When we meet with customers about their dreams to build the perfect log home for their family, we usually encounter some of the same questions. Often times there are some common log home myths that arise when we have these conversations about ownership of a log home. We are here to dispel those myths and to talk about the many benefits of building a log home to help you fulfill your dreams and make lasting memories with your family.
What is the cost to build a log home?
A log home costs the same as a conventional stick built custom home and is built to the same quality and size. Some log home owners will add amenities like soaring cathedral ceilings, exposed beam floor systems, massive rock fireplaces, wrap around porches, and high-end finishes that will add to your construction costs.
Are log homes energy efficient?
Yes. We have built log homes in the coldest US Climate Zones and met the code requirements. Despite what the Pink Panther tries to tell you, a higher “R” value does not guarantee a more energy efficient home. A log home performs better than its “R” rating would indicate because of the Thermal Mass performance of solid wood and because of the lower air infiltration rates of well-sealed log walls.
How much maintenance or upkeep is there for a log home?
Log homes are neither maintenance free or high maintenance. There is no interior maintenance after the inside of the logs are sealed. The amount of labor and cost involved for the exterior depends on the design, accessibility and product used on the exterior. By the use of different sidings on dormers, and/or gable ends and porches, the maintenance can be very minimal.
Does a log home settle?
All homes settle. A properly engineered and constructed log home will allow for settling by the construction methods that are incorporated into the home. In a one-story home this is done in the supporting posts, partition frame walls and openings for doors, windows and fireplaces in log walls. Two story homes allow settling in the staircase and railing to the second floor.
Is a log home more vulnerable to fire?
A 6” log wall is acceptable by building codes as a one-hour fire wall for exterior walls. At Gastineau Log Homes we use an 8” log wall to make our log homes almost impossible to burn down.
Do people get tired of too much wood?
There are a variety of interior finishing options that allow you to have just the amount of wood that you prefer (check out photo interior options here). Whether you want a full log home or a home with only log accents, we can accommodate your personal preferences.
Gastineau Log Homes has over 40 years of experience helping people realize their dream of building a log home. Contact us today and let’s explore your affordable log home dream together.
