How-To Archives – Page 22 of 38 – Log Cabin Homes Magazine

New Materials, New Trends

by Laura Cleveland, Photo: Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc. | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, Energy Efficiency, How-To

Not crazy about the idea of a solar array on the roof of your log home? Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are designed to replace standard construction materials with PV systems that produce clean energy, increase home value, and protect the environment. BIPV is not added to the home, but is an integral part of its structure. For example, instead of putting a typical roof on your home and adding a solar array on top of it, the roofing material becomes the solar collector. There are two basic type…

Stock Plan vs. Custom Design

by Donna Peak | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

All log cabin homes begin with the same two things: a dream and a floorplan. The dream of owning a log home is pretty straightforward, but choosing a plan? Not so much. You’re faced with a host of considerations from determining how large of a home you really require for the ebb and flow of your family’s daily lifestyle and a thousand other needs in between. But one of the most important choices you’ll make when it comes to your home’s floorplan is whether…

Going Off the Grid

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | Energy Efficiency, Entire Home, How-To, Room-By-Room

People choose to build off-grid homes for a variety of reasons. Some are committed to reducing their impact on the planet, while others are interested in a simpler way of life. And some have no choice—the remoteness of their property makes building an off-grid home the only option. For David Jakubowski and his family, a number of factors contributed to their decision to build an off-grid log cabin on their 82-acre Vermont vacation property. “First was our love of nat…

Choosing the Perfect Floorplan

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

You’ve been dreaming of your perfect home for years, and if you close your eyes you can visualize the grand entryway, the soaring cathedral ceilings, and the views from the wraparound porch. So when it comes time to select a floorplan, you might think you have it all figured out. Think again! There are many factors that go into selecting a floorplan that you might not even consider until you start making decisions on the specifics. This…

Completing the Puzzle

by Mike Haskew | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

The purchase of a log home package is an important step in constructing that home of a lifetime. However, determining the ingredients of the package and finding the right supplier for those necessary items that are not included requires some study and preparation. “All clients need to be aware that log package prices can be misleading,” relates Jeremy Bertrand, national sales manager for Log Homes of America. “Someone could click on a plan, request a quote, and see a number that is…

Simplify and Enjoy!

by Karen Doss Bowman | photography Roger Wade | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

When it comes to planning ahead for comfortable retirement living, prospective log home owners are looking for ways to simplify their lives and spend time focused on the activities they enjoy. While some are building the log home of their dreams as a primary residence, many others are building a vacation log home as a retreat where they can spend time with family and friends. “For the majority of our [retirement age] clients, this log home is the last home they’re going to b…

Designing and Developing Your Site

by By Karen Doss Bowman | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

You’ve dreamed of owning a log home, and now you’re ready to start putting plans on paper. The first step in making your dream come true is to find the right piece of land. Are you looking for a cozy retreat in the mountains or a getaway at the lake? Do you want a remote location, or quick access to grocery stores, restaurants, and medical care? Whatever your needs, there are a few factors to consider as you begin to design and develop a “green” building site. Site Selecti…

An Open & Shut Case

by Mike Haskew | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, How-To

Surprisingly, the look and quality of interior and exterior doors often come as afterthoughts in the construction of log and timber homes. However, a missed opportunity to brighten an entryway, welcome guests, and increase the “wow factor” can be corrected. It’s never too late to spruce up doors, keeping an eye on cost and environmentally friendly factors. Getting in touch with the ins and outs of interior and exterior doors is easier than you think. Craftsme…

Thermal Mass of Log Walls

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | Energy Efficiency, How-To

When talking about green building, energy efficiency, and passive solar design, you may hear the term “thermal mass.” The term refers to the ability of a material to stabilize the temperature of your home by storing heat from the sun (called solar gain) during the day, then slowly releasing it at night. Some people add a thermal mass feature to help store solar heat, but luckily for log home owners, logs themselves have considerable thermal mass naturally. Therma…

Second Thoughts

by Donna Peak | Jul 9, 2021 | Exteriors, How-To, Planning, Room-By-Room

The dream of owning a second home is far from dead. Signs of the housing market’s resuscitation are visible around the country, with certain areas emerging as the hottest spots (and best real estate investments) you can make. With interest rates still incredibly low (5.25 percent for a 30-year fixed, as reported by Wells Fargo [www.wellsfargo.com] at the time of publication) and excellent builders still available and eager to work, these could be your best conditions for getting that…

Online Exclusive

by Mike Haskew | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

The log home lifestyle is within reach of homeowners everywhere, whether their current homes are of conventional or log construction. More popular than ever, log additions to existing residential structures are gaining momentum with creativity and affordability. A log addition to a home of any style may be accomplished with planning, consultation, and vision. “The sky is the limit on what you can do with a full-scribe handcrafted log home,” comments Brad Neu, president of Montana Log Homes, “and w…

Dream Escapes

by Log Cabin Homes Magazine | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, Entire Home, How-To, Planning, Room-By-Room

Do you want your vacation getaway home to be an exact duplicate of your main home? Of course not! Your leisure life is far more relaxed and free than your everyday life so you’ll want that to be reflected in your home away from home. Perhaps you are attracted to a different architectural and decorative style that you’d like to explore. Go a bit more sleek and modern or maybe indulge your love for a rustic, natural feel. If the colors used in your main home are neutral, take a chance …