Log Homes Customization Basics: The Elements Of A Log Home Package

By Gavin Shields

Log homes and cabins are one of America's home variety classics. Aside from their rustic timeless charm and their ability to give you that authentic feel of conventional outdoor living, log homes and cabins are more cost effective in general. But then, as a homeowner, there is always that desire to have your home stand out from the rest; and this is one of the reasons that it matters if log homes and cabins can show the individuality of the homeowner.

These days, getting the log home or cabin of your dreams can be easily done thanks to the wide availability of log home realtors who can even offer a customized log home package to meet your needs. Your customized log home package will basically cover five elements -- logs and materials, roofing, floors, cabin exteriors, and cabin interiors. Here is a closer look at these five components for your customized log home package:

* LOGS & MATERIALS. When you avail of customized log home packages, you have the right to choose the logs and materials to be used in the construction.

ROOFING. Typically, your home builder will install an easily framed roofing system. But on top of this, the overall look is entirely up to you; you can even go for a heavy timber roofing system if you want to.

* FLOORS. Sub-floor systems and actual flooring is also part of the typical log home package. As the homeowner, you have the choice as well as to what design and type to use for your floors.

* CABIN EXTERIORS. This section covers walls, porches, and even selections for outdoor patio or perhaps porch side rails. This is also where you're given the freedom to pick your doors, windows, exterior wood finish, and stuff like that.

CABIN INTERIORS. An excellent log wall system will be installed by your home builder (after all, this is how energy efficiency is kept in the structure). Interiors will also include your electrical blue prints, water line systems, etc.

Obviously, the good part about getting custom-made log homes and cabins is that your home builder can customize the log home package to satisfy your preferences. Thanks to the flexibility of the services and accommodation of today's log home and cabin builders, owning log homes that show the real you are now possible.

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It is important to considerabout saving energy nowadays and log homes are a great way to do just that. They offer great insulation in the cooler months which requires less heat. Mitch has worked in the industry and knows about the types of log home package. See his additional resources for information.

Log Home Plans In The Country

By Ed Burr

Finding the right log house builder might take time. There are many things you might want to look into, before you commit to one. Designing a log building will take some thought and intense plan constructing, to ensure that it is done right and mistake free. A company that prides themselves on great Log Home Plans will help you begin your project and answer any questions about the process that you may have.

Water on the property can make a great addition to any log builder plan. The house can simply be placed in front of it, hanging over it or with its back to the water. Figuring out how your water might be carefully placed around the home will take some detailed plan consideration.

Log companies take effort into picking out where their logs are based out of. So when you have come to the conclusion of where your new house will be built on your land, then it becomes important to locate the source of the logs for your project. The exterior and interior of your new home will be logs so you will want to know what they will look like and the process used to create them.

Log Home Plans always look better when the right logs are selected. That means that they are hand picked and go through a process to look for flows in the wood. Things like; scars, scrapes, damage by cutters, and any other unsightly marks. Some businesses also use hand scraping tools to keep the wood looking its best. If its treated properly it will show in the craftsmanship of your house.

If saving the environment is important to you, then it might be interesting to know that lots of log builders do think about the environment when they build projects. Using fast growing forests and trees that grow quickly will keep the demand flowing while still providing trees for the planet. Many log sources also use the least damaging chemicals to treat the logs used in the building process.

When custom building is needed, you can feel confident in knowing that Log Home Plans can be flexible to meet the requirements that you may have. If you love a design but have a small family, it can be reduced in size, or if you need a plan but also require more space and room, then that can happen as well.

When logs are treated with the correct chemicals, they are able to be preserved for as long as possible. That keeps them from getting ruined by water and snow damage. It will most often prevent mold and mildew from settling in. If it is taken care of, then you can feel rested knowing that your home will stay safe.

People who live in log house designs, absolutely love them and using the correct Log Home Plans, you too can find the home you always dreamed of. Living close to nature can make you feel like you are apart of the woods and it can make a wonderful looking home.

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It is easy to build beautiful rustic log cabins and you can begin now! Locate stunning log cabin floor plans with all the information and details you will need to begin building today!

Luxury Log Homes Can Achieve Earth-Friendly Certification

By Ed Burr

Few dwellings can compare to the beautiful artistry found in luxury log homes. There's something deeply satisfying about a home that has been build with individual craftsmanship using some of nature's finest materials. Well-built log homes have been known to become heirlooms themselves, handed down several generations.

Today the lure of getting away from urban stress is stronger than ever. In addition, many people are motivated by a strong desire to live in greater harmony with the environment, building homes that are made of sustainable materials and with "green" building practices. For these reasons and more, luxury log homes have become a welcome blend of skill and style.

Some homeowners fear that working according to LEED rules will prevent them from having certain design elements in their luxury log homes. However, in most cases it's impossible to tell the difference between a home built to current standards and a "green" home. Environmentally sustainable construction focuses on incorporating "green" methods, materials and resource uses into a home's plan from the original concept. In this way LEED goals aren't add-ons or retro-fits; they're an integral part of the home's design. There are seven major areas in LEED certification for luxury log homes. These include site sustainability, materials and construction methods, water usage, energy, heating and cooling systems, finishes and indoor environmental quality.

The first step is to purchase the land for your home. Complete this transaction before choosing a home design or signing up with a builder. Frequently the land's characteristics will determine the best way to build a log home on the site. Ignoring the "lay of the land" in building will result in distress and expense.

Second, spend as much time in planning for your log home as you need. In many cases, this home is something you want to hand on to future generations, so it makes no sense to cut corners to achieve your dream. Make choices, yes, but make them based on researched options, not because you're forced into them by a builder's plan or worse, budget constraints.

Water usage and energy are the two highest-profile elements of LEED certification. Regarding water, architects of luxury log homes work with their clients and engineers to make sure the home manages water use well, including potential water reuse for landscaping purposes. A good energy program involves using a renewable energy source for the home, along with installing or building in insulation. Heating and cooling systems (HVAC) are such a crucial part of energy management that they are a separate category. LEED plans for heating and cooling luxury log homes always include waters to capture solar energy, also known as radiant heat.

Fourth, secure your financing before you start construction. Equally as important, be sure you've borrowed enough to fund the entire project. Too many partially finished and abandoned log homes testify to the look far enough into construction costs to calculate the total expense of luxury log homes. In most cases, you won't be able to get a construction load when building is in progress, because lenders consider that to be too high a risk.

Once you verify your builder's qualifications, you want to be sure you have plenty of financial resources to start building and see the project through until you can move into your new log home.

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Thoughts Everyone Should Consider About Playing With Log Cabin Kits

By Ed Burr

Throughout the years, a very popular toy has been log cabin kits. Because of its versatility, these kits have been enjoyed by people of various ages. If you have been looking for a good way to pass time or even a unique gift to give someone, consider taking a look at some of the various log cabin kits that are available.

Regardless of the age set of the individual that you may be giving a gift to, log cabin kits can be a noteworthy idea for a good present. A single kit can create so many different types of cabins, and this makes it very versatile. It is an activity that the individual will be able to enjoy repeatedly, long after you have given them the kit as a present. In addition to this, it is a gift that really stimulates the mind and creative function.

Generally, the kits are not very expensive. Starter kits can be found for very reasonable prices at various stores, usually. However, if you are interested in getting kits with larger quantities of pieces, or kits that are beyond starters, you will notice that the prices eventually begin to rise. However, if you are a wise shopper, you can usually get these kits for a discounted price at different times of the year, especially during holidays.

Usually, once a starter kit has been used and you have created as many cabins as possible with it, you will want to move on to additional kits. By adding on to your current kit, you will be able to make more cabins or make an even larger cabin if you wish. You can also make multiple cabins if you are looking to create a cabin scene.

Some people like to collect log cabin kits. After they have made a few cabins, they find that it becomes an interesting hobby for them to continue. You might even become interested in displaying your cabin. This can be a good idea if it has taken you a while to build a cabin, or if you have built a cabin that is large.

If you do become interested in displaying your cabin, then you might become concerned about making them last as long as possible. Instead of just placing the logs as you usually would, consider using glue between them. This way, you know that if the cabin is knocked over at any point, it will remain together instead of breaking.

This activity can also be a good consideration to make if you are looking for something fun to do with a friend or with family. Making a log cabin from these kits can take a long time, depending on what you are looking to create. Likewise, you might want some help when you are making your creation. If you are giving this as a present to a child, they may also need assistance creating their cabin for the first time.

If you have never used log cabin kits, then it can be a fun experience. It is something that everyone should try at some point in their lifetime. It can be fun and a unique activity, and even become a hobby for those who really enjoy it. Consider trying to make a cabin with a kit next time you have some time to spare.

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Log Cabin Style

By Harvey Mitchells

Visiting a log cabin is one of the greatest places to visit. Most people fall in love with this style once they have seen it. It's a way that makes the home seem very inviting and comfortable. This type of design is very easy and cheap to do also; you will be able to find a lot of the items in a flea market or other type of yard sales around your location.

You always need to plan ahead when you go to changing the decor of your home. This look may seem like it's all just thrown together, but really the look takes a bunch of planning ahead to come across the right way. The main focus of this type of look is the bringing in the outside look to the inside of your home. When you go to design this way your color scheme will be more earthy, such as browns, brick red, green, and black.

To plan out your color ahead of time, simply visit a store where you can pick up some of the sample cards free. Take those homes and see what ideas will look best in your new log cabin look. This is a great way where you can match up your furniture with the color you might want to paint the walls in.

When picking the furniture for this space earthy and woodsy are the keywords to this style. Choose furniture that you would picture in a cabin in the woods or mountains, such as items made with rough logs and twigs. Wood tables with the bark still present are another way to get this earthy look. The accessories for this style can be found in flea markets and yard sales across the country, it is important to look for things such as old snowshoes, fishing creels, old axes, and things made out of antlers.

On the windows you can use simple blinds, or curtains, don't get anything that is too fancy. These must bring in a homey feeling to your house, shutters may even work well. You want to let in as much of the sun as you can, this will brighten up your home nicely.

For photos in your log cabin style home you should find earthy type pictures. Make sure that the frames are nice and rough too, twig frames will go nicely in a home that has this type of style. Some of the best lights to get to place in this type of home would be those ones that have antlers on them.

One of the most important places to focus when it comes to this type of style is the floors. While wood floors are almost a requirement, there are many products on the market that give you the hardwood look without the hardwood price.

You should add in some nice area rugs that will not only create another interest point for guests, but will add in extra warmth into the room. Make sure you go with the earthy looking rugs, and you can even use an Oriental rug, if it is made from earthy colors.

Log cabins are possibly one of the most comfortable looks that you can decorate your home in. Plus it is normally a very inviting look too. Remember to plan ahead of time and get as much as you can at flea markets and garage sales.

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Obtaining Help From Log Home Builders To Construct Your Dream Log Home

By Ed Burr

Creating your own space in the middle of nature is a wonderful project. However, whether this is going to be your home of whether it is going to be a vacation home, there is a lot of planning to be done and getting the help of log home builders could be the first one.

Some of the major facts that need to be look into include the land. Where is the area where you want to find the land, and are you interested in buying or getting the land financed by a bank and how much can you spend on the land itself. Do you have something in mind or do you have to go looking for the right place.

Find log home builders that will be able to help you with the design of your log house. It is important to be able to understand what the needs from many aspects of view are. There are many sites that give you some understanding on what to expect, however getting the final picture right is not so easy.

Designing of your log home has to be done from the inside to the outside. It is wonderful to have a beautiful image of a dream home, however, normally that is what we see outside and not inside. We need to be very practical about what we need to have. At this stage, things like how many bedrooms we need. How many bathrooms, where do you want the kitchen to be and where is the family room going to go, each and every aspect will have to be studied in detail and planned accordingly.

Building a log home can be an easy project or a complicated one depending on the materials that you are using for the construction and on the actual design. Size will also make a difference, therefore, taking care of these in the first place will give you an idea of whether you need to get others to come and do the job for you or whether you will be capable of handling the project on your own.

If you are planning on becoming your own contractor and hiring people to do the actual manual work, please take into consideration the amount of time that you have to create your log home. If this is a long term project then it is okay, however, you will also have to calculate the difference that a work done by an expert will have on your budget as well.

Your budget is also very important. Of course, you require money to buy the land. However, even if you already have the land, then you have to look into each and every detail which needs financial support. Whether it is getting support from a designer, or whether it is the materials. You will need to make an estimate of the material required and how much this is going to cost you. And if you are planning of getting expert help, then the cost of labor to the log home builders also needs to be added to the expenses.

There are many companies that help you with the preliminary steps and looking for reliable log home builders will be a good start.

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Decorating Tips For Your Log Cabin Homes

By Ed Burr

No matter what sort of home you live in, you want to make sure that your decorations and furnishings go well with the house. No matter how wonderful your taste or how trendy something is, if it clashes with the very construction of the home it will look out of place. Log cabin homes tend to carry a sense of charm and simplicity that you will want to accentuate with your decorating efforts.

The structure itself has a very rustic, or country image. You would be wise to stick with that. To try and run contrary to the natural backdrop is difficult. A modern living room set, or stainless steel kitchen is going to look very out of place. Everything should sort of blend and naturally run together. This way, it all fits nicely and you do not have the worry of things clashing.

Stick with the natural and have wooden cabinets in your kitchen. Select living room furniture that has wooden trim. Try to match the types of wood, and the finishes on them so that it all blends together well. There is no question that a glass kitchen table would seem very out of place. Go with what is going to fit well with the surroundings. If you can imagine it sitting in your home and it looks like it belongs there, then you are on the right track.

For accent pieces, such as wall hangings or window treatments, keep in mind that country or outdoors motif. Flowers, fruits, vegetables, or even animals can go very well in a kitchen when done properly. You can mix or match any of these pieces as well. For example, chickens on your kitchen towels and daisies on your valances can come together quite nicely.

Living room accents should follow the same line of thinking. Perhaps throw pillows depicting wildlife strike your fancy. Carnival horses make a very sweet theme, not to mention a beautiful collection, if you are not into surrounding yourself with ducks or moose. There are many ways to go about this. One thing is for certain, high tech or modern accents will not appear as natural.

Wood burning stoves can fit in well while also being very functional. These almost go hand in hand with the design of the home. When used they are actually very energy efficient, providing plenty of heat in a small amount of time. Their appearance and design can actually be very nicely stylized to suit your tastes.

The exterior should not be forgotten. You want the home to have a pleasing appearance both inside and out. Check out the available selection of porch swings. Just think about how it will seem to call to you on a hot, lazy, summer evening.

Whenever you enter a place you take in your surroundings not just with your eyes, but with all five senses. It only makes sense to make sure that your home also smells appealing. Giving the setting, think warm apple pie, or cinnamon perhaps. These and many other scents can be achieved with the help of some homemade candles or potpourri. Give it a try, you will have fun and your visitors will never want to leave.

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