What is the price difference between wood and concrete logs?

When building any home, it comes down to wants and needs. If you use the same wants and needs in both types, the wood log will be less upfront when compared to an engineered concrete log. However, concrete log homes have less upkeep and really pays off over time. To us, it really comes down to what you’re looking for in a home. Do you want the full experience of living in Grampa’s cabin? Or the experience of living in Grampa’s cabin with a maintenance twist? Either way, you have a beautiful home that will stand the test of time.

How often do I need to restain my concrete log home?

It’s the beauty of wood with the durability of concrete.  The home should not require restaining anytime soon, however you may want to spray on a new coat of sealer every 5 to 7 years to keep its sharp color. Concrete sealer is self-leveling, so no back brushing is required.  The stain will fade over time but should last for years to come with no worries of rot, wood, boring bees, wood peckers, or sap drippage.

How often do I need to restain my wood log home?

Most any type of log, timber, or wood siding requires restaining, and even pressure-treated lumber is recommended to be stained for protection. A wood log home is no different and generally needs restaining every 5 to 7 years, but other factors come into play. A log home in a heavily wooded area that is well shaded could go 10 years between restainings. If you have a wraparound porch you may only restain your upper-level siding in gable ends and dormers.

How does a concrete log insulate vs a wood log home? Are they energy efficient?

Yes, both styles are energy efficient. A concrete log home has an 8-inch cavity, 16 inches on center, just like a regular home, but deeper so you can have an extremely high R Factor. Most use a method we call “Flash and Batt”, which means we Flash it with an inch of spray foam insulation and then come back with an R19, which gives you at least an R23 insulation factor. A wood log home has thermal mass and is different than R factors, but they too are very energy efficient. Unlike sheetrock, wood log homes absorb the temperature of the house and re-radiant heat or air back into the home as the cold or heat pushes for the outside. This makes it very efficient.

Can any framing crew install concrete or wood logs?

Yes, with the proper guidance and the correct tools an experienced framer can build either product. If needed, we can send out one of our techs for a couple of days of on-site assistance.

Do you offer financing?

We do not offer financing. We always recommend that you start with your personal bank. If they don’t offer the terms you’re looking for then we certainly help with recommendations. We have worked with most types of banks, but credit unions and community banks are normally easier to work with on specialty homes.

What is included in your log or timber package?

We normally supply the complete dry-in shell from sill plate to felt paper, everything you need to get your house weather tight and ready for shingles or metal roofing. We do not supply hardware, nails, screws, flashing, joist hangers, steps, post to grade (it is hard to know how long they need to be until the house is in place), caulks or anything that is not listed in the package content. We also offer a finished package as well. (See package description for more details.)

What type of foundation can log homes be put on?

Most types of foundations will work (block, poured walls, pre-casted walls, ICF’s, or even a post & beam system) but your specs will vary depending on the System chosen.

Can you have a basement with a log home?

Yes. Most log homes are located in a mountain or lake setting and they always seem to have a full to partial basement.

Is homeowner insurance more expensive for log homes?

Not normally. It typically has more to do with how far you are from a fire department and fire hydrant.

What if my job site isn’t large enough for the complete shell? Can I get a split delivery?

Yes, we can split up the delivery. Most framing crews and most banks prefer the entire package to be on site but, when necessary, we can split it up. (Windows and doors come separate about 3 to 5 weeks after initial delivery to keep them off the job site until closer to time to install)

What is the cost comparison between log and stick built homes?

Log homes do generally cost more, and not just because you’re using logs for exterior walls. Most log home owners also like real wood cabinets and doors, real wood floors, ceilings, and interior walls, and interior trim. It all adds up.

Can you modify the floor plans?

Yes. We can start with any of our plans and make it into your own.

Can you take my ideas and design a home for me?

Yes. Bring us your ideas and we will bring them together and create your home.

How long does the process take from the time I give a deposit to start design work to ready to deliver?

Yes. We can start with any of our plans and make it into your own.

Can I add a covered porch or garage to a design?

Absolutely. Adding design features like gazebos, garages, porches, breezeways are part of the design process.