Log Cabin Building 101

(Whether you are seriously considering building a log cabin or just saw the headline and thought the article might be interesting, read on.)

Building a log cabin is gong to consist more of obtaining technical knowledge about land rights and laws than actually taking a chainsaw, ripping down some trees and putting a "home-sweet-home" sign on the front door, or log; whatever.

The article, "A Budding Pioneer's Guide To Building a Log Cabin," written by June Fletcher and posted November 9, 2006 on RealEstateJournal.com, provides the basic necessary information one needs before going about having a log cabin built.

The days of chopping down a couple trees and slapping some mud in between the cracks to form a durable shelter are long gone.

"It's not so simple any more. These days, clear-cutting trees is likely to get you in trouble with land-use authorities, not to mention neighbors, and pioneer peers with log-notching skills are in short supply."

In other words, you are going to need to hire professional help for just about everything involved in the process, from acquiring the proper land to long-term maintenance care.

Fortunately, there is plenty of available help out their for someone who has the desire to recreate the standard living of those of our four fathers, but you will need to have a general direction of what you want accomplished..

"First, decide whether you want to live in a community or off by yourself on a mountaintop. If the former, make sure that the covenants allow log styles (gated communities with all or mostly log homes do exist, but they are relatively uncommon). Otherwise, make sure your land has good road access that can accommodate a big crane, as well as a truck carrying several tons of logs."

Very few log homes are actually crafted on site but rather created from logs that have been carved and formed at a factory and fit according to computer-generated designs and put together in a shippable kit.

"Although these kits can be put together by folks with good carpentry skills, many buyers have the home built by a local builder who handles all the details, from pouring the foundation to installing the plumbing. The total tab for a professionally built log house is usually comparable to that of a regular site-built home."

There are numerous manufacturers that offer these kits but do not limit yourself to their idealized plans. After all this is going to be your home and no one will have the same idea as you have about what the cabin should look like.

"You can purchase kits sight-unseen online from a number of companies, but it's a good idea to visit a model before you commit so you can see how well their logs fit together and hold up against the elements."

You will also be able to choose from a variety of log patterns. You may want to go with the logs that have a "D" shape that are round on the outside but flat inside to allow picture and cabinet hanging.

There are obviously a number of other factors that will have to be considered prior to actually purchasing one of these plans.

One if the most important things that are overlooked, though, is the maintenance.

"Unless you want to live amid termites and other wood-boring bugs, log homes have to be pressure-washed and finished with a special sealer every three or four years. The cost to have it done by a professional is comparable to having a regular house painted."

Failure to do this could ruin your cabin and create a financial mess.

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