Log cabins have been popular in the United States since the 16th century. Back then, people would erect these homes entirely on their own. Nowadays, more individuals prefer a log house kit to hiring an architect. Log cabin kits simplify the process while giving you complete creative control over the look and feel of your home’s inside.
But before you start felling trees and proclaiming yourself a new forest resident, you should realize that the comforts of cabin life only sometimes come with a price. Because of their distinctive design and building method, log houses present specific challenges for those unfamiliar. To determine whether or not this is the best course of action for you, we have compiled this list of items you should know before building a log home.
Budget
Creating a sensible budget may seem trivial amid all the excitement around your new log cabin. Creating and maintaining a budget for a new house takes time and effort. For those who can afford it, having a designer create a one-of-a-kind log cabin perfectly suits their needs is the best option.
Most of us just want to construct a little house in which to reside. You may get an estimate of your costs online, and a competent builder can assist you.
Follow these guidelines to establish and stick to a budget:
- Plan everything out in great detail.
- Pick a dependable building company or general contractor.
- It is essential to know how much everything will cost at each step of the building process.
- Your priorities should be non-negotiable.
- Finalize the building’s interior design before construction begins.
- Keep some money aside as a safety net in case of costs rise.
- Be careful about making snap decisions.
If you build your own log house kit, you may save money on architect fees. You should only do construction management if you are a seasoned builder or contractor. Choose a reliable contractor or builder. Your new log cabin will be made to last.
Floor Plan and Size
When planning the space’s layout, consider traffic flow. Do you prefer a floor plan in which one area leads naturally into another? Or, you are more interested in a classic design where you can relax in comfortable, welcoming surroundings.
Do you daydream of retiring to a house with a roomy deck? You may have always dreamed of buying a cabin with a loft in the traditional ski lodge design so you can host large gatherings. Do you long for the convenience of a rancher’s one story? Considering how you will use your house once you have been there for at least three or six months is essential.
Frontier Log Homes offers multiple floor plan options. When comparing the many layout options, try to have an open mind. This will shed light on the fact that a particular floor design could seem like a good concept at the time of its consideration but might end up causing you a lot of difficulties later on.
Location
Can you envision yourself living on a farm or ranch in the countryside? Or you may want to live near an urban center. Do you want to be completely self-sufficient and live off the grid, or have your heart set on a state-of-the-art log cabin with all the modern conveniences?
Where would you most want to be if you can not settle on a place? Incredible scenery in the mountains? Is it a stream with gurgling water? An open plain grassland or desert?
What you end up constructing depends heavily on the site’s surroundings.
Most areas have zoning and planning restrictions that you must follow, and in certain places, it might be difficult to gain permission to construct a log house. Get in touch with the appropriate agency in your area to know what licenses you need and the rules you must follow.
Maintenance
Log houses require more maintenance than most people realize. Due to their organic nature, logs may alter and expand over time. But if you engage a reliable and competent professional, you can fix some of the resulting problems while building.
Pests (often carpenter bees and termites) and rot are additional issues to consider while dealing with logs; insurance typically does not cover damage caused by these factors.
A log house care guide may help homeowners spot issues and discover the best approach to treat their logs to avoid further decay.
You should conduct regular inspections to reduce the frequency with which your log house needs repairs.
Adhering to a maintenance plan is far more efficient and cost-effective than sporadic repair and adjustments. The effects of sun, water, insects, and air leakage may be mitigated with routine maintenance of your log home.
The Verdict!
Being realistic about the numerous elements of constructing a log house is vital. You may begin to make educated decisions about the realities of building a log house after you have a firm grasp of these factors. These positives rapidly become negatives if you do not account for the unavoidable, like settling in and maintaining your property.
Before beginning construction on your log house, it is best to learn as much as possible about the process. Frontier Log Homes will aid you in this process. The better you plan, the better your construction will turn out.
