The Art of Log Home Construction; From Humble Beginnings
to Modern-Day Big Business
Log Home Construction is Nothing New
Canadian log home construction is something that has been going on
for centuries. Contemporary log home builders have been spoiled; coddled
by the onset of modern hand tools and mass-production techniques.
The last generation of original log cabin homebuilders faded from
existence during the 70s. Fortunately, a few publications recorded
the knowledge and techniques used by these old timers on how to
build a hand crafted log home.
Using nothing more than a few basic hand tools – such as
an axe, saw, drill, and hammer – the original log cabin home
was crafted from hewn logs, stone, and mud. The only cost being
that of patience, hard work, and sweat. Modern fasteners such as
high-tech lag screws and bolts were not available. Instead, hand-fashioned
wooden pegs were driven through hand-drilled holes to hold each
component in place.
Foundations were often nothing more than large rocks to support
sill plates. Some old timers crafted a 36-inch high rock masonry
foundation under the belief that termites and other insects would
not climb beyond that height to reach wood components.
Modern-day Log Home Builders
Today, log homes are still available; ranging from a simple, relatively
low priced, DIY log home kit (complete with instructional videos
on how to build a log cabin), to the sophisticated multi-million
dollar luxury log home plan. Elaborate homes offered by a log home
design and construction firm, with an army of craftsmen to undertake
each project.
Financial Considerations
Many log home builders and log home kit marketers have resources
for obtaining a log home construction loan.
Log home prices are at a premium for completed homes. Just a basic
design in a wooded setting can fetch prices ranging from $160,000
and up.
Log home kits for the DIY builder range from $20 to $30 per square
foot; most come with extensive information on how to build a log cabin.
If you are considering purchasing a kit, be sure to establish what
is included in the kit, and what is not. Many kits available
do not include critical components and materials; including the
foundation, doors, windows, roofing material, plumbing and electrical
fixtures and system components, HVAC, and standard materials such
as plywood and dimensional lumber. Acquiring and installing these
necessary materials and components can add considerably to the overall
cost of the home.
Structural Considerations
Structural options such as a stone fireplace and chimney, dramatically
adds to the aesthetic charm and beauty of any log home. However,
to insure fire hazard safety and a properly engineered fireplace,
stone fireplace construction is best left in the hands of a qualified
stone mason or fireplace contractor. Even if you’ve constructed
the log home yourself using a kit.
DIY log home builders should also become knowledgeable about structural
log grading requirements for wall logs and roof beam logs that will
have to carry heavy snow loads. Some logs may not be suitable for
meeting such requirements. This is especially true if the DIY builder
will be cutting and hewing his own logs.
Note: most commercially available kits include structural logs
that have been graded and meet load-bearing requirements.
Find a Log Home Builder
For people who would like to own a Canada log home or would like
to find a log home builder, HandyCanadian.com is the best place
to start. Log home plan project owners across North America, as
well as those planning log home constructions in Ontario, Canada
or any other providence can locate log home experts effortlessly;
without obligation, and absolutely free.
Project owners simply sign up; post their log home project online,
quickly and easily. Begin receiving competitive bids from reliable
local contractors in days, even hours from posting; and get your
log home Canada project underway.
To sign up today, CLICK
HERE |
