Planning And Constructing Small Log Homes

Nothing says charming like a small log home. They are beautiful, quaint, and the home itself becomes a conversation piece. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when you are planning on building a log home.

Plan the Budget

Before you start planning the construction of a new log home, you need to sit down and plan a budget, knowing how much you can afford will determine exactly what kind of home you can build. You need to remember that you will pay for the building materials, foundation, well drilling, utility hookups, driveways, and grading the land. So you have to understand you pay for more than just the house itself.

Floor Plans and Blueprints

Once you have the budget set aside you can start thinking about designing your home. Before you start looking at floor plans, you want to have a list of features you are looking for. Do you need a certain amount of bedrooms? Are you wanting a larger than average kitchen? How many bathrooms? These are all things that you should have a good idea of before you start looking. It will help you narrow down your choices.

Consult with a professional designer to completely customize your home if you choose. You can also find a slew of pre-fabricated blueprints and floor plan designs for purchase. Change elements if you desire if the pre-fab plans aren’t cutting it for you.

Materials Used

The type of wood you choose for your log home will be a question only you can answer. There is no type of wood that is better than another for home construction. There may be things you want to consider when you pick out the type of wood used. You will also have choices in how the wood is actually treated. Dead logs are dried naturally, cut logs have gone through a drying process involving a kiln, green logs have a high moisture content.

You may want to talk to a professional log building company to find out which wood type is best suited for the project and the area you’re planning on building.

You also want to look at the profile of the logs when you decide on the best logs for your construction needs. The profile simply means the shape of the wood. You can find logs that are round, rectangular, squared, or D-shaped logs. The profile may also include logs that are beveled or have decorative edging. These will affect the overall look of the small log cabin.

Choosing a Builder

Unless you are a very experienced builder, you want to let a professional log home builder put the structure together for you. Choosing a small log home builder can be time-consuming. You want to check their credentials, references, licenses, and real testimonials. You also want to walk through homes that have already been built. Most log home builders will have several models you can inspect. You want to make sure you are choosing a builder who will talk you through the process and explain everything to you. Be aware of the construction process.

Some builders will have contractors who can do things like grading work, electrical work, and plumbing. Others will just have recommendations for you, and some still will require you have the grading and other things completed outside and independent of their building.

In the end, you have a lot of choices to consider. Take your time so you can make an informed decision and get the best possible small log home for you and your family.