Owner: Log Home Blog URL:http://www.loghomeblog.com Join Date: Mon, 08 Oct 2007 10:42:35 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: The latest information on log home choices, log home pricing factors, green building & log homes, industry trends, and more! Site statistics:Click here
Young Family Log Home Escapes Forest Fire 2007-09-25 17:08:11 A forest fire roared past our log cabin within a few feet of the front porch. The fire rolled up the canyons from the Salmon River where it started burning three neighboring cabins to their foundations. An older cabin on our property was also totally engulfed by flames and destroyed. Our main cabin was directly in the path of the fire as forest service hot shot crews pumped water from a creek in an attempt to save it. As a wall of fire approached our cabin, the firefighters were forced to flee fearing they would be surrounded without an escape route. By some miracle, the wind shifted at the last possible seconds moving the fire past without igniting our log cabin or an adjacent group of pine trees.
This is our family cabin. We built it in 1994 on an old mining claim that was passed down through my wife’s family. It’s located in the rugged mountains above the Salmon River next to the Gospel Wilderness in Central Idaho. This is some of the most primitive and undeveloped country remai Read more:Family
, Forest
Select the Species of Wood for Your Log Home 2007-09-25 17:02:34 Customers often ask me “which is the best species.” There are many good species and most are appropriate for use in log homes and timber homes. Select
ion of the species often comes down to which one you like to look at most. However, in my humble opinion based on 20 years of log home experience, there is one wood species that seems to perform better when it comes to log homes and timber homes – West Coast Douglas Fir.
West Coast Douglas Fir is grows on the Pacific side of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. Douglas Fir growing east of the Cascades is technically the same species but the high moisture and soil conditions of the Pacific Coastal Region produces much higher quality wood fiber than its inland cousin. The grain is straight with fewer knots and defect. The color of Douglas Fir varies from a yellow/white sapwood to a glowing brownish red heart wood. It takes stain and finish very well. Personally, I think Douglas Fir gives the best overall
The Importance of Establishing a Realistic Log & Timber Home Turnkey Budget 2007-08-31 16:51:21 Most of our clients dream for years about building the log & timber home of their dreams. Whether as a refuge for their family, a place to get back to nature, a custom designed log & timber home is a reward for a lifetime of accomplishment. But like everything else in life, cost is an inevitable consideration — the best way to avoid surprise and disappointment over the cost of your log & timber home is to establish a realistic turnkey budget at the outset of the conceptual design process.
Our experience in designing and producing over 2,000 log & timber homes has taught us that the critical first step in the design process is to calculate an estimated turnkey budget. Your turnkey budget is based on a number of factors: square footage of the home, complexity of the home, level of finishes in the home and geographical location being the most important factors influencing cost. The impact of square footage in the home is fairly straightforward — the b Read more:Realistic
, Turnkey
What is Green Building? 2007-08-05 10:09:34 There is a great deal of interest in “green building”. But, what exactly is green building and how do you know if your builder is really complying with green building standards.
Green
building can be defined in a number of ways. The goal of most people is to build their home with the least impact on the environment and promote indoor health and energy efficiency. This can be accomplished in many ways such as the use of natural materials that are free of toxins and low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds); using high energy efficiency products such as SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) and Low E windows; utilizing energy efficient appliances and HVAC systems and installing effacement sprinkler and water systems.
Most new construction is utilizing some form of green building. Builders and developers are recognizing that there is real value to the consumer in building green. But, how do you know if your home is really being constructed using the latest green building techniques.
T Read more:Building
Whatever it Takes 2007-07-15 10:11:17 Alan Parrington wanted a different kind of home. When Alan Parrington approached the team at PrecisionCraft in April of 2002, he was ready to make his dream home a reality. Making his dream home a reality, however, wasn’t as easy as he expected it to be. Alan had trouble even finding a company that would create the home the way he wanted it - with exposed timber trusses as well as beams ornate with arches. After discussing the project with five different log & timber home providers, Alan decided on PrecisionCraft. According to Alan, “PrecisionCraft was the most cooperative, the most flexible in accommodating his needs, and the most excited to take on the project.”
Using PrecisionCraft’s Boisean model as a starting point, Alan worked with our in-house, architects to design his perfect home. After expanding the floorplan and enlarging the rooms, Alan saw his vision come to life. According to Alan, it was his “complete access to the design team” that made his vision
Building in a Slow Market Saves Money 2007-07-13 16:11:29 Subcontractors and tradesman are scrambling to line up jobs for the 2007 building season. New construction has been in a slump for over a year and many production and spec builders have significantly cut back building new units in an effort to reduce inventories. The cut back has left many of the subcontractors and tradesman looking for work or laying off employees.
The National Association of Home Builders single-family Housing Market
Index has risen systematically from the lowest point last September, showing that builders’ assessments of the demand side of the market have been on the mend following the sharp contraction from the highs of mid-2005. Most indicators show that housing has past the bottom and demand will begin to increase. Higher demand will translate into high prices for labor and materials.
For prospective custom home buyers, now is the best opportunity to lock up builders and subcontractors. Those who delay starting their building project much longer in hopes that t Read more:Building
, Money
, Saves
Selecting the Right Builder for Your Log Home 2007-07-05 10:09:34
“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” So said Isaac Newton in his 3rd Law of Motion. Newton’s law also applies to building new log homes & timber homes. Consider three primary opposing forces at work when building a new log or timber home – Cost, Quality and Time. We call this the CQT Triangle.
Understanding the opposing forces of the CQT Triangle is critical when selecting the right builder to construct your new home; specifically when constructing log homes & timber homes which require their own unique technical expertise.
For example, if your primary concern is meeting an aggressive timeline for your new log home or timber home, then it’s more likely cost will increase. There is also the risk that the quality of your log home or timber home will be compromised in order to meet an aggressive timeline. Conversely, if the builder has a more flexible building schedule, it may allow him the time to achieve a higher standard of quality and m Read more:Right
, Builder
Houseal Non-Settling System™ for Log Homes 2007-06-25 16:43:51 The Houseal Non-Settling System
™ is the most significant innovation in log home construction since the invention of the chain saw. The Houseal Non-Settling (HNS) System™ prevents logs from settling and solves a host of potential problems for log home builders and homeowners.
Settling in log homes has always been an issue, adding cost and complexity to log home construction. Using traditional methods of construction, logs are stacked horizontally one on top of the other (either scribed or chinked). Because logs tend to shrink and settle over time, the multiple layers of logs compound the effect of wood shrinkage. A traditional 10’ log wall will settle upward of 6 to 8 inches depending upon the moisture content of the logs. Special construction methods must be employed to counter the effects of settling. The use of settling jacks, slip joints, and oversized trim and fascia are normal techniques used in traditional log home construction. In addition, constant mai Read more:Homes
Increasing the Investment Value of Your Log Home 2007-05-11 10:12:35 Investors are frustrated with the performance of investment options in the new millennium. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other financial investments are not performing as many would have liked. Most investors, however, have found that the best performing asset in their portfolio is their home. As a result, real estate is viewed as a safe haven for investors with appreciation far outpacing other investments. With the security and growing values of residential real estate, a growing number of homeowners are now investing in their second home.
There are a wide variety of reasons why people build or buy second homes. City dwellers may want to escape to their home in the country for weekends and holidays. Northerners may want a home in the sun where they can golf year round. Southerners may want a home in the mountains close to a ski resort. There are also the Baby Boomers…a large number are eyeing retirement and are building second homes anticipating it will become their main Read more:Increasing
, Value
Log Homes, the Natural Green Building Solution 2007-04-25 10:16:30 Building and living “Green
” is good for your health, conserves energy and protects the environment. Log homes are the original green building solution made directly from the earth’s natural resource. This abundant, beautiful and renewable natural resource is 100% green.
Building green is a hot topic among building professionals and consumers – for good reason. The exposure to toxic chemicals in our every day lives is resulting in significant increases in asthma and respiratory illnesses, skin problems, migraine headaches and any number of health related problems.
Since we spend much of our time indoors, it is critical that our indoor environment is healthy and safe. Many building products today are made of man-made chemicals and emit high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Health experts are becoming increasingly aware and alarmed that these man-made chemicals are showing up in our blood and lungs.
Logs are 100% natural and don’t emit VOCs or other poll Read more:Solution
, Building
, Natural
, Homes
The New Trend: Log & Timber “Hybrid” Homes 2007-10-12 12:25:04 Over the past few years, the log and timber home industry has taken a new turn. Today the industry sees more and more homes combining log elements with timber frame components and conventional framing.
Employing a combination of materials and building styles is referred to as “hybrid” and is often done to achieve a particular design look. Many clients enjoy the flexibility in design that a hybrid style home allows. Below are a few examples illustrating how a combinations of different materials can come together to create a truly amazing home:
Crested Butte - A hybrid log home design of large stone, milled log walls, and customized timber frame trusses.
Eagle’s Nest - A hybrid log & timber home; square milled log walls with dovetail corners and custom timber frame trusses.
Upland Retreat - A handcrafted log & timber hybrid home; handcrafted wall logs and timber frame trusses, posts & roof.
Many designers will use timber and log elements in combination with conven Read more:Hybrid
, Homes
Start with the Log Homes Council 2007-10-29 15:48:13 If you are considering building a log home, consider members of the Log HomesCouncil
. The Log Homes Council is part of the Building Systems Councils, a council of the National Association of Home Builders. Members are required to participate in the Log Homes Council’s log and timber grading program. It is important to select a log home company that grades and certifies under the grading rules established by the Log Homes Council. This protects you as a customer and ensures that you get only graded logs and timbers when purchasing from a Council Member. This is a critical issue, as the new International Building Code will require grading and building inspectors may reject logs and timbers which have not been graded.
Log Homes Council members must subscribe to a rigid code of ethics developed to ensure well-constructed, code-complying structures and fair business dealings. The Council is a clearing house for complaints dealing with questionable practice Read more:Start
Finding a Log Home Company 2007-10-20 12:34:39 Now that you are considering building a log home, selecting the right company will be one of the most critical decisions. Finding the right log home company can be a daunting task. There are many good companies and, unfortunately, some that are not so good. Reputation, experience, architectural depth, financial strength, product selection and manufacturing capability are all factors to take into account before selecting a company.
The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start. Check to see if the log home company you are considering is a member and if there are any outstanding complaints. Dun and Bradstreet is a financial and credit reporting service and can give good information about the financial history of a company. It is highly recommended that you consider only companies that have financial history reported by Dun and Bradstreet. If a company is not listed, you may want to look elsewhere.
Consider companies that have affiliations with industry tra
The New Trend: Log & Timber “Hybrid” Homes 2007-10-12 12:25:04 Over the past few years, the log and timber home industry has taken a new turn. Today the industry sees more and more homes combining log elements with timber frame components and conventional framing.
Employing a combination of materials and building styles is referred to as “hybrid” and is often done to achieve a particular design look. Many clients enjoy the flexibility in design that a hybrid style home allows. Below are a few examples illustrating how a combinations of different materials can come together to create a truly amazing home:
Crested Butte - A hybrid log home design of large stone, milled log walls, and customized timber frame trusses.
Eagle’s Nest - A hybrid log & timber home; square milled log walls with dovetail corners and custom timber frame trusses.
Upland Retreat - A handcrafted log & timber hybrid home; handcrafted wall logs and timber frame trusses, posts & roof.
Many designers will use timber and log elements in combination with conven Read more:Homes
, Hybrid
Young Family Log Home Escapes Forest Fire 2007-09-25 17:08:11 A forest fire roared past our log cabin within a few feet of the front porch. The fire rolled up the canyons from the Salmon River where it started burning three neighboring cabins to their foundations. An older cabin on our property was also totally engulfed by flames and destroyed. Our main cabin was directly in the path of the fire as forest service hot shot crews pumped water from a creek in an attempt to save it. As a wall of fire approached our cabin, the firefighters were forced to flee fearing they would be surrounded without an escape route. By some miracle, the wind shifted at the last possible seconds moving the fire past without igniting our log cabin or an adjacent group of pine trees.
This is our family cabin. We built it in 1994 on an old mining claim that was passed down through my wife’s family. It’s located in the rugged mountains above the Salmon River next to the Gospel Wilderness in Central Idaho. This is some of the most primitive and undeveloped country remai Read more:Family
, Forest
Select the Species of Wood for Your Log Home 2007-09-25 17:02:34 Customers often ask me “which is the best species.” There are many good species and most are appropriate for use in log homes and timber homes. Select
ion of the species often comes down to which one you like to look at most. However, in my humble opinion based on 20 years of log home experience, there is one wood species that seems to perform better when it comes to log homes and timber homes – West Coast Douglas Fir.
West Coast Douglas Fir is grows on the Pacific side of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. Douglas Fir growing east of the Cascades is technically the same species but the high moisture and soil conditions of the Pacific Coastal Region produces much higher quality wood fiber than its inland cousin. The grain is straight with fewer knots and defect. The color of Douglas Fir varies from a yellow/white sapwood to a glowing brownish red heart wood. It takes stain and finish very well. Personally, I think Douglas Fir gives the best overall
The Importance of Establishing a Realistic Log & Timber Home Turnkey Budget 2007-08-31 16:51:21 Most of our clients dream for years about building the log & timber home of their dreams. Whether as a refuge for their family, a place to get back to nature, a custom designed log & timber home is a reward for a lifetime of accomplishment. But like everything else in life, cost is an inevitable consideration — the best way to avoid surprise and disappointment over the cost of your log & timber home is to establish a realistic turnkey budget at the outset of the conceptual design process.
Our experience in designing and producing over 2,000 log & timber homes has taught us that the critical first step in the design process is to calculate an estimated turnkey budget. Your turnkey budget is based on a number of factors: square footage of the home, complexity of the home, level of finishes in the home and geographical location being the most important factors influencing cost. The impact of square footage in the home is fairly straightforward — the b Read more:Realistic
, Turnkey
What is Green Building? 2007-08-05 10:09:34 There is a great deal of interest in “green building”. But, what exactly is green building and how do you know if your builder is really complying with green building standards.
Green
building can be defined in a number of ways. The goal of most people is to build their home with the least impact on the environment and promote indoor health and energy efficiency. This can be accomplished in many ways such as the use of natural materials that are free of toxins and low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds); using high energy efficiency products such as SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) and Low E windows; utilizing energy efficient appliances and HVAC systems and installing effacement sprinkler and water systems.
Most new construction is utilizing some form of green building. Builders and developers are recognizing that there is real value to the consumer in building green. But, how do you know if your home is really being constructed using the latest green building techniques.
The be Read more:Building
Whatever it Takes 2007-07-15 10:11:17 Alan Parrington wanted a different kind of home. When Alan Parrington approached the team at PrecisionCraft in April of 2002, he was ready to make his dream home a reality. Making his dream home a reality, however, wasn’t as easy as he expected it to be. Alan had trouble even finding a company that would create the home the way he wanted it - with exposed timber trusses as well as beams ornate with arches. After discussing the project with five different log & timber home providers, Alan decided on PrecisionCraft. According to Alan, “PrecisionCraft was the most cooperative, the most flexible in accommodating his needs, and the most excited to take on the project.”
Using PrecisionCraft’s Boisean model as a starting point, Alan worked with our in-house, architects to design his perfect home. After expanding the floorplan and enlarging the rooms, Alan saw his vision come to life. According to Alan, it was his “complete access to the design team” that made his vision
Building in a Slow Market Saves Money 2007-07-13 16:11:29 Subcontractors and tradesman are scrambling to line up jobs for the 2007 building season. New construction has been in a slump for over a year and many production and spec builders have significantly cut back building new units in an effort to reduce inventories. The cut back has left many of the subcontractors and tradesman looking for work or laying off employees.
The National Association of Home Builders single-family Housing Market
Index has risen systematically from the lowest point last September, showing that builders’ assessments of the demand side of the market have been on the mend following the sharp contraction from the highs of mid-2005. Most indicators show that housing has past the bottom and demand will begin to increase. Higher demand will translate into high prices for labor and materials.
For prospective custom home buyers, now is the best opportunity to lock up builders and subcontractors. Those who delay starting their building project much longer in hopes that t Read more:Building
, Saves
, Money
Selecting the Right Builder for Your Log Home 2007-07-05 10:09:34
“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” So said Isaac Newton in his 3rd Law of Motion. Newton’s law also applies to building new log homes & timber homes. Consider three primary opposing forces at work when building a new log or timber home – Cost, Quality and Time. We call this the CQT Triangle.
Understanding the opposing forces of the CQT Triangle is critical when selecting the right builder to construct your new home; specifically when constructing log homes & timber homes which require their own unique technical expertise.
For example, if your primary concern is meeting an aggressive timeline for your new log home or timber home, then it’s more likely cost will increase. There is also the risk that the quality of your log home or timber home will be compromised in order to meet an aggressive timeline. Conversely, if the builder has a more flexible building schedule, it may allow him the time to achieve a higher standard of quality and mo Read more:Right
, Builder
Building a Custom Log Home, Timber Frame Home, or Hybrid? Use a Licensed Architect. 2007-11-19 15:56:03 A great log home (or any custom home for that matter) starts with quality professional design. Hiring a licensed architect is your best bet and will ensure a better design and a successful building project.
Many people fancy themselves to be good log home designers and undoubtedly, some are. Anyone can call themselves a “residential designer” with or without any education or experience in the field and most jurisdictions will accept plans prepared by non-certified designers. The danger is that a non-licensed designer may have fragmented knowledge about the log home building process without fully addressing all areas of responsibility.
Only architects licensed through examination have dedicated themselves to years of rigorous study, education and requirements. A licensed architect has a comprehensive knowledge that brings together artistic design with safety, environmental and energy concerns and sound building practices. In addition, licensed architects are required t Read more:Building
, Frame
, Hybrid
, Architect
Log Home Carbon Footprint 2007-12-11 18:01:51 Log Homes and Timber Frame Homes may have the lowest carbon footprint of any other type of construction. A carbon footprint is the measurement of carbon dioxide released as a result of using a particular product or other human activity. Carbon
dioxide is the main greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere and major contributor to global warming.Â
A report prepared by the Edinburgh Center for Carbon Management1 (ECCM) compared the carbon dioxide footprints of three structures and the benefits when more timber was introduced into the construction. The results were astounding. ECCM estimated that there could be up to an 88% reduction of greenhouse gases by using log or timber structural elements wherever possible rather than other conventional building materials. The reduction of greenhouse gases was achieved by replacing materials high energy, high CO2 production values, such as steel and concrete, with solid wood. The report states that the production of steel and concre Read more:Footprint
Competitive Bidding will Yield the Best Results 2008-06-02 16:21:47 Residential real estate has taken a serious blow in the last few years. New construction of single family homes is at its lowest point since the recession of 1991. It’s a buyers market and smart investors know this is the best opportunity to get great deals on new construction, especially new log homes and timber frame [...] Read more:Competitive
, Yield
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