Innholdsfortegnelse for Log Home Annual Buyer’s Guide 2024 i Log and Timber Home Living

It’s a question as old as time: mountains or beach? Warm weather or cool? Snow or sun? Luckily log homes fit in any landscape, but there are practical considerations to every type of terrain. Before you commit to a piece of ground, you’ll need to make sure you can build on it by: ◼ Determining if utilities are available, including electricity, water, gas or sewage treatment.◼ Conducting a percolation (perc) test to ensure you can have a septic field, if one is necessary.◼ Ensuring there’s a water source, particularly if you need to drill a well.◼ Performing a soil analysis, especially to determine if excavation will be easy or if the land contains excessive bedrock that will need to be blasted (i.e., increased cost and time).◼ Researching local zoning, building…

What do you need to successfully borrow money from a lending institution? Credit criteria usually include the following: ◼ Credit score and payment history (good credit scores are usually considered above 650).◼ Cash or real estate equity position; usually 10 to 20% is required.◼ Time on the job; two years with the same employer or a continuous history in the same field are positive.◼ Debt-to-income ratio; typically two ratios are evaluated. One of these is the monthly home mortgage payment alone at 25% or less of monthly income. The second is total monthly debt payments at 35 to 45% of monthly income.◼ Source of any cash down payment. If a gift is involved, a letter describing the details must be provided by the borrower. The gift is not expected to…

Q: What insurance do homeowners need during log home construction, and when should they get it? A: “Builders-risk” insurance is the primary means to insure for property exposure claims during construction. Builders-risk insurance is active while projects are under construction, renovation, remodel or repair. It’s best to secure builders-risk insurance prior to starting the project. In the case of a construction loan, builders-risk insurance is normally required before the loan closing date. Q: What’s “builders-risk” coverage, and do I need it? A: Consider it like homeowners insurance but without personal property (also called “contents”) coverage. This type of policy covers the structure and materials during construction only, including certain types of loss, damage or destruction of property, but it excludes claims of defective work or design. Liability is normally not…

Handcrafted log home providers tend to be smaller operations than their manufactured counterparts. Most produce the logs for their homes much the same way that early settlers did: Using hand-held tools, they remove the bark from the trees, then cut and shape each log one by one. Some of these tools are power assisted — chainsaws, chippers, sanders — but others are the same tools used for centuries, such as the broad ax, adze and chisel. The way handcrafters select and cut their logs differs significantly from the methods used by milled-log companies that stress uniformity. Handcrafters generally select logs that span the full length of a wall, and each log is cut and shaped to fit a specific location in the home (1). When a handcrafter works with full-round…

Logs intersect at the corners but rest securely on one another the entire length of the wall. There are three basic ways to design full-length support systems: 1. Flat-on-flat horizontal interface surfaces usually use a butt-and-pass corner design, dry or well-seasoned wood that isn’t prone to twist or warp, a good sealant and a nailing schedule. The logs provide a broad base for support, but there is no second line of defense should the logs twist or warp and/or the sealant fail.2. Swedish cope is a concave-over-round design where the top of the log is left naturally round or milled round, and the bottom surface is cut away to a concave crescent shape. The two outside edges of the concave surface rest on the round top of the lower log,…

1. Scale Down and Simplify. Logic would dictate that a 4,000-square-foot house is more costly to build than one that’s 2,000 square feet, but that’s not necessarily true. Size certainly impacts price, but so does complexity. A design with lots of angles, bows and bump-outs will cost more than one that’s linear. To save money without sacrificing space, build up, not out. A large footprint usually costs more in excavation and foundation work than adding a second story does. 2. Be Wood Wise. Wood is a commodity, and some species cost more than others. Log diameter also plays a role in a package’s price tag. For example, a 6-inch log will cost less than one that’s 8 inches; and white pine will cost less than Douglas fir. Shop your…

If you opt for a floor plan from a log home company or designer, be aware that you won’t own the actual plan — just a one-time license to build the home. This knowledge is necessary to protect both the company and you from copyright infringement. If you do plan to build or alter an existing floor plan from a designer other than your own, make sure to get permission. A reputable designer will never knowingly use a copyrighted plan from another company. To protect yourself from copyright violations, remember the following points: ◼ Under U.S. copyright law, a floor plan is protected the moment it’s created, regardless of whether or not the creator has registered the plan with the U.S. Copyright Office.◼ Copyright applies to the interior layout of…

There is a wide range of products available to protect log homes. Your log provider or builder should recommend stains and sealants that will work well with your wood species and region, but it’s important you have a grasp on what it is they plan to use and how they will be applied. Here are a few of the most common options: CAULK. A sealant used to fill joints and spaces between logs. Often, it’s clear or a color that matches the tone of the wood, making the caulk virtually invisible. Caulk comes in tubes or pails and is applied with a gun in a narrow bead. The soft, moist bead dries to a tough elastic barrier that protects the interior from air and water penetration. CHINKING. One of the most…

As you’re planning your log home, there are two things you never want to gamble on: your budget and your builder. These two areas collide as you evaluate builders’ bids to construct your home. While there are many similarities, there are some key differences. Here’s what you can expect to see. 1 FIXED BID This reflects the exact amount a builder will charge for construction, as well as the home’s completion date. In theory, you get what you want and the contractor gets paid what he wants. Pros: The more straightforward the project, the easier it is to contract for a fixed bid. Plus, a contractor will be looking for the best deal on all materials to be competitive. Trade contractors, such as electricians, HVAC installers and plumbers, often prefer…

Between the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of the American Southwest, it’s no wonder the region’s style is popular across the country, especially in rustic abodes like log homes and cabins. One of the more popular ways to incorporate this culture is with textiles like rugs and blankets. One reader, Peggy from California, is new to collecting Navajo rugs and wanted to know the 101. What are Navajo rugs? These are cultural textiles made by the Navajo Nation in the South-western United States and are one of the most colorful and popular kinds of Native American rugs. The textiles showcase a variety of weaving styles, many of which are named after their inspiration or place of origin and have distinct colors and patterns. Generally, you can identify a Navajo rug…

It’s not unusual to find Dr. Brooks Trotter and his family gathered on the front porch of their log ranch remodel/addition each morning, coffee in hand, watching the cattle gather around the lake. “It’s good therapy,” Brooks says. “People pull into the driveway to take photos,” admits homeowner James DelPrete, who doesn’t blame them at all. “I still sit back and stare at the house. I can’t believe I live here.” “There’s not a single thing in this house that’s just for looks,” says homeowner and designer/carpenter, Chip Wade of his log cabin remodel. “When designing a house, you need to think beyond the aesthetic and create spaces you’ll actually use.” “I don’t want ‘rustic elegance,’ I want rustic — no drywall — and I want a large house with…

Building a custom log home has many distinct advantages. It also comes with some risk. While you are in control of the design, materials, finishes and other elements, you also must trust your log home producer, builder and a host of trade professionals to realize your vision. If you do your due diligence, everything should work out according to plan, but one area where you certainly won’t want to leave anything to chance is in the financing. For most, paying for your build usually starts with a construction loan, and then the long-term loan (mortgage) is addressed down the road. While it’s possible to obtain construction and permanent funding separately, such an approach would include two loans, each with its own qualification requirements, underwriting and closing costs. That’s a significant…

An informed appraiser is the key to getting a fair market valuation of your log home. Many appraisers, even those with years of experience, aren’t familiar with log home construction and may not know how to fairly estimate a log home’s resale value. If you find yourself in need of an appraisal, either to finance an existing log home or to qualify for a construction loan, you’ll find helpful information in “Appraising Log Homes.” This free, 13-page booklet, written by log home construction expert Jim Cooper, is designed to help appraisers and lenders accurately determine the value of log and timber homes by familiarizing them with the distinguishing characteristics of these custom wood structures, including styles, construction, cost variables, market trends and points of comparison with other types of housing.…

Log homes are undeniably unique: from the grain of each individual log to the endlessly customizable floor plans to the lifestyle that transcends time. One thing prospective buyers may not initially realize though is the number of nuances and fabrication techniques that also contribute to the one-of-a-kind nature these houses. While there is an abundance of makers creating and selling log homes around the world, a few key types of log homes dominate the field: milled (aka, manufactured), handcrafted and half-log. Oftentimes, a company will specialize in one of these categories, but some of them sell across the spectrum. In addition, there is also a “hybrid” home style, which combines more than one type of fabrication style or even building material (e.g., timber framing, stick framing and others) into a…

Engineered/laminated timbers are like the Clark Kent of log homes. Seemingly mild-mannered, innocuous sections of planed wood are bonded using adhesive and pressure to transform them into a super-strong “cant,” and then are milled into a specific profile. Providers specializing in this type of log assert that, in addition to each individual log’s strength, walls made from these timbers are also highly resistant to checking and settling. And, thanks to meticulous attention to detail, it’s hard to tell that the logs are not cut from full trees. The varying grain patterns on the butt ends are the only giveaway. Log Erection. Building a log home with engineered timbers is no different than building with milled logs. Because they, too, are cut with precision to a uniform shape and diameter, these…

Nearly all milled log home providers require a deposit at contract signing. Some companies’ deposits are refundable; some are not. Make certain that you have a written statement explaining the provider’s policy before you write a check. Payment terms differ among handcrafters. Generally, they expect a down payment of up to one-third of the total once you approve the plans. When work is underway, progress payments are required. Final payment, depending on your provider, will be due before the logs leave the yard, when the logs are erected or, if the handcrafter is also doing your finishing work, when the job is complete. If the provider you choose prepares construction drawings or does any amount of design work, that cost is generally deducted from your deposit, if you decide not…

1 Get clear on your wants and needs. Before you start speaking with log home representatives, it’s important to have a solid idea of what you need and want in a house. Its design will be a key contributor to the company you select, as many producers specialize in particular log species and styles. So, if you know you want tongue-and-groove cedar logs, you’ve automatically eliminated any companies that don’t offer this product. 2 Do your homework. Thorough research is at the heart of every good decision, but when you’re planning to make a purchase as substantial and important as the place you’ll live, it’s vital. Draft a short list of companies that can fulfill your vision as directed by point #1, then read everything about them that you can…

Choosing a qualified builder you trust is a major milestone along the log home path. Often, the first thing homebuyers want to know is how much a builder is going to charge — and yet, that should be the last point that factors into the decision. What really matters is finding a contractor who has the experience, reputation, proper licensing and connections, as well as the communication and problem-solving skills needed for such an important job. In short, when it comes to achieving your dream log home, builders are key. Without them, your log home is nothing more than a pile of materials. So how do you make sure your candidates are qualified for the job? Start with the following questions. 1 Have you built log homes before? Experience is…

A standard forced-air HVAC system takes up a lot of space–both in terms of the unit and the ductwork required to get the conditioned air to your rooms. Opting for a high-velocity HVAC is a game changer. “A high velocity HVAC is one-third the size of a conventional system, as is the flexible tubing — traditional bulky ducts are eliminated,” says Scott Intagliata, chief marketing officer and co-owner of Unico, a leading manufacturer of these systems. “It can fit anywhere.” In homes where mechanicals have to fit into a tight or difficult space, or in a log home where concealing ducts can be more challenging, high-velocity HVAC systems offer a compelling solution. Couple this compact equipment with their exceptional performance (they have a leak rate of less than 3 percent…

Scandi Simplicity The clean-lined, function-driven design of a vintage freestanding fireplace with mid-mod flair simply lends itself to a Scandinavian scheme. Pursue a palette of light and airy neutrals, objects with simple lines, nods to nature and a hint of minimalism. Starting point: Vintage Mid Century Green Porcelain Enamel Malm “Fire Duke” Fireplace, $2,495, urbanamericana.com Home on the Range A chandelier with subtle equestrian nods and rugged-but-refined sensibility calls for a collection inspired by the American West. Leather, hide, mixed metals and a color palette rooted in the land make for a decor scheme that’s right at home on the range. Starting point: Chaney 9 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home, $2,145, 1800lighting.com The Good Ol’ Days Do vintage heirlooms and hand-me-downs have you feeling nostalgic for days spent on the…

Short-term construction loans operate a little differently than the standard mortgage most people are familiar with. A construction loan pays for the materials and labor needed to build your home. These loans are made for periods from six to 18 months and have higher interest rates than mortgage loans because, as far as banks are concerned, they carry more risk. Lenders will want at least a 20 percent deposit because of that risk. Typically, you pay only the interest amount until the home is completed and then the mortgage takes over (assuming you have a construction-to-permanent loan), adding the construction loan principal into that mortgage. Before granting construction loans, lenders study the project and evaluate the builder’s ability to complete the home according to the plans, budget and schedule. Once…

Milled log home producers make up the bulk of the market, accounting for roughly 90 percent of new log home sales in the United States. The key to the milled, or “manufactured,” log is the uniformity of the top and bottom horizontal surfaces (1) and how they join together (2). Using high-speed, precision machinery, every log is cut to very close tolerances so that the prepared timbers fit snugly when stacked in a wall (3). This speedy fabrication translates to a quick turnaround when it comes to delivering a log package. Generally once the plans for a log home are complete, it only takes a few days to mill the logs for an average-size home and a few weeks after that to deliver them. Although some milled log home manufacturers…

When you start shopping for a wood species, keep these factors in mind to help determine the kind of wood that’s appropriate for your design and location. ◼ Decay resistance varies in each species. Some species, such as cedar, oak and cypress, have natural decay-resistant properties, whereas others require treatment to boost their resistance. Most wood species used in log home construction are rated moderately to highly decay resistant. ◼ Insect resistance is higher in some species, such as cedar, which contains resins that make it less palatable to insects, but no wood is insect-proof. Preventive measures, including stains and coatings with insect-deterring additives, should be taken no matter what species you choose. ◼ A log home’s energy efficiency is based on the wood’s insulation properties and its thermal mass.…

It’s a question almost as long-standing as log homes themselves: Which wood species is “best.” But the truth is, there isn’t one that tops the rest. Across the globe, log homes of varying types of wood have been standing for centuries, and with proper care and modern wood preservatives, they all can successfully fight common enemies such as decay, insects and moisture. But there are a few factors to narrow the field. Start with a look that appeals to you. Ask yourself if you like the look of large knots and prominent grain (typically found in pine) or prefer few knots and straight, inconspicuous grain (most cedar). Maybe you want a hard, dense wood species (oak) or something a little softer (spruce or pine). The importance of geography. Though…

There’s a big difference between an interior designer and a decorator. While the latter is focused on making things look pleasing (e.g., where pictures should be hung, coordinating colors and fabrics, positioning furniture in the right place, etc.), interior designers are often directly involved in the home’s layout. And when it comes to log homes, this can be trickier than it is with conventionally framed houses. Simple things like placement for entertainment systems or Christmas tree lighting are something many people don’t consider while they plan but can become a challenge later on. Working with a licensed interior designer can help remove these obstacles. In fact, lighting is a specific area that requires extra attention in a log home. Wood absorbs light, and, as such, log homes run the risk…

Log homes come with a unique sense of instant gratification not seen in other forms of home construction. In conventional framing, 2-by-4s or 2-by-6s are put together into a skeleton that seems to take forever until it looks like a house. But with a log structure, from the day log erection begins, it immediately starts to look like a home. This feeling of fulfillment is fun, but it’s also serious business. In conventional construction, a structure’s weight is supported through a web of stick framing and targeted load-bearing interior walls. But in a log home, structural support rests almost entirely on the perimeter log walls, so it’s critical that they are built with precision. The load-bearing log surfaces are known as the “horizontal surfaces.” They form the top and bottom…

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