can also offer design assistance to ensure you get the log home of your dreams.
If you decide to go with a log cabin kit, make sure it is manufactured by a reputable company that has been in business for years and has a reputation for producing quality products. Check to see if the manufacturer is registered with the Log Builder’s Association or Home Builders Association and if they offer on-site assistance or an installation service.
Some manufacturers provide their kits with kiln-dried logs that speed up the drying process. Others allow the logs to dry naturally over a longer period of time. The difference in drying methods is one of the biggest factors in how long it takes to assemble your cabin.
It is also important to note that logs that are made of superior woods will be more durable than those of less quality. This will save you money in the long run and will ensure your cabin is able to endure harsh weather conditions.
Installation
Log homes are an excellent choice for those who like to build their own homes, but they also come with a number of construction challenges. These include the need for a level building site and proper planning before starting construction. In addition, the structure must be installed carefully to avoid damage to the logs and other components.
In order to make sure that the home is built properly, it is important to use a reliable and experienced contractor. This person will help you plan the layout, install all systems and equipment, and make sure that all of the work is completed on time.
One way to ensure that you are building your log house correctly is to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. The instructions are usually detailed and written in easy-to-follow language.
Using the right tools is also important to get the job done. A good set of tools includes a cordless screwdriver, wooden or rubber mallet, spirit level, hammer, saw, knife, and stepladder.
Before you begin, make sure that the location is well-lit and the area is free of weeds or other debris. This will make the process go smoothly and will save you time on clean-up.
You should also have a good supply of nails and screws, which you will need to attach the roof and siding. You can also use nails to connect the walls and ceilings.
A good way to protect your logs and trim is to apply a preservative. You can find preservatives that are formulated specifically for log homes and will provide long-lasting protection against moisture and rot.
In addition, you can also choose to stain your logs and trim if you prefer. This will enhance the look of your cabin and keep it looking its best for years to come.
Unlike timber frame homes, log houses need extra care and attention to ensure that the joinery and windows and doors are placed correctly. This is due to the fact that logs will shrink as they dry and will need special attention during settlement.
Many of the top log home kits include all the materials needed to construct a log wall system, roofing system, and windows and doors. Some companies offer insulated-log homes that use half-logs applied over conventional framing instead of solid logs.