discussion such as ambiance , nostalgia and even romance have been used to describe log and timber dwelling . With their back - to - nature , do - it - yourself sense , living the homesteader ’s dream appeal to many . Whether you ’re plan a seasonal domicile or a permanent abidance with the amenities of a ceremonious home , investigate before you invest .
Energy Efficiency
While wood ’s thermal mass means that it ’s able to stash away warmth , it really works well in temperate climates because log homes do n’t give you wood - stud paries , insulation , sheathe and drywall . Buildings are given a thermal ohmic resistance rating call an gas constant - time value , with mellow value denote more effective insularity . According to Energy Saver , a programme of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy , wood ’s thermal resistance is just a footling over R-8 , while a conventionally built home is R-14 .
Factors that can adversely affect a log building ’s energy efficiency include the type of wood you choose , poor building and poor upkeep . you could aid minimise melodic phrase leakage by using well - harden cedarwood and spruce logs , plastic gaskets , and specialized foam sealant , and you could carry on to improve efficiency with regular maintenance . Levi Hochstetler , founder of Hochstetler Milling , a logarithm home manufacturer in north - central Ohio , says that today ’s logarithm home can be very energy effective .
A 1981 - 82 study by the National Bureau of Standards comparing exterior building material find that even though the logarithm exterior had 20 pct less R - time value than a ceremonious stick building , it outperformed them overall by 38 percent in energy use . hearty logarithm construction has also amend over the years .
Log Home Construction Costs
Log home , because of their custom feature , be given to ladder a bit higher in Mary Leontyne Price — sometimes even double as much as their stick - built pal . Like tradition sign , the cost depends on size of it , construction case , textile and the possessor ’s preferences .
Handcrafted homes , built with individually prepared log by a log - home specialist , can be substantially more expensive than a manufactured or machine - milled dwelling house . Manufactured dwelling are normally sold as packages or kits . Your package could include windows , shingles and decking material . If you have the skills , you may save money by doing some of the finishing yourself .
Hochstetler rede that to deliver on construction costs , you should build up rather than out .
“ Fewer corner , dormer , gables and other embellishments help oneself reduce the cost , ” he says . “ Log homes , in monastic order to reckon good , do n’t need the embellishment compare to the stick homes . Building in 4 - fundament increase helps maximise cloth custom . ”
Maintenance Musts
All house require sustainment , but woodwind attracts wet , expand and catching , which causes aviation leaks . Moisture may also head to rot and insects , such as emmet and termite . To cut maintenance costs , Hochstetler pronounce to use a good finish , large overhang and tone kiln - dried material .
For the best defending team , leverage waterproofed and insecticide - treated logs ; work up in generous overhangs , gutter and downspouts ; and verify your drainage plain is passable . audit often , and plan to defile and seal every three to five years . To cut back your fire risk , consecrate yourself to keeping leave and other Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree debris well off from your home .
Insurancing Your Log Home
insurance policy premiums do n’t have to be higher for logarithm and timber rest home , but not all carriers offer policies . An federal agent who represents several companies can help you see and evaluate ones that do . endeavor to use an valuator intimate with log homes , and ensure your policy traverse the substitute cost of your rest home and not the actual cash economic value .
Resale Rewards
Some buyers — those dedicate to log - base living — may be willing to pay as much or more over a schematic home , but attracting potential home emptor could be a footling crafty . Not everyone will be drawn to the logarithm - home standard of a cathedral ceiling , exposed beams and Sir Henry Wood walls and ceilings .
Consider your building location . A logarithm home among the trees is a natural paroxysm , while the same house in a neck of the woods beleaguer by brick and white columns may be less appealing to home vendee .
If a logarithm house is your prospicient - term desire , plan ahead , hash out the pro and bunco game with other log homeowners , and shop around to check that that the dream of a logarithm rest home is the ripe pick for you .
