10 Ways to Build a Better Log Home
Before breaking ground on your own log home project, listen to the advice of experts who've seen homeowners make all kinds of design and construction mistakes while building their dream homes. Heed what they have to say and you just might be happier with your own results.
1. Properly Orient Your Home On Your Building Lot
You'll enjoy your log home more if it sits perfectly on your property. Consider not only how each room takes in views, but also where the sun hits.
Make sure the location of your well and septic system doesn't prevent you from making home improvements. "If you wish later on to put an addition onto the building, you may not be able to because the well and septic locations are in the way," Jordan says.
2. Keep All The Trees You Can
Trees can provide your home shade and a whole lot more.
A windbreak of pine trees is good for shielding a home from driving winds, which is especially important if your home sits on a mountaintop or ridge.
3. Give Careful Consideration To Window Placement
Though windows let in light and provide incredible views of your property, they can also rob your home of energy. Remember the log wall has excellent insulative properties. The problem is that we took part of it out and replaced it with a window that has much less insulation. On the other hand, a wall of windows that constantly faces the sun can bring in too much heat. Be sure you are building a home, not a greenhouse."
4. Create Spaces That Serve More Than One Purpose
Adding square footage won't necessarily make a log home feel larger. Making efficient use of the space you have is the best way to give your home a spacious atmosphere while keeping it comfortable and inviting.
Many log home owners are combining the kitchen, living room and dining room to save space. But there are more ways to consolidate spaces.
Log homes are tailor-made for open floor plans. "One thing that most log homes share in common is large open spaces," Clutter says. "Most log homes are constructed in such a way that the large beams or log posts bear loads that framed walls do in conventional construction, so there is a greater opportunity for the homeowner to have that open great room they have always wanted."
5. Incorporate Dormers Into Your Home Design
Adding dormers can increase space in upstairs rooms.
When it comes to upstairs space in a home, you need to understand that shallow roof pitches will affect usable space. So ask for a cross-section of the building. Many people wish they had placed that dormer on the rear of the home to gain a true two-story condition on the back of their home.
But make sure you weatherproof your dormers with adequate flashing and design them so water is diverted away from the structure. Log dormers are very difficult to maintain. The log corners can easily trap and retain water and snow against the log work, keeping it constantly saturated. Using a framed dormer with siding is a safer material for dormers than whole-log construction. There are many great dormer looks accomplished with shingles, board & batten and clap board that can actually add more interest and added texture to the home's character.
TAKE YOUR TIME
The design phase of your log home project is something you don't want to zip through. Making sure you get it right is the most important consideration.
You can find more information on www.logandtimberhome.com
1. Properly Orient Your Home On Your Building Lot
You'll enjoy your log home more if it sits perfectly on your property. Consider not only how each room takes in views, but also where the sun hits.
Make sure the location of your well and septic system doesn't prevent you from making home improvements. "If you wish later on to put an addition onto the building, you may not be able to because the well and septic locations are in the way," Jordan says.
2. Keep All The Trees You Can
Trees can provide your home shade and a whole lot more.
A windbreak of pine trees is good for shielding a home from driving winds, which is especially important if your home sits on a mountaintop or ridge.
3. Give Careful Consideration To Window Placement
Though windows let in light and provide incredible views of your property, they can also rob your home of energy. Remember the log wall has excellent insulative properties. The problem is that we took part of it out and replaced it with a window that has much less insulation. On the other hand, a wall of windows that constantly faces the sun can bring in too much heat. Be sure you are building a home, not a greenhouse."
4. Create Spaces That Serve More Than One Purpose
Adding square footage won't necessarily make a log home feel larger. Making efficient use of the space you have is the best way to give your home a spacious atmosphere while keeping it comfortable and inviting.
Many log home owners are combining the kitchen, living room and dining room to save space. But there are more ways to consolidate spaces.
Log homes are tailor-made for open floor plans. "One thing that most log homes share in common is large open spaces," Clutter says. "Most log homes are constructed in such a way that the large beams or log posts bear loads that framed walls do in conventional construction, so there is a greater opportunity for the homeowner to have that open great room they have always wanted."
5. Incorporate Dormers Into Your Home Design
Adding dormers can increase space in upstairs rooms.
When it comes to upstairs space in a home, you need to understand that shallow roof pitches will affect usable space. So ask for a cross-section of the building. Many people wish they had placed that dormer on the rear of the home to gain a true two-story condition on the back of their home.
But make sure you weatherproof your dormers with adequate flashing and design them so water is diverted away from the structure. Log dormers are very difficult to maintain. The log corners can easily trap and retain water and snow against the log work, keeping it constantly saturated. Using a framed dormer with siding is a safer material for dormers than whole-log construction. There are many great dormer looks accomplished with shingles, board & batten and clap board that can actually add more interest and added texture to the home's character.
TAKE YOUR TIME
The design phase of your log home project is something you don't want to zip through. Making sure you get it right is the most important consideration.
You can find more information on www.logandtimberhome.com
posted by advanced blogger at 5:29 AM
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