Most log home buyers spend a lot of time looking at floor plans, researching online resources, and ordering manufacturer literature before making a final plan selection.
The delivery day marks a milestone for most log homeowners as the 18-wheelers bearing logs and materials snake up the entrance road. Once on site, the fun begins. So make sure you have proper planning by clicking here at https://richardsonloghomes.com/.
Size
There are several considerations when selecting the size of a log home. For example, it is important to consider the number of people that will be living in the house, the amount of space they need, and whether or not they will need any additional features such as a sauna or a swimming pool. Also, it is important to consider the property where the log home will be built and the natural landscape.
Log homes can be built in various styles and sizes, from small single-level cabins to large lodges. They can be constructed from either full-scribe or post-and-beam logs. Full-scribe logs are cut and scribed to fit together like puzzle pieces, while post and beam homes use vertical log posts that support horizontal logs. Post and beam homes are a bit more expensive than full-scribe logs, but they offer a variety of design flexibility options.
Another factor to consider when choosing a log home is the climate and moisture content of the area where it will be located. Logs shrink as they dry, sometimes a significant amount, so it is important to allow for this shrinkage in the building plans. This can be done by leaving 4 to 6 inches above all doors and windows, by using a special shrinkage system, or by adding heavy timber or log joists.
It is also important to keep in mind that it will be more difficult to modify a log home once construction begins. This is because the interior walls are made from the same logs as the exterior, so removing or changing these walls can be very expensive. This is why it is important to carefully plan the layout and details of the log home before beginning construction.
Layout
Log home floor plans can range from cozy hunting and fishing cabins to grand lodge-like rustic retreats that are perfect for a mountain or lakeside getaway. From small, single-level cottages to spacious two-story designs, there’s something for every taste and property. Regardless of size, however, the best log homes feature a unique layout that showcases the logs in a way that complements the surrounding scenery.
Log homes were first used by pioneers who settled in the west during westward expansion. The cabins were often built quickly using wood from local trees and often featured a simple design. Today’s log home plans incorporate rustic architectural styles reminiscent of those early cabins while offering modern amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows that let you take in stunning views of your surroundings.
A variety of styles and building materials can be used to create log home floor plans, including pine logs or materials made to look like logs. Most log cabins use gable roofs, and the exterior walls are often scribed to give them a more traditional look. They can also be framed with traditional timbers or other types of wood that offer strength and durability.
If you’re interested in designing your own custom log home, our designers will work with you to determine the best layout for your needs and budget. Browse our collection of plans below to get a feel for how different log home layouts can be created.
Materials
Unlike conventional construction, log homes are built from massive timbers that are crafted to fit tightly together, creating a beautiful and unique look. The material also has the added advantage of allowing the walls to breathe, which reduces moisture problems like mold and mildew. Additionally, because logs are natural insulators, they retain heat and provide extra warmth in the winter.
While a log home can be built in any style or size, it’s important to consider the setting. Whether it’s nestled in a forest setting or placed against a backdrop of mountains, the right log home can make for an impressive sight. The logs also offer an element of rustic charm to a more modern home, contrasting the smooth and crisp lines of other structures with the warm and cozy feeling of natural wood.
When choosing a company to supply your logs, ask for a detailed materials list that outlines the items included with each package. Some producers may include more than others, so comparing their packages on an apples-to-apples basis is essential. Additionally, make sure that you’re evaluating the total cost of each package, including shipping costs.
Some log home producers only sell the logs and fastening materials needed to erect the house, without providing roof materials or other components such as porches or stairs. This allows them to price their products more competitively than companies that offer complete kits. In contrast, many wholesale companies offer a full-service option that includes all building materials, including doors and windows, which helps you save money by cutting out the middleman and buying directly from the supplier. This will help keep your budget on track and eliminate the risk of overspending.
Energy Efficiency
Log home builders often face resistance from local code enforcement agencies when attempting to meet energy standards set forth by government regulations. This is often due to the lack of easily obtainable scientific data on log homes and an unfamiliarity with the subject.
Whether you are looking for a rustic hunting or fishing cabin or a lodge-like retreat, modern log home plans can deliver a comfortable living environment that is environmentally responsible. Many of today’s timber frame and log home companies use wood from certified sustainable forests, and the building materials are reclaimed or harvested after a tree’s natural life cycle is complete.
Because of their breathing yet tight walls, log homes are naturally more energy efficient than traditional stick-built houses. The wood absorbs and holds thermal energy in its cells, which then radiates that heat throughout the interior. Adding proper insulation helps maximize energy efficiency.
Another important aspect of log home planning is making sure to seal your home properly. This includes sealing the gap between your foundation and the first course of logs, log-to-log connections, and where the roof system meets the log wall. This will save you money on energy bills and extend the life of your log home.
In addition to regular maintenance and annual re-caulking, you can improve your log home’s energy efficiency with a moisture membrane, timber batons, and insulation. These techniques can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
Budget
Log homes are generally seen as more eco-friendly than contemporary homes built of modern materials. While some might question this, because log homes require the felling of trees, today’s environmentally-conscious builders make sure to use only tree species that are replanted in their place once harvested. This results in a carbon-negative building process. Plus, the wood walls of a log home are naturally energy-efficient. They absorb thermal energy during the day and release it at night.
One thing to keep in mind is that a log cabin requires more maintenance than traditional homes, according to a magazine. This includes settling and cracking of logs, which can cause water damage in the house. Additionally, log homes are more susceptible to insects and diseases, including carpenter bees, termites, rot, and mold. These problems can be more expensive to fix than those that might be found in conventional homes and aren’t usually covered by homeowners insurance.
For those looking to build a log home, it’s important to work with a company that offers a full-service design/build package. Using this approach helps ensure that your dreams and plans will be realized while keeping within your budget. A professional design/build team can help you find ways to cut costs and still get the look you want for your new log home.
It’s also a good idea to get estimates from several companies. This will give you an idea of what building costs are in your area. It will also help you to determine which log packages are affordable for your home and how much you can spend on the other components of your log home.