The Log Blog by Appalachian Log Structures

Strategies For Reducing Log Home Construction Costs

donald@applog.com (Donald Parsons) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:30:00 GMT

No matter what your budget is when building a home, it’s always nice to save a little money. Although plenty of pundits and bloggers have created considerable content about how to reduce costs when building traditional homes, there’s fewer people talking about this topic for log homes. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. In fact, many tactics you would use with a traditional home can be transferred to log cabins, along with a few strategies specific to this type of home. Before we dive into six ways to reduce costs, however, let’s take a look at what factors contribute to the cost of your project. These will help you understand how our strategies can help control costs and might even spark your own ideas on how to build a log home less expensive!

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Log Cabin?

Although log homes typically cost more than traditionally built frame homes, they’re also worth more once completed — 30- 40% more, to be precise. But what makes them more expensive? There are a number of things, but four in particular will likely make the biggest difference.

Size: Although many people think of quaint, small log cabins nestled in the woods, most log homes are actually spacious. The typical log home is 2,000 - 4,000 square feet, clocking in significantly larger than the average traditional frame home. The square footage alone adds to the overall cost of a log home.

Roof Structure: Whereas traditional frame homes typically use either a pre-manufactured truss roof or a common rafter roof with a drywall finished ceiling, many log homes will be built with exposed rafters and exposed wood ceilings.

Land Preparation: Log homes are typically built on larger wooded lots that set back from access roads making access to your job site more costly as longer driveways need to be installed and numerous trees removed. Additionally, if you wanted a basement or have the need to install a septic/sewage system and/or drill a water well, you’ll have to pay for this additional excavation before you begin building.

Materials: Depending on what type of logs you use and how you choose to build the interior of your home, materials for a log home can sometimes be more expensive than in traditional building.

As you can imagine, each of these factors weigh differently from project to project. However, there are some ways that you can reduce costs in any project by addressing these four areas and then some.

Ways to Reduce Costs
Whether you’re building a log home on a restricted budget, or you just want to find some ways to reduce your overall costs, these 6 strategies can serve you well during your project.

1) Reduce Square Footage
The first cost factor to address is size because it’s often the easiest to adjust. You can drastically reduce the cost of your home by simply scaling back the square footage. Think small and cozy cabins instead of large family homes. Or, if you need the space, you can reduce your home’s footprint by building up instead of out, such as with a loft/2^nd floor design. This gives you the best of both worlds because you keep a significant amount of square footage, but reducing your footprint helps to reduce the size of your foundation and roof structures.

2) Simple Roof Systems
The roof of your new home can be the most expensive portion of your materials and labor budget. If your home is in a unique shape or requires a specially designed roof, you’ll likely see the overall price increase quite a bit. Sticking will a simpler roof system means spending less. The most inexpensive option is a single ridgeline with a shallow pitch. Although it’s not the most visually interesting, it will save you time and money and still get the job done to keep your home safe.

3) Use Drywall on Interior
Wood paneling inside of your log home looks great, but it’s roughly twice the cost of using drywall (or more depending on your wood type). Although this is one way to make your log home feel especially unique, if you’re trying to save money, it’s wise to opt for more traditional building materials on the interior of your home, such as a drywall.

4) Modest Kitchen
If you can manage without a top level cooking space, downgrading the appliances and amenities in your kitchen is an easy way to significantly reduce costs. Consider using a less expensive counter top, plumbing fixtures, sinks, etc. that can also save you money upfront.

5) Smaller Bathroom
Much like kitchens, bathrooms have a variety of options that you can upgrade later. The only key when scaling down your bathroom is to make sure you save room for what you might want to put in later.For example, if you’re not springing for a jetted tub quite yet, be sure the option you choose (like a soaker tub) is the same size and from the same manufacturer. This can save you a lot of trouble and headache down the line when you’re ready to replace your current set up.

6) Avoid Change Orders
Change orders are change requests that you make after building has started. Although it might seem like something simple, having the builder adjust their timeline and schedule can come with unexpected costs. Try to make sure that you work with your builder to outline all of your specifications before building starts. This will help minimize the need for change orders, unless it’s correcting a serious issue, and thus save you money.

Build Your Dream Home Within Your Budget

There are many unique factors that go into building a log home, but there are also a variety of ways to help reduce your log home construction costs and help build a log home for less. We have a ocer 75 pre-designed home plans to match different needs and styles, so you’re sure to find something that you love. We can also assist you with modifying one of our plans or helping you design your own custom log home floor plan. Check out our floor plans to take the first step to designing your dream home!

How Much Per Square Foot Does it Cost to Build a Log Home?

donald@applog.com (Donald Parsons) — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:30:00 GMT

How much does a log home cost per square foot?

This is a question we get asked all the time. At face value, it seems simple enough. It’s a figure you see when scrolling through housing websites, one that’s sometimes cited by builders, the seeming standard for evaluating the price of a home.

You divide the total value by the square footage, and you’ve got price per square foot, right?

Although this formula works fairly well for houses that are already built, calculating the cost per square foot of new construction is a bit more complex. Mostly because few builders and contractors haven’t agreed on what exactly is included in a “square foot” (aside from the measurement, that is).

In this blog, we’ve compiled our decades of knowledge and experience building log homes to give you the tools to better understand how your project is priced and what considerations go into the “price per square foot.”

The Builder’s Perspective

First, it’s important to understand that not every builder will view your project the same way. Different builders consider different elements of your log cabin as part of the overall square footage.

For example, let’s say you have a floor plan for a 3,000-square-foot log cabin home. You also want to add a two-car garage (500 square feet), a covered deck (300 square feet) and an unfinished basement (400 square feet). Builder A might look at this project and consider every element of your home when calculating his square footage. He’ll quote you a price based on a 4,200-square-foot plan.

However, Builder B looks at this and only considers the floor plan and covered deck — because it’s attached to the home — in the square footage. So, he quotes you based on a 3,300-square-foot plan.

Builder B’s quote will likely look more appealing in terms of cost but remember it’s because he’s not considering every element of your home. Inversely, Builder A’s quote might seem very high because he’s figuring the same price for an empty garage and unfinished basement as he is for your finished home and deck. So when you’re getting estimates from log home builders, remember that the price per square foot will depend largely on how they’re measuring the size of your project.

What’s Included in Price Per Square Foot?

This is another area where different builders will have different opinions. Some calculate the price per square foot as just the cost of materials and labor. Others include furnishings and finishings. Still others fall somewhere in between. In most cases, the price per square foot of a log home includes:

Materials costs
Labor costs

Common additional costs that are not included in a price per square foot estimate are:

Septic system installation
Water, sewer, gas, and electric hook-ups
Building permits
Landscaping
Driveways
Site condition alterations (tree removal, blasting, soil testing, etc.)
Energy efficient modifications ( type of HVAC preferences)

If you plan to modify your log home package or add on different structures, ask your builder to factor those considerations into their estimate so you can have a better idea of what your log home will cost per square foot.

Factors That Affect Cost

Just like with traditional homes, there are many different factors that can affect the total cost of a log home.

Builder Grade vs Premium. The first thing that will make a big difference is whether you’re using builder grade or premium grade products (or anything in between) in your new log home. As you can imagine, these two types of finishes differ greatly. You can think of builder grade products as entry-level or least expensive in cost. This helps keep the overall cost of a project as low as possible, however quality will be sacrificed. Premium products are “top shelf” or “top of the line” and as they are usually high-quality materials, they do cost more. There are mid-range products to choose from as well, however it’s best to know what type of products you want in your log home and how much they cost before proceeding with the project.
Type of Logs. The type of log you use will likely have the biggest effect on the price per square foot of your home. However, this is not an area where you want to cut costs. Choosing quality timber that’s been treated for durability is worth the cost. It keeps your home in good condition for the long-term so you don’t have to worry about serious issues that can compromise the quality and safety of your log home.
Type of Foundation. Crawlspace, Slab, Basement (finished or unfinished), post/pier –are types of foundations that log homes have been built on. Consult with your builder to determine the best type of foundation for your home and determine how that will factor into your overall price.
Add ons. Things like a fence around your property, a fireplace in your new home, a finished basement, or any other addition can add to the overall cost of your project. Keep in mind that your log home builder might not be able to provide all of the additional services you’re looking for, which means you might need to get a quote from another contractor after your home is finished.

Build Your Dream Home

We suggest using any builders “cost per square foot” price as a starting point. If the builder has not visited your job site, reviewed your log home floor plans (not a sketch or photos/floor plan printed from a web site) and discussed the types of finishes you are expecting in your home, the price is only someone’s best guess. Until someone presents you with a complete breakdown of costs or budgets for finish items for your particular floor plan design setting on your lot – it’s only a guess.

Although determining an accurate log home cost per square foot can be complex, log home living isn’t. If you’re looking for a peaceful home that helps you slow down and enjoy life, then you’ve made it to the right place.

At Appalachian Log Structures, we offer log home kits and custom-built homes to ensure you get exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. Contact us today to take the first step toward building your dream home.

Our Coziest Cabins Under 2,000 Square Feet

dorie@applog.com (Dorie Workman) — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 21:22:04 GMT

Do you dream of blue skies and mountain air? Are you looking for a home that is far removed from city life? An Appalachian Log Structures’ cabin may be just what you’ve been searching for. Our log homes are cozy, comfortable, and come in a variety of sizes, kits, and cabin floor plans – many of which are under 2,000 square feet, perfect for smaller lots.

Lakefront II Log Home

Close your eyes and imagine yourself gazing over your deck at the sun setting through the trees as a warming fire crackles gently in the background. This could be life in our Lakefront II design. With 1,288 square feet on the first floor and 658 square feet for the upstairs bedrooms, the cabin offers a total of 1,946 square feet. Attention to detail isn’t spared, and this smaller floor plan still feels roomy with three bedrooms, a dining room, and more. There is also plenty of space for outdoor entertaining on the wrap-around deck or porch.

Mount Vernon Log Home

Get ready to make some memories in this quaint mountain home. Picture yourself standing on the deck, breathing in the fresh, crisp air. You’ll have plenty of space to relax in this three-bedroom log home, and you’ll never miss city living. Enjoy the tranquility from your deck or your porch. The open floor plan is 1,776 square feet and includes a living room and dining room which are perfect for entertaining friends and family. Stylish design features include an A-style roof, doghouse window dormers in the front, and a shed dormer on the rear loft area.

Nantahala Log Home

Calling all nature lovers! Nantahala is Cherokee for “land of the noon day sun” and that’s just what you will be enjoying on the covered porch as you take in the wildlife and sounds of your surroundings. On cold winter mornings, sip a hot beverage indoors and enjoy the view through glass doors. As one of our smaller log home plans, the Nantahala packs a lot into 1,260 square feet. Whether this is your primary home or a vacation getaway, there’s plenty of room for guests.

West Virginian Log Home

Bring your guitar or queue up your favorite playlist because log home living is good living. Leave your troubles at the door when you step into the 1,168-square-foot West Virginian. This simple, yet elegant cabin provides an airy feel with lots of windows and a second-floor open loft which is perfect for the occasional guest. Open up the glass doors and let the fresh air in – or better yet, bring a few chairs on to the porch and watch the clouds roll by.

Cimmaron Log Home

Imagine Sunday mornings in the Cimmaron, the smell of cinnamon rolls in the air, and gentle, yet exquisite comforts of log home living. If you’re looking for small cabin floor plans, the Cimmaron is compact without sacrificing style or utility. At 960 square feet, this ranch style log cabin offers three bedrooms, an open kitchen and eating area, and a living room. And there’s plenty of porch space to sit outside and read a book, while enjoying that cinnamon roll!

Small Lot Cabin Floor Plans

If you’re looking for log home plans, Appalachian Log Structures has a variety of thoughtfully pre-designed plans. Our cabin floor plans under 2,000 square feet are ideal for small lot sizes. If you’re ready to breathe in the mountain air, contact us for pricing information so we can make your log cabin dreams come true.

6 Tips to help Winterize your log home

dorie@applog.com (Dorie Workman) — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 17:13:06 GMT

As temperatures begin to fall, your log home will weather the winter better if you follow a few tips that will protect your investment and help keep you comfortable.

Inspect Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts

If your local temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic, if needed, will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams. Check flashing around the fireplace to ensure water can't enter your home. Consider replacing worn roof shingles or tiles. Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris. You may also want to install leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.

Check Foundations

Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation. Seal up entry points or cracks to keep small animals from crawling under and into the house. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime. Secure crawlspace entrances.

Check the Exterior, Doors, and Windows & Logs

This step is critical for your health and safety. Inspect the exterior log wall for any crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them. Use weather-stripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows. Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.

Prevent Plumbing Freezes

Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency. Drain all garden hoses. Insulate exposed plumbing pipes. Drain air conditioner pipes, and if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off. If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.

Prepare Landscaping and Outdoor Surfaces

A winter storm can ravage the outdoors to such an extent that you can experience devastating effects in your surrounding area and while you're in your log home. Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.

Get the fireplace ready

If your chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and other undesirable accumulations, like creosote. It's best to cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds. Buy firewood or chop your own. Whatever choice you make, store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your log home. Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing. Also check the flashing around the chimney to prevent water infiltration.

Following these simple steps will help keep you warm and cozy while Old Man Winter blows outside.

16 Valuable Secrets to Affordable Log Home Designs

donald@applog.com (Donald Parsons) — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 12:45:00 GMT

You Can Create Your Dream Home for Less!

It’s a rare these days to hear the phrase “money is no object.” No matter what your net worth, chances are you’re interested in making smart investments—and getting the biggest bang for your buck. Building a log home is no exception.

Designers and builders can offer dozens of ways to cut costs. This can be called value engineering. Working with the pros, like Appalachian Log Structures, who belong to the NAHB's Log & Timber Homes Council, will help you decide where you want to save money—and where you shouldn’t skimp. (Opting for cheaper windows and insulation isn’t usually recommended.) Here are 16 tips from Appalachian Log Structures and the Log & Timber Homes Council.

1. Use Proven Design
Instead of a custom design, opt for a stock plan from a log home producer’s catalog. Stock designs have been built many times before, so construction errors have been eliminated. When you opt for a stock plan, you’re getting all engineered and cost efficiencies built into that log home design. This strategy will save you both time and money.

2. Think Rectangular
Whether stock or custom, a rectangular design is the most economical shape to build. Add more than four corners and you’ll add more costs. For example, it takes 18 feet of logs to create a single Traditional corner with an eight-foot wall height. More corners, equals more coin.

3. Open Flexible Floor Plan
How much house do you really need? Keep square footage down with an open floor plan that eliminates unnecessary hallways. Look for innovative ways to use traditionally wasted space. Our favorite trick: adding a closet or built-in shelves under a staircase.

4. Trim Your Width
Keep your home’s width under 30 feet. Once you go over 30 or 32 feet, you have to beef up your support beams substantially. The longer the logs, the more they cost.

5. Think Long Term
So you’re envisioning a log home, guest house for the in-laws and perhaps some out buildings to house your hobbies and toys? But in this economic climate, you are concerned about affording the full tab? The solution is to plan your construction over several years, which will give you some financial wiggle room. Start by building the log home the first year, followed by the wraparound porch in Year 2 and the garage with breezeway in Year 3. Add out buildings, such as a guesthouse or barn, in subsequent years.

6. Clearing Land
As much as 35 percent of your budget will go to clearing your home site, excavating a foundation, creating a driveway and installing utilities. These are fixed infrastructure costs that simply can’t be avoided. However, you can save on this portion of the work by performing some of it yourself, or hiring workers and supervising their efforts. Get started by clearing the land. Save any materials you can re-purpose during construction, as well as saving lumber for firewood.

7. Full Basement
A full basement with roughed-in plumbing and electrical lines is one of the most affordable ways to add extra living space to your log home. If you can afford it another 20% in concrete costs, add 10-foot high sidewalls to add volume to a space that can seem closed in.

8. Stacked Baths
Putting two bathrooms back to back—or above and below in a two-story design—will reduce your plumbing contractors work, which can save you substantially.

9. Mix & Match Exterior Finishes
To save money, you can opt to incorporate a variety of exterior materials such as stone, board and batten, cedar shake and even stucco. These materials can add character to the home and actually accent the logs.

10. Driveway Strategy
From a privacy perspective, locating your home far off the main road may be appealing. But you could save thousands in grading and compacting if you keep the driveway short. You can also delay your driveway installation for a few years. That time allows the soil to settle, so you’ll end up with a more stable driveway with fewer repairs over time.

11. Simple Roof Line
Keep your roof simple with a single ridgeline instead of “hips and valleys” or multiple roof planes. Extreme angles, such as turrets or an angled prow under an A-frame, cost more in materials and labor.

12. Ceiling Height
If you worship cathedral ceilings, go ahead and enjoy them one in your great room. But keep the ceiling height in other rooms lower (in the 8-foot realm). Not only will you save on construction costs, but lower ceilings make your home easier to heat and cool.

13. Opt for Conventional Roof System
It can be quite expensive to put large, structural timbers with tongue-and-groove decking overhead in the great room. To save money, use a conventional truss or rafter roof system in the attic, with smaller, decorative timbers and non-structural tongue-and-groove decking. You’ll reduce your costs by a third without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

14. Consider Solar Tubes
If you can afford dramatic skylights, go for it. But also consider solar tubes. They bring in natural light and cut down on installation and materials costs. They also make a great addition to master closets. Bonus: many of these modern money-savers also have venting capabilities for a breath of fresh air.

15. Hunt for Bargains on Appliances
If you’re craving an epicurean range but can’t stomach the price, check out “scratch and dent” sales centers run by manufacturers and retailers. New units are usually half price—a sweet savings for a few nicks you’ll hardly notice when it’s installed in a brand new log home.

16. What Hasn’t Worked in the Past? Now’s the Time to Fix It!
Often it’s the little things (extra lighting in the master closet, a quiet exhaust fan in the bathroom, or a computer workstation in the kitchen) that make life easier and more convenient. Think about what hasn’t worked in your past homes—along with how and where you want to spend time in your new one. Then invest a little more money in the spaces that mean the most to you.

When you're ready to start your affordable log home please contact your Local Log Home Building Consultant to help you with these and other GREAT money saving ideas in the design of your dream log home.

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Parts of this article were taken from the Log & Timber Home Council's website www.loghomes.org.

8 Suggestions on How To Stick to your Log Home Build/Remodel Project

donald@applog.com (Donald Parsons) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:45:00 GMT

Recently I ran across this blog on houzz.com (written by Bud Dietrich, AIA) and thought it was very relevant to any building project. Several of the points he covers below I've touched on in my blog posts in the past, but thought another point of view besides mine might be educational as well as informative for those looking to stay on budget while building or remodeling their dream log home in 2018.

"Inevitably, any new client will ask me "How much will the project cost?" The answer isn't always straightforward and easy. You see, a home construction budget, in both its creation and its maintenance, is more art than science.

Sure, it's easy to say the project is a new 2,000-square-foot house that will cost $200 per square foot to build. But what does that represent? Will it be the home you want? Does it factor in all of the intangibles and idiosyncrasies that any home construction project has? And you can certainly ignore any cost-per-square-foot guideline if it's an addition or remodeling project. Dealing with an existing house, especially one that's a little older, has its own set of rules.

Having said that, the best approach to identifying costs for your specific project and location is to talk with several architects, designers and builders. Each will probably give you a different "number," so you'll have to drill down into the detail of what that number means. Just remember that the devil is in the details.

1. Identify the project. Will it be a new home, an addition to your existing home, a kitchen or bath remodel or some combination of these? Each has its own budgeting method. While a simple "per square foot" cost may work for a new construction project, it definitely won't work for kitchen and bath remodels. And for something like an addition or renovation to a historic home, toss out any sort of cost guidelines. The best approach to establishing a budget for projects like these is to talk to professionals with experience.

2. Identify the pieces within your budget. Clients often don't identify all of the pieces of the budget. Sure, the largest piece might be the construction costs, but there will be many other costs. They can include land costs, legal fees, moving, decorating, landscaping, impact fees, architectural fees, permit costs and financing costs. At the outset, identify all of your potential costs and assign each a value. It would be a shame to finish the house but have no money left for landscaping or furniture.

3. Know thyself. If you just have to have that beautiful range that costs as much as a new luxury car, don't budget for the generic range from the local appliance store. Think about what you really want and how you really want to use the home you're creating, and make sure you've budgeted for it.

4. Expect to splurge. In the budget, allow for the few places where you'll want to splurge. For example, the kitchen back splash is a place you may want to do something truly special and remarkable. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, the back splash is something you'll see several times a day for many years. Even if it costs a significant amount, allow yourself to splurge a little on something you'll enjoy.

5. Have a plan. A sure way of busting your budget is to defer decisions or, as they say in Washington, "kick the can down the road." Construction has started and you haven't made nearly enough decisions about what tile, what plumbing fixtures, what trim, etc. The builder starts pressuring you to make decisions or, worse, just does something without your input. You may find yourself tearing out work or, worse, have to live with something you really don't like because you don't have the time or money to change it.

The best way to avoid these nightmare scenarios is to have your architect and/or designer prepare a detailed set of drawings and make all of your decisions before starting construction. Then, don't change your mind. It's easier said than done, but preparing a plan and sticking to it is the best way to stay on track.

6. Have a contingency. Like other laws of nature, the law of a construction project is that "stuff happens." It could be a problem with the bearing capacity of the soil or uncovering rotted wood when getting ready to build the addition. The best way to deal with the unknown is to allow for a contingency in the budget.

The best approach is to start with a higher contingency, say 15% to 20% and then gradually reduce the contingency as you go through the project phases. When you first start the design, you'll have a line item in your budget for a, say, 20% contingency. After the drawings are done and the pieces of the project are identified you might reduce the contingency to 10%. As you you go through construction, you'll be able to reduce the contingency even more so that when construction is complete the contingency is zero.

You don't have to spend that contingency. If it isn't used, consider it found money that you can save. That's a great way to feel good about staying on track and coming in under budget.

7. Beware scope creep. A sure way to bust your budget is the dreaded "While we're it we might as well ... " You may justify it by saying "it'll only be a few hundred dollars," but once you do that a few times, you'll have added a bunch of work and will definitely blow your budget. Remember that you made a plan and remain determined to stick to it.

8. Consider tradeoffs. Sometimes it's difficult, if not impossible, to pass by that truly remarkable item that you find during the project that's not in the budget. When this happens, take a look at your budget and what you have left to accomplish, with the goal of reducing the cost of something else to afford this new find. Is there a part of the work, such as painting a few rooms, that you can do yourself? Maybe you can use carpet in lieu of hardwood in the guest bedroom. Get what you want and stay on track by moving budgeted amounts from one pocket to another."

In order to assist you with determining the cost of your custom log home, download our helpful Cost Estimating Worksheet that will keep track of the expenses you may experience while building. Another resource to use to help determine cost would be to contact your Local Independent Log Home Consultant. They have years of experience helping others realize their dream log cabin home.

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Log Homes throughout the centuries.

donald@applog.com (Donald Parsons) — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:30:00 GMT

The origin of the log structure is uncertain. It is probable that it began in northern Europe sometime in the Bronze Age (c. 3,500 B.C.). By the time Europeans began to settle in America, there was a long tradition of using logs for houses, barns, and other outbuildings in the Scandinavian countries, Germany, and Northern Russia. These regions had vast stands of softwood timber that could easily be worked with simple hand tools. According to C. A. Weslager, whose book on log cabins is considered a classic, the Finns, as well as the Swedes, had a "close attunement" with the forests, and both groups had well-developed forest industries. Weslager goes on to say:

"The Finns were accomplished in building several forms of log housing, having different methods of corner timbering, and they utilized both round and hewn logs. Their log building had undergone an evolutionary process from the crude "pirtii"...a small gabled-roof cabin of round logs with an opening in the roof to vent smoke, to more sophisticated squared logs with interlocking double-notch joints, the timber extending beyond the corners. Log saunas or bathhouses of this type are still found in rural Finland."

When the Finns and the Swedes began to arrive in New Sweden (along both banks of the Delaware River into modern Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland), they brought their knowledge of such wood construction with them. So did later immigrants from Germany. The Scots, Irish, and Scots-Irish had no tradition of building with logs, but they quickly adopted the technique. The log cabin suited early settlers and later pioneers. It would have been nearly impossible to carry building materials across the ocean in the small sailing ships of the time. It would have been equally difficult to transport building materials on horseback or even in the wagons or river barges pioneers used to cross mountains and valleys in their search for their own land. So, wherever there were forested areas, the log cabin became the preferred type of initial dwelling. Log cabins did not even need nails or spikes to hold them together. Until the 19th century nails were made by hand by blacksmiths, which meant they were quite expensive, and like lumber, they were also heavy.

Log cabins were relatively easy to build. Weslager reports that a record was set by three men who cut down trees, trimmed them, dragged the logs to the building site, notched the logs, and built a one-room cabin with chimney and fireplace in two days. For most people it took a bit longer, but it was possible for a man working alone to build a cabin in one to two weeks. However, a man alone faced some problems. Because it is physically difficult to lift a heavy log above one's head, most men could build cabins only six to eight logs high. With help, it was possible to build several logs higher--even two-story log houses were possible. First, skids of two logs were placed against the wall at an angle to serve as an inclined plane. Then forked sticks or ropes were used to position the logs.

Most log cabins had a single room, or "pen," some 12 to 16 feet square. There was one door, and usually no windows. If windows were cut into the walls, animal skins or boards fixed to slide across the openings were used. Some builders used paper greased with animal fat, which made it both translucent and waterproof. Most log cabin builders placed the fireplace at one end of the cabin and built the chimney of wattle. Stone or clay was used for the hearth and the interior of the fireplace. As these were not very safe constructions, later builders used brick or stone if they could be obtained. Fireplaces provided warmth, light, and fuel for cooking. Back bars and cranes made of forged iron were used to hold cooking pots. Not until the 1840s were cast-iron ranges available that would burn wood or coal, so cooking over a fireplace did not seem a hardship.

Inside walls were often chinked with clay or cloth. Most floors were simply beaten earth, although some cabins had floors of puncheons--logs split lengthwise and laid close together with the flat sides up. A family often built a sleeping loft if the roof were high enough. The loft could be reached by pegs pounded into the walls or by a ladder built from tree limbs. The loft also was used to store foodstuffs.

Log cabins were never meant to be permanent, but many log houses were. The difference between the two was primarily one of size and attention to detail. Most pioneers preferred "flat" walls to rounded log walls, and so most used hewn logs for building. These not only made the houses look (from a distance) more "real," but also withstood the elements much better, since the bark and the decay-prone outside wood were removed from the logs. When milled lumber became available either from a local sawmill or by railroad transport, most people chose it for their homes.

It seemed that as the frontier disappeared, so would the log cabin. However, at about the same time the Finnish homesteaders were, of necessity, building their first homes of logs, Easterners were rediscovering the log structure. William A. Durant, land developer and president of the Adirondack Railroad, pushed the idea of Great Camps in the Adirondacks. These camps were enclaves where the very wealthy could escape the summer heat of the cities and retreat to the "simple life" of log-cabin living in the country. Such "cabins" were hardly simple. Designed by architects, they were huge structures with many rooms and fireplaces and porches. But their log exteriors recalled the "good old days". National park structures also fueled the revival of log cabin living. Many park lodges were made of logs so they would fit their surroundings. The Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park is a prime example. Built in 1904, the inn has an eight-story lobby some 185 feet high. There are 140 guest rooms and three sets of balconies.

Another factor that kept the tradition of log building alive was the Great Depression of the 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked with the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service to build thousands of log structures throughout the national forests and parks. Had it not been for these the log cabin might have disappeared, but because people saw the log structures and liked what they saw, many began to build modern log cabins and log houses. These homes seemed to represent all that a family could want: a sturdy shelter from the elements and a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle. The log cabin remains a popular building style.

If you are planning to build a NEW log home, be sure to visit our web page and locate the Log Home Consultant nearest you. Since 1977, we've been shipping quality log home building materials worldwide.

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Special thanks to the National Parks Service the provider of this article 
and C. A. Weslager, The Log Cabin in America: From Pioneer Days to the Present 
(New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 1969); Virginia and Lee McAlester, 
A Field Guide to American Houses (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984); 
visitor's guides to several western national parks; and other sources on the history 
of the western frontier.

Step 10 - Ordering Your Log Home Package

donald@applog.com (Donald Parsons) — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 13:32:41 GMT

Now that you've successfully completed the previous 9 steps in Planning a Successful Log Home Project you are ready to order your log home package of building materials.

Remember to contact your helpful and knowledgeable Log Home Consultant so they can assist you with this process. They are a great resource of information. If you do not plan on financing any part of the project most log cabin home manufacturers require a 10% deposit to complete your construction set of plans and to start planning for your order. Usually a 40% deposit is needed to begin the manufacturing of your materials with the 50% balance due upon delivery. If you are planning on taking a loan, most financial institutions that have previously worked with log homeowners will require the borrower to put down at least 10% with the log manufacturer and the 90% balance due will be released from the lender on day of delivery. This is all subject to the loan closing before any manufacturing occurs.

From this point it will take an average of 6 to 8 weeks for the materials to be manufactured, packaged and ready to ship. This gives you time to clear and grade the building site, dig and install the foundation and ready the sub floor. On the day of delivery all that needs to be done is to put the log bundles on the sub floor and start the installation process. You can look back over the recent past, re-trace the steps you took and be satisfied with all of the planning you did to make your dream log home become reality!

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Step 9 - Log Home Construction Loan Application

donald@applog.com (Donald Parsons) — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 15:15:00 GMT

This step can take some time to complete and will take some patience. There are several items that most financial institutions require you provide when you apply for your loan. Listed below are just a few:

Last 3-4 years of tax returns and/or W-2’s
Last 3-4 pay stubs
Your address for the last 2+ years
Current statements from checking, savings, portfolios, etc
Employment addres for last 2 years
Copy of deed/title to the land you are building on or being purchased.
Set of floor plans and builder contracts/estimates

There is a lot more information that will be requested before the loan is closed so be prepared to keep digging through your files and have patience. Our Log Home Sales Consultants assist folks everyday who are going through this process, and believe me, you are not the only ones who feel like they are going through the hoops as this process takes place.

At some point in the application process an appraisal will be ordered for your log cabin home building project. The appraiser will take your log home floor plans along with the contractors contract/estimates and will determine a value of your home setting on the lot you have chosen. This value will become part of the basis for the amount of funds the lending institution will loan towards your log cabin home. Once this amount is determined, the draw schedule can be completed, papers can be signed and you can begin building your dream log home.

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Our next and final blog in this series is Step #10 – Placing your Log Home Package order.

Step #8 - Choosing a General Contractor for your Log Home Project -

donald@applog.com (Donald Parsons) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 13:15:00 GMT

Unless you are building your dream log cabin yourself, you will be speaking with, and interviewing several, general contractors or if you plan to act as your own general contractor, numerous sub-contractors.

In this process not only is it recommended that you ask for references, but also to call and visit those on the reference list from the contractor. The references should contain both recent projects completed, within the past 12 months, as well as some older references, 2+ years old to see if the service after completion was performed satisfactorily.

Ask for copies of licenses, certification of insurance and other coverage’s and check with the local building code office or Home Builder Association to get some additional insight of those you are considering. For vendor references check with the local lumber yard or “big box” store to see if they pays their bills and sub contractors on time. The folks at these places of business see and hear things that others may not.

Remember, when choosing a general contractor, you will be working with this person for an average of 6 months +/-. It is best to make sure that you communicate well, that they understand the scope of your log cabin home project and that all agreements (from BOTH parties) are put in writing so mis-understandings don’t arise. Don’t be afraid to ask to see a recent or sample contract so that you know what to expect when yours in completed.

Ask questions; take notes on how long it takes to get an answer and just how complete an answer you get. The more specific your questions and their answers, the better log home build project it will be. If you need assistance, be sure to contact your Local Log Home Building Consultant - we're here to help!

Next time – Step #9 – Applying for your Construction Loan.

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