Idyllic log homes

If you’ve got your heart set on living in the countryside and being closer to nature, you might consider either purchasing or building a new log home. Today’s log homes are making a big comeback in terms of size, space, and affordability. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of log cabin living:

Nature-Friendly Living

Log homes just seem to seamlessly blend in with their natural surroundings, don’t they? Their rustic and cosy appeal dates back to first pioneers in the Americas, and has enjoyed a huge resurge in popularity thanks to their environmentally-friendly building materials and construction techniques. The wood used to make log homes is a renewable resource, and some companies even specialise in using “salvage” timbre—meaning that all the wood comes from standing dead or down trees. The homes are extremely energy efficient if built and caulked properly as well—most estimates state that they can be up to 15% more efficient than a wood-frame home. When they receive the proper care and maintenance, log homes are extremely sturdy and durable, providing a beautiful abode for your family for generations to come.

Affordability and Savings

True, if you go the specialty salvage timbre root, your logs may cost you more than traditional construction materials. But if you purchase a pre-owned home or build with split white pine, a beautiful log home may be well within your budget. Plus, the efficient usage of energy in a log homes means you’ll see big savings in your energy bills. To reap the maximum efficiency from your home, make sure that logs are at least six to eight inches thick and that your home has double to triple paned windows. Log walls make great natural insulators at all, meaning that you’ll be able to enjoy quiet, peaceful days reading in your living room or working in your home office.

Drawbacks of Log Homes

As with any type of lodging, log homes do have their drawbacks. The biggest con to owning a log home is the maintenance it requires: finishes and sealants must be reapplied regularly to the wood to help prevent decay and splitting, as well as to protect the wood from drying out or having moisture build up. Log homes are particularly vulnerable to termites, beetles, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers as well, all of which can cause serious damage to the structure and aesthetics of your home.

Before you Buy or Build

There are some special considerations you should keep in mind before buying or building a log home. If you’re planning to buy, have a log expert carry out an assessment on the house to look for rotted logs, signs of leaking, and failing finishes or stains. If you want to build, you may want to make a 1/2 log home your first choice: they’re anchored to regular studs, which means shrinkage won’t be a problem, and they’re usually a better candidate for financing. Whether you decide to buy or build, take a look at mortgage calculator Canada to find out just how much your mortgage payments will be in your new beautiful log home.

photo credit: bill barber via photopin cc