Why are log homes more expensive insurance?
Log homes are generally more expensive to insure because they're constructed with expensive lumber or timber, and insurers consider them to be higher risk since they are often located in remote, hard-to-reach locations.
The cons? Log homes require more maintenance than other types of houses - though not as much as many people would imagine. The most important thing to keep in mind is that logs deteriorate over time without care and maintenance. Therefore, you will have to clean, re-stain and re-caulk your log home from time to time.
The average price of a full scribe log shell tends to be more expensive than a timber frame and post and beam log shells with an average cost of $90 Cad – $130 Cad per square foot. This equates to a 2,000 sq. foot 3-bedroom log home costing between $180,000 Cad and $260,000 Canadian, with another $340 – $405 per sq.
As a general rule, you will need to stain your log home every 3 to 7 years, depending on the elements. Elemental factors include exposure to rain, sunlight, hail, wind, climate, and more.
Log cabins have a long and illustrious history of longevity. They usually last twenty, thirty to even fifty years, if they are kept in good condition. They are even seen to stand for a century if they are located in a place that does not face extreme weather conditions and is properly maintained.
We've written an article breaking down how log homes are insulated. Even though logs have their own form of insulation and are considered to be four times warmer than concrete blocks, six times warmer than brick and fifteen times warmer than stone, there is still need for a secondary heat source.
The average maintenance cost for a 2,000 square feet cabin is around $1,350 per year: $150 for 5 gallons of mild cleaning detergent. $767 for 35 gallons of log cabin stain every three years.
The average 1,500-square-foot log cabin costs approximately $225,000, but most homeowners pay between $187,500 and $262,500. While these prices include materials and labor, they don't include the cost of land.
Because of the log's heat storage capability, its large mass may result in better overall energy efficiency in some climates than in others. Logs act like "thermal batteries" and can, under the right circ*mstances, store heat during the day and gradually release it at night.
Mold in log homes can be caused by moisture/humidity, damaged chinking, worn or no stain, unsealed windows, dark and wet areas without proper ventilation (bathrooms), wet basem*nts that raise humidity in the upper levels, and even the outdoor surroundings. Be sure to inspect the area and determine what caused the mold.
Are log homes a good investment?
The pros: One of the major pros of owning a log home is that they're not expensive to build or buy because the wood comes cheap. Or, at least, most of the time it tends to. Another pro of log homes is that if you opt for a property that's made half of logs, it can be incredibly easy to insulate.
How often should I reseal my log home? The short answer is usually every 3-5 years but this can vary due to many factors.
It takes minimal effort and material to cut and manufacture a log home with whole log walls as compared to manufacturing 2×6 boards, insulation, and drywall. Logs are excellent insulators with naturally-occurring air pockets that hold heat and cold to maintain consistent temperatures.
Sealing and Chinking Repair
The cost of resealing and repairing log cabin chinking can cost anywhere from $2-$5. For a typical 1,500 square foot home, the price tag for this type of log cabin maintenance may run anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500. Homes that are not maintained properly may sustain damage.
The structure is strong.
The massive logs that make up your walls keep your house incredibly sturdy. This means even if a few logs are severely damaged by flames, there is a very small chance of the building collapsing.
For log homes that are spacious and used as a year-round residence may use a forced air system just like a conventional home. Cabins that are smaller and only occupied occasionally may benefit from smaller capacity options that offer heating and cooling directly where needed, when needed.
In other words, they put a great deal of time and effort into their investment and are willing to pay for what they want! All of this means that most log homes are high in quality and value and are well-cared for, so they generally don't depreciate and have a good resale value.
Key takeaways: In a traditional log cabin, the logs are the insulation. You need to insulate every point of heat loss in your building's thermal envelope. Insulating your log cabin starts with a good base and flooring.
The natural wood logs of the exterior and posts of a Real Log Home will not release harmful VOCs, but you should take care when maintaining or modifying your log home to limit your exposure. If you are selecting paint for the interior, make sure to choose one labeled Low or No-VOCs.
Log Cabin Chinking Repair and Maintenance
Chinking should last for between 20-30 years, providing it has been applied using a correct technique with backing rods. The only way this can accelerate is if the cabin has experienced hot temperatures or lots of exposure to rain.
What is the upkeep on a log home?
By log home maintenance, we mean the general upkeep required to ensure there is proper protection from moisture, damaging UV radiation, air infiltration, insect and rodent intrusion.
Most homeowners spend between $42,000 to $88,000 to add a 20×20 room addition, with an average cost of $65,000. Building a 20×20 room addition can give you the extra space you need in your house, and it's a lot cheaper than buying a new home. Most homeowners spend from $42,000 to $88,000 to add a room of this size.
| Guest House Size | Cost Range: Modular |
|---|---|
| 600 – 700 square feet | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| 700 – 800 square feet | $49,000 – $88,000 |
| 800 – 900 square feet | $56,000 – $99,000 |
| 900 – 1,000 square feet | $62,000 – $110,000 |
HGTV's Timber Kings featuring the adventures and projects of Williams Lake's own Pioneer Log Homes of B.C. will not be renewed for a fifth season. Pioneer's founder Bryan Reid Sr. told the Tribune Tuesday the company learned about the show's cancellation a few weeks ago.
The size and location of a log cabin directly influence the ways it can be cooled in the summer. Insulation, air conditioning, fans, and keeping heat out are some of them. You can also cook outside part time or all the time and dehumidify the inside of a cabin.
Many log cabin owners struggle with drafty windows, but do not understand the full reason behind them. Good insulation can only do so much when your home is a log cabin. The cracks between the logs are the primary reason for the draftiness.
Solid wood walls can last far longer than conventional homes and can withstand more of Mother Nature's fury than conventional building methods. The technology exclusively available through True North Log Homes is state-of-the-art and solves the issues traditionally associated with building and maintaining a log home.
You'll need to prepare the surface beyond cleaning for best results. Whatever you do, never use a pressure washer on log cabin walls. Almost all cabins are made of softwood. It's too easy to damage the wood surface or accidentally drive water deep between the logs.
The best way to prevent rot is to keep water out of your wood. This can be done by using a top notch exterior finish on your logs and log siding and regularly maintaining that finish per the manufacturer's directions. The key is maintaining that finish on a regular basis to keep water out.
Yes. A log cabin can be a fabulous investment. It not only adds valuable living space to your garden, it can add, on average, at least 5% – even up to 15%! – to the value of your house.
How long do cedar log homes last?
Long-Lasting
According to the US Forestry Service, the average life expectancy of our log homes is 200 years. This beautiful home can be enjoyed by your family for generations.
The most common species used in the log home industry is Pine, Cypress and Cedar. Of those, Pine is the majority of what is used. The Original Log Cabin Homes uses Eastern White Pine as a standard. It is beautiful and durable, plus it performs well in all parts of the United States.
What to Do Instead of Painting a Log Cabin. Instead of painting, you should stain your cabin. Stain allows the cabin to breathe, and a clear coat can help repel excess moisture without trapping moisture inside. Luckily, if you're over the wood look, you can stain your cabin a color other than brown!
Penetrating finishes are ideal for use as a log sealer as they are easy to apply, easy to maintain, and won't peel. Semi-transparent log home stains are by far the most popular finishes for the log home market.
Stain will come in right around $1600. Now the national average to apply log home stain in the nation currently sits around $1.30 a sq ft, so with labor costs you are coming in around $3,900. A top coat with application we do for $500. Leaving you with a grand total of $6000.
All homes require some exterior care and maintenance, but log homes require a bit more than most. Once a year, the home's exterior should be washed to remove pollen, insect debris, and dirt. At that time, the home should be checked for mildew and mold, which should be removed if present.
Longtime homeowners say log and timber homes offer rich rewards over the stick and brick homes of their neighbors. The benefits start with the building materials. Because trees are a renewable resource, log and timber homes come with a solid green pedigree.
In other words, they put a great deal of time and effort into their investment and are willing to pay for what they want! All of this means that most log homes are high in quality and value and are well-cared for, so they generally don't depreciate and have a good resale value.
It takes minimal effort and material to cut and manufacture a log home with whole log walls as compared to manufacturing 2×6 boards, insulation, and drywall. Logs are excellent insulators with naturally-occurring air pockets that hold heat and cold to maintain consistent temperatures.
How often should I reseal my log home? The short answer is usually every 3-5 years but this can vary due to many factors.
How much does it cost to seal a log home?
Sealing and Chinking Repair
The cost of resealing and repairing log cabin chinking can cost anywhere from $2-$5. For a typical 1,500 square foot home, the price tag for this type of log cabin maintenance may run anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500. Homes that are not maintained properly may sustain damage.
The natural wood logs of the exterior and posts of a Real Log Home will not release harmful VOCs, but you should take care when maintaining or modifying your log home to limit your exposure. If you are selecting paint for the interior, make sure to choose one labeled Low or No-VOCs.
Log homes are generally more expensive to insure because they're constructed with expensive lumber or timber, and insurers consider them to be higher risk since they are often located in remote, hard-to-reach locations.
Here are some things to check out when considering purchasing a log home or cabin: Have a site visit by a log home expert who has experience assessing the condition of logs as well as an in-depth understanding about the unique aspects of owning a log home. Assess the flashing used between attached decks.
The average 1,500-square-foot log cabin costs approximately $225,000, but most homeowners pay between $187,500 and $262,500. While these prices include materials and labor, they don't include the cost of land.
Log homes are another type of home that attracts a narrow buyer base. While they do have rustic charm, the unconventional style may not appeal to mainstream buyers. Log homes also require different maintenance and upkeep than traditional homes, which could be a concern.
Key takeaways: In a traditional log cabin, the logs are the insulation. You need to insulate every point of heat loss in your building's thermal envelope. Insulating your log cabin starts with a good base and flooring.
The size and location of a log cabin directly influence the ways it can be cooled in the summer. Insulation, air conditioning, fans, and keeping heat out are some of them. You can also cook outside part time or all the time and dehumidify the inside of a cabin.
