Avoiding Problems When Building A Log Home

You should be aware of the risks and problems that can happen during your construction project. Knowledge is your best defense against achieving a successful outcome. Building a log home can be a dangerous business if you are not safety minded. Safety must always be your first priority. If you don't plan on paper, your log home will appear to grow in size. Blueprints can be deceiving if you don't know how to read them. Don't let your small log home plan grow much larger than you want. Don't mistake quantity for quality. Bigger doesn't necessarily mean better, it is the structure of the home that counts. It is the well engineered home that will stand the test of time. Thinking that unfinished logs are cheaper than milled logs is a misnomer. Unfinished logs have hidden costs of constructing . Also, don't be lead into believing that all plumbers, carpenters, and so on are of the same caliber because there is a wide range of workmanship in all sub-trades.

Buying Property In The Country

If your considering buying property in the country and building a log home, you will have to learn to expect the laid-back behavour that country areas tend to be and things get done when people get around to it. If you are a new- comer you might as well get used to the relaxed pace. The property you are considering must meet certain applications, building permits and so-on. Access problems are another concern, for example; easements which may provide access to the property no matter how limited the use or enjoyment, and if that is the case, you have little say in how they use it. If you are planning on building off a beaten path realize how costly it is to maintain. You may have trees that are not safe over the driveway that needs to be cut down, or a driveway that needs plowing in the winter just don't hold your breath waiting for your neighbour to come and plow you out after a heavy snowfall. Also, other items you may need to think about are: hydro, satellite t.v., telephone and the costs involved in getting them to your property.

Best Wood For A Log Home

People are sometimes confused on the species of logs to use. It becomes a rather difficult question as to what you mean by "Best Wood". Is it the strongest wood? Is it the R-value of the log? Is it the thermal mass of the log? Does it decay the least? Is it insect resistant? Is it the least expensive? Does it have the least amount of shrinkage? And, of course, the look of the log. For the most part log home shoppers are concerned about more than one characteristic of the wood, they are also concerned about which wood is best. If we choose a log only for its R-value it won't be the strongest wood. So it comes down to, what is important to you: Strength or R-value. No log home company would recommend leaving logs untreated so they are usually protected from decay, water, and anything that would cause log damage. Properly treated logs can be highly resistant. All logs also receive insect treatment to prevent insect infestation. It is important that the house be designed and built to handle any log shrinkage that may take place.

Drying Choices For Logs used in Log Homes

You should be concerned about how your logs are dried. If you use freshly cut logs they will have a lot of moisture in them causing significant shrinking after the home is built. If you leave the logs outside for six months to a year, the moisture would evaporate until it nears the moisture level of the outside air. When the logs reach the same moisture as the air it is called air drying. Drying logs can be faster if they are kiln dried to a moisture level below that which you get by air drying. A lot of companies use dead standing trees. The trees from long ago were either killed by beetles, disease, or forest fires, and have dried and now just stands there. The trees have not been structurally compromised in any way and however they died is no longer a factor. Some trees may have blemishes but can be easily removed by milling or even by hand planing. But it is what you are satisfied with and the confidence you have in the company you choose, and if they stand behind their product that really matters.

Please visit our website at Muskoka Log Homes for additional information.

Guest Rooms In Your Log Home

If you own a log home you know that guests are inevitable. The fact is, owning a log home is a sure attractant for friends and added family members, and chances are they will be staying the night, so it only makes sense to make them feel welcomed by making the guestrooms inviting. A guest room doesn't have to be overly large. A comfortable size is 12 x 14 feet just big enough for the bed and a dresser or chair. If the guestroom is to be used for multi-use its best to avoid built-ins because people like to change things around. Log home owners like to give their guests the four-star treatment so many owners come up with separate suites where their guests can get away to their own retreat. Where you place the guest suite depends on specifics of the property. Where ever you plan on building the guestroom make sure it has privacy and a bathroom nearby. Of course, the more comfortable you make your guests feel the longer they will want to stay.

Please visit our website at Muskoka Log Homes for more information.