Log Home Buyer's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers

How do heating and air-conditioning costs compare with similar costs for a conventional home?
There is only one way to answer that question, talk to families who have spent a few years in a log home. Our position on this issue is firm. If the house is properly built, your energy costs will be significantly less.


Is log construction cheaper than conventional construction?
When compared with high quality conventional construction, log homes will be competitively priced. However, log homes will be more expensive than modular or “low end” conventional construction. This is easily understood once one realizes that there is more wood in a solid log wall than in a 2”x 4” stud wall. Also, hand set exposed beams are more expensive than manufactured roof trusses. But for those of us who enjoy the solid, warm environment of a well-built log home, the additional cost is worthwhile.


Is it necessary to put a finish on the exterior surface of a log wall? If so, how often should the finish be applied?
Untreated, White Cedar weathers to silver gray. In warm moist climates mildew becomes a problem. Most log homeowners will control weathering by treating the outside of the home with a penetrating finish. As a rule, the exterior finish should be re-applied every five years or so.


What about an interior finish?
Again, it is a matter of preference. Most owners will apply a surface finish such as a clear polyurethane to the wood walls. Repeated finishing is not necessary.


Can I build the house myself?
If you have the aptitude, time, physical strength, and patience for such a project, then the answer is, “Yes.” But before you embark on such an endeavor, do lots of research. In reality, very few log homes are built by the owners. Unless you have previous building experience, we recommend that you hire an experienced log builder. We maintain a list of experienced log builders and will gladly refer you to one or more of them. Before selecting your builder, insist on inspecting homes he has built and be sure to talk to the occupants.


Why is it necessary to use experienced log builders?
Log construction is different from standard construction. Some tasks require skills not developed by “stick built” contractors, e.g., log wall erection, cutting and setting exposed rafters. Whether by oversight or otherwise, failure to follow recommended practices for log construction can create problems that may never be completely resolved. For example, it is essential that the walls be adequately caulked with a superior grade of caulking and that solid beams be properly secured at both ends. Once the house is finished, it will not be immediately obvious if these and other important steps have been satisfactorily completed. If an experienced builder is not available, at least contract with one who has an open mind and is willing to listen to those who have experience.


I love log homes but have a limited budget. Are there lower cost options that offer the “log look?”
Yes, in fact you have two options. First, you can build log walls and use manufactured roof trusses instead of exposed beams and rafters. With scissor trusses you can have vaulted ceilings in any room of the house. Applying tongue & groove paneling to the vaulted ceilings carries the log look a step further. Your second option would be standard construction with White Cedar or pine log siding, combined with manufactured roof trusses. Regardless of your choice, you will have a beautiful home


Is financing readily’ available for log homes?
Several years ago it was not always easy to obtain financing for log homes. Due to the increasing popularity of log homes financing is rarely a problem. We can recommend appropriate lending institutions and will gladly consult with any lender who may not fully understand the benefits of log homes.


What is "checking" in a log home?
Checking is an inherent characteristic of solid wood timbers; therefore, checking will always be present in log homes. However, checking does not affect the strength of the timbers. Log homeowners accept checking as part of the “character” of their home.


Will you design a custom log home?
Yes. In fact the majority of kits delivered are custom. Just send us a sketch or marked-up floor plan, be available to answer a few questions, and we will respond with a firm, detailed quote.


So how do I get started? What are the steps from beginning to end?
1. Consult with your lender. He will determine how much money you are qualified to borrow. Qualifying for the loan is a simple process and does not obligate the borrower in any way. Of course, the amount of money you are qualified to borrow, together with your down payment, will determine the size of the house and the amenities in the house.
2. If you have not done so by now, purchase your building lot.
3. Select the model of your choice or send us a sketch as described above. We will respond with a firm, detailed quote for the log kit.
4. Consult with your contractor. Together with your sketch and our quote, he can give you a “ball park” estimate of the total construction cost.
5. If all is well at this point it is time to order your construction blue prints. Prints for standard models are paid for when the sales agreement is signed and received. Custom design costs are payable in advance. A custom design will necessarily require that you review and approve both a preliminary drawing and a final drawing.
6. Once your plans are finalized, you must then get a commitment from your builder and lender.
7. You or your builder must sign the contract for the kit and make a 25% deposit toward the purchase price.
8. Schedule your kit to be delivered when the sub floor is finished. Your final payment, by cashiers check, will be due on the day of delivery. The amount due will be less your deposit, but freight charges and sales tax will be additional.