Log homes offer the best of both worlds; blending into nature while offering a spacious open floor plan and high ceilings. They do require more maintenance however and annual staining is a must.
There are several distinct styles of log homes. The most popular include full scribe, post and beam, and timber frame. Professional Richardson Log Homes LLC builders will help you find the design you want.
Getting Started
Log homes can be built on a lot of different types of land. They can be tucked away in the woods to create a private retreat or placed in a community of similar homes for a neighborhood feel. It is important to consider the type of land that you will be building your home on, as it could have a significant impact on the final cost and maintenance of your property.
Once you have selected a plan and found land that will fit your design, it is time to begin construction! The experts at the company that you choose will be able to help you develop a schedule, and budget and assist with any additional questions that you may have. It is also a good idea to establish a channel of communication with your builder and closely monitor his progress. If you suspect that your builder is not meeting his obligations or deadlines, it is best to reach out and discuss the situation immediately.
The first step in constructing a log home is to prepare the foundation. The subfloor is then constructed of joists which are then decked with plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). If your joists will span more than 7 Ft, it is recommended to use floor trusses, as these provide greater support and allow for longer spans that reduce the number of supporting posts required.
After the joists are in place, it is time to lay and raise the walls. When laying the sill logs, be sure to follow your chosen notching technique exactly. Once the sills are in place, it is time to chink the walls and install the doors and windows.
Once the chinking is completed, your home is ready for drywall and other finishes. It is important to select a quality stain for your home, as this will protect it from the elements and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. It is also a good idea to stain your home every two or five years to protect it from termite infestations.
Another advantage of log homes is that they are more energy efficient than other types of homes. The logs help to retain heat during the day and radiate it at night, which can reduce heating and cooling bills significantly.
Choosing A Design
Log homes are the ultimate expression of a personal lifestyle. They are often constructed on historical sites where the owners want to connect with their American heritage, but they can also be built on any acreage that suits a family’s tastes. If you are thinking of constructing a log home, whether for full-time living or as a vacation retreat, it is important to carefully plan the design.
One of the best ways to do this is by working with a designer, either an architect or the staff of a log producer. Many companies have a design person on staff, or even a whole department, dedicated to this task. Some also have a computer-based design program that allows designers to plot a basic house plan and see almost instantly how changes will affect the appearance of a home.
The other important factor in planning a log home is to think long-term. Most people who buy log homes plan to live in them through their retirement years and beyond, and they should consider what that will mean for the flow of their daily lives. If you want to be able to easily get from your bedroom to the kitchen, for example, it’s worth designing that feature into your home plans.
Once you have a clear idea of how your home will look, you need to start making it real. One of the first things you must do is determine how much your dream home will cost, and then figure out how much of it you can afford. It’s easy to get carried away with design ideas, but you must remain realistic about what is achievable on a budget.
Once you have your budget in hand, it’s time to begin working with a designer. Most log producers have stock floor plans or can help you tweak a standard plan to fit your needs and taste. They can also produce 3-D views of the house, which give a sense of how it will look from different angles. While you can sketch out layouts on a piece of paper, the 3-D views will help you see what you’re going to be getting into before you commit any money to the project.
Choosing A Builder
In conventional home construction, the builder handles nearly every aspect of the project. In the case of log homes, however, some tasks are entrusted to subcontractors and you must choose one who will understand your vision and make it come to life. Before signing a contract with a producer and builder, review their past projects to see whether they’re a good fit for your expectations. Also, take the time to visit their corporate office and manufacturing facility. This will give you a sense of the company’s integrity and customer service.
When a contractor is arranging work on multiple projects, timelines can slip, especially when job estimating is involved. If you’re building a log home with a specific finish date in mind, make sure your prospective builder can commit to it. It’s also a good idea to find out how much experience they have and if they can handle the unique challenges that are often encountered when building a log home.
Log homes require a lot of attention to detail, such as constructing a proper roof, using chinking that’s appropriate for the climate you live in, and avoiding moisture problems. If you’re considering a custom finish, such as a porch or cathedral ceiling, ask your potential builders what their experience is with these features and how they’ll ensure the final product meets your expectations.
Another thing to consider is how you’ll communicate with your builder during the project. For example, some builders prefer face-to-face meetings, while others prefer text or phone communication. If you’re not comfortable with the way a builder communicates, it could cause major problems during the project.
If you’ve never built a log home before, it may be wise to select the design and purchase the land before selecting a builder. If you’ve already chosen a design, it’s important to make sure your builder is familiar with it and can incorporate the necessary infrastructure improvements such as foundation, water, sewer, or septic systems. Otherwise, you might have to hire additional contractors, which will add to your budget and potentially delay the start of your construction.
Purchasing A Kit
As you start looking at the different kits on the market it’s important to consider what each package includes. Some will only include the log walls, a roof system, and windows while others will also supply flooring, doors, roofing materials, and more. Some will also offer a full set of construction plans and detailed blueprints.
Once you have narrowed down your choices it is important to compare the different quotes. Make sure that all of the details are included and that you have considered any potential extra costs such as foundation, electrical materials, plumbing supplies, and more. In addition, be sure to check out the shipping costs and whether or not your state charges a sales tax.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer a log home kit may be the perfect option for you. This type of build allows you to save money on labor by putting the house together yourself. In addition, it can be a great way to gain carpentry experience and learn more about building your own home.
In addition to saving money on labor, log homes are also a more energy-efficient choice than traditional stick-built houses. This is because logs have natural insulating properties. They absorb and retain heat during the summer while releasing it slowly throughout the night. This makes them less expensive to live in during the winter and helps to lower your energy bills.
Another benefit of a log home kit is that it can often be assembled much faster than traditional stick-built houses. This is due in part to the fact that many of the large pieces can be pre-cut before they arrive on site.
This can help to speed up the process of putting the cabin together and can also reduce waste by eliminating the need to cut as much material on site. In addition, the use of pre-cut logs can reduce overall maintenance costs by requiring less stain and refinishing.
Before you purchase your log home kit be sure to contact the company and discuss any design or customization options that are available. Many manufacturers will have a limited number of design options but if you speak with them directly they will often be able to accommodate your needs.
