
Log homes are becoming more and more popular everywhere! They are attractive and with modern design and building methods, comfortable, efficient and healthy.
To start, list some of the things you want and need in your log home—and the things you don't want.Try sketching these ideas on paper. Spend some time on the building site. Take your plans, tape measure, stakes and ribbon. Stake out your home's design. You will be surprised how many changes you make—changes such as revising the floor design, having certain rooms catch the sun better or changing the view from the kitchen window. When you feel that your ideas are firm and you have a rough plan of what you want, you are ready to bring us your design, we will provide a pre-lim drawing and estimated cost of the package as well as various stages of completion.
Question: How man years of log-building experience does Freeloghomes have?
Answer: With over 100 years of combined expertise the managers of Freeloghomes.com offer Start to Finish expertise.
Question: Can a log home be built anywhere and in any climate, or are there some regions where a log home is impractical or too expensive to build?
Answer: You can build a log home in any region or environment. The obstacles are the obvious expense of building in an area where logs are not a natural resource and have to be shipped a long way. Some areas of the world are known for wood-eating insects and fungal growth. Our Cedar is the answer, not only environmentally friendly with natural wood protectors and fungicides make it possible to build a log home anywhere in the world.
Question: How does the cost of building a log home compare to the cost of building a conventional frame house?
Answer: A straightforward log home will usually cost 20 to 50 per cent more. The difference is the higher labour and materials costs for a log home. This estimate is reasonably true across North America. The cost can fluctuate if you are building in a lightly forested area and have to ship logs to the building site. Frequently, the cost for a log home is higher because of custom features, such as stairways, upper and lower decks, dormers and so on.
Question: What should I look for in a building site?
Answer: Look for an ideal site has good natural drainage and good soil depth. The more southern exposure, the better it is for solar design. Your home does not have to be built square or at a 90 degree angle to the road or street. Plan to take advantage of natural sunlight.
Question: How long does the construction of a log home with an average number of bedrooms compare to a similar conventional frame house?
Answer: If both floor plans are the same and the log home has no special design features, construction time is about the same.The move-in date may be a couple of weeks longer for the log home. Most log houses are precut, or penalized off-site, then transferred to the owner's property. Construction time can be cut if the property dries quickly in spring and if the foundation is already in place. Timing will also depend on whether your sub-trades can complete their work on schedule.
Question: What problems will I encounter with shrinkage and settling of logs?
Answer: Logs are living organisms and even when dried for years will move slightly as they take in moisture from the air outside. There should be few shrinkage problems if the builder and sub-trades are experienced in log-home construction. If a contractor uses 19 to 38 mm (3/4 in. to 1 1/2 in.) diameter wood dowels through the logs, the walls will settle straight down. It is very important that the builder leave ample space above the windows and doors and that the doors and windows are installed correctly with good keyway work. If sub-trades are not knowledgeable about log homes, settling problems can occur. Problems can come from kitchen cabinets attached to log walls improperly, frame walls nailed to solid log walls or no slippage joints placed on top of frame walls. Ask us about our builder referral program!
Question: How often will I have to refinish the exterior and the interior of my home?
Answer: Routine maintenance is essential in keeping a log home as efficient as possible and in preserving it's natural beauty. The amount of sun, rain and wind determine when you should refinish the logs on your home. Depending on the type of sealant that was used you should consider refinishing and sealing every three to five years. Ask freeloghomes.com about our recommend enviro safe finishes
Question: How energy efficient is a log home and can you use any type of heating system?
Answer: Design and construction methods (size of logs, type of joining and methods of sealing joints), siting and maintenance all affect energy efficiency. Proper design is one key to energy efficiency in any home. Lots of windows, doors and skylights raise utility bills, unless you use proven solar design and excellent glazing. For instance, north-facing glass is usually a major loser of heat.
Airtightness is also important. Proper sealing of corners and roof intersections is critical, especially with cathedral ceilings. Our high-quality roof package is important for energy efficiency and comfort. A well-built log home also has energy conservation benefits of thermal mass.Thermal mass effects are where materials absorb, store, and slowly release heat over time. Walls and floors with heavy construction, such as concrete or logs, do this well. There have been several studies on the effects of thermal mass and resulting energy savings. While it is clear that high mass buildings may operate more efficiently in moderate weather (spring and fall), it is unlikely that thermal mass will save you money in the winter months. Any type of heating system will work well in a log home.
Question: What materials and labor are not provided by FREELOGHOMES.COM
Answer: Freeloghomes.com offers insured,certified and approved builders to complete “lockup” stage or log shell.The sub-trades then finish the shell to the designer's specifications and the owner's satisfaction. However, most builders who specialize in log homes should have no problem in overseeing all stages of construction, if that's what you want.
Question: What are some of the benefits of owning a Freeloghomes.com log home?
Answer: First and foremost, your love of loghomes! Log homes can have a lower environmental impact than conventional houses. Some people prefer the air quality of a log house, as most of the materials in the house are natural.
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